Recognition Awards

I'd like to extend a very big CONGRATULATIONS to Sydney and C.J for winning the Kindness and Caring award for the month of December. Not only are C.J. and Sydney kind to their peers inside the class but out on the playground as well. They care about their classroom and their belongings, when someone gets injured and most of all, they care about how they treat their teachers. They are always listening attentively, waiting their turn, and using their manners on a consistent basis. Thank you very much for being outstanding role models for your classmates.
For the month of January, we are focusing on TEAMWORK.

Time Test

The time test we took on Friday has been marked and returned to the children. You will find it in their bags tonight. Please review, sign and send it back tomorrow.
Thanks

Spelling Lesson 14 - words with g or gu

gas
game
gate
gave
garden
garbage
garage
geese
giggle
gum
guard
guess
guest
guide
guy
guardian
language

Get to Know Your Multiplication! 1’s, 2’s, 5’s, 10’s and 11’s

Over the next few nights, you need to begin memorizing your multiplication facts. On Friday, we will have a contest to see who knows their multiplication best! Prizes will be given out!

Tips for studying the facts on the back of this page:

Zero and One Times Tables :: Could This Get Any Easier?
Check this out: if you multiply ANYTHING by zero, the answer is zero. Anything. 4 x 0 = 0 and 1,000,000 x 0 = 0. One times tables are almost as easy. Any number multiplied by one is always itself. "Huh," you say? Well, check it out: 1 x 10 = 10, 1 x 42 = 42, 8,726 x 1 = 8,726. Simple, right?

Two Times Tables :: Double Your Pleasure
When you multiply a number by two, you just double that number. That's some pretty simple math. So, if you want to figure out what 2 x 7 is, you just add 7 + 7 (the answer is 14, by the way). Any number times two is the same as that number PLUS itself. Here's one more example: 2 x 5 is the same as 5 + 5, which equals 10. Practice a couple -- it's really easy.

Five Times Tables :: It's Why You Have Fingers
First things first - can you count to five? Yeah? Then you can figure out your five times tables. So, when you want to multiply a number by five you just count up by fives that may times. Let's review how to count by fives: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25... and so on. Got it? So if you want to multiply 5 x 7, you just count by fives, seven times. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35. So 7 x 5 = 35. If you have trouble keeping track, just use your fingers.

Ten Times Tables :: Just Add Zero and Stir
Here's another no-brainer. If you want to multiply something by 10, just add a zero on the end. Here's an example: 10 x 8 = 80 or 10 x 100 = 1,000. Try it with any number - from one to a billion. It's just too easy.

Eleven Times Tables :: Seeing Double
Here's another one that's as easy as pie. Any number - up to nine - multiplied by 11 is itself written out twice. Confused? Just check it out: 9 x 11 = 99, 4 x 11 = 44, 3 x 11 = 33 and so on.

Christmas Notice

We’ve been working very hard for our Holiday party…it looks pretty promising! So this is just a reminder that our Secret Santa gift exchange will take place on Friday. Remember, gifts should be in and around $5. Also, if you’re interested in sending in a treat for the class please feel free. I am also permitting the kids to bring in toys or games of their choice as long as it is pre-approved by the parents. And one last note, I understand Christmas is a time for giving, however, if you had intentions to send a gift in to me, please consider making a donation to Free the Children instead. Your kind gesture would be greatly appreciated.

Math Test - Time

On Friday, December 11th, we will be having a test on TIME. Today we will be working on a time quiz which is very similar to the test. Every student will be bringing the quiz home tonight so that you can spend a little time discussing and reviewing what needs to be worked on.

Thank You!

It was so nice to meet with all the parents for teacher interviews. A lot of positive dialogue took place and I look forward to the improvements to come. Thank you so much to all those for making it in to see me, and to all those who were unable to attend, I look forward to discussing your child in the near future.

Spelling Lesson 13 - Words with g or j

jacket
jar
jeans
jelly
jet
job
joke
judge
jump
just
gentle
general
giant
giraffe
gym
jungle
gigantic

Secret Santa

For the last two weeks and over the month of December, our class is working towards earning a Holiday party for Friday, December 18th. On this day, I would like to do a Secret Santa gift exchange where every student brings in a wrapped gift with a value of approximately $5. The gifts need to be boy and girl friendly so you need to be creative with what you send in. Participating is NOT mandatory, however if you choose not to send in a gift, your child will not be able to participate in the exchange.

How it works:
Wrapped gifts will be placed on a table and each student will get a number from 1-21. The student with number 1 will choose a gift off the table and unwrap it. The student with number 2 will then have the option to take the gift away from student 1, or grab a new gift off the table. This keeps going until all gifts have been received.
Remember, a girl OR a boy could pick your gift so try to find something that is appealing to both.

Ideas for gifts:
Ø Books
Ø Sweets/chocolates (peanut free)
Ø Gift card (to the movies, to a restaurant, Wal-Mart)
Ø Winter wear (hat, mittens, scarf)
Ø School supplies

Empathy Award

I'd like to extend a big congratulations to Colin and Madi for winning November's character trait award. Colin and Madi demonstrate empathy on a continual basis in and outside of the classroom. They always go out of their way to comfort and support those in need and are always the first ones to notice when someone is down, feeling blue, injured or simply in need of a hug. Thank you Colin and Madi...Keep it up!
For the month of December, kindness and caring in and outside of the classroom will be the character trait we will be focusing on.

Tutoring

This notice is for families whose child has been participating in my tutoring sessions. Please be advised that Thursday's tutoring session will be the last one until the new year. I will send home a note indicating the start date at that time.

Parent/teacher Interviews

Term one reports are being sent home today. In the envelope you will also find an interview request form. Please complete the bottom portion of this form and return it as soon as possible. Interviews will be assigned on a first come first serve basis. If you have more than one child needing a teacher/parent interview, please indicate this and I shall make every effort to schedule consecutive appointments. I will confirm a definite time once I am aware of your preference for this reporting period.

Spelling List

There are no words posted this week as we have reached the 12th lesson. This weeks homework will reflect the last 5 spelling lists. On Wednesday, the students will write a review spelling test.

Spelling Lesson 11 - Words with ck or k

back
pack
neck
trick
cricket
lock
block
clock
creek
leak
speak
break
oak
croak
shook
freckles
chuckle

Oops!

We did not get have the time to do our Pre-Spelling Test today for lesson 9.
We will still have hour test on Wednesday of next week.

Spelling List - Lesson 9: words with c or k (there are only 16 words this week)

camp
camera
cave
colour
cost
contest
cub
keep
key
kids
kindergarten
kiss
kitchen
kite
kitten
ketchup

Our Dirty Classroom

At this point in the year, I’m finding it necessary to make a special request to those who have not sent in a second pair of shoes for their child. As the students very active on the playground, specifically on the field, our classroom gets very dirty because of the shoes that are coming in full of mud. Please assist in this area and ensure that your child comes to school with a 2nd pair of shoes that can stay there permanently.

Thank you so much in advance for your understanding and co-operation.

Remembrance Day Donations

On November 11th, poppies will be distributed to our students. Families are kindly encouraged to make a donation, however small, as every bit helps towards the support of any or all of the following:
* assistance to ex-service personnel and their dependents
* low rental housing and care facilities for elderly or disabled persons and their dependents
* community medical appliances and medical research
* drop-in centers, meals on wheels, transportation and related services for senior citizens
* paying for bursaries for needy students
* cost of poppies, wreaths and supplies

Thanks so much in advance!

Oral Quiz

Tonight in your child's bag, you will find a yellow sheet of paper entitled Urban and Rural. This is an info and study sheet that your child needs to review before tomorrow. I will be quizzing each orally on the information found on the sheet. Happy Studying!

Interview

In your child's bag tonight is a Foods from Around the World booklet that needs to be completed by Monday, November 9th. Each student is required to sit with an adult from a different or similar background, and discuss foods that are eaten in their country of origin. Follow the questions and provide as much info as possible. Booklets will be shared with the class next week.

Tonights Homework

A Celebration Meal
In your child's bag is homework that needs to be completed for tomorrow.

Sit down tonight and discuss with your family a typical meal that would be prepared for a celebration (e.g. a feast, wedding, holiday celebration, birthday). Then, classify these food items into the 4 main food groups (+ other). Bring this activity back tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4th and be prepared to share it with your classmates and teacher.

Milk Products
Meat and Alternatives
Fruits and Vegetables
Grain Products
Other

I'm excited to learn about the various diverse meals in our class!

Spelling List 8 - Words with ear

bear
pear
wear
tear
ear
dear
fear
near
clear
hear
heard
learn
earth
earn
early
appear
earthquake

Social Studies Test on Tuesday

On Tuesday October 27th, we will write a test on rural and urban communities. Students will be required to compare the two based on their many distinguishing features. See below for the study sheet. Information on the sheet is not limited, so any additional features pertaining to that community are welcome!


Rural
Underdeveloped
Small population
Few homes
Few small buildings
Little noise
Little traffic
Few cars
Less technology
A lot of open space
Safe
Low pollution
Lots of adventure
Little entertainment
Few shops and stores
Few restaurants
Farms


Urban
Over developed (crowded)
Large population
Many homes
Many large and tall buildings
Very noisy
Lots of traffic
Lots of cars
Lots of technology
Very little open space
Unsafe
High pollution
Little adventure
Lots of entertainment
lots of shops and stores
Lots of restaurants
Lots of signs and billboards

Spelling List - Lesson 7

Words with ar

car
far
arm
farm
star
start
smart
part
party
hard
heart
dark
mark
park
yard
startled
carpenter

Tutoring

To those families who have a child in tutoring with me, please note that there will be no session on Tuesday, October 27th as I will be out of the school over the lunch hour.

Important Dates

Picture Retake Day - Thursday, October 22nd
Pizza Lunch $$ Due- Friday October 23rd
Scholastic Book Orders Due - November 1st

Rural or Urban?

In social studies we have been learning about the differences between rural and urban community features. To help your child excel in this area, be sure to ask them to tell you what the differences are.

Spelling

After 5 weeks of new spelling lists, the 6th week is a review. In the past I have tested children on all 60 words that were learned but am removing this component from the program. Instead, 10 words from the 60 are chosen, and the children are to put them in a written sentence. The first one was done last Friday, Oct. 16th while I was away. Everyone did quite well.

Halloween

Halloween is upon us and the excitement is well under way. We will be having our Halloween celebration next Friday, October 30th. Your child may bring his/her costume to school in the morning and put it on over the lunch hour. During the later part of the day, we will be playing some games, perhaps watching a movie, and having a costume contest! Remember that toy weapons and masks that cover the entire face are not permitted at school. If either one is part of the costume they must be left at home. In the past, I have allowed families to send in treats and/or goody bags for the class. If you plan on doing so, please ensure that there is enough for each child and that the items are store bought and peanut free.

Thanks!

Spelling Test

Tomorrow Spelling Test will be postponed until Thursday due to our shortened week. Happy Studying!

Check this out!

Below I've attached a link for parents. The site is from EQAO.com and provides useful tips and information on how to help prepare your child for the EQAO exam at home.

http://www.eqao.com/pdf_e/07/07P086e.pdf

Spelling List - Lesson 5

saw
paw
draw
straw
dawn
lawn
yawn
crawl
awful
aunt
haul
fault
because
water
wash
autumn
exhausted

Homework

Whoops...my apologies. Monday morning I left my bag full of student work sitting at my front door. I realize some time has been lost therefore I will give the children a 1/2 hour today to work on one page of their spelling homework. The folders will be coming home tonight and will still be due on Friday.

Spelling List - words with ng and nk

ring
rang
rung
string
strong
long
spring
thing
finger
wink
drink
blink
think
thank
bunk
shrink
stranger

Pre-Spelling Test

There will be a pre-spelling test on Friday for Lesson #4

And the award goes to...

Congratulations to all my Grade 3's for doing an outstanding job performing their song at today's assembly. You sang beautifully, you looked great and very proud. I would like to recognize Josh Samaroo and Sydney Troll for winning the Respect award.
For the month of October we are focusing on being Responsible. Let's work together to assist our children in understanding what it means to be responsible on an consistent basis.

RESPECT Assembly - Wednesday, September 30th

Dear Families,
Tomorrow we are having our first Clairlea Character Trait Assembly. Our class will be running the show and our performance will be singing a song about respect. Use the address below to take you directly to the site where you can play the song over your computer speakers.
On that page you will also find the lyrics.

http://www.havefunteaching.com/songs-for-kids/character-education/respect-song

Happy Practicing!

Thank You!

A big thank you goes out to all those who joined me on Thursday evening for Meet the Teacher Night. I am sorry that some could not be in attendance, so I will do my best to fill you in on what you missed.

• This is my first year teaching grade 3. The curriculum is new to me, however I am continually conversing with colleagues and doing my research so that I can better teach your children! This year we will be doing a lot of hands-on activities that will enable the children to learn through doing. There will be a lot of focus on group work so that the children can learn how to work as a team, be co-operative, polite, responsible and so on.

• In May, the students will be taking the provincial EQAO exam. This exam revolves around mathematics and literacy. Comprehension is the main focus in all areas of the test so what you can do at home is have conversations with your child, ask questions and have them explain their thinking to show their understanding.

• Students will have the opportunity to play in-door sports such as soccer and hockey with Mr. Church. Details and permission forms will be coming home in the future. This is a great opportunity for children to develop various skills such as good sportsmanship, teamwork and leadership.

• Electronics are permitted at school but remain to be the owners responsibility. Lost, stolen or damaged items will not be the schools responsibility. My suggestion is to leave anything valuable at home!

• The homework will typically reflect that weeks spelling list. In the event that different homework is sent home, students will be well informed of the guidelines. As always, nightly reading is part of my everyday expectations.

• No more newsletters! In the past my routine has been to send home monthly newsletters. This year I will be posting everything on this site to keep you well informed of the daily happenings. Please check it nightly!

• Poor behaviour, in particular disrespectfulness is being dispalyed more and more by children these days. In my class I pay very special attention to many character traits and my attempt is to instill them in every child. It is not an easy task so I'm asking for the support from all the parents to be reinforcing them as well. I have faith that this is already occuring in your home, however nightly discussions can make all the difference in the world.

• If you did not attend Meet the Teacher Night, please forward your email to me so we can keep in touch: jessica.lowen@tel.tdsb.on.ca

Thank you again to all the parents for showing your support. We're going to have a great year!

Spelling List- Lesson 3 - Words with a and be

about
above
across
again
ago
agree
alike
alive
alone
along
become
belong
below
beside
between
alongside
beforehand

Curriculum Night

Please come out tonight at 7pm to see what's happening at Clairlea and in your childs class! I look forward to meeting you and seeing some familiar faces.

Spelling List - Words with Long i sound

This week 4 students received a perfect score on their spelling 'pre-test' - Congratulations to:
Ali, Josh, Nael and Navid.

Words
find
kind
mind
wind
blind
grind
behind
mild
wild
child
children
die
lie
pie
tie
kindness
wilderness

Tests and Assignments

Today we wrote our fist spelling test and everyone did very well! Congratulations to all for studying hard!! All tests and assignments are sent home to be reviewed and signed by a parent. Please ensure that once signed it is placed back in the school bag so I can check it off.

Journal Writing

The final 40 minutes of each day are spent writing in our journal. In the front of the journal there is a guide and students are asked to follow the guide in order to complete their entry. Students who do not choose to use their time wisely will take their journals home to complete. It is to be brought back to school the following day with a parents signature.

Kleenex

Thank you to those who have donated kleenex to our class. Please continue to send them in!

Homework

Homework is sent home every Monday in a dark blue folder. It is due back by Fridays but may be handed in earlier.

Welcome Back!!

Grade 3 Students and Families I am so excited to start a new year with all of you! I cannot wait to hear all about your summer and begin a fun-filled year in Grade 3.
Cheers!

Re: Year End Party

I’m finding it necessary to inform families that there will be consequence for those who chose not to behave between now and the end of the year. There are roughly 8 days remaining before our party and I will be keeping track of student behaviour in and outside of the classroom. Students are aware that if they accumulate 8 strikes between now and then, (one strike each day) they will not be included in the event, NO exceptions. Please discuss this with your child daily to enforce the importance of taking school seriously right up until the final day. We will be having a lot of fun over the next 2 weeks, but proper behaviour is a must!
Thanks for your support,

*** Final Notices ***

We have had a great year, and its time to celebrate! On Wednesday, June 24th, we will be having a party in the afternoon. This year, I would like to have our party over at Edge Park, just steps off of school property. Students are asked to come to school as usual, eat lunch as usual and return to school at 12:40 as usual. Shortly after the lunch hour, we will head over to the park where we will play on the structure, play water games and enjoy some food and good company!
Families are invited to join us at any time and are also welcome to provide a peanut-free treat for the class to enjoy!
Items to consider sending to school with your child:
· Blanket and/or towel
· Sunscreen
· Water bottle
· Swimsuit
· Hat
· Water toy(s)
· Snack/treat for the class


Tie Dying T-Shirts
On Monday, June 15th, we are going to be tie-dying t-shirts! In past years this has been a great success and we will all wear our colourful shirts at the year end assembly!
I am asking that families send a plain white t-shirt to school with their child anytime between now and June 15th. If you are unable to provide a white t-shirt for your child, please see me directly.


A very special request…
At the end of each school year, it seems customary for families to give their teacher a gift to show their appreciation. This year, however, I am making a very special request that you do not send any gifts to school for me. As flattered and thankful as I would be it is much more important to me that families do not spend any money. If you absolutely insist on sending something in, I strongly suggest you consider making a donation to the Free the Children Foundation on my behalf. J

Final School Project

Grade 1:
Timeline
Students in grade one are to create a timeline of their lives from birth to the present. They have had the opportunity to view timelines, and in most cases, a timeline is a straight line depicting significant events in a person’s life, although I’m not limiting them to this format. It is recommended that students include pictures and/or mementoes to better display their lives. If these items are not readily available, a timeline with words only is also acceptable.

I am asking that each child is able to present their timeline to the rest of their classmates. Therefore, a thorough understanding of what has been produced is crucial.

Due Date: Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

Grade 2:
Celebration Poster
We have a diverse classroom and it is with the grade 2 project that I’m hoping to display the variety of traditions and/or celebrations we have in our class. Students are to create a poster showing a celebration or tradition that is near and dear to their heart/family. Students are asked to present their poster explaining what they have done and why.

On the poster, please consider including the following:• What the celebration is and what happens during that time?
• When is it celebrated?
• Why and for who is it celebrated?
• Where is it celebrated?

Also, if there is a special dish/food/treat that is served during this celebration that you would like to share with your classmates, feel free to bring it in so that we can all get a better idea of what you experience during your celebration. (peanut free of course)

Due Date: Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

Grade 1:
Timeline
Students in grade one are to create a timeline of their lives from birth to the present. They have had the opportunity to view timelines, and in most cases, a timeline is a straight line depicting significant events in a person’s life, although I’m not limiting them to this format. It is recommended that students include pictures and/or mementoes to better display their lives. If these items are not readily available, a timeline with words only is also acceptable.

I am asking that each child is able to present their timeline to the rest of their classmates. Therefore, a thorough understanding of what has been produced is crucial.

Due Date: Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

Grade 2:
Celebration Poster
We have a diverse classroom and it is with the grade 2 project that I’m hoping to display the variety of traditions and/or celebrations we have in our class. Students are to create a poster showing a celebration or tradition that is near and dear to their heart/family. Students are asked to present their poster explaining what they have done and why.

On the poster, please consider including the following:• What the celebration is and what happens during that time?
• When is it celebrated?
• Why and for who is it celebrated?
• Where is it celebrated?

Also, if there is a special dish/food/treat that is served during this celebration that you would like to share with your classmates, feel free to bring it in so that we can all get a better idea of what you experience during your celebration. (peanut free of course)

Due Date: Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

No More Homework!

As our spelling program has come to an end, there will no longer be homework sent home. For the final few weeks of school, please ensure that you and your child are attempting to read nightly.

Fun at O'Connor Bowl!

Yesterday we had our make-up trip to the bowling alley. We had a ton of fun! Thanks goes out to Mrs. Shah for assisting with supervision, as well as to Mr. Church for organizing the event. There were a number of students who were unable to join us. If you are looking to have your money refunded, you must speak with Mrs.Kumagawa in the main office.

Somethings going around...

This week there has been many students away. Today in particular, there are 13 students away sick. The most common symptoms are fever, and coughing. Please be sure you send your child back in good health, or if your child has not gotten sick yet, keep an eye on them. Stay healthy everyone, and to those who are away, get well soon!

Character Trait

Congratulations to all the Grade 1's and 2's who achieved a Co-operation award at last week's assembly. Keep up the good work guys! The character trait for May is Integrity.

Attention Grade 1 Parents

Hello everyone,

I can't believe I am writing this, but your little grade one students are quickly moving on to the bigger world of grade 2!!! In just a few short weeks their grade one year will have ended and dreams of grade 2 will be well on their way. In an effort to help the students transition into grade 2 I am beginning a new element to our language program.

Starting this Friday student will be given a spelling test with five words, which we have worked with over the last school year. Each word will be worth one mark and the tests will be sent home, I hope, every Friday afternoon so you can see the progress. This spelling test will continue from now until mid June. The words will also be posted on this blog should you loose the words.

I hope this will help the students in getting ready for grade two and spelling tests they will face in that grade.

Please work with your children each night. Spend a night orally spelling the words, on night writing them out, one night making sentences with the words and a final night reviewing the words. These are just some of the ways you can help your child prepare. This should never take more then about 15 minutes, and can even be done in your car as you travel to various after school activities!

Should you have any questions or concerns please let me know and I'll do what I can to help.

Take care for now.
- Delphine Rule

Track and Field

TOMORROW Tuesday, May 5th is our Track and Field day for grades 2-8. Please remember to come dressed according to the weather.
Best of luck to all competitors!!

Bowling

Make up date for our bowling trip is May 13th.

Track and Field for Grade 2's

Track and Field is scheduled for this Friday, May 1, weather permiting. Please look through your childs bag to learn about important items he/she could bring in on that day. Rain date will be Monday, May 4th.

Student Return Form

In your childs bag you will find a pink form that requests you to indicate if your child will or will not be returning to Clairlea in the fall. Please fill out the form and return it as soon as possible!
Thanks

Mrs. Park's Puppetry

Mrs. Park is requesting that all students bring in a clean white sock (preferably a tube sock) that can be used to make puppets in Drama class. Thanks

Check this out!

http://www.coolmath-games.com

Spring Concert Wrap-Up

Congratulations to the grade 1's and 2's for doing an OUTSTANDING job at lastnight's concert. Everyone tried their absolute best and it showed. I am so very proud of you all! Much thanks goes out to families who came out to watch - hope you enjoyed the show!

Re: Spring Concert

Thursday, April 23rd is almost here! Tomorrow we will be performing our play THREE times! Once in the morning for all the performers, once in the afternoon for all the non-performers, and then again at SATEC for the entire Clairlea community.

If it is possible, please try to ensure that you are dressed appropriately for your part. Below I’ve listed the various roles and suggestions for attire.

Students are asked to arrive at SATEC by 6:20pm. Once you enter the building, you will be directed to your holding room where I will be waiting for you. Families will be asked to collect their children once the concert has ended. See you all there!

Character Student(s) Attire

Trees Colin, Kazi, Nolan All black clothing

Flowers Jaden, Madi, Trevis All green OR colourful clothing

Butterfly McKayla All black

Caterpillars Navid, Alian All green OR colourful clothing

Food items Luna, Ryan, Preyom Colour of your food OR
Alex, Claire, colourful clothing
Aadil, Calli

Banner/cocoon Nael All Black

Egg Taymour All white

Sun Jacob Yellow, orange, or red

Narrators Cora, Matt Dressy clothing

We are all different…and we are all the same!

We are all different…and we are all the same!
Hello families of grade 1 and 2 students! This week I would like you and your family to discuss your background. Together, discuss where you come from by following the guidelines below. Please ensure that this activity comes back on Monday, April 27th. Students are to be prepared to share the information on the sheet with the whole class. You can find this assignment on my class blog as well.

1.) Last Name:
2.)Place of Birth (country, city, province, etc)
3.) When did you arrive in Canada?(skip to question 4 if this doesn’t apply to you)
4.) What is your family background?
5.) What is the primary language spoken at home? List any other languages you can speak
6.) List some of the events you and your family celebrate throughout the year.
7.) Does your family have a tradition that is different from other families in your community/classroom? If so, describe this tradition in 3-4 sentences. If not, then choose one of your favourite celebrations, and describe it in 3-4 sentences. (see below for the definitions for celebration and tradition)


*Tradition: an event/occasion recognized in your family that is passed down from generation to generation (different from other families)
*Celebration: a common event/occasion recognized by others who share the same background (similar in

Spring Concert

On the evening of Thursday, April 23rd, our class will be heading to SATEC to perform our "Very Hungry Caterpillar" skit. Each student has a costume which is mainly comprised of a hand-held mask, or a large prop. Please talk to your child today to find out what part he/she plays and what his/her clothing options could be for the costume. For example: if your child is a flower, perhaps green clothing or colourful clothing would be good. OR if your child is a piece of fruit or food, maybe clothing of that colour would be an idea. Whatever you can do to help out in this area will be most appreciated. Hope to see you all there!

Recognition Awards for 'Honesty'

Last week, students were recognized for displaying honesty in and outside of the classroom. Congratulations to all! For the month of April, we are working on being 'Co-operative'. In May, our class will be running the regonition assembly for this character trait.

Honesty Awards Go To...
Navid
Alian
Luna
Taymour
Cora
Madi
Matt
Colin

Check This Out!

http://www.ratemyteachers.com/

Our Video about the School Boundaries

April Newsletter

Click here to see the April Newsletter from Room 106.

Bowling

The much anticipated bowling trip that is organized by Mr. Church is finally here!
You should find a permission form in your child's bag tonight. I have specifically placed the form in the Grade 1's homework folders, and the Grade 2's should have done the same. The fee for bowling is $6 and it is due back by this Thursday,
April 9th. We will be walking to O'Connor Bowl after lunch on Wednesday April 15th.

** Homework **

Dear Students and Families,

This week’s homework reflects the hour and half-hour time concepts we learned last week. Students have been provided with a clock face, 2 hands – long and short, and a fastener. You need to write in the numbers on the clock, cut out the hands and attach them with the fastener. Use the clock to complete your homework this week and to continue practicing in the future.

Miss Lowen

Attn: Grade 1 Students from Mrs. Rules and Miss Lowen's Class

Home work for the month of April
Hello again parents and students. Over the past few months I have noticed that students penmanship is not up to what I would expect at this point in the year. I had hoped that it would sort it self out but it would appear that it is not getting much better. So, I have decided that every Thursday during class we will be working on our printing. We started today with C and A, both capital and little letters. We will continue with D, G, Q and O in the next two weeks. As we are working on our printing during class I felt it important to do the same at home for homework. On Monday your child will be coming home with a package of papers to work on printing. I am aware that there are a few letters missing, please just continue working through the package. It is not important that you follow how I am doing the letter, however if you are interested here is a great site that I use to help instruct printing.

http://www.spellangtree.org/TeachingTheChildToPrint.htm

It is important that students remain in the lines and not rush through their work. Also please make sure that students need to start at the top of the letter and not the bottom. As well, many of the letters are made in one fluent movement of the pencil. Please try and make sure that your child is starting from the top and not the bottom, this will help them later with cursive writing.If you have any more questions for concerns about printing or what I am doing with them please let me know.

Steps to good printing:
1. My feet flat on the floor.
2. My chair turned right around.
3. My bum on the chair.
4. I hold my pencil nicely.
5 I take my time!!!!!!

Mrs. Rule

Attn: Families of Grade 2 Students

Tonight your child should be bringing home a small sheet of paper. He or she is being asked to locate a piece of persuasive writing. We have discussed the various places we see persuasive writing, like on billboards, newspapers, magazines, commercials etc. Your child needs to find an example of persuasive writing and is asked to fill out the sheet tonight and bring it back to school tomorrow. He or she will be asked to discuss their findings with the group.
I have provided the questions below in the event that this sheet did not get home tonight.

Where did you find your persuasive example?
Who is trying to persuade you?
What are they trying to persuade you to do?
Do you thing their argument is convincing? Why or Why not?

I look forward to hearing all about those who are trying to persuade us!

Spring Concert

Yes, that time is here! In a mere 3 weeks, we will be performing in the school concert that is held yearly at SATEC high school.
This year, we will be doing a version of the "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". I would like to extend an open invitation to any parent willing to assist with costume/set making. I would like to limit the costumes to masks, however there may be some characters that will need more than that. Also, I will need to make garden-like props for the background. If you are interested in sharing your artistic/creative abilities, send in a note with your child or an email ASAP.

jessica.lowen@tel.tdsb.on.ca

Much thanks goes out in advance to those who donate time to this project!

Lunch at School

Dear Students and Parents and/or Guardians, Monday, March 23, 2009

Welcome back! I’m hopeful that everyone had a great break. This week we are going on 2 field trips. One of the trips is being split into 2 so that straight grades may go together on either Thursday or Friday.

On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, all students are asked to bring a bagged lunch as they will be required to eat at school during odd hours. Meaning, they will need to eat either prior to the regular lunch hour or sometime after the regular lunch hour.

So, if your child usually goes home for lunch, they are being asked to stay for the 3 days.

Also, the focus of the Cedar Ridge Creative Center Trip is recycling. To further engage the students in their project, we’d like to ask you to help your child collect the items below so they will be able to use them on their collages:
Photographs, pictures from magazines, buttons, ribbon and fabric scraps.

Please ensure that the items are not brought in until the day of the trip, and that they are in a sealed bag/container. There will be materials here for their use as well, but in hopes that the students can be part of the recycling process and truly personalize their collages, they'd like them to have the opportunity to bring in some materials of their own choosing.

Sorry for any inconveniences these last minute notices may cause, and thanks in advance for your cooperation.

We're Collecting...

Please send in your empty paper towel rolls!
Thanks for your help.

Honorary Mention

This afternoon we had our student assembly where awards were given out to those who display "fairness" as a character trait on a daily basis. Below is a list of those who received an award.

Preyom
Kazi
Jaden
Alian
McKayla
Madison
Navid
Matt
Cora
Nael
Colin
Luna

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!

It’s Time to Shake It!

For the first time in Clairlea history, primary classes are getting the opportunity to have their very own dance!

This Friday, March 13th, from 1pm-2pm, Grades 1, 2, and 3 will be invited to the gym to enjoy their time together before the long anticipated March Break.

In support of Free the Children, it is suggested that students bring in $1 or any other amount to put towards the cause. Thank you very much in advance for your donations!

Class Trips Clarification

Dear Parent(s) and Students,
It has been brought to my attention that in my March News Letter I made an error with regards to upcoming trip dates. Tonight you will find in your childs bag another field trip permission form for another 1/2 day trip happening in the same week. Please read, fill out, and return the form and the $2.50 by March 23rd. Please see below for a breakdown of the dates.

Tuesday March 24th - 1/2 day (afternoon) - Entire Class - to Lorraine KIMSA Theatre

Thursday March 26th - 1/2 day (morning) - Grade 2's to Cedar Ridge Creative Centre

Friday March 27th - 1/2 day (afternoon) - Grade 1's to to Cedar Ridge Creative Centre

First Post

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