Wednesday November 9, 2022

We lowered the lights during our story workshop today to explore a nighttime setting for our stories.  We had some battery-operated tea lights to light our work spaces and some wintery pieces to inspire our creations.  

We learned about pictographs today.  We graphed our favourite pets and our methods of getting to school using our whiteboards to draw symbols and create our graphs.  We had some interesting discussion around how survey answers can be influenced by things like weather (as in how we get to school) and favourite pets (families living in the city vs. families living on an acreage).

No school on Friday as we commemorate Remembrance Day.

Tuesday November 8, 2022

Our writing activity today centered around the idea of peace.  We used our 5 senses to interpret what peace means to us in our everyday lives and we came up with some great ideas!

Peace feels like walking barefoot in the grass after the sprinkler has been on...

Peace sounds like wild animals calling...

Peace looks like white snow...

Peace tastes like raindrops on your tongue...

Peace smells like nature...

Our Remembrance Day assembly will be hosted by our Grade 5/6 team, and will start at 10:45 on Thursday morning.  All are welcome.

Alien Inline Skating will take place next week at Woodlands.  Our Grade Ones have been assigned 3 time slots:  Thursday the 17th, Monday the 21st and Tuesday the 22nd from 12:45-1:35.  If you could come to help put on skates and helmets at any of the sessions listed above, please email me to let me know. Many hands will make light work!  Don't forget to sign and return the consent forms so your child can participate.

A message went home today about some holiday fundraising activities organized by Parent Council.  Please check your child's backpack!

Monday November 7, 2022

 We stayed inside for both recesses today as the weather was just too cold for our fresh air breaks.  On days like these, we offer students some unstructured free time to colour, build, play math games and read as well as do some online movement breaks.  It doesn't give us quite the same experience as an outdoor recess but it's our reality in Calgary!

Photo retakes are tomorrow for students who missed picture day or who didn't quite get the look they were hoping for:)

Our Remembrance Day assembly will take place at 10:45 on Thursday in the gym.  Families are welcome!  

Don't forget to fill out and return the consent form for Inline Skating next week.  Let me know if you need an extra copy.

Friday November 4, 2022

We made some beautiful poppies today after a really insightful conversation about Remembrance Day.  The students asked questions like "Who fights in wars?", "Did they have to fight?" and "What are countries fighting about?"  It's very humbling to have these conversations with little ones, and I'm sure some of your kids will come home with some interesting dinner table questions this weekend.

Students went home today with an information sheet about Alien In-Line skating.  Please have a look and fill out the form to return to school so we are ready to 'roll' on the 14th!

Thursday November 3, 2022

We used a different medium to experiment with colour mixing today. Ask your child what colours they created with their plate of primary colours, and what they noticed about how the colours mixed. 

Our school will be enjoying an in-line skating residency with Alien In-line later this month. I will be sending a form home with further details tomorrow. 

Wednesday November 2, 2022

We did an experiment with primary colour mixing today to see if we could experience an optical illusion.  Ask your child to show you what they made and took home to trick the eye into seeing secondary colours.  (You will need a pencil and some tape to make it work).

We had two very snowy/windy recesses today.  Thank you for sending your child ready for the weather.  A big BIG help to all teachers is to help your child be independent with dressing for winter.  If your child struggles to do up zippers, put on gloves and pull snow pants over boots please spend some time practicing these independent skills.  

Here is a note about our school's cold weather policy:

Dress for Success | Winter Weather Reminder

Students go outside at recess and at noon hour to play, socialize and exercise unless the temperature drops below -20 degrees celsius with the windchill. With Calgary weather being so unpredictable, students must be prepared for changing weather conditions with proper winter coats, snow pants, hats, boots and warm mittens each day. Many students are coming to school unprepared for the outdoor conditions.  Please ensure your child has all essential outdoor items before they leave home.  It's no fun making snow angels without your mittens! CBE schools rarely close due to snow or cold temperatures. All CBE schools remain open to provide a safe, warm and secure environment for students. We respect parents/guardians right to make their own decisions about sending their children to school during extreme weather events. If your child will not be attending classes please ensure you contact the attendance line to report the absence (403) 777-8640 ext 1.

Tuesday November 1, 2022

The snow is supposed to keep falling tonight...please send your child with all the winter gear tomorrow.  Practice in putting on tight gloves and pulling snowpants over boots would be much appreciated!

Would you like to come in to read with Grade Ones on Tuesdays between 8:45-9:45?  We would love to have you!  Please let me know if you are interested and I will set up a schedule.  You must have your police clearance in order to volunteer within the school.  Thank you!

It's November and we are already thinking about Christmas fundraisers through Parent Council.  See info below:

Christmas 2022 School Council Fundraisers

This year, get ready for the holiday season while supporting your children's school in TWO different ways! 

 

1. Get your festive treats! 

Order Purdy's Chocolate online by heading to our special Purdy's online ordering portal

The order deadline is Monday, November 28

2. Get your festive trimmings!

Make your home feel (and smell) joyful and bright. Head to the following link to order online. https://woodlandscalgary.growingsmilesfundraising.com/home 

The order deadline is Monday, November 23