Dec. 20/18

Div. 9's stockings were hung on the fireplace with care!  Each stocking has a winter or Christmas riddle on it which they will share with parents that are able to join us for family reading tomorrow.

Excitement is definitely in the air.  We have had a week of Christmas crafts, math and even explorations.  The students each brought home their bag of Christmas crafts from around the world as well as their special craft gift that they made for you with their big buddies.

At one of our Explorations stations the students created 'The Polar Express'!  Every group had great ideas as you can see below.

Thanks so much to Carter, Rhys, Kamryn, Saga and Steve for providing the snacks and goodies for our celebration tomorrow.  In addition thanks to Rhys' family for giving our class the opportunity to try Stroopwaffels - a Dutch tradition which we are planning to have with our hot chocolate tomorrow.  Also to Lexi and Alicia for sharing pomegranate and the prosperous wishes for the new year that come with that!

Poetry, Songs, Math and More is coming home tomorrow.  It has several Christmas math games that would be a fun way to practice their math skills with family over the holidays.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!!

December 13th

Skating was lots of fun.  Thanks so much to our parent drivers and helpers.  We couldn't have gone without your help and support!

Thanks to everyone for coming to one or both of our concerts.  The children are still singing 'Dominic" whenever they have a chance.  They did an awesome job at both performances!
As you hopefully saw on the portal there are some wonderful pictures of our concert on the following link

https://karenmcphotog.smugmug.com/Fairview-Christmas-Con…/…/ you can buy copies of photos for $.28 (cost of developing) OR you can hit the download button next to the cart button and download for FREE!!  Thanks to Karen (our secretary) for taking these. I did download some from our class, as you can see she really captured the enthusiasm!

We started our Christmas Around the World crafts on Wednesday which the students are all very excited about.  I'd like to thank  Libby's mom who came and helped out on Wednesday (and will also join us on Tuesday) and Lexi and Alicia's grandma volunteered today, Rhys' mom on Monday.  We really need the extra help so thanks so much.  If anyone is available on Wednesday after recess to join us please let me know.

FYI - hand, foot, mouth disease is going around Fairview and our classroom.  Unfortunately they are only contagious when there are no signs.  Please just keep a look out.

Friday, Dec. 21 is Pajama Day and bring your favourite Christmas book.  The PAC is providing hot chocolate after recess.  Please have your child bring in a mug.  Also snacks for our celebration that afternoon will be provided by...Fruit Plate - Carter, Veggie Plate - Rhys, Sweet Treat - Kamryn, Popcorn/chips or pretzels - Saga, Other - Stephen.   Thank you all in advance!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!  

Dec. 6/18

Christmas is in the air and in the classroom! We have started special Reader's Workshop, Math and Exploration stations.  Our theme is Christmas and holiday traditions around the world.  If you were interested in providing a food/treat that is from a different country please let me know and we can arrange a date.  Some of the ideas we had were mince meat tarts (just mini) from England, mini cinnamon buns from Sweden,  gingerbread (Germany), etc.

We had our first owl presentation this morning.  As you can see it was pretty cool.  We were proud of how much the students from Div. 9 & 10 were able to recall that they knew about owls and how much they learned even today!

Today we had our last RW presentation which was a play.  The students did an awesome job making their masks and presenting the play "The Hungry Shark".

Skating - we currently are short drivers and several students have not signed up or paid for skates/helmets please do so asap or we may need to cancel.  Drivers please remember you need to have an up to date driver's abstract.

Christmas concert is next Tuesday evening and Wed. afternoon (there are still some tickets available for both concerts).  There is also a dress rehearsal on Tuesday morning at 9 which you would be able to attend if it works best with your schedules (it however will be a rehearsal so maybe stopping and starting).  Div. 9 & 10 are signing 'Dominic the Donkey'.  We have 7 Dominic donkey hats and 7 students volunteered to wear them.  These students are:  Lexi, Will, Stephen, Charlie, Liberty, Colton, Carter.  These students should wear black or grey to match these hats.  Dr. Saul had the idea of an Italian Cafe so all the other students can wear black pants, white shirts, black bow ties (if you have them), fedoras (again only if you have them) or dresses. 

Pajama Day on Dec. 21st.  We will also be having special Fairview hallway reading that morning.  Students are encouraged to bring their favourite Christmas book to share with someone.  The PAC is also making hot chocolate for everyone after recess.

Our Christmas celebration will be on the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 21.  Snacks will be provided by: Fruit Plate - Carter, Veggie Plate - Rhys, Sweet Treat - Kamryn, Popcorn/chips or pretzels - Saga, Other - Stephen.                 Thank you all in advance!!

Enjoy this Christmas weekend, I heard we might even get some snow.  

Nov. 29/18

I am really looking forward to meeting with all of you at conferences.  Remember to arrive at the time you signed up for conferences (if uncertain check the portal) and your total conference time is 30 minutes. You are with your child first in the hallway to go through and celebrate their learning and then the last 15 minutes is in the classroom conferencing with me.  If you are unclear please email or come see me for clarification.
Tomorrow is an early dismissal at 11:00.  Please still send your child to school in the morning though, as we have a lot of last minute finish-up to prepare for our conferences.

Several students are bringing home overdue library book notices tomorrow.  Mrs. Holmes is really hoping to get these books back into circulation.  Please look and return these as unfortunately the next step is billing:( Thanks!

Owls and More - there are still a few students who have not paid for these special activities. Please do so asap.

Donations for the Christmas Hamper will be gratefully accepted until Tuesday, Dec. 4th.  Thank you for supporting this great cause.

Christmas concert is just around the corner.  If you haven't already done so, please go on 'EventBrite' to get tickets (even if you are planning to come to the free afternoon performance).
Over the weekend please practice Dominic the Donkey and for costumes please look at past blogs.

Skating on Dec. 13th is now on the portal.  Please sign up and send in the money if renting skates and/or helmets.

Entrepreneur Fair for our class is December 6. All profits are going towards grade 6 and 7 camps. Most items will be between $2-$4. Nothing will be over $5! Please send money in a labelled bag so it is obvious what it is for.  

We have booked an exciting field trip on Thursday, Jan. 31 to go to Science World. We have booked a school bus but will need a few parent volunteers.  Please mark your calendars with this date.

I am excited to meet and celebrate your child's learning over the next couple of days!  Sheralyn

Nov 23/18

We have had a fun, busy week.  Many students participated in the different Spirit Week special days!
These pictures show Div. 9 from twins, to 80's and pyjamas!

I changed all the Just Right Reading (JRR) books this week.  Please help your child remember to bring these books back to school daily.  Thanks!

Scholastic will be coming home next week. Thanks to Cam's mom for organizing these.  If you want to purchase any books as gifts please just let me know and then I will make sure to give them directly to you.

A big thank you to Will's mom for all her help in the classroom today.  It is very appreciated.

Over the weekend if you have a chance please try IXL growing patterns - Gr. 2 - D2 and Gr. 3 R-2,  If it is too easy/difficult, you can move up/down accordingly.  If time explore other pattern or place value activities.  If needed please give your child some initial help but then have them work independently.

Christmas concert tickets are now on sale.  Please check the portal announcement for further details and information.  Dominic the Donkey is our song and the words are in your child's poetry book this week.  Please have them practice as there are a lot of words and they are tricky!  If you want the tune please go to this link  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYlvfX3nwlc    and then go The Christmas Book on the right side and find the karaoke for Dominic!


Kids Helping Kids Christmas Hamper information went home on Thursday.  Please help Fairview to make a big difference to children and families that aren't as fortunate.

Conferences are this next week on Thursday afternoon and Friday.  Remember that there is an 11:00 dismissal on Thursday.  Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment - you start in the hall with your child to go through and celebrate their learning. After that you will spend another 15 minutes meeting with your child and I.  Your total conference time is 30 minutes even though you only signed up for a 15 minute time slot.  If you need clarification please just ask or email.


*The dates for the Craft Fair are Wednesday December 5th, from 3-5pm. Thursday December 6th 1pm-2pm for Primary students and then Friday December 7th 1-2pm for intermediate students. 

*The grade 6 and 7 students are using this Craft Fair as a major fundraiser for their camp fees so they would appreciate the whole school's support. They are making a lot of really amazing products. 

A few examples: aroma therapy bracelets, inspirational posters, candles, teddy adoption, slime, calming water bottles, Christmas ornaments and much more.

Nov. 15th

Updates and Reminders...

***School spirit week is next week!  Your child can participate in all or any of the following.

Monday, Nov. 19 - School Colours Day
Tuesday, Nov. 20 - Hat Day  (Leadership also have a Bake Sale planned for that day)
Wednesday, Nov. 21 - Twin Day
Thursday, Nov. 22 - 80's Day
Friday, Nov. 23 - PJ Day

*** $16.00 for Owls and More is now up on the portal.  Please pay online or send in cash asap.  Thanks.

For the Christmas concert Div. 9 & 10 are signing 'Dominic the Donkey'.  We have 7 Dominic donkey hats and 7 students volunteered to wear them.  These students are:  Lexi, Will, Stephen, Charlie, Liberty, Colton, Carter.  These students should wear black or grey to match these hats.  Dr. Saul had the idea of an Italian Cafe so all the other students can wear black pants, white shirts, black bow ties (if you have them), fedoras (again only if you have them) or dresses.  Please don't feel you have to go shopping just try to get as close as possible.  Next week we will be sending home a copy of the words so your child can be practicing at home.  They seem to already love this catchy tune!

Enjoy the fantastic weather that is predicted for the weekend!

Nov. 8th

Another short but busy week!  Div. 9 is very artistic!  Their pastel sunflowers are now on display in the hallway!

Updates and Reminders...

*** $16.00 for Owls and More is now up on the portal.  Please pay online or send in cash asap.  Thanks.

***School spirit week is not next week but the next!
Monday, Nov. 19 - School Colours Day
Tuesday, Nov. 20 - Hat Day  (Leadership also have a Bake Sale planned for that day)
Wednesday, Nov. 21 - Twin Day
Thursday, Nov. 22 - 80's Day
Friday, Nov. 23 - PJ Day

***We started our Fin's Friends program.  Every student (when it is their special helper day) will be having a 'sleep over' with Fin.  Your child will write about their time with Fin focusing on being socially responsible and draw a picture (or if you'd prefer take a picture and glue it in).  There is a letter at the front of the duo tang with more information.  Please ensure that Fin is returned to the school each day as the next child is anxious to have their turn.  If your night is busy and your child needs more time to complete the homework, please feel free to take a sheet out of the duotang and when it is completed please hand it in at a later date.  Thanks!

*Parent conference sign up is on the portal.  Conference are on Thursday, Nov. 29th (pm) and all day Friday, Nov. 30th. You will sign up for a 15 minute conference but your conference will be a total of 30 minutes.  The first 15 minutes is with your child in the hallway to go through their work and celebrate their learning.  Then the last 15 minutes we will meet in the classroom to review your child's progress and set goals for next term.  Please enter the school at the front door, and arrive at the time that your sign up for (remembering your conference is 30 minutes.   

Remember there is no school Friday due to Pro D and then Monday is the Remembrance Day holiday.  Enjoy your extra long weekend.

Nov. 2/18

Hope you all had a great Halloween!  Thanks to Kali, Colton, Ava, Saga, Liberty and Alicia or Lexi??  for bringing all our snacks and goodies for our celebration.  The food was enjoyed by all and everyone looked great in their costumes as you can see.

We did a lot of 'pumpkin work!' Estimating, measuring and describing (adjectives).  We also made a ghost out of math facts!

November weather has arrived please ensure that your child has a rain jacket and boots as they will be going outside for recess, lunch and forest fun on Tuesdays.  An extra set of clothes is also a good idea just in case.  ***If you haven't sent in headphones please do so asap, thanks!

We started our Owl unit yesterday and the students seem pleased very interested.

Student-led conferences are on Thursday, Nov. 29th (afternoon) and Friday, Nov. 30 (all day).  Conference sign up can now be accessed through the parent portal.  You will sign up for a 15 minute conference but your conference will be a total of 30 minutes.   The first 15 minutes is with your child in the hallway to go through their work and celebrate their learning.  Then the last 15 minutes we will meet in the classroom to review your child's progress and set goals for next term.  Please enter the school at the front door, and arrive at the time that you sign up for and remember the conference is 30 minutes.

Next week on Thursday, Nov. 8th we will be having a Remembrance Day assembly.  All children will  receive a poppy to wear at the assembly and donations are appreciated.  You can send these in anytime next week.   Remember that next weekend is a long weekend as Friday is a Pro D day and then Monday is the holiday.

Please remember that the side parking lot is for staff only.  Please do not drop off your children in the area.  Thanks.

Scholastic book orders were due today but  I will still accept orders on Monday if anyone is interested.  If you wanted to order any as gifts please just let me know and I can hold them so they are a surprise.

Oct. 26/18

You hopefully saw the cool masks we made with our big buddies!  This week in our Poetry book we have both some songs and a math game Freaky Friday!  Scholastic also went home today and orders are due by next Friday.

Next week your child will be bringing home a JRR (Just Right Reading) bag.  There will 4-5 books at approximately your child's reading level.  These book bags should come back to school daily as we use them in class as well as for home reading. At times there will be one Reader's Workshop book in the bag with a post-it on the front.  Please practice this book with your child as they will be presenting this book with their group to the class.  If you don't have one with a post-it your child probably just hasn't received theirs yet as we do this by stations and they read with me before it goes home. Students will still be choosing a book each night to bring home but now they/you have the option of one/two at their level as well.  Thanks for the support of reading with your child daily or whenever possible.  

Halloween is on Wednesday.  Students can come in costumes (but please remember they should be easy to take on and off as they will be going outside at recess and lunch as they will definitely need the fresh air!). The parade will be at 8:45.  We will have our celebration in the afternoon but please remember to still send in recess snacks and lunch.  
Thanks to the following families for supplying the snacks and treats.  ***Please note we do have an allergy to to pecans and walnuts.  
Fruit Plate - Ava, Veggie Plate - Kali, Cheese/Crackers or Small Sandwiches - Charlie, Sweet Treat - Liberty, Chips or Pretzels - Lexi, Other - Colton (Popcorn Treats) 

On Thursday, Nov. 1 we will have a pyjama day as we know the students will be tired after their big night.  For buddies we plan to cuddle up and READ!

Thanks to Will and his mom for making us some play dough, we will use it in our next round of explorations.  

Parents please regularly go to the Fairview website to ensure you know everything that is happening at Fairview.  Also check the Fairview PAC website as they also have dates and great information.  Please go to the link below if you are able to help our PAC collect donation prizes for our upcoming Bingo night.   http://www.volunteersignup.org/4MAFE

The following is plans from our Leadership, please sure to mark your calendars.  I will also post it in the calendar section on the blog!

October 31 (These must be pre-ordered by Oct. 25th)

Candy apple sale and lunchtime movie for Halloween- Leadership students will be charging $1 for movie tickets leading up to Halloween. The movie is Scooby Doo. The leadership are also doing faceprinting on Halloween Day.  The fee for this is by donation.  
Students are also obviously encouraged by Leadership to wear their costumes on Halloween!

November 19-23- Spirit week. Students bring a two dollars donation to participate in spirit week from Nov 19-23.

Monday Nov 19 - School Colours Day

Tuesday Nov 20 - Hat Day (Leadership will also be planning a Bake Sale for this day)

Wednesday Nov 21 - Twin Day

Thursday Nov 22 - 80's Day (chosen leadership students will be at WE Day)

Friday Nov 23 - PJ Day

Monday December 17- Ugly Holiday sweater day.

Friday January 18- Decade day, students dress up in the fashion of their favourite decade.

Wednesday February 27-Pink shirt day.

Friday March 15- Dress up in green for St. Patricks Day. ***This date may change

Monday April 18- Crazy Hair Day

Friday May 17-Athlete or Mathlete day.

Friday June 21- tacky tourist day.

Enjoy your weekend and the beginning of Halloween fun!

Oct. 18th

Skating was a huge success!  All the children were so exciting and did so well skating.  For many it was a first time but they all tried their best and definitely developed their skills today.  Thanks to all our parents who drove, helped with skates and/or skated.  Your time and help is very appreciated!

We finally have our Leaf people done and up.  The students did an amazing job on them as you can see for yourself!  If you have a chance drop by the classroom to get a better look.

We also did some Leaf Art outside on Tuesday.  We had looked at Andy Goldsworthy's art using nature and also Morteza Sohi's Leaf Art ideas.  These were a few of our creations.

Halloween is just around the corner.  Students can come dressed in their costumes but please remember that they will be going outside for recess and lunch so their costumes should be easy to take on and off as they wouldn't not want their costume ruined before the big night.  There will the usual Fairview parade at 8:45.
For our celebration thanks to the following for supplying the snacks and treats.  ***Please note we do have an allergy to pecans and walnuts so please avoid using these.
Fruit Plate - Ava, Veggie Plate - Kali, Cheese/crackers or small sandwiches - Charlie,
Sweet Treat - Liberty,  Chips or pretzels - Lexi,  Other - Colton (Popcorn Treats)

NEEDED:  If any parent could make a batch of play dough for the class that would be really appreciated.  Please just let me know.  Thanks

Hot Lunch is now online!!  Please follow the link below, deadline for the next hot lunch is tomorrow.
https://munchalunch.com/schools/FairviewMapleRidge/

Oct. 12/18

Wow what gorgeous fall weather we have!  Hopefully you can all enjoy your weekend!

Skating is next Thursday afternoon.  Please be sure to sign up on the portal and send in the cash for the skate and helmet rental.   Parents who said they could drive please ensure that you have a current drivers abstract (from ICBC and the volunteer form).  I just checked and several of you do not have these.  Students will need to bring their skating gear, appropriate clothing and a booster seat that day.

We have now completed all of Div. 9 names!  The students were very successful discovering many words each day!  As a finale we did my name.  They were so excited, we literally could have done it all day!  They found 181 words and asked to take home a copy to try to see how many words they could make at home.   This is in their poetry duotangs and is an excellent literacy activity.  If you'd rather do other family members names instead that is totally fine (mine being so long just got them motivated and really thinking!). Today at Family Reading many parents helped to think of words from Fairview Elementary.  Div. 9 came up with 132 words!  We did win the competition with Mrs. Roberts' class.

If you haven't had a chance to check out Div. 9's sunflower garden that is in the hallway, please stop by to have a look.  All the children worked hard on these and they look great!  Here is a sneak peak!

Just a reminder that next Friday is a Pro D day for teachers so there is no school for students.

October 5th

Happy Thanksgiving. to everyone!  Hope your child's turkey arrived home safely so it can be a centre piece at your special dinner.  In your child's poetry book there some homework, it is a Gratitude Scavenger Hunt (you could write down things you found or even just discuss) and please read over or act out "The Great Turkey Escape".

Thank you for the dried leaves, we have received almost enough so unless you find some unique, colourful smaller sized leaves we should have enough for our projects.  Entertainment Books, headphones/ear buds should be sent in next week.  Thanks!

Our skating field trip is on the portal please sign up and send in cash for skates and helmets.  Drivers are needed and you must have a current driver's abstract.   Thanks to everyone that has already signed up and volunteered to drive.

This week I send home information on two online programs that you have access to by the useful links on the sidebar of this blog.  Raz Kids is reading and IXL which we will mainly be using to support our math curriculum (the site is connected to our BC Curriculum).  This is the first time we have had a license for the IXL program so we are excited to discover all that it offers but we may also have some struggles - please let me know if you have difficulties and we will try to solve them together.  This is a good way for your child to continue to practice speed/accuracy of his/her math skills and also find a challenge.

Snack Celebrations are now posted on this blog.  For those parents that didn't have a chance to signup I asked your child to choose a celebration, hopefully this works for you.  I have also update the calendar for October.

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!  I am thankful for Div. 9 - both the students and the parents!  It seems like it is going to be an exciting year!

Sept. 28th

It is hard to believe that we are in our last week of September.
It has been a busy but fun week!!  Picture Day, Terry Fox Run and Terry Fox Assembly with Fred Fox plus all the special activities - see below!

Div. 9 raised $132.50 for Terry Fox and the school raised $2, 820.80   Way to go Fairview - you have made a big difference in cancer research! Thank you to all parents who helped out with the Terry Fox Run and cutting/delivering all the oranges.

Next week is our Food Drive for Maple Ridge food hamper.  Hopefully you can donate some non-perishable food so others can enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving too.  Fairview is showing that 'Little People Can Make A Big Difference!'

Please return all forms, entertainment books, $7 for planners and art cards by Monday.  Also please send in headphones or earbuds asap - we are using these both in the class and the computer lab. Thanks!

Remember to collect dried leaves for a special craft.  If every student could please bring in at least 10 that would be great - so far we have none:(

I have assigned each student a reading level on Raz Kids based on preliminary testing.  Some students may be on the same letter as last year as some letters cover many levels. (M contains a very wide range).  Your child has the option to read a level up/down with this program, they don't have to be reading the exact level.  Once they have shown growth in their reading skills (or read all of their books), I can make adjustments as needed.  Students should answer questions if they read a book. This is another options for accessing appropriate reading materials, especially I you are traveling and the students find the books engaging.  You can connect to the site using the useful links on this blog.  Your child's password is their first name (with a capital).

Please also note if you want an email to remind you when I have updated the blog please fill the box at the top right side of the blog.

We will be putting the upcoming skating trip out on the portal early next week.  Please ensure that you have an 'up to date' driver's abstract if you plan on volunteering.  These expire after 2 years but are quick and easy now that they can be completed by phone.

Have a great weekend!

September 21/18

This has been a good week in Div. 9!  Routines are falling into place and we are getting to know each other.  If you haven't done so already please ensure that...
- all supplies are sent in
- $7.00 for the planner either paid on line or send in cash or cheque
- your child has inside shoes
- headphones in a labelled ziplock bag
- Getting Acquainted form and volunteer form (if available)
- complete consent forms on the parent portal
- Entertainment books - payment or book needs to be returned
- verification forms came home today (please return asap).

We have started our home reading each night please do try to make the time for some reading each night and initial in the planner.  Remember your child has chosen these books (they might be too hard or too easy but that's okay, the goal is that they enjoy reading and books).  They will be learning how to choose a book that is at the right level and next month we will also be sending home a Just Right Reading Bag with books at your child's reading level.

Every morning we are trying to find as many words as we can out of the special helper's name.  When it is your child's turn they will bring home their sheet so you and your family can try to find more that would be great and then have them bring it back to report to the class.  It is an excellent literacy activity building on their reading and writing skills.

On Tuesdays we will have Forest Fun, just like our West Coast Recess/Lunch policy we will go out in most weather so please ensure your child has appropriate clothing and footwear.

***If possible over the next couple of weeks, could families please collect leaves, let them dry and send in to class. We have a cool art project planned.

Party Sign up is out - please stop by and sign up for one celebration for the year.  I will send reminders closer to the date.

Skating for the year is booked.  We will be going Thursday afternoons,  Oct. 18th, with our big buddies on Dec. 13th and Feb. 28th.  Please mark your calendars.


Next week is busy...
Monday is a Non-Instructional Day so there is no school for students.
Picture Day is on next Tuesday, Sept. 25th.
Terry Fox Run is on Wednesday, Sept. 26th at 1:00. Walking permission form that is on the portal under consent forms.  These must be completed before or your child will have to stay on the school grounds.  If any parents/grandparents want to join us for the run/walk you are welcome.  Please let me know by sending me an email at sheralyn_rowledge@sd42.ca.  Volunteers are also need for the route please email Mrs. Boyes  - celeste_boyes@sd42.ca.  Donations will be accepted until next Friday - remember every loonie/twonie helps!  Fred Fox is coming to our assembly on Sept. 28 and we will be presenting him with Fairview's total donation!

I am coaching cross country so on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (starting next Friday) so if you are running late I will take your child to the office for pick up there.

Have a great weekend!  Hopefully the rain won't be as bad as they are predicting!

Sept.14/18

Dear Families,
Everything is starting to settle into place.  Hopefully you all have received our first letter and the home reading letter.  Please return the Getting To Know your Child and Volunteer forms (if available).  Also please pay the $7.00 planner fee either online through the portal or by sending in the cash/cheque (made out to Fairview Elementary).  Today I sent home your child's art cards, if  you want to order please do so online and return the card by Oct. 2/18. If you don't want to order, no worries but if you'd like the card in your child's memory book still just return to the school with a note on it saying Memory book!
If possible for all students to have inside shoes (the rain seems to have arrived) for next week and all their school supplies.  Thanks you.
Have a great weekend.
Sheralyn Rowledge-Toscani

September 12/18

Dear Parents of Division 9 Students,

I hope you all had a fun and relaxing summer.  Like all of you, I also look forward to the new school year.  I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your children to my class and answer some questions you may have about this school year.

Planners/School Supplies/Indoor Running Shoes

Our student planner will provide home and school communication throughout the year. The cost of this planner is $7.00, you can either send this in or pay on the portal. Thanks!  It will be sent home daily in a ziplock bag, and should be returned to school the following morning.  In addition, please note that on every page there is a section for Parent/Teacher comments. Feel free to use this for any information you think I need to know such as medical/dental appointments, who is picking up, etc.  The plastic pocket at the front of the planner will be used for sending notices, money, etc. to and from school.  

PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK IT EACH DAY.  The planner is also used to record the students’ home reading each day (which we will start tomorrow).  Could you please remember to sign or initial each night after reading.  

School supplies this year should be sent in as soon as possible. We will be doing communal pencils, erasers and glue sticks but could you please ensure that everything else is labelled with your child’s name.  Unfortunately there was no plastic supply box on the list could you please buy one (not the long ones as they don’t fit in the bins).. Headphonesare also needed for both the class and the computer lab. These can be purchased at the Dollar Store but should be labelled and sent in a ziplock.. Thanks!

Students will need a pair of sturdy running “indoor” shoes.  These will be used for gym and the classroom, this helps keep our school clean. An extra set of clothes (including socks and underwear) is suggested in case of any type of accidents. (bathroom/puddles!).

West Coast Recess/Lunch and Forest Fun

Most days students will be going outside for recess and lunch even if it is raining.  If the weather is very severe the students may be offered a choice day or possibly an inside day.  Please ensure your child has appropriate clothing and footwear for all kinds of weather. We will also be going to our forest weekly so rain boots are recommended because as you know children love puddles and mud!

Litterless Lunch/Nut Allergy 

Your child has probably told you that we are asking all students to take home all their garbage and recycling. Please include a ziplock in your child’s lunchkit for easy clean-up. We have a student that is allergic to pecans, please do not send anything with pecans.

Getting to Know Your Child/Volunteers

I have attached a questionnaire that I would like you to fill out and return as soon as possible.  These give me valuable information and insights about your child that sometimes would take me months to discover.  Thank you!  If you would like to help out please sign and return the attached sheet.  Thanks J

Weekly Schedule/Themes

Hopefully Division 9’s timetable is set… Our library book exchangewill be on Fridays.  We have gym scheduled for Monday and Thursday but as most of you know the exercise and movement breaks are important everyday so please ensure that your child is dressed in comfortable clothes so that they are able to fully participate in all activities.  Mrs. Boyes will teach the gym on Mondays.  

The students will have Fine Arts (music/drama) with Mr. Saul on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  We will have Buddies with Ms McBeath’s. class on Thursdays.  Computers will be on Thursday and Family Reading every Friday at 8:30 – 8:45(starting on Sept. 14^th).

We will start the year off with building our classroom community (making new friends), learning about our each other, their families and then our local community, then we will move onto a unit on Owls.

Upcoming Events

Pro D Day (no school for students) – Monday, September 24^th

Individual Photos – Tuesday, Sept. 25^th  - no school the day before – mark your calendars

Terry Fox Run – Wed., Sept. 26  1:00 pm ***Walking Field Trip forms must be filled out before this date and are on the Parent Portal  VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

Celebrations

We will have four celebrations throughout the year.  I am hoping that each parent could bring a snack for one of these.  I will have these available to start signing up Friday at our first Family Reading.  If you are not available, please come by anytime to choose one holiday that you could send something.  Thanks your help is really appreciated.J

Class Blog/Website & Scholastic Book Orders 

Division 9 has their own blog which you can access by going to Fairview Elementary, then Classroom Websites and then Ms Rowledge-Toscani. This is the main method of communication in our classand I will update weekly (usually Friday but for sure by Sunday!).  I will try to send an email each week.Please check regularly so you know what we have been up to and what is coming up.

Several times during the year your child will be bringing home Scholastic book order forms.  Please do not feel you ever have to purchase any books but if you are interested they always have books at very reasonable prices.  Please indicate your choices, if any,  enclose a cheque payable to Scholastic Book Services, in a sealed envelope or you can pay online and send in just your child’s order form.  Unfortunately, I can’t accept cash. 

I am looking forward to an exciting and productive year with your children.  I am also looking forward to working with you, the parents – partners in your child’s education.  

I will do our best to keep you informed on what is going on in the classroom.  If you have any questions please do ask, either write a note in the planner, in person or call the school at 604-465-9331.  You can also reach me by email at sheralyn_rowledge-toscani@sd42.cabut please note I don’t have a chance during the day to check it but will get back to you asap and if it is something urgent it is best to call the school.  

Thank you,                                            Sheralyn Rowledge-Toscani 

WELCOME!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On this blog you will find everything that is happening and going to happen in Div. 9.
Monthly newsletters and calendars will be posted as well as weekly updates - we are trying to be environmentally friendly so there will be no paper copies.   Please try to get into the habit of visiting this site regularly. Student photos will be posted and they will have input as to what is included and shared on this blog. Please also be sure to check out the useful links for good educational websites.   Hope you enjoy and check it regularly!