Monday – Drop off and Pick up at Brae Island. We’ll walk to the Kwantlen Cultural Centre to participate in their Earth Day stations and presentations.
Tuesday – at CV Park. We’ll hike to the racetrack for a look at this historical use of the park.
Wednesday – at FLE.
Thursday – at FLE. Library and Home Reading book exchange.
Friday – at FLE. Due to my absence, students will learn at school.
Looking at the rainy forecast for Monday gives me a mixed feeling – relieved that the sun will not pose a safety risk to our students who may be curious about the eclipse, but disappointed our beautiful Friday weather isn’t sticking around.
We’re taking no chances in case the sun peeks out around eclipse time, so all classes will be in the forest under the tree canopy. We will discuss the exciting event though, and watch a science video about it when back in class Wednesday!
Last week we found this tree frog demonstrating a perfect example of camouflage. Students measured length with the garden’s daffodils, and we found evidence of beavers at the wetland!
I hope everyone had an awesome spring break and enjoyed the beautiful weather for Easter egg hunting!
On Tuesday, at the new park, please park at the South Valley and walk your child to the picnic shelter near the pond. Ms. Lowden and I will meet you there at drop off and at pick up time. Ms. Lowden is excited to continue teaching 80% of the day for the next 4 weeks.
We made the most of the last days of winter by enjoying the snow at Grouse Mtn. I want to thank all the parents, Ms. Lowden and Ms. Young for helping our kindergartens stay safe and happy on the mountain. Friends teamed up at the new park to build a pretend fire. It was great to meet with all the families last week and share all the progress students have made!
Thank you all so much for your participation in our Cultural Picnic. We had so much food! It was a special day. We’re looking forward to our first bus field trip Monday. It should be a beautiful day on the mountain! It may be self-evident but just a reminder that students DO need to attend their conference. No siblings if possible, please. It is a special time to focus on your kindergartner’s learning and goals.
Diversity is an important topic to teach and celebrate. In our class alone, we have at least 6 different languages spoken, many different types of families and cultures, and of course, each child is unique in their appearance, preferences and abilities. The main teaching message in Kindergarten is that diversity in our classmates should be celebrated and accepted with kindness. It is a chance for them to describe themselves with pride and learn about how others may be similar or different to themselves, yet anyone can be a friend.
Parents accompanying us to Grouse Mtn, please pay program fee on School Cash Online, unless you have been notified that you are one of the free parent volunteers. Thank you!
If you are looking for something to do Monday, check this out at the Fort.
Last week was so beautiful and sunny. We enjoyed making ‘heart art’ and finding signs of spring like these snowdrops.
Student Teacher Ms. Lowden returns this week for her long practicum. She’ll be gradually increasing the amount of time she teaches and will be included in all school activities. We welcome her back!
Please return the green Family Reflection Sheets this week. They are needed for report card preparation.
Culture week was a big success. It is so important to embrace our diversity as a country of many cultures! We will continue learning about diversity for the rest of the month, with a focus on knowing and appreciating yourself, your family, and others. Kindness and friendship is something we all need, no matter who we are!
Thank you to the parents who are available to help at Grouse Mtn. The first 2 to respond are free: Taylyr and Chelsea. Rafael/Nadia, Natalie and Ally are also joining us, paying their own way. More are welcome! We do not have room on the bus for parents.
Scholastic Book Fair in the library all week. Open before and after school. Recess too.
With the warm weather last week, we checked out signs of growth in our garden! The groundhog’s prediction of early spring looks promising! At the park, students created cozy dens for animals that hibernate.
This week is all about the amazing diversity of culture that we have in our community! We have a special trip to the Kwantlen Cultural Centre to learn about Kwantlen storytelling, drumming and singing, and activities at school to celebrate and learn about Quebec’s Winter Carnaval and Lunar New Year.
On Tuesday, we will be walking about 2.5 kilometers. Please pack a lighter backpack for the students with just the essentials. Good walking shoes will be appreciated, too.
Monday, Feb. 5 – at the park. Squirrel theme day!
Tuesday, Feb. 6 – Drop off and Pick up at the park. Walking Field Trip.
Wednesday, Feb. 7 – at FLE. Carnaval activities.
Thursday, Feb. 8 – at FLE. Library and Home Reading book exchanges. Improvisation Show and Carnaval activities. Fun lunch and Fancy Dress-Up Day.
Friday, Feb. 9 – at FLE. Morning walk. Afternoon at FLE to celebrate Lunar New Year, the year of the dragon.
Last week, students were fascinated by finding and following tracks in the snow! We made treats to help the birds get through the cold snap as part of learning about animal adaptations to winter.
We’ll be making a mini-migration across the river and building dens for toy animals as we continue learning about animal survival strategies in winter. Groundhog Day provides a fun way to practice math! We’ll graph our predictions, and discuss the coming of spring using probability vocabulary. This week we also host visits from the Fraser River Discovery Centre and Kylie Knowlson, a local teacher and author of the book “Keith Takes A Snow Day”. Book link
