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

September/ October Flyer

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.ca 

Mrs. Wiskar: mjwiskar@cbe.ab.ca

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.ca 

Mrs. Wiskar: mjwiskar@cbe.ab.ca

Sept 8-12, 2025

September is an exciting month in Kindergarten! This week, we learned new routines to help everything run smoothly. Students are now part of special teacher teams, practicing independence, and asking for help when needed.

Each child will have an assigned hook for their belongings and they are learning how to manage their indoor and outdoor shoes. We also check our visual schedule every day. It’s wonderful to see everyone eager to learn, make friends, and try new things!

On Monday, we celebrated the upcoming International Dot Day! We read "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds, about Vashti, who begins her art with just one dot. As she keeps creating, her confidence and imagination grow! We learned that everyone can be an artist and that a single dot can spark endless possibilities. We also looked at colourful artwork by Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist famous for her polka dots. The best part is: WE ARE ALL ARTISTS!

This month, we’re focusing on understanding what makes each of us unique. The children are creating self-portraits with paint and ripped paper to go on the cover of their visual journals. We used small mirrors and several stories to help them explore their features and express themselves.

Most of your child’s  work will be completed in their journals, which will be a special keepsake of their kindergarten year. Don’t worry if your child isn’t bringing home many papers—their journals hold all their artwork and memories!

We’re excited to share all our artwork on Thursday, September 25th!

We loved the Dot Day song this week—try singing it at home!

Quick Reminders:

Our snack time is short- we usually have about 5-10 minutes to eat. Please send 1 healthy snack (no candy or chocolate); water only (no juice, milk or yogurt drinks). 

Also- NO NUTS, peanut butter, Nutella or other nut products please- thank you!

 

Please leave an extra set of clothes in your child's backpack

for your child in the event of an accident or snack spill- Thank you!

 

Don't Forget- School Pictures are on 

Monday September 15, 2025!!!

Important Kindergarten Dates...

Monday, Sept. 15 - School Pictures

Friday, Sept. 19 - AM Kindergarten attends

Thursday, Sept. 25 - Terry Fox Run

Thursday Sept. 25 - Kindergarten "Meet the Teacher" Night

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.ca 

Mrs. Wiskar: mjwiskar@cbe.ab.ca