Thursday September 29, 2022

Our school was bright with hundreds of orange t-shirts today.  We spent time discussing the meaning of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, in a Grade One-friendly manner.  Our class experienced the story of Shi-Shi-Etko by Nicola Campbell which details the strong family and land connections of a young indigenous girl who is preparing to go to school.  Afterward, we discussed the difficulties children faced being taken from their families and ways of life so long ago and how we learn from past mistakes to do our best for children today.  It is a difficult topic to 

Enjoy a peaceful day tomorrow and I look forward to seeing students on Monday.

Wednesday September 28, 2022

Our class enjoyed the story 'The Eagle Feather' by Kevin Locke today.  We learned that the eagle feather is symbolic in indigenous culture for the virtues of kindness, honesty and courage.  We speak about these virtues in our daily conversations in Grade One as we all encounter new experiences throughout our days as a growing classroom community.  We coloured eagle feathers and wrote messages to remind us to practice these virtues every day at school.

Tomorrow is Orange Shirt Day!

Tuesday September 27, 2022

Today's science experiment had our students mixing primary colours to make secondary colours.  We used acrylic paint to blend the colours and then made a print of the result. Photos to come!

This week our students will be learning fundamental tennis skills through First Serve, thanks to funding from our amazing Parent Council.  

Orange shirt day will be on Thursday at Woodlands School.  We encourage all students to wear orange to recognize the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation for indigenous peoples in Canada.

Monday, September 26, 2022

It was great to see so many families in the classroom for conferences last week.  Our year is off to a great start!

This week we have Healthy Hunger (special lunch) on Thursday September 29th.  Please see details below!

In honour of Truth and Reconciliation Week, our students are encouraged to wear orange shirts to school on Thursday.  Students will have a chance to hear stories, view videos and share knowledge of indigenous peoples all week.  Today we heard the story 'Fry Bread' by Kevin Noble Maillard that beautifully illustrated the power of family and community.

There is no school on Friday to commemorate the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Thursday September 22, 2022

The assembly hosted by Grade 3/4 inspired us to run with heart for our Terry Fox run!  I was so proud of our students as they rose to the challenge of 3 laps around the soccer field.  Even when they wanted to give up, they dug deep and ran for Terry!

We made a fall wreath for our classroom today with fall colours and a variety of leaf shapes.  Ask your child if they can remember why leaves change colour and drop off in the fall!

Parent-Teacher conferences tonight and tomorrow, I look forward to seeing many of you to discuss your child's progress.  If you haven't booked a time slot, please call the office and have Mrs. Melbourn help you.  I have some time slots available tomorrow morning.

Wednesday September 21, 2022

We read a story today that gave us some excellent examples of alliteration and rhyme.  Ask your child if they can tell you what alliteration means, and how Mabel Murple gave us all kinds of opportunities to hear phrases with words that start with the same letter (like her purple poodle, Pierre)!

Terry Fox run tomorrow, please ensure your child is wearing outdoor shoes that will be good for running around our soccer field!

If you haven't booked a conference time yet, please do so by using the online conference sign up page.  Email me if you have any trouble with the site and I can try it from my end.

No school Friday due to conferences!

Tuesday September 20, 2022

Our Social Studies curriculum has a large component on citizenship. We have been talking about responsibility and respect in the classroom. Ask your child what they can tell you about being a responsible single student. They had lots of great ideas today!

Conference bookings are back online after a glitch in the system. Please be sure to sign up for a time slot for Thursday afternoon/evening or Friday morning!

Terry Fox Run will happen Thursday. Please be sure your child is dressed for the weather!