Happy Valentine’s Day!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! 

Merry Christmas!

We remember …

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Hallowe’en!

mathville.com
The password is numbers, and the log on code is fun87.  This is a great math website for grade 1 students.  Have fun!  Please keep this password and log on code handy near your computer so you can just click on the link to the left of our class webpage and continue from there.

It is with great enthusiasm that I begin the 2011-2012 school year as your child’s grade one teacher!  During our first few weeks I am looking forward to getting to know my new group of children.  If I have not already done so, I hope to meet you soon! 

I would like to explain some of the routines and requirements for your child this year. 

*  Library class will be every Day 4 (usually Thursday) with our new Vice Principal Mrs. Johnston.  It is very important that the children learn to return their books on time so that they will have full Library privileges.

*  Physical Education will be taught in the gym on Days 2 and 5 (usually Tuesdays and Fridays) by Mr. Munroe.  We will also have a 20 minute period of Daily Quality Physical Activity (DQPA) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.  Your child will need a pair of light-soled or labelled non-marking soled gym shoes which will be worn at all times inside the school, as the children remove their outdoor shoes on entering the school building.  VELCRO CLOSURE OR TIGHT FITTING ATHLETIC SLIP-ONS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR GRADE ONE.  It has been my experience that most grade one children have great difficulty in properly tying laces independently each time they come inside!  Often the laces end up knotted and/or untied and become a safety issue for the children.

*  French will be with Mme. Stennett.

*  Science will be with Mrs. Marshall.

*  Music will be with Mrs. Belicka. 

I am sending a reminder list of the supplies requested for our class.  School supplies get used up or misplaced by the children throughout the year.  I will stress with the children that they look after their supplies carefully, but they will frequently require additional supplies to replace old or misplaced ones (especially pencils and erasers).  Please send only a few pencils and erasers at a time, keep a reserve at home for when your child runs out, and check with your child often to see if they need anything. 

All supplies and clothing (ex. running shoes, shoes, boots, hats, coats, etc.) should be permanently marked with your child’s name or initials.  I have somewhat of a supply of “extra” size 6-6x clothes for accidents such as spills, mud, etc. If anyone has some pants, underwear or socks they’d like to donate to the classroom, please send them in with a note.  If your child does not fit these sizes, it is recommended that they have a labelled change of clothes at school.  Please put them in a labelled bag for easy storage.

:(    It is school policy that toys be left at home as they are easily misplaced or damaged when among so many children. 

:)   If your child wishes to bring sports equipment to school (ex. skipping rope, ball, etc.) please make sure they are permanently marked with your child’s name or initials. 

Throughout the year as a part of our Healthy Living curriculum, I will be stressing proper nutrition as we learn about the four food groups.  First Nutrition Break will be our “Healthy Snacks” time, and Second Break will be our “Lunch and Dessert” time (Pizza is second break on Fridays as well.) .  I would appreciate it if you would keep this in mind when packing snacks and lunches.  Glass containers are not recommended in lunches because of safety reasons.  Please pre-peel or slice oranges. 

****  Please remember we are a nut-aware school, and snacks containing peanuts, nuts or “may contain traces of nuts/peanuts” will be sent back home.  We have severe peanut allergies in our class/school, and staff and student monitors will be regularly checking snacks and lunches.  Any food which has been manufactured in a factory that processes nuts will be sent home as well. Please check labels carefully, as we have student lives that depend upon it. 

I am encouraging any treats that are sent to school for birthdays, holidays, etc. be of the “non-food” variety.  Children love to receive pencils, erasers, stickers, etc.  Please note that no food items will be distributed among the class this year unless they are clearly marked with the “peanut-free” symbol.

Please keep me advised of current, as well as any changes, in transportation arrangements, medical or personal needs.  A note from a parent is appreciated whenever there is a change in the regular routine as well (ex. leaving early due to an appt.)

I plan to include our class newsletters on our school website:  www.tapsfalcons.com .  It is a very user friendly site - please check it out! 

This year will be such a wonderful year of changes for your child.  Please feel free to phone me about any concerns during the year, at school (519-682-2260) or home (519-682-0442).  If we can work together with your child’s best interests at heart, your child will truly benefit.  I look forward to working with you in helping your child have a successful and enjoyable grade one experience!  I sincerely thank you in advance for your cooperation and support.

Welcome to Tapsfalcons.com, and welcome to the wonderful world of grade one! 

Grade one is such a year of exciting changes for your child.  We are going to have a great year - the children are so eager to learn!  As we work together to help make all these changes happen, remember to celebrate the little moments - the first book your child can read all by him/herself, a first tooth lost, the first time your child ties his/her own shoes, the first note your child writes to you to remind you to buy milk (or cookies!), etc. etc!