February 3-10, 2025

Winter continues but Balzac Billy brings hope for an early spring!

February 2 was Groundhog Day. This fun tradition tells of a groundhog that can predict the weather. If he sees his shadow, expect six more weeks of winter; if not, an early spring!  On Monday, we watched our local "Balzac Billy's" forecast from Blue Grass Nursery. Check out our Groundhog drawings to see why we think there will be an early spring. Hint: Do our pictures show a shadow or no shadow?

Kathryn Otoshi uses numbers, counting, primary and secondary colours to help children learn about accepting each other's differences. Sometimes it just takes one voice to help everyone count! Our students shared their learning from the story and drew pictures of their favorite part.

"Red was being mean to blue."

"You can say, Stop! I don't like that."

"Friends stick up for each other"

"The colours turned into numbers"

"We can be friends."

Being kind can be simple! Ask your child how they can show kindness. Our students completed their next self-portrait, "This is Me in February." See how we are adding more details to our drawings.

We took a winter walk, discovering the beauty of the cold—seeing our breath, hearing our boots crunch in the snow, and finding animal tracks around our school. We learned how scientists use their senses to observe the world. Mrs. Oster demonstrated the 5 senses of with Mr. Potato Head! Together, we drew what we see, hear, smell, and touch in winter, and noted what we might taste as well. 

Lively Letters is a life changing strategy to hear, recognize, and say the letter sounds in our alphabet!  Mrs. Sutherland introduced the partner letters "p, b" and “t, d” using the Lively Letters strategy. You can view the videos with your child. They are posted in the google classroom.  Ask your child about the "super star" that says its sound "louder" and "longer" than the others; and how to "tap and sweep" to read letters that make a word!!

Finally, our Indigenous artwork inspired by Norvan Morrisseau is complete and proudly displayed on our bulletin board for the school to enjoy!

Just a reminder, as a class, we will be exploring themes of friendship, love and kindness as we approach Valentine's Day, but we will NOT be exchanging pre-made cards or treats at school. Our learning time during the day is short and we want each child to contribute to an inclusive whole group lesson and intentional friendship activity. Students will bring home their special must-do activity ahead of Teacher's Convention to share with families! We appreciate your understanding and support!

Please do not send Valentine Cards or treats to school.

Important Kindergarten Dates

Monday, Feb. 10 - Library Day - return books in their plastic protective bags

Thursday & Friday, Feb. 13, 14 - No School - Teachers' Convention

Monday, Feb. 17 - No School - Family Day

Classes Resume, Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Friday, Feb. 21 - PM Kindergarten attends 

Link to our Simons Valley School calendar: Click Here

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