Sept. 23-27 2024

This week, we learned about Terry Fox, a true Canadian national hero. He courageously ran across Canada to raise money for cancer research, running for 143 days and wearing through ten pairs of running shoes! We read a wonderful story called Terry Fox and Me, which taught us how important it is to have friends who support and encourage us.

To inspire our own Terry Fox run, we also enjoyed a story called Brave and colored our very own Canadian flags. We know that some students in our school are heroes too, facing their own challenges just like Terry. Many of us wore yellow t-shirts to show our support for Childhood Cancer Awareness.

         

 Terry Fox Run

Both our morning and afternoon groups had the chance to run laps in the field near our classroom for the Terry Fox run. In the afternoon, we went to the big field to cheer on our friends and siblings in the older grades. Everyone worked so hard and showed great perseverance! What an amazing day of running and support!

On Thursday, we recognized the upcoming National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, which takes place on September 30. 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. Next Tuesday, we invite everyone to wear orange to honor Indigenous children, and support the message that Every Child Matters. Be on the lookout for our final project results!

Math Sorting - Individual Exploration

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, but with a new twist—students will be working independently!

As we explore sorting further, each child will have the opportunity to express their own ideas and discover unique ways to categorize various objects. They will engage in individual sorting activities using materials from our classroom, allowing them to practice their sorting skills and reinforce their understanding of the concept.

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.

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

September/ October Digital Flyer

Our next class order is going in on October 4, 2024

Thank you to everyone who attended our open house sessions- we had incredible turn out and are very appreciative of your support of our program!

Important Kindergarten Dates...

Monday, Sept. 30 - NO SCHOOL - National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Tuesday, Oct. 1 - Wear orange in honor Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters
Friday, Oct. 4 - AM Kindergarten attends

 

Link to our school  calendar: 

Simons Valley School Calendar

Link to schedule for Friday Kindergarten Classes: Friday Schedule

Our Emails

Mrs. Oster: rdoster@cbe.ab.ca 

Mrs. Sutherland: klsutherland@cbe.ab.ca 

Mrs. Wiskar: mjwiskar@cbe.ab.ca

Sept. 16-20, 2024

In September we are learning more about ourselves and how we are the same and different. We spent time this week talking about how each family is unique! Children were so proud to share about their own special family and drew pictures of what each family member looks like. We also read a story about our class is a family.

We continued to explore what makes us unique by reading the story My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith. The book was written to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, and to encourage all children and adults to reflect on what makes them happy and brings joy. What fills your heart with happiness? 

Students created pictures of what brings happiness to them.

"Playing soccer with my Dad."
"Holding my Mom's hand."

"Singing with my sisters and my dog."

"Holding a ladybug in my hand."

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 directed drawings of a buffalo.

Math Sorting

One of the first big math units we teach at the beginning of the year is "Sorting." Students naturally find things to sort in the classroom like sorting toys when cleaning up at center time, grouping crayons by colours, arranging blocks by size. Before we give them a sorting rule, students are given opportunities to tell how they think they can make groups of similar things. Check out some of the ways students sorted classroom objects with their partner.  Have your child go on scavenger hunt in your home to find items to sort.

Centres and Outdoor Learning!

We typically try to visit the playground during these sunny fall days...to learn about the equipment, navigate playing with new friends and get some fresh air. This week, a company has been repairing the soft base at the playground so we have been using sidewalk chalk to draw what interests us and makes us happy! We have also been exploring a variety of centres and learning to build and play with new toys!

Meet The Teacher Night is coming up!

Thursday September 26, 2024 

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 began Thursday September 19 after 4:30pm on your My CBE account Student and Parent / Legal Guardian Sign In (cbe.ab.ca). 

Important Kindergarten Dates...

Tuesday, Sept 24 - Pajama Day in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness

Wednesday, Sept. 25 - Terry Fox Run - Wear yellow

Thursday Sept. 26 - Kindergarten "Meet the Teacher" Night
Friday, Sept. 27 - NO SCHOOL for students
Monday, Sept. 30 - NO SCHOOL - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Tuesday, Oct. 1 - Wear orange in honor of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Link to our school  calendar: 

Simons Valley School Calendar

Link to schedule for Friday Kindergarten Classes: Friday Schedule

Our Emails

Mrs. Oster: rdoster@cbe.ab.ca 

Mrs. Sutherland: klsutherland@cbe.ab.ca 

Mrs. Wiskar: mjwiskar@cbe.ab.ca