We've learned puns :D
We hope you have a BEARY Merry Christmas!
See you January 9th!
Thursday 21 December 2017
Beary Christmas!
Hello Families,
We've learned puns :D
We hope you have a BEARY Merry Christmas!
See you January 9th!
We've learned puns :D
We hope you have a BEARY Merry Christmas!
See you January 9th!
Friday 15 December 2017
Home Reading
Hi Everyone,
Could I please ask that everyone exchange their Home Reading before the Winter Break?
It would help put some books back in the Literacy cupboard for others to enjoy, as well keep a fresh selection at home for reading over the break.
Thank you!
Ms. Thomas
Could I please ask that everyone exchange their Home Reading before the Winter Break?
It would help put some books back in the Literacy cupboard for others to enjoy, as well keep a fresh selection at home for reading over the break.
Thank you!
Ms. Thomas
Tuesday 12 December 2017
Frida Kahlo Exhibition - Glenbow Museum
Hi Families,
An exciting announcement given our latest artist study!
The Glenbow Museum will be hosting a new exhibit in February - Frida Kahlo: Her Photos.
Here is the announcement link for more: information: https://twitter.com/Glenbow/status/940677820941877248
Sounds like a great way to spend a frosty February day!
Please consider calling the Glenbow first, or checking back to the website, to ensure the exhibition is appropriate for all family members.
Ms. Thomas
An exciting announcement given our latest artist study!
The Glenbow Museum will be hosting a new exhibit in February - Frida Kahlo: Her Photos.
Here is the announcement link for more: information: https://twitter.com/Glenbow/status/940677820941877248
Sounds like a great way to spend a frosty February day!
Please consider calling the Glenbow first, or checking back to the website, to ensure the exhibition is appropriate for all family members.
Ms. Thomas
Monday 11 December 2017
Winter Concert Details
Hello parents!
Our Winter Concert is just over one week away!
Students performing in the 6:00 show (Mumford, Arnold, Loewen, Link, Green, Brown, Midgley,) need to arrive at school at 5:40 pm on Thursday Dec. 14.
Students performing in the 7:30 show (Burnham, Grant, Morden, Bouchard, Gray, Thomas, Ireland) need to arrive at school at 7:10 pm on Thursday Dec. 14.
Students in Grades 1-4 can wear what they like to the concert. No hats please so we can see everyone’s smiling faces when they are on the stage!
Thank you for your support, the student’s are very excited!
Julie Kawchuk
Jrhayneskawc@cbe.ab.ca
*For details about tickets, please see next blog post*
*For details about tickets, please see next blog post*
Winter Concert Tickets
Hello Families,
Winter Concert tickets are coming home today with students.
Winter Concert tickets are coming home today with students.
If you have requested ‘extra’ tickets through the office - and we have been able to meet your request -those extra tickets will be going home Tuesday/Wednesday. We need to see how many tickets come back first.
To that end, please return any tickets that are not going to be used by your family, so we can redistribute them to requested families.
A reminder that all members of your family must have a ticket to attend - even babies and small children that can sit on your lap. The tickets are not only for seats, but help us track number of bodies for fire regulation purposes.
Thank you!
Lake Bonavista School
Wednesday 6 December 2017
Holiday Food Drive
Our school community is supporting this important community project again this year. You can choose to send non-perishable food to school during the month of December and families can bring a food donation to our Winter Concert on December 14.
In Alberta, one in ten individuals experience food insecurity, with 17% of Alberta's children living in food insecure households. In Calgary, 47% of Calgary Food Bank clients are families with children. The Calgary Food Bank is the first line of emergency food support for families and individuals facing crisis.
We can work together to fight hunger. If you, or someone you know needs support with access to food, please contact our school office.
Monday 4 December 2017
Winter Concert Details
Hello parents!
Our Winter Concert is just over one week away!
Students performing in the 6:00 show (Mumford, Arnold, Loewen, Link, Green, Brown, Midgley,) need to arrive at school at 5:40 pm on Thursday Dec. 14.
Students performing in the 7:30 show (Burnham, Grant, Morden, Bouchard, Gray, Thomas, Ireland) need to arrive at school at 7:10 pm on Thursday Dec. 14.
Students in Grades 1-4 can wear what they like to the concert. No hats please so we can see everyone’s smiling faces when they are on the stage!
Thank you for your support, the student’s are very excited!
Julie Kawchuk
Friday 1 December 2017
Friday, December 1st, 2017
Hello Families,
December! Wow! Where does the time go?!
Personally, I count-down until the Winter Solstice on December 21st...the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight hours. After that, the days start getting longer again! Yippee!
Which countdown are you on?
Winter holidays with your children starting December 21st?
Christmas on December 25th?
Celebrating a New Year on December 31st/ January 1st?
Whatever you're counting down 'til, I hope you enjoy all the excitement that this time of year brings with it!
This week, students have been:
- enjoying Mission Impossible in gymnastics. This was our last week of gymnastics. Thank you to the Active Living Committee for organizing our month of gymnastics!
- learning partner balances.
- transferring their understanding of repeating patterns to technology through Scratch Jr.
- transferring their understanding of repeating patterns to art through Pattern Block Patterned Snowflakes.
- producing needle felting masterpieces with Miss Leah from ArtFelt Studios. Thank you to all the volunteers who joined us for this experience! Your gift of time is greatly appreciated!
- predicting how a chosen species of small, crawling or flying animal survives winter by connecting to personal observations, past experiences and knowledge of similar animals.
- confirming their predictions through online research. Ask your child which animal they are researching, and what they have discovered.
- studying the digraph /ch/. Ask your child about Chauncy Chipmunk, his sound and action.
- comparing the two digraphs sounds we've learned about so far.
- assembling their Identity Portrait frames.
- integrating their self-identified goals for portrait sketching into a good copy.
- learning how to sketch hair.
- analyzing their portrait work to date.
- identifying details to be added or modified in their final self-portraits: "Making It Me"
Some important dates to remember:
- Friday, December 8th, PD Day. No school for students.
- Winter Concert on Thursday, December 14th. Details to follow.
- Thursday, December 21st, Last Day of Classes.
- Friday, December 22nd, Non-Instructional Day. No school for students.
- Monday, January 8th, Non-Instructional Day. No school for students.
- Tuesday, January 9th, Classes Resume.
From December 2nd until January 6th, a special exhibit is showing at the Leighton Art Centre, featuring self-portraits from local junior and senior high school students. If you're looking for something to do one day over the break, this might be of interest following our recent art study:
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas
December! Wow! Where does the time go?!
Personally, I count-down until the Winter Solstice on December 21st...the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight hours. After that, the days start getting longer again! Yippee!
Which countdown are you on?
Winter holidays with your children starting December 21st?
Christmas on December 25th?
Celebrating a New Year on December 31st/ January 1st?
Whatever you're counting down 'til, I hope you enjoy all the excitement that this time of year brings with it!
This week, students have been:
- enjoying Mission Impossible in gymnastics. This was our last week of gymnastics. Thank you to the Active Living Committee for organizing our month of gymnastics!
- learning partner balances.
 |
| Partner Balances - these work best with someone your size-ish :) |
- transferring their understanding of repeating patterns to art through Pattern Block Patterned Snowflakes.
 |
| Spot the patterns! |
- producing needle felting masterpieces with Miss Leah from ArtFelt Studios. Thank you to all the volunteers who joined us for this experience! Your gift of time is greatly appreciated!
 |
| Smitten for Mittens! |
- predicting how a chosen species of small, crawling or flying animal survives winter by connecting to personal observations, past experiences and knowledge of similar animals.
- confirming their predictions through online research. Ask your child which animal they are researching, and what they have discovered.
 |
| Sorting our predictions... |
- studying the digraph /ch/. Ask your child about Chauncy Chipmunk, his sound and action.
- comparing the two digraphs sounds we've learned about so far.
- assembling their Identity Portrait frames.
 |
| Our Identity Wall - a work in progress... |
- integrating their self-identified goals for portrait sketching into a good copy.
- learning how to sketch hair.
- analyzing their portrait work to date.
- identifying details to be added or modified in their final self-portraits: "Making It Me"
Some important dates to remember:
- Friday, December 8th, PD Day. No school for students.
- Winter Concert on Thursday, December 14th. Details to follow.
- Thursday, December 21st, Last Day of Classes.
- Friday, December 22nd, Non-Instructional Day. No school for students.
- Monday, January 8th, Non-Instructional Day. No school for students.
- Tuesday, January 9th, Classes Resume.
From December 2nd until January 6th, a special exhibit is showing at the Leighton Art Centre, featuring self-portraits from local junior and senior high school students. If you're looking for something to do one day over the break, this might be of interest following our recent art study:
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas
Friday 24 November 2017
Friday, November 24th, 2017
Hello Families,
What a funny week with weather! Thank you for always taking into consideration Calgary's unpredictable weather when getting your child ready for school in the morning!
This week, students:
- demonstrated balance, coordination, strength and PERSEVERANCE in gymnastics with the introduction of the Canadian Climber, trestles, ladders, balance beams, ropes and vaulting box.
- were introduced to other animals that hibernate through our weekly poem: hibernation.
- selected a species of local animal to research how they adapt to winter changes.
- continued their work on pattern vocabulary and solving problems with patterns.
- explored Scratch Jr. on the iPads with a partner, in preparation for creating a pattern program.
- extended their sound study into digraphs (a combination of two letters presented as one sound).
- presented with the digraph letters, sound, action and character for /sh/.
- ask your child to share their learning of Sheriff Shad and his Shaggy Sheep at home.
- participated in a Guided Drawing for a fish.
- brainstormed, illustrated and wrote /sh/ words in a Word Work activity.
- put together all their separate portrait lessons to create an initial face.
- identified what they were proud of, and what they wanted to work on in portraits.
In your child's mail folder this evening, please find:
- November and December Scholastic Book Orders. These are the last book orders before winter break. If you would like to order anything as a gift, and keep it a surprise, please send your order forms in a sealed envelope with a note. I will contact you when your order comes in to arrange pick-up. Please note, the deadline for orders is Friday, December 1st (I forgot to change the date stamp when I first stamped them!)
- If you have not done so already, please remember to send in your payment for ArtFelt Studios before Tuesday.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas
What a funny week with weather! Thank you for always taking into consideration Calgary's unpredictable weather when getting your child ready for school in the morning!
This week, students:
- demonstrated balance, coordination, strength and PERSEVERANCE in gymnastics with the introduction of the Canadian Climber, trestles, ladders, balance beams, ropes and vaulting box.
*We have one more week of gymnastics*
*Please continue to send your child "Head to Toe, Ready to Go!"*
- were introduced to other animals that hibernate through our weekly poem: hibernation.
- selected a species of local animal to research how they adapt to winter changes.
- continued their work on pattern vocabulary and solving problems with patterns.
- explored Scratch Jr. on the iPads with a partner, in preparation for creating a pattern program.
- extended their sound study into digraphs (a combination of two letters presented as one sound).
- presented with the digraph letters, sound, action and character for /sh/.
- ask your child to share their learning of Sheriff Shad and his Shaggy Sheep at home.
- participated in a Guided Drawing for a fish.
- brainstormed, illustrated and wrote /sh/ words in a Word Work activity.
- put together all their separate portrait lessons to create an initial face.
- identified what they were proud of, and what they wanted to work on in portraits.
In your child's mail folder this evening, please find:
- November and December Scholastic Book Orders. These are the last book orders before winter break. If you would like to order anything as a gift, and keep it a surprise, please send your order forms in a sealed envelope with a note. I will contact you when your order comes in to arrange pick-up. Please note, the deadline for orders is Friday, December 1st (I forgot to change the date stamp when I first stamped them!)
- If you have not done so already, please remember to send in your payment for ArtFelt Studios before Tuesday.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas
Thursday 23 November 2017
Growing Smiles Fundraiser
Anyone who still wishes to place an order in the Growing Smiles Fundraiser, please do so by Friday November 24th. If paying by cash/cheque please make sure it’s into the school by Friday. You can also pay online with your credit card.
To order visit www.lakebonavistaschool.growingsmilesfundraising.com
Order will be ready for pickup on December 4th.
Thank you to everyone who has already ordered!
School Council
Wednesday 22 November 2017
Spirit Day
Please wear Red or White this Friday, November 24th to support the Calgary Stampeders as they head to the Grey Cup this weekend in Toronto. Watch for more Spirits Day to come in December!
Friday 17 November 2017
Thursday, November 16th, 2017
Hi Families,
Thank you for making the time to come and chat with me at Parent-Teacher conferences. It was wonderful to share the last 3-ish months of learning with you, and celebrate your child's accomplishments and growth. Our next formal communication is through report cards in January, but please do not hesitate to contact me at any time with questions or concerns.
This week, students:
- revisited their prior learning on bats
- learned the term "hibernaculum": a shelter occupied during the winter by dormant animals, such as an insect, snake or bat)
- watched videos of researchers in Ontario examining little brown bats in their hibernaculum, looking for evidence of White Nose Fungus
- discovered the Narcisse Snake Dens (another hibernaculum)
- continued their work on repeating, increasing and/or decreasing patterns
- applied their understanding to problem solving situations
- explored ways to organize their pattern data for personal understanding, and communication to an audience (me! you! their peers!)
- developed a variety of pattern representations (words, numbers, pictures, symbols) to identify pattern rules
- continued exploring gymnastics with the addition of basic equipment including balance beams, foam stairs, wedges, blocks, wheels and cylinders
- practiced safety through control and accuracy of movements, turn-taking and "safety space"
- became familiar with safe dismounts: holding for a count of two to ensure control before transitioning to next movement, and ensuring correct posture for limited knee strain
- examined the art of Frida Kahlo: Self Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird
- made predictions about the symbols, imagery and Kahlo's identity by asking and answering the questions: What do you see? What do you think? What do you wonder?
- read the book "Frida Kahlo: The Artist Who Painted Herself" to gain more information about Frida's life, and see how accurate our predictions were
- made additional connections about Frida Kahlo's identity using "The Frame"
- organized our identity artifacts and began an "identity inventory" to see what we are missing (children will bring home their inventory lists next week)
- Ms. Brown shared her identity portrait example so students could see what a finished portrait and frame will look like
- participated in a "We Are Connected" lesson with Mrs. Jones, our principal
- previewed the Scholastic Book Fair!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas
Thank you for making the time to come and chat with me at Parent-Teacher conferences. It was wonderful to share the last 3-ish months of learning with you, and celebrate your child's accomplishments and growth. Our next formal communication is through report cards in January, but please do not hesitate to contact me at any time with questions or concerns.
This week, students:
- revisited their prior learning on bats
- learned the term "hibernaculum": a shelter occupied during the winter by dormant animals, such as an insect, snake or bat)
- watched videos of researchers in Ontario examining little brown bats in their hibernaculum, looking for evidence of White Nose Fungus
- discovered the Narcisse Snake Dens (another hibernaculum)
- continued their work on repeating, increasing and/or decreasing patterns
- applied their understanding to problem solving situations
- explored ways to organize their pattern data for personal understanding, and communication to an audience (me! you! their peers!)
- developed a variety of pattern representations (words, numbers, pictures, symbols) to identify pattern rules
- continued exploring gymnastics with the addition of basic equipment including balance beams, foam stairs, wedges, blocks, wheels and cylinders
- practiced safety through control and accuracy of movements, turn-taking and "safety space"
- became familiar with safe dismounts: holding for a count of two to ensure control before transitioning to next movement, and ensuring correct posture for limited knee strain
- examined the art of Frida Kahlo: Self Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird
- made predictions about the symbols, imagery and Kahlo's identity by asking and answering the questions: What do you see? What do you think? What do you wonder?
- read the book "Frida Kahlo: The Artist Who Painted Herself" to gain more information about Frida's life, and see how accurate our predictions were
- made additional connections about Frida Kahlo's identity using "The Frame"
- organized our identity artifacts and began an "identity inventory" to see what we are missing (children will bring home their inventory lists next week)
- Ms. Brown shared her identity portrait example so students could see what a finished portrait and frame will look like
- participated in a "We Are Connected" lesson with Mrs. Jones, our principal
- previewed the Scholastic Book Fair!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas
Wednesday 15 November 2017
Early Dismissal
A reminder that tomorrow, Thursday, November 16th is an early dismissal.
Students will be dismissed at 11:38am at their regular doors.
Students still require a snack for the morning.
Thank you!
Ms. Thomas
Students will be dismissed at 11:38am at their regular doors.
Students still require a snack for the morning.
Thank you!
Ms. Thomas
Magnetic Letters
Hi Families,
Do you have a set of magnetic letters floating around at home?
Looking for a different activity to complement Home Reading?
Wondering how you can support your child in their letter, sound and word study?
Here are 25 fun suggestions (click on the image to enlarge):
Do you have a set of magnetic letters floating around at home?
Looking for a different activity to complement Home Reading?
Wondering how you can support your child in their letter, sound and word study?
Here are 25 fun suggestions (click on the image to enlarge):
Friday 10 November 2017
Friday, November 10th, 2017
Hello Families,
Hopefully we're all caught up after the time change. Talking to some of the students, many of us were waking up too early in the morning, and feeling exhausted early in the evening. Hopefully after a restful weekend we'll all be "reset" for Monday :)
This week, students have been:
- building a foundation in gymnastics through animal walks, static balances, weight transfers and rolls.
- creating individual sequences incorporating the above skills.
- demonstrating an understanding of safety and respect for others through personal space and turn taking.
- developing their body awareness, endurance, flexibility and strength.
- using lists and brainstorm webs to organize their ideas on identity.
- sharing their writing with an audience using appropriate volume and pace of voice.
- demonstrating active and respectful listening to their peers.
- connected our understanding of personal identity, to character identity with the book, "Archibald Frisby"
- identifying, reproducing, extending and creating patterns.
- exploring different pattern attributes such as colour, size, direction, shape, image, sound and action.
- translating repeating patterns from one representation to another.
- making connections among concrete, pictorial, symbolic, oral and written ideas in math.
- identifying and naming different 2D shapes.
- creating images from a combination of 2D pattern blocks.
- following online tutorials to draw noses and mouths.
- learning how finishing touches can be added to make a piece of art more detailed.
- stepping back from a work to help judge how it can be improved.
If you'd like to learn about portrait drawing alongside your child, here are the lessons we've done so far:
Face: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbRMCgtcchw
Some reminders for next week:
- Please remember to exchange your child's Home Reading once a week.
- Library exchange is on Tuesday.
- Early Dismissal at 11:38am on Thursday.
- Conferences Thursday from 3:00pm until 7:30pm.
- No School Friday.
- Conferences Friday from 8:00am until 1:00pm.
- Scholastic Book Fair in the Learning Commons during conferences.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas
Hopefully we're all caught up after the time change. Talking to some of the students, many of us were waking up too early in the morning, and feeling exhausted early in the evening. Hopefully after a restful weekend we'll all be "reset" for Monday :)
This week, students have been:
- building a foundation in gymnastics through animal walks, static balances, weight transfers and rolls.
- creating individual sequences incorporating the above skills.
- demonstrating an understanding of safety and respect for others through personal space and turn taking.
- developing their body awareness, endurance, flexibility and strength.
- using lists and brainstorm webs to organize their ideas on identity.
- sharing their writing with an audience using appropriate volume and pace of voice.
- demonstrating active and respectful listening to their peers.
- connected our understanding of personal identity, to character identity with the book, "Archibald Frisby"
- identifying, reproducing, extending and creating patterns.
- exploring different pattern attributes such as colour, size, direction, shape, image, sound and action.
- translating repeating patterns from one representation to another.
- making connections among concrete, pictorial, symbolic, oral and written ideas in math.
- identifying and naming different 2D shapes.
- creating images from a combination of 2D pattern blocks.
- following online tutorials to draw noses and mouths.
- learning how finishing touches can be added to make a piece of art more detailed.
- stepping back from a work to help judge how it can be improved.
If you'd like to learn about portrait drawing alongside your child, here are the lessons we've done so far:
Face: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbRMCgtcchw
Nose. This one is very "rough" but good for teaching the basic nose outline. We did this first so they could compare the two lessons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsSy3d-zpes
Nose. This one is for developing detailed noses. She talks about a blending stump, we used our pinky finger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aai4qPQBaE
Mouth and Lips (no narration): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXv9KzLEZtE&feature=youtu.be
Our other one for mouth/lips, with narration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yidFC1VStEA
Some reminders for next week:
- Please remember to exchange your child's Home Reading once a week.
- Library exchange is on Tuesday.
- Early Dismissal at 11:38am on Thursday.
- Conferences Thursday from 3:00pm until 7:30pm.
- No School Friday.
- Conferences Friday from 8:00am until 1:00pm.
- Scholastic Book Fair in the Learning Commons during conferences.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas
Wednesday 8 November 2017
Nut Aware School
Hello Families,
We are a Nut Aware School. We ask that nuts or food containing nuts are not brought to our school.
This information, as well as additional allergy information, is available on the school website:
http://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/lakebonavista/culture-environment/health-wellness/lunchtime/pages/default.aspx
Thank you!
We are a Nut Aware School. We ask that nuts or food containing nuts are not brought to our school.
This information, as well as additional allergy information, is available on the school website:
http://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/lakebonavista/culture-environment/health-wellness/lunchtime/pages/default.aspx
Thank you!
Tuesday 7 November 2017
Volunteers Needed for Book Fair
Volunteers Needed for Book Fair
We are pleased to be offering a book fair again this year over Parent Teacher Conferences. We are looking for parent volunteers who would be able to help with set up and to help run the fair during conferences.
If you are able to volunteer during any of the time slots below we would greatly appreciate it! Please email Mrs. Green with the time and day you are available to help at pngreen@cbe.ab.ca.
Tuesday, November 14th – 9:00am (set up) (Volunteer 1)
Wednesday, November 15th – (previewing)
8:25am - 11:30am (1 volunteers needed)
Thursday, November 16th (previewing)
8:25am-11:00am (1 volunteers needed)
Thursday, November 16th (purchasing)
3:00pm - 7:00pm (3 volunteers needed)
Friday, November 17th (purchasing)
8:00am-12:00 pm (3 volunteers needed)
Remembrance Day Ceremony
Our school's Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place this Friday, November 10th at 10:15. All are welcome to join us pay our respect to our veterans and current service persons. We will be accepting poppy donations all of this week. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.
Friday 3 November 2017
Inclement Weather, Blue Days and Supervision
CBE schools rarely close due to snow or cold temperatures. Assume that schools are open unless you hear otherwise from your school. Information regarding any school closures due to weather will also be poster on the CBE website, on Twitter (@yyCBEdu) and shared with local news media.
When temperatures reach -20 celcius or colder including the wind-chill factor, it is recommended that students be kept inside for morning supervision, lunch breaks and recess. The -20 celcius guideline is comparable to other school jurisdictions in Alberta and across Canada. This is called a "BLUE DAY".
In the morning, before school begins, students will be notified if it is a "BLUE DAY" through a sign on their normal entry doors. The doors are unlocked for students to enter into the mudrooms and be supervised by a teacher from 8:00am until 8:15am when classes begin. Please remember that supervision (indoor and outdoor) starts at 8:00am. If your child is dropped off earlier, they will be outdoors, unsupervised.
Please take this into consideration when dropping off your child: ensure there is either a supervisor outside (a teacher wearing a fluorescent vest) or the doors are open for "BLUE DAY" entry. Student safety is at the forefront in these circumstances.
Reminder of Winter Weather from CBE: http://www.cbe.ab.ca/schools/busing-and-transportation/Pages/reminder-of-winter-weather.aspx
When temperatures reach -20 celcius or colder including the wind-chill factor, it is recommended that students be kept inside for morning supervision, lunch breaks and recess. The -20 celcius guideline is comparable to other school jurisdictions in Alberta and across Canada. This is called a "BLUE DAY".
In the morning, before school begins, students will be notified if it is a "BLUE DAY" through a sign on their normal entry doors. The doors are unlocked for students to enter into the mudrooms and be supervised by a teacher from 8:00am until 8:15am when classes begin. Please remember that supervision (indoor and outdoor) starts at 8:00am. If your child is dropped off earlier, they will be outdoors, unsupervised.
Please take this into consideration when dropping off your child: ensure there is either a supervisor outside (a teacher wearing a fluorescent vest) or the doors are open for "BLUE DAY" entry. Student safety is at the forefront in these circumstances.
Reminder of Winter Weather from CBE: http://www.cbe.ab.ca/schools/busing-and-transportation/Pages/reminder-of-winter-weather.aspx
Friday, November 3rd, 2017
Hi Families,
This week students have been:
- thinking critically about art by choosing two famous self-portraits and talking about similarities and differences. Students used art specific vocabulary such as cubism, realism surrealism as well as described different art methods to support their observations.
- developing their art skills through online lessons focusing on specific portrait features, including face shape and eyes.
- solving math problems that include growing patterns, and developing their reasoning and communication skills through pictures and words, explaining how they extended the pattern, and what the pattern rule was.
- applying strategies for spelling, including using tools in the classroom such as letter/sound visuals, brainstorm webs, sentence stems, word lists and personal dictionaries to write their October letter home.
- identifying personal areas of growth for their monthly goals.
- performing and refining movement skills in soccer to include dribbling, trapping, passing and pick ups with a teammate.
In your child's mail folder this evening, please find:
- Poetry Folder: Students LOVE Maurice Sendak's Chicken Soup with Rice poem, and we hope you do too!
- October Letters: Thank you for writing your child back in September. It gave them incredible motivation for their October letter. Please take a moment to write back again this month.
Reminders for next week:
- Gymnastics begin on Monday. Please see the additional blog note regarding gymnastic safety.
- Library exchange on Tuesday.
- Please ensure you are exchanging your child's Home Reading once a week.
Now that the cold weather is here, please see the additional blog note regarding BLUE DAYS.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and remember to set your clocks back!
Ms. Thomas
This week students have been:
- thinking critically about art by choosing two famous self-portraits and talking about similarities and differences. Students used art specific vocabulary such as cubism, realism surrealism as well as described different art methods to support their observations.
- developing their art skills through online lessons focusing on specific portrait features, including face shape and eyes.
- solving math problems that include growing patterns, and developing their reasoning and communication skills through pictures and words, explaining how they extended the pattern, and what the pattern rule was.
- applying strategies for spelling, including using tools in the classroom such as letter/sound visuals, brainstorm webs, sentence stems, word lists and personal dictionaries to write their October letter home.
- identifying personal areas of growth for their monthly goals.
- performing and refining movement skills in soccer to include dribbling, trapping, passing and pick ups with a teammate.
In your child's mail folder this evening, please find:
- Poetry Folder: Students LOVE Maurice Sendak's Chicken Soup with Rice poem, and we hope you do too!
- October Letters: Thank you for writing your child back in September. It gave them incredible motivation for their October letter. Please take a moment to write back again this month.
Reminders for next week:
- Gymnastics begin on Monday. Please see the additional blog note regarding gymnastic safety.
- Library exchange on Tuesday.
- Please ensure you are exchanging your child's Home Reading once a week.
Now that the cold weather is here, please see the additional blog note regarding BLUE DAYS.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and remember to set your clocks back!
Ms. Thomas
Thursday 2 November 2017
MAPSS Casino
M.A.P.S.S. has secured a casino on Nov 7th and 8th and is in urgent need of volunteers to help run the event. M.A.P.S.S. provides us with funding for Montessori materials as well as other support to all three public Montessori schools here in Calgary.
They would love to have you help out and meet other Montessori parents while working a casino. There are a multitude of positions available and no experience is necessary. A meal is also provided as a thank you.
Please visit the website below and help MAPSS support your school.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080e48aea623a2f85-deerfoot
Wednesday 1 November 2017
Gymnastics
We will begin gymnastics in our regularly scheduled gym classes on Monday, November 6th. The gymnastics unit will last approximately four weeks. Safety routines, cooperation and good sportsmanship are taught and reviewed in each class.
This physical activity opportunity will help students acquire individual skills through a variety of developmentally appropriate movement activities.
It is important for students to come to school prepared for being actively engaged. The following guidelines are very helpful…
HEAD TO TOE - READY TO GO!!!
Head ....................... long hair pulled back
Ears/Throat/Wrist ............... jewellery off
Shirt.................................. one layer shirt
Waist ................................................tucked in
Pants.........................sporty pants or shorts, no belts or zippers
Ankles..........................pants rolled up if ankles are covered
Toes...............running shoes, gymnastic slippers or bare feet
“Playing & moving safely is everyone’s responsibility”
Book Fair Volunteers Needed
We are pleased to be offering a book fair again this year over Parent Teacher Conferences. We are looking for parent volunteers who would be able to help with set up and to help run the fair during conferences.
If you are able to volunteer during any of the time slots below we would greatly appreciate it! Please email Mrs. Green with the time and day you are available to help at pngreen@cbe.ab.ca.
Tuesday, November 14th – 9:00am (set up)
Wednesday, November 15th – (previewing)
8:25am - 11:30am (2 volunteers needed)
12:30pm - 2:25pm (2 volunteers needed)
Thursday, November 16th (previewing)
8:25am-11:00am (2 volunteers needed)
Thursday, November 16th (purchasing)
3:00pm - 7:00pm (3 volunteers needed)
Friday, November 17th (purchasing)
8:00am-12:00 pm (3 volunteers needed)
Monday 30 October 2017
Identity Portrait - Celebrations and Traditions
Hi Everyone,
In your child's mail folder tonight, please find a notice regarding our latest identity exploration: celebrations and traditions. This is the second-last component before we begin our culminating art project.
Students will be putting together the skills they are learning in art for developing a self-portrait, as well as connecting to an artist study for inspiration, and our lessons to understand their personal identity to develop something like this (I drew it quickly for the students today so they could understand where the artifacts and photos are ending up):
This is a VERY rough sketch of our final product: an Identity Portrait. Students will be completing a version of this project IN CLASS, so please continue to send in artifacts and photos ONLY. Thank you for supporting our multi-disciplinary exploration into identity!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Ms. Thomas
In your child's mail folder tonight, please find a notice regarding our latest identity exploration: celebrations and traditions. This is the second-last component before we begin our culminating art project.
Students will be putting together the skills they are learning in art for developing a self-portrait, as well as connecting to an artist study for inspiration, and our lessons to understand their personal identity to develop something like this (I drew it quickly for the students today so they could understand where the artifacts and photos are ending up):
This is a VERY rough sketch of our final product: an Identity Portrait. Students will be completing a version of this project IN CLASS, so please continue to send in artifacts and photos ONLY. Thank you for supporting our multi-disciplinary exploration into identity!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Ms. Thomas
Friday 27 October 2017
Friday, October 27th, 2017
Hi Everyone,
Thank you to all the families who were able to come and be in the audience for our assembly. We felt so proud to be able to share our learning with you!
In addition to practicing for our assembly, this week the students have been:
- comparing the needs and characteristics of bats and birds using Venn Diagrams.
- differentiating between owls and bats using their understanding of birds and mammals.
- exploring identity by sharing their names stories, family stories and artifacts, and beginning the conversation about celebrations and traditions.
- exploring shapes and colour by investigating the combinations of ways they can make a tower with three different coloured blocks.
- learning to track and organize their work for communication to an audience.
- developing systematic approaches to problem solving
- reasoning and justifying their strategies and conclusions.
- comparing different self-portraits from famous artists, making connections to their prior learning, and thinking critically about which features are realistic.
- developing their understanding of letter/sound relationship through a variety of word work activities.
- some students were challenged to think of adjective/noun pairs that match their intials - what can you come up with?
A busy, productive week!
On Tuesday, Lake Bonavista School will celebrate Halloween. We ask that costumes demonstrate the fun part of dressing up; costumes should be positive in nature. Costumes that promote violence are not appropriate for school. Fake blood, weapons and so on may not be sent as a part of your child’s costume. Costumes need to be easy to pull over clothes and simple to put on after lunch.
The official Lake Bonavista Halloween Schedule for Tuesday, October 31st:
Thank you to all the families who were able to come and be in the audience for our assembly. We felt so proud to be able to share our learning with you!
In addition to practicing for our assembly, this week the students have been:
- comparing the needs and characteristics of bats and birds using Venn Diagrams.
- differentiating between owls and bats using their understanding of birds and mammals.
- exploring identity by sharing their names stories, family stories and artifacts, and beginning the conversation about celebrations and traditions.
- exploring shapes and colour by investigating the combinations of ways they can make a tower with three different coloured blocks.
- learning to track and organize their work for communication to an audience.
- developing systematic approaches to problem solving
- reasoning and justifying their strategies and conclusions.
- comparing different self-portraits from famous artists, making connections to their prior learning, and thinking critically about which features are realistic.
- developing their understanding of letter/sound relationship through a variety of word work activities.
- some students were challenged to think of adjective/noun pairs that match their intials - what can you come up with?
A busy, productive week!
On Tuesday, Lake Bonavista School will celebrate Halloween. We ask that costumes demonstrate the fun part of dressing up; costumes should be positive in nature. Costumes that promote violence are not appropriate for school. Fake blood, weapons and so on may not be sent as a part of your child’s costume. Costumes need to be easy to pull over clothes and simple to put on after lunch.
The official Lake Bonavista Halloween Schedule for Tuesday, October 31st:
9:00 - 9:30 Kindergarten (am) will complete their Halloween parade accompanied by the 5/6's.
12:28 - 2:00 Kindergarten (pm) to grades 3/4 can change into their costumes and participate in classroom celebrations.
1:40 - 1:55 Recess.
2:00 - 2:30 Halloween Parade begins (parents in the gym).
2:30 - 2:43 Head back to class and get organized for dismissal.
*If parents want to take their children home right after the parade, that is fine, they just need to sign them out at the office, and sign them off off their bus if applicable*
If this attention to Halloween is contrary to your family values, please contact the teacher so alternative learning activities for your child can be provided.
On the following Wednesday, November 1st, we will be having a PJ and Literacy Day. Students are invited to wear their pyjamas and bring either a stuffy or blanket or pillow for the day. They will also have opportunities through the day to explore literacy in different forms: books, comics, board games...if your child would like to bring any of these for sharing, please ensure they are labeled with their name. Thank you!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas
On the following Wednesday, November 1st, we will be having a PJ and Literacy Day. Students are invited to wear their pyjamas and bring either a stuffy or blanket or pillow for the day. They will also have opportunities through the day to explore literacy in different forms: books, comics, board games...if your child would like to bring any of these for sharing, please ensure they are labeled with their name. Thank you!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas
Friday 20 October 2017
Identity Portrait: Family
Hello Families,
Today, students in rooms 8 and 11 continued to explore the different factors that contribute to identity, by examining family. We watched "The Big Book of Families" as a read-aloud to see how families are different, and get ideas about how they shape our identity.
You can watch it together here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDpckrBl0S8
Afterwards, Ms. Brown and Ms. Thomas told stories about their families and gave ideas of artifacts that they would use for their own Identity Portrait project:
Ms. Brown's story: "Soccer (or football) was always something my dad and I shared, watching EPL, playing, etc. so I would bring a picture of a soccer ball or jersey. My mom has always embraced her Italian side, so I would use a picture of pasta (or even real pasta!) and a lyric from the song “mumbo italiano” as it was a song we always sung together while cooking. I would bring a dog tag from my dog, Sunny. I would also bring a piece of bark from nature as spending time outside with my family shaped my childhood. Last, I would bring an emblem of Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, as they are symbolic of England and I remember first visiting them and feeling connected to my family history."
Ms. Thomas's story: "I would bring a picture of my family: Mom, Dad, my brother and me. My Dad is from Wales, so I would bring a picture of the dragon from the flag of Wales, as well as a label from a mint sauce bottle. My Dad puts mint sauce on everything when we have a roast, and now I do too! My Mom is from Saskatchewan, so I would bring some wheat. I am from the maritimes so I would bring some shells to represent the ocean. My family is military, and we lived a lot of different places in Canada, so I would bring a small map of Canada with dots for all the places I've lived. My Mom and I like to travel together, so I would take a picture of the memory books I made for her. We also like to garden together, so I would use a seed packet to represent that. My Dad and I build things together, so I would bring some wood screws, and a picture of my Dad with my shed from this summer".
Students are bringing home a notice requesting pictures and artifacts about their family. There are some questions to help guide you in your selection, and you can use Ms. Brown and my stories to help you also think of ideas. These pictures and/or artifacts will be glued to a final Identity Portrait, so please read the criteria on the notice carefully.
If your can bring their artifacts early next week, it would be appreciated. Over the next 4 weeks (ish) we will be collecting different stories and artifacts to support a culminating task. Your support is appreciated.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas
Today, students in rooms 8 and 11 continued to explore the different factors that contribute to identity, by examining family. We watched "The Big Book of Families" as a read-aloud to see how families are different, and get ideas about how they shape our identity.
You can watch it together here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDpckrBl0S8
Afterwards, Ms. Brown and Ms. Thomas told stories about their families and gave ideas of artifacts that they would use for their own Identity Portrait project:
Ms. Brown's story: "Soccer (or football) was always something my dad and I shared, watching EPL, playing, etc. so I would bring a picture of a soccer ball or jersey. My mom has always embraced her Italian side, so I would use a picture of pasta (or even real pasta!) and a lyric from the song “mumbo italiano” as it was a song we always sung together while cooking. I would bring a dog tag from my dog, Sunny. I would also bring a piece of bark from nature as spending time outside with my family shaped my childhood. Last, I would bring an emblem of Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, as they are symbolic of England and I remember first visiting them and feeling connected to my family history."
Ms. Thomas's story: "I would bring a picture of my family: Mom, Dad, my brother and me. My Dad is from Wales, so I would bring a picture of the dragon from the flag of Wales, as well as a label from a mint sauce bottle. My Dad puts mint sauce on everything when we have a roast, and now I do too! My Mom is from Saskatchewan, so I would bring some wheat. I am from the maritimes so I would bring some shells to represent the ocean. My family is military, and we lived a lot of different places in Canada, so I would bring a small map of Canada with dots for all the places I've lived. My Mom and I like to travel together, so I would take a picture of the memory books I made for her. We also like to garden together, so I would use a seed packet to represent that. My Dad and I build things together, so I would bring some wood screws, and a picture of my Dad with my shed from this summer".
Students are bringing home a notice requesting pictures and artifacts about their family. There are some questions to help guide you in your selection, and you can use Ms. Brown and my stories to help you also think of ideas. These pictures and/or artifacts will be glued to a final Identity Portrait, so please read the criteria on the notice carefully.
If your can bring their artifacts early next week, it would be appreciated. Over the next 4 weeks (ish) we will be collecting different stories and artifacts to support a culminating task. Your support is appreciated.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas
Halloween
With Halloween just around the corner, I'd like to share with you the official Lake Bonavista Halloween Schedule for Tuesday, October 31st:
9:00 - 9:30 Kindergarten (am) will complete their Halloween parade accompanied by the 5/6's.
12:28 - 2:00 Kindergarten (pm) to grades 3/4 can change into their costumes and participate in classroom celebrations.
1:40 - 1:55 Recess.
2:00 - 2:30 Halloween Parade begins (parents in the gym).
2:30 - 2:43 Head back to class and get organized for dismissal.
*If parents want to take their children home right after the parade, that is fine, they just need to sign them out at the office, and sign them off off their bus if applicable*
Thursday 19 October 2017
October Scholastic
October Scholastic Book orders are due tomorrow. If you would like to order, payment is available online or cheque. Please remember to send in your completed order form.
Bat Basics
Hi Families,
Today we had Katrina from the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation in to teach us about local species of bats. We learned:
"White nosed fungus can wake up bats during hibernation because it makes their nose itchy"
"Predators like dogs and cats can attack bats so you should keep them inside or put them on a leash"
"Bats have long fingers and the skin that forms their wings goes from their fingers all the way to their ankles"
"Bats eat insects, especially mosquitos, grasshoppers and moths"
"Baby bats hang from the tree or cave wall waiting for the mother to feed them. They are too heavy"
"Chemicals like bug spray can make bats sick"
"We should build bat boxes so when they have babies they are protected"
"Humans are a bats biggest problem because they can carry the white nosed fungus on shoes"
"If you know bats are hibernating, don't go near them, because you might wake them up and then they will starve"
"Bats can eat 3000 mosquitos every night"
"One kind of bat can swim, but it doesn't live in Alberta"
"Bats in Alberta mostly eat insects"
"Bats can get into attics because of small holes. You should not touch the bat, you should call an expert to help you"
"If you go in a cave, you should clean your shoes in case of white nosed fungus"
"Bats have fingers, they are inside their wings"
"One type of bat eats scorpions, but they don't get poisoned"
"Bats only live to about 2 years old, even though they can live until 30"
Most of all, we learned that bats need our help. There are many problems facing bats, but the good news is that there are also many solutions. The students came up with:
Many students are interested in visiting the AIWC. Luckily, they are having a "Talk n' Tour" on November 5th. Here is the link for more information: http://www.aiwc.ca/news-and-events/upcoming-events/
Last, students are coming home with a magnet with the AIWC's contact information in case you ever find a wild animal in need.
Have a wonderful evening!
Ms. Thomas
Today we had Katrina from the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation in to teach us about local species of bats. We learned:
"White nosed fungus can wake up bats during hibernation because it makes their nose itchy"
"Predators like dogs and cats can attack bats so you should keep them inside or put them on a leash"
"Bats have long fingers and the skin that forms their wings goes from their fingers all the way to their ankles"
"Bats eat insects, especially mosquitos, grasshoppers and moths"
"Baby bats hang from the tree or cave wall waiting for the mother to feed them. They are too heavy"
"Chemicals like bug spray can make bats sick"
"We should build bat boxes so when they have babies they are protected"
"Humans are a bats biggest problem because they can carry the white nosed fungus on shoes"
"If you know bats are hibernating, don't go near them, because you might wake them up and then they will starve"
"Bats can eat 3000 mosquitos every night"
"One kind of bat can swim, but it doesn't live in Alberta"
"Bats in Alberta mostly eat insects"
"Bats can get into attics because of small holes. You should not touch the bat, you should call an expert to help you"
"If you go in a cave, you should clean your shoes in case of white nosed fungus"
"Bats have fingers, they are inside their wings"
"One type of bat eats scorpions, but they don't get poisoned"
"Bats only live to about 2 years old, even though they can live until 30"
Most of all, we learned that bats need our help. There are many problems facing bats, but the good news is that there are also many solutions. The students came up with:
Many students are interested in visiting the AIWC. Luckily, they are having a "Talk n' Tour" on November 5th. Here is the link for more information: http://www.aiwc.ca/news-and-events/upcoming-events/
Last, students are coming home with a magnet with the AIWC's contact information in case you ever find a wild animal in need.
Have a wonderful evening!
Ms. Thomas
Wednesday 18 October 2017
Name Stories - Identity
Each afternoon, a few students have been presenting their name stories to the class.
So far, we have heard that our classmates' names mean:
A narrow in the land.
Gift of God.
Ruler of the house.
Champion or winner.
A flower.
Farmer.
Strong willed warrior.
Please continue to send in your child's name stories for sharing, we love hearing them!
So far, we have heard that our classmates' names mean:
A narrow in the land.
Gift of God.
Ruler of the house.
Champion or winner.
A flower.
Farmer.
Strong willed warrior.
Please continue to send in your child's name stories for sharing, we love hearing them!
Rectangles
Brains Grow and Change: The Math Myth https://vimeo.com/224719652
As a class, we continue to explore shape. We did an activity called Framing Rectangles which help make space for young mathematicians to count, describe shapes, explore ideas, build with square tiles, investigate conjectures, organize findings, add and takeaway square tiles, and record ideas with visuals.
As a class, we continue to explore shape. We did an activity called Framing Rectangles which help make space for young mathematicians to count, describe shapes, explore ideas, build with square tiles, investigate conjectures, organize findings, add and takeaway square tiles, and record ideas with visuals.
Bats!
Hi Families,
Yesterday, students were shown a picture of a bat and asked:
Through a quick survey, we found out that some of us had never seen a bat before:
Today, in preparation for our visit from the Alberta Institute of Wildlife Conservation, students shared their wonderings about bats which included questions about flight, being nocturnal, life cycles, echolocation and how they survive winter. We look forward to gathering information tomorrow.
"What do you feel?"
"What do you think?"
"What does it remind you of?"
"What makes you say/feel that?"
It seems a lot of us feel scared or nervous when we see a bat because of it's physical characteristics and the way they move. Many of us also associate bats with vampires and spooky stories.
Later, we read the story "Stellaluna" about a little bat who gets separated from her family, and lives with birds for a short time. We found out that there are a lot of difference between bats and birds. We liked how the author created a fiction story that still gave us real information.
Today, in preparation for our visit from the Alberta Institute of Wildlife Conservation, students shared their wonderings about bats which included questions about flight, being nocturnal, life cycles, echolocation and how they survive winter. We look forward to gathering information tomorrow.
If you have no already done so, please make sure you send in your child's payment for ArtFelt Studios and Bat Basics presentation.
Thank you everyone!
Ms. Thomas
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