Hello and welcome to our classroom blog!

I will always email you when I've updated it so you're not constantly checking for updates.  I usually email on Fridays, and will try and keep you posted as soon as possible for happenings in our classroom.

This first full week will be super busy!  Our students have done a great job jumping into the routine of things, like lining up outside when the bell rings and handing in their agendas at the beginning of the morning.  We’ve even done well with trying to keep our new desks neat and tidy, and having all our supplies in order!

In Language Arts, we are starting with reviewing our letter sounds, and beginning our printing.  Today, the students also wrote 5 sight words in their agendas.  Each week, we will practice these sight words and we ask that you PLEASE practice them at home! Occasionally, students will bring home work sheets regarding the sight words, and we ask that you take a moment and have the students read with you at home.  The goal is for students to be able to read and recognize these words quickly- without having to sound them out (as many of them will not follow phonetic rules).  Our home reading program will start in October. 

In Math, to prepare us for our Number sense unit, we are starting with numbers 1-10 both printing and representing.  We will soon begin patterns as well.  In Science we kicked off our study of Colours, and discussed colours in nature as well as manufactured colours.  We have two guest teachers this week as well. Mrs. Kitagawa our school counsellor is coming to talk to us tomorrow about friendships, and Mrs. Baker our school’s Learning Coach is coming on Wednesday to give us a sensory lesson.  This lesson is to teach the kids how to prepare themselves for learning, and how to recognize what kind of learner they are.  We’re really looking forward to both of these teachers coming in, and it’s a great way for the students to meet them as well.

Thanks to those parents and families who were able to make it out for Meet the Teacher night last week! We’ve got an exciting bunch of kids in room 15, and I am so looking forward to a great year! In our class, we have 10 girls and 9 boys:
           

Addison                      Alex

Eva                              Cale

Greta                           Colin

Hailey                          Drew

Julia                             Gavin

Kaydance                    Joshua

Kenley                         Kaden

Lucy                            Lukas

Madison                      Straduss     
        Sariah

This year, we do NOT have any peanut allergies, so we are not a peanut free zone. Feel free to pack PB and Js!  Thanks to those parents who have signed up to bring snacks for parties!  If you haven’t yet, please sign up outside the classroom door to help bring snacks and treats for parties throughout the year! When it comes time, you will receive a reminder for what you’ve signed up for. 

Also, thanks for filling out and returning all the forms that were sent out at the beginning of the week! I know that the first week of school is often filled with lots of paperwork so I appreciate your help with that.  For those of you who signed up as a volunteer, I will contact you on a needs basis for when we could use your help in the room! 

I know that in the past, some Kindergarten teachers have allowed parents to bring cupcakes or special treats to celebrate birthdays.  This year, the Grade One team has asked that parents do not send cupcakes or treats on your child's birthday.  Rest assured, we will make sure that your child's special day is celebrated, and students will do an activity in honour of the birthday person!  We have lots of special days throughout the year where students will have treats, and we wanted to alleviate some of the stress on parents, especially since not all parents are able to bring treats.  Thanks for your understanding!

Stay tuned for details about our Terry Fox Walk on Friday September 21^st!

Here are some important dates to mark on your calendars for the next 2 months:

September
Wednesday September 12^th- School Council Meeting @ 6:30
Thursday September 20^th- Magazine Fundraiser Assembly (time TBA)
Friday September 21^st- Terry Fox Walk


October
Monday October 1^st- “Walk to School” Week begins!
Monday October 8^th- Happy Thanksgiving! No school
Tuesday October 9^th- Professional Learning Day: No School
Wednesday October 10^th- School Council Meeting @ 6:30
Thursday October 18^th- Professional Learning day in the PM-
                                                          students dismissed @ 11:45
Friday October 19^th- Professional Learning Day- No School
Monday October 29^th- Picture Retake Day
Wednesday October 31^st- Happy Halloween! Halloween parade in the pm
                                                               and class party

Remember that you are ALWAYS welcome to stop in and chat! 

Thanks! That’s all for now! Have a wonderful Monday!

-Anna Tsentouros