First Day Newsletter Sept.5, 2017

Dear Parents and Students,

Please find below some general information you will find helpful as we begin our year of learning together.

Shoes

Students require two pairs of shoes.  One pair is to be used exclusively for indoor wear and the other for outdoor wear.  Please select shoes that your child can put on easily and independently.  If your child is unable to tie his/her shoes independently, please use Velcro shoes.  Both pairs of shoes should be appropriate for gym activities and running as we participate in daily physical education both indoors and outdoors dependent on weather. Please label your child’s shoes as many children have the same shoes. J

Dress

Students are expected to be able to fully and independently get their jackets on, change their shoes, pack up their backpacks, and put on their own hats and gloves.  If this is a skill that your child is still learning, please be sure to practice at home, and send them to school with items of clothing that they are able to put on independently such Velcro shoes, and easy slide zippers. Please also ensure that you label your child’s belongings, especially winter gear, as it can tend to be misplaced and end up in the lost and found. Each morning, your child should be dressed for the weather, as students will be outside for morning recess and lunch recess.  We also go outside as a class to look closely at nature and to sketch and sometimes for physical education.

 

Snacks and Lunch

We set aside 10 minutes before recess for students to eat their snacks as part of a classroom community.  We also use this opportunity to discuss healthy food choices and how they impact our energy and learning.  Please pack your child's snack and lunch separately in different containers or compartments so it is easy for your child to know when they should be eating each part. At times students will bring their snack with them outdoors.  Due to the number of children with food and nut allergies, we ask that you remind your children not to share food such as recess snacks with their friends. Please note that there are no microwaves available to heat snacks or lunches.  Grade 1 students will be eating their lunches in the lunchroom.  Please ensure you label their lunch bags as they sometimes end up in another classroom’s bin. 

Daily Folder

A green coloured folder will be coming home in your child's backpack. This is their communication folder and we will use it each day to send home notices and important information. If you need to send a note to the teacher, it can also come in this folder. We will check them each day. 

Home Reading

Reading with your child at home on a regular basis is key to success.  We encourage students to read at home each day.   

Supervision

Morning supervision begins at 8:55 am.  Please do not leave your children unattended before that time.  Students will also have a supervised morning recess and a supervised lunch recess.

Birthday invites

If you have birthday invitations to hand out, please send them to school in your child’s communication folder. We will discreetly make sure each child receives their invitation to avoid any hurt feelings.  I do not expect that all students be invited to all parties.  We are unable to hand out birthday treats. 

Volunteers

Throughout the year we will be looking for a number of parent volunteers to assist us in the classroom and on field trips.   Please see the front office to confirm that volunteer and police clearance information is current.   All volunteers must have current security and volunteer clearance before you will be able to volunteer.  These do take time so don’t wait until the last minute!!!  Please sign and return the volunteer information sheet that went home Sept. 6.