Picture Day Tomorrow!

Hi Families,

Tomorrow is Picture Day! No forms need to be returned, just your best smile!

Ms. Thomas

Friday, September 27th, 2019

Hi Families,

Monday, September 30th is Orange Shirt Day. Within our school community, we come together to learn about our collective history through conversations on the history and impact of Residential Schools in Canada. Our classrooms discussions will be focused on belonging, and what happens when you are made to feel like you don't belong, connecting to our ongoing Circle of Courage. We will also be exploring the story of Phyllis Webstad. We encourage children to wear orange on Monday to acknowledge the day of education and remembrance.

This week, we explored the idea of being a Peace Maker. We looked at some Peace Makers through time, including Maria Montessori, Martin Luther King Jr., Jane Goodall and Gandhi. Through their examples and ideas of peace, students identified how they could be a Peace Maker, writing it on a dove, and adding it to our school tree near the front office.

We also learned about Terry Fox, and tracked his journey on a map of Canada, using excepts from "Terry Fox: A Story of Hope" as well as the Terry Fox Foundation website that has selections from his Marathon of Hope journal: https://www.terryfox.org/terrys-story/journal-map/ Despite the weather not being at its best, students put all their energy into our Terry Fox Run on Thursday. Thank you to the Active Living Committee for organizing such an energizing assembly, and the run itself.

We introduced the idea that these Peace Makers and heroes all show "Generosity": the value of giving back to individuals and the community.

Through Guided Drawing lessons, we are developing a Bullseye Rubric, using exemplars to help identify what is "off target" work, "on target" work and "bullseye" work. Students use this rubric to self-assess, set goals and improve their work. This week, we developed criteria for Colouring and Details/Background.

We started the routine of Classroom Jobs. Students have been assigned a job that contributes to the care of our classroom, and is completed at the end of the day. Ask your child what their first assigned job of the year is.

Thank you to the families who were able to come and visit the classroom during our Open House. Please watch the blog for information regarding a rescheduled date for our Family BBQ.

In your child's mail folder this week:
- Picture Day notice.
- School Council Survey information.
- Poetry Folder. This week's poem: Your Best.
- Math Folder. Please see the introductory letter at the front.

Important upcoming dates:
- Orange Shirt Day: Monday, September 30th.
- Picture Day: Tuesday, October 1st.
- PD Day: Friday, October 11th.
- Thanksgiving (No School): Monday, October 14th.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas

Doors Open YYC - This Weekend!

Hi Families,

This weekend, locations across the city are hosting Doors Open YYC, an opportunity to see Calgary from a new perspective, with special access, insider's views and behind-the-scenes experiences.

Green/Sustainable sites, Historic sites, Food and Drink sites, Science and Technology sites and Amazing Architecture sites...there are a lot of exciting and FREE opportunities for families.

Check it out! https://www.doorsopenyyc.org/sites-directory/

Ms. Thomas

Friday, September 20th, 2019

Hi Families,

This week, we spent some time celebrating "International Dot Day" (September 15) and exploring how the lessons in the story from Peter Reynolds connect to our Circle of Courage explorations into Mastery.

Your child will be bringing home "The Dot Song" poem to share with you. We have been learning the song and actions in our classroom. Here are the links if you would like to explore them with your child:

The Dot Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5mGeR4AQdM

The Dot Song Motion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_I43cxDQ-o

We also used the book "10 Black Dots" as a mentor text to create our own writing samples using the stems "One dot can be..." and then branching into "___ dots can be..." Students came up with some extraordinary ideas!

Finally, students created individual art pastel/watercolour resist dots, as well as contributed to a small group art piece using different loose parts to stamp dots and circles. Both will be displayed during our upcoming Open House.

At the end of the week, students added to the Mastery portion on our Circle of Courage by illustrating something that they are practicing in order to improve. There is a wonderful range of skills connected to sports/activities/interests, as well as school based goals, and self-improvement. Really reflective of who each of them are as individuals!

We visited the library for the first time this week! Students will have brought their library book home on Thursday. Usually we have library exchange once a week, but at this point in time, we are waiting for a replacement library assistant, so it may take a while to establish a consistent schedule. Please watch the blog for updates - we appreciate your patience!

Please see the additional blog notes on our upcoming Terry Fox Run, Open House and Back to School BBQ, all happening this week on Thursday the 26th!

In your child's mail folder this week:
- Student Demographic Verification Report. Please complete as per the instructions and return to the school.
- Back to School BBQ and Open House invitation.
- Fun Lunch ordering notice.
- Poetry Folder.

A reminder to please return your brown envelopes of back to school paperwork, as soon as possible.

ADmazing Coupon Book fundraiser is on-going into October. If you do not wish to purchase a book, please return it to the school.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Ms. Thomas

Back to School BBQ - Thursday, September 26th

Hi Families,

The Lake Bonavista School Council Back to School BBQ is on Thursday, September 26th.

Please find a pink notice in your child's mail folder this evening with details.

The link for food ordering is:  https://lakebonavista.yapsody.com/event/index/470306/welcome-back-bbq 

Hope to see you there!
Ms. Thomas

Gum

Hi Families, 

I wanted to post this information as many students have questions about chewing gum at school.

Yes, I allow gum in our classroom. Other teachers in our school prefer not to have gum in their classrooms, so this permission to have gum is for our classroom only. 

For safety reasons, I have the clear expectation that gum not be chewed in gym, or outside while playing. If your child is sent to school chewing gum, they will have to spit it out, as we have gym first thing every morning.

My recommendation for bringing gum to school and supporting a healthy, manageable consumption: keep a pack of gum (or two daily pieces) in your child's lunch-bag. This way, they are only accessing gum when it is best suited to instructional time (i.e. after snack for morning learning, and after lunch for afternoon learning).

To respect other classrooms and the school environment, we do not chew gum in the Music room or library. If we are visiting another classroom and the teacher asks us not to, we respect that. If I see or hear gum, it gets spit out. 

Before sending any gum for to school, please have a conversation with your child about expected behaviours. I would recommend a conversation of how much and when, and not sharing.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to clarify any of this information. Your support from home is appreciated! 

Thank you everyone!

Ms. Thomas

Terry Fox Run 2019

We will be having our Annual Terry Fox Run on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at 2:00pm. Teachers will be discussing with students the life of Terry Fox and the contributions he has made to cancer research. We would like to extend the invitation to all parents and families to join us for the Terry Fox Run! Also, a reminder that our school Open House and BBQ are the same day, so you’re welcome to join all of the events!

Students can dedicate their run to someone who they know that has been affected by cancer. Please speak to your child prior to our run and if they choose to, they can write who they are running for on a sticker that they will wear during the run. These will be available in the classroom on Thursday.

Should you wish to make a donation online, please use the following link to donate through the Terry Fox website: 

http://www.terryfox.ca/LakeBonavista 

or

Feel free to send in cash donations with your child which will be collected by the teachers (Donations will be accepted until next Thursday, September 26th).

Let’s keep Terry’s dream to find a cure for cancer alive.

Thank you!

September Scholastic Book Orders

Hi Families,

A reminder that if you would like to place an order through the September Scholastic, they are due this Thursday, September 19th.

Thank you!
Ms. Thomas

ADmazing Savings Coupon Book

ADmazing Savings Fundraiser has begun! The proceeds from this fundraising activity will be used directly in your child’s classroom. Books are available for $25.00 each, of which Lake Bonavista will use $10.50 for the benefit of our students.

If you wish to take advantage of these discounts, please complete the order form printed on the back on the ADmazing envelope, and enclose the correct amount of money - $25.00 per book ordered. - directly to your child’s classroom teacher by Thursday, October 10^th, 2019 or earlier.

This year there is a free app included in each coupon book. Please ensure if you are returning the book that you have not scratched off the code area for the app, as the book will not be returnable if the code is visible. 

Additional books for Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer or Southern Alberta may be ordered at $25.00 each for family, friends and relatives.  If you wish to order additional books, please send your order as soon as possible to your child’s teacher so that the order can be filled.  As a school, we discourage door-to-door solicitation.

Friday, September 13th, 2019

Hello Families,

Yes, you read that date right. In case you didn't already know, today was Friday the 13th, as well as a full moon. What a way to end our second week of school! Luckily, I think we all survived...;)

The full moon started our conversation on lunar cycles and the way in which we name things, measure the passing of time, and . Two of the names for today's full moon and lunar cycles are the Deer Moon and Harvest Moon. We discussed how people often name things based on what is important to them, so then students speculated (quite accurately!) what groups of people named these moons and why. I would encourage you to stay up late and watch the moon together tonight (when it's at it's peak) or tomorrow (when it still appears full, but is slightly waning).

We connected our ongoing conversations on classroom belonging to other groups that we belong to, recording these groups in images for our developing Circle of Courage. Students were able to identify their families, dance studios, sports teams and after-school care as different groups that they belong to.

Students have been building their repertoire of Montessori lessons, using time throughout the day to choose materials to engage with, demonstrate awareness of care and placement within the classroom, and transition to new materials of choice. I hope they have been sharing their learning with you at home.

In Phys.Ed., we have been building our safety expectations, independent skill development and collaboration through activities and games with scooters. A reminder that we have Phys. Ed. everyday, so students need to be dressed for movement and play. Our Phys.Ed. time is from 8:15am - 8:45am. Ensuring your child is on time every morning, allows them to fully enjoy this time!

As you know, our Montessori society, MAPSS, provides support for our school through funding our Montessori materials, community building events and parent and teacher learning. They have designed beautiful journals for each student and staff member to celebrate the beginning of our new school year. One will have gone home with your child yesterday. Thank you MAPSS! 

In your child's mail folder this week:

- September Scholastic book order. Ordering details enclosed within the cover letter. 

- ADmazing Savings Coupon Book and ordering information. Please see attached letter and flyer for information.
- Poetry Folders. Enjoy our latest poem from the "Chicken Soup with Rice" collection by Maurice Sendak. Ms. Thomas first learned these from her own kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Buchanan. They hold a special place in her heart and hope you enjoy the rhyme, rhythm and humour.

Upcoming important dates:

- Friday, September 20th: PD Day. No school for students. 

- Thursday, September 26th: Welcome Back Family BBQ. More information to come!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! It looks like two days of beautiful weather to enjoy!

Ms. Thomas

Rainy Weather

Hi Families,

At Lake Bonavista School students go outside for morning supervision, lunch and afternoon recess in all weather, unless it poses a potential danger (lightening, strong winds, -20 degree temperatures, etc.)

Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately to spend time outdoors daily. In the upcoming days, rain boots and rain jacket are strongly recommended, as well as an extra pair of socks in their backpack in case of soggy feet.

Thank you!
Ms. Thomas

First Week Back

Hello Families, 

We've had a wonderful first week back! It's so exciting having new friends join us in our classroom space, and watching as the grade 2's undertake mentorship roles to support the learning of routines and expectations. 

I look forward to reconnecting and getting to know all of the families over the course of the year. I will keep my blog updated, usually at the end of the week, about our current learning. Please consider "Subscribing" to the blog so that updates are emailed directly to you.

Our work this week has been around building classroom community. We've started exploring the idea of Belonging in connection with the Circle of Courage. One of the ways we develop Belonging in through our Peace Conferences. At the end of the day, we gather as a class and offer "Thank you", "Sorry" and "Congratulations" statements to each other. This is a lovely time to reflect on our day, celebrate each other and mend any differences. 

Thank you to those families who have completed and returned their "Guess Who Card". We've enjoyed guessing who each of the facts belong to, and finding connections between us. 

We've also begun reviewing letters and sounds using the Animated Literacy program. Through review, I can embed assessment to target each students needs for further programming, as well as build a common understanding of consonant and vowel sounds, as well as the characters and actions that support different learning styles. 

Students were introduced to our classroom Peace Corner as a space that they can revisit as needed. They were supported in understanding the expectations for use, including developing self-awareness through various calming techniques. Ask your child about which technique works best for them: closing their eyes, counting, imagining a special place, reading a book, using the Hoberman sphere for breathing, or giving a Cuddle Buddy a squeeze.

Last, we met with Ms. Bouchard's class and were paired up with one or two Big Buddies. This is an especially exciting time for Ms. Thomas, as some of her past students are now our Big Buddies! When our reading routines are established, Buddy reading will be a weekly occurrence. We also get together regularly for other special activities.

Earlier this week, a LBS Student Information package went home. Please complete the forms inside and return at your earliest convenience. 

On Friday, your child also brought home their Poetry Folder for the first time. The have illustrated our first poem with two things they are excited to learn at school. Please take some time to read and discuss it with them. Poetry Folders are to be returned by the end of the week please. 

Some upcoming important dates:

- Friday, September 20th: PD Day. No school for students. 
- Thursday, September 26th: Welcome Back Family BBQ. More information to come!

Coming back to school in an exciting, but tiring, time of year for students and teachers! I hope you all have a restful weekend! 

Ms. Thomas

Tomorrow

Hi Families,

Tomorrow is LBS Spirit Day! Students are encouraged to wear our school colours - blue & white - or their Lake Bonavista School t-shirts!

A reminder that tomorrow is also an early dismissal at 12:15pm.

Thank you!
Ms. Thomas

Pokemon Cards

Hi Families,

We are having some trouble with Pokemon cards in our classroom.

I have spoken with the children to remind them that all toys (including cards) are to be kept at home, as per our school policy on Personal Belongings: http://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/lakebonavista/culture-environment/conduct/personal-belongings/Pages/default.aspx

Toys, Digital Technology & Other Personal Items 

Items that are not requested by the teacher for educational purposes should not be brought to school. The school does not assume responsibility for the loss of these items. All student technology is to be used at the request of and under the direct supervision of a teacher. Technology is not to be used on school grounds before or after school or during the lunch recess. 

I understand that some students may have toys in their backpack because they go to after-school care that allows them, or for entertainment on the bus ride home. If this is the case, please discuss with your child that these items are to stay in their backpack, and not to be brought to the classroom. 

In the past, there have been some clubs, such as BeyBlade and Card Club, that allow certain toys to be brought to school. These clubs are not yet running. 

Again, your support as we focus on building routines and expectations is appreciated. 

Ms. Thomas

Clarification - High Importance!

Hi Families,

Please allow me to clarify some information from the introductory letter that went home this week in regards to communication.

Email is the best way to reach me for non-emergency, non-time sensitive information.

I am usually able to check my email before school, at lunch and after school.

If there is information that needs to be communicated to me after 12:00pm, in particular about changes to pick-up routine, please call the office to have it delivered to me with enough time to relay it to your child and make any arrangements within the school.

Thank you for your understanding, and for working through all the first week hiccups with me :)

With gratitude,
Ms. Thomas

Volunteer Request

Hi Families,

I was wondering if anyone is available for helping prepare an art activity? It would involve cutting plastic jugs into a specified shape/form...22 in total.

I am hoping to have someone in at the beginning of next week. Days are pretty flexible, as are morning/afternoon. Please send me an email if you are available and willing to help: krthomas@cbe.ab.ca

As this is an in-school/classroom volunteer opportunity, you must have a current security clearance and police record check on record with the school. If you are unsure of the status of your volunteer application, please contact the office.

Thank you everyone!
Ms. Thomas

Introductory Letter

This is a copy of the letter sent home in your child's mail folder this evening.
Please see the original for the tear-off portion for our Volunteer Coordinator.

***********************************************************************************************
September 2019
Dear Families of Room 8,                                                        

Welcome to the 2019/2020 school year at Lake Bonavista School. We have a very exciting year ahead of us in grades 1 and 2, and I just can’t wait to get started! Please take the time to read over this letter as it contains important information that will ensure your child has a successful school year.

Bell Times

·       Outside Supervision Begins at 8:00am

·       Morning Entry Bell at 8:12am

·       Lunch Break from 11:40am – 12:25pm

·       Monday to Thursday Dismissal at 2:45pm

·       Every Friday is an Early Dismissal at 12:15pm

Communication

There will be many forms coming home with your child in the next few days. Please read through the notices and return the appropriate forms to ensure we have the most up-to-date information on your child.

Your child will be supplied with a Communication Folder (yellow) to ensure important items get delivered safely to/from school. Please be sure to check and return the Communication Folders on a daily basis.

Our class blog is a great place to understand what your child is doing in school. The blog is regularly updated to inform you of the activities and lessons that your child is participating in, as well as upcoming events that may be of importance. Pleae visit the blog to sign up for email updates: https://mskthomasroom8.blogspot.com/

You can access the blog through the Lake Bonavista School website http://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/LakeBonavista/Pages/default.aspx, under Teaching & Learning, then click on Classes & Departments. Here you will find a link labeled Blog beside K. Thomas

Email is the best way to get ahold of me. My email is listed below for your convenience.

In the case of absences or changes in pick up/drop off – including bus routine – please call the office before 12:00pm, or use the Report an Absence link at the bottom of the Lake Bonavista School homepage.

Lunch and Snacks

On a regular day, students will have a morning nutrition break (snack) as well as midday lunch. There is outdoor recess in the afternoon, but no scheduled snack. Children are to bring their own healthy snacks and lunch to school as well as a water bottle.

On Fridays, students will not eat lunch at school. A snack will still be required for our morning nutrition break.

Allergies

Nut allergies are present in our school population, as are other food allergies. We ask that nuts or food containing nuts are not brought to our school. See the Illness & Medical section on the Lake Bonavista School webpage for more allergy information. 

Additional information regarding classroom allergies will be provided in the upcoming weeks through the blog.

Clothes and Shoes

Please send your child in comfortable clothing that they can sit on the carpet in, play in, and possibly get slightly dirty. Also, please send an extra set of clothing with your child in a labeled bag, to hang on their hook in case of accidents, spills or wet, rainy days.

For safety reasons, children at Lake Bonavista School are required to wear shoes at all times. Please send a pair of shoes to school with your child (indoor shoes such as sneakers) that they can use for the classroom. Students participate in daily Physical Education activities, and sandals, Crocs, etc. are not safe for these activities. If your child is most comfortable in dressier shoes for indoors, please consider also sending a pair of runners to be kept at school for them to change into for running and games. 

Please label all your child’s belongings. Two Lost & Found boxes are located in the main hallway if you find your child is missing an item.

Book Exchange

Both the library schedule and Home Reading schedule are yet to be determined. Please watch the blog for information on start-up and our exchange dates.

Technology

Students will have the opportunity to engage in the use of technology throughout the school year. I ask that you provide your child with headphones for minimal classroom disruption.

Please label the headphones with your child’s name. They will be kept in their cubby for the duration of the school year

Volunteers

All volunteers are required to fill out volunteer registration forms in the office. These forms take time to process, so if you are considering volunteering at all this year, please fill out the forms at your earliest convenience. Information regarding Calgary Board of Education volunteer registration, ethics, and procedures is available on the school homepage.

There are many ways to volunteer – please check the blog and look for emails from our classroom Volunteer Coordinator (with your permission given) explaining opportunities that may be available.

If you are interested in being our classroom Volunteer Coordinator, please email me expressing your interest.

I’m looking forward to a wonderful year with your child. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Most Sincerely,

Ms. Kelly Thomas

krthomas@cbe.ab.ca