Thursday, October 2, 2025

Sep. 29 - Oct. 3, 2025

September 29- October 3, 2025

On Wednesday, we recognized National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. We read the book "With Our Orange Hearts" by Phyllis Webstad, which tells of her experiences as an Indigenous person who was taken away from her family to attend residential school. In the story, Phyllis shares how she was made to wear a school uniform instead of her beloved orange shirt, a special gift from her Grandma. Her story teaches us the importance of sharing our experiences, learning from one another, and treating everyone with care and kindness. 

We had a thoughtful discussion that was just right for the children's understanding, helping them see the significance of Orange Shirt Day and the important message that Every Child Matters. We also practiced our cutting skills by making orange hearts, which serve as lovely reminders of our commitment to respect and kindness. 

Fletcher the fox was worried—there was something wrong with his favorite tree. It was losing its leaves, and he didn’t know why. Fletcher discovers something special about the tree and the changing seasons. The students drew a picture of their favorite part of the story.






Math Sorting - Continues

Welcome back to our math adventures! Last week, we dove into the world of sorting, where students collaborated with their partners to group items in creative ways. This week, we’re excited to continue our sorting journey, including students working independently!

Just like when they worked with partners, students will start by identifying their own sorting criteria. They'll decide how to group items based on characteristics such as color, size, shape, or even function. This independent exploration not only promotes critical thinking but also builds confidence as they make choices on their own.


Important Kindergarten Dates...
Monday, Oct.6 - NO SCHOOL- Teacher Strike

If parents are interested in additional information or wish to contact their MLA to share concerns about learning disruptions, use the links below-






**Teachers will not have access to email, Google Classrooms or BrightSpace by D2L**

(We cannot provide materials, resources or work for students during the strike)

Thank you so much for your support of our program!


Friday, September 26, 2025

Sept. 22-26, 2025

This week, our kindergarten friends learned about what makes them special and happy! We read a lovely book called My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith. This story helps us think about the things that make us smile and feel good inside. We drew pictures of what makes us happy, like having a picnic with our family or playing at the playground. What makes YOUR heart happy?





We read the story Ee Nee, Buffalo, Tell us What You See. The teachings and stories for the book were gifted from Blackfoot Elder Saa'kokoto as all stories begin on the land. Our students are learning about the importance of relationships with the land, sky, and the animals, rocks, plants, trees and water who belong in this place. Our students then completed a directed drawing of a buffalo.




This week, we learned about a brave hero named Terry Fox. He ran across Canada to raise money for cancer research — running for 143 days and wearing out ten pairs of shoes! We read Terry Fox and Me and learned how having friends who cheer us on is very important. To celebrate him, we enjoyed a story called Brave, coloured Canadian flags, and wore yellow shirts to show our support for children fighting cancer.



Both morning and afternoon classes got the chance to run laps around the field for the Terry Fox Run! Some friends cheered for their classmates and brothers and sisters from the older grades. Everyone did their best and showed great perseverance! What an exciting day of running, friendship, and support!
















Thank You to all the families who joined us for "Meet the Teacher" on Thursday night. It was wonderful to visit with you and we appreciate your support of our program!



NEW!! Our classroom now has an account within the Scholastic Reading Club!
 We have no expectation for families to place orders, but wanted to share our class code just in case, as we can earn points toward book purchases for our classroom when families place orders! 
Our classroom code is: RC210876

Our next class order is going in on Friday October 3, 2025

Important Kindergarten Dates...
Monday, Sept. 29 - NO School for Students - Professional Development Day
Tuesday, Sept. 30 - NO School - Truth and Reconciliation Day
Wednesday, Oct. 1 - ORANGE Shirt Day
Friday, Oct. 3 - AM Kindergarten attends

Link to our school  calendar: Simons Valley School Calendar

Friday Class Schedule


Our Emails

 If you have any questions or need to contact us, our emails are:

Mrs. Oster: rdoster@cbe.ab.ca 

Mrs. Sutherland: klsutherland@cbe.ab.c

Mrs. Wiskar: mjwiskar@cbe.ab.ca



Sunday, September 21, 2025

Sept. 15-19, 2025

In September we are learning about ourselves and how we are the same and different. 

Self Portraits

Last week, we met Mat Man, and this week, we focused on creating a full-body self-portrait. Our drawings included all of Mat Man’s parts—eyes, ears, mouth, arms, legs, and feet—as well as special features that make us unique, like the color of our eyes and hair.



Our Family

We discussed how every family is unique and special. The students shared stories about their own families and created drawings of their family members. We also read a story about our class being a family.







Math Sorting

At the start of the school year, one of the first major math units we introduce is "Sorting." Children naturally sort objects in the classroom such as tidying up toys during center time, grouping crayons by colours, or arranging blocks by size. Before teaching them a specific sorting rule, students share how they would group similar items.  Then they discover different ways to sort based on attributes like color, size, shape, or function. This exploration helps promote critical thinking and builds confidence as they make choices on their own. At home, you can encourage your child to find items to sort during a fun scavenger hunt!

Snippets art was a fun activity where students used scissors to create pictures by cutting colorful paper into random shapes. Ask your child to tell you about 6-star cutting.








Meet The Teacher Night is coming up!
Thursday September 25, 2025 
Kindergarten families will have the opportunity to come in for an open house "Meet the Teacher" evening. We will explain a few things about our kindergarten program and you will have the opportunity to see our classroom space and artwork your child has created! This will NOT be a one-on-one time to discuss your child or their progress. Those conferences will take place in November.

You will need to select ONE time to come as the information will repeat each session.

Time

Teachers

Room

Session

5:30-6:00

Kindergarten Team

1,2

1

6:00-6:30

Kindergarten Team

1,2

2

6:30-7:00

Kindergarten Team

1,2

3

7:00-7:30

Kindergarten Team

1,2

4

Sign up will begin Monday, September 22 after 4:30pm on your My CBE account Student and Parent / Legal Guardian Sign In (cbe.ab.ca)

Important Kindergarten Dates...
Thursday, Sept. 25 - Terry Fox Run You can wear a yellow t-shirt to show support for Childhood Cancer Awareness.
Thursday Sept. 25 - Kindergarten "Meet the Teacher" Night
Friday, Sept. 26 - PM Kindergarten attends

Link to our school  calendar: Simons Valley School Calendar

Friday Class Schedule


Our Emails

 If you have any questions or need to contact us, our emails are:

Mrs. Oster: rdoster@cbe.ab.ca 

Mrs. Sutherland: klsutherland@cbe.ab.c

Mrs. Wiskar: mjwiskar@cbe.ab.ca