Friday 2 September 2016

Welcome Back / Bonne rentrée


Dear parent(s)/guardian(s),

Welcome back to school! I look forward to being your child's Grade 1 teacher. This year is going to be full of many adventures and learning experiences and I cannot wait to embark on them.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could discuss the following important information with your child before the start of school in order to help make a smooth transition from Kindergarten to Grade 1. Merci d'avance!

SCHOOL HOURS
8: 40  - 11 :30 AM        LUNCH  11: 30 - 12: 25       12: 25 - 3: 15
Please make sure that your child arrives on time so that he/she receives the benefit from the program. As a courtesy to all staff, please pick up your child promptly at lunch and dismissal time. Students registered on the school bus for dismissal will be escorted to the school bus, unless there is a written note/phone call from parents/guardians advising us of other pick up arrangements.

LUNCH AND SNACK PROGRAM
If your child eats at school, please pack a healthy lunch and snacks. Until our school snack program begins, students may bring their own small snacks. We discourage glass bottles, soft drinks, candy, and chips. The lunch should be packed in a bag with your child's name on it. 
*Please be mindful of the following school allergies; peanuts/nut products and fish.  

BACKPACKS
There are many times when your child will have to carry work, art pieces, books, newsletters, etc. back and forth to school. When purchasing a backpack for your child please ensure it is large enough to hold a large library book, lunch bag, and agenda. 

CLASS TIMETABLE
Library day is DAY 5. It would be appreciated if you remind your child to return the book borrowed by this day so that he/she can take out another one. 

Physical Education day is DAY 4. Rubber soled running shoes (velcro please) are required during gym class to prevent slipping on the floor. These running shoes will also be used in the classroom daily (indoor shoes). 

Music day is DAY 2. 

Arts day is DAY 3

WASHROOM ROUTINES
Please encourage your child to use the washroom before coming to school each day. At the beginning of the year we will be going to the washrooms before recesses to practise routines and help develop a habit of going at this time. Students will be discouraged from going during class time due to interruptions and for safety reasons. If the child must go, they will go with a buddy.

HEALTH CONCERNS
Please notify me about all allergies or health concerns. If your child is ill, please have him/her stay home and rest until he/she can participate in all school programming.

OUTDOOR PLAY- RECESS
Students go outside twice during the school day for a 15 minute recess. As well, if they are staying for lunch, they will be outside for 30 minutes. Your child should wear clothing suitable for the weather every day. As many children have the same clothing items in the same sizes, it is best to label clothing/shoes/boots, etc. with their name. 

TOYS AT SCHOOL
Children are NOT allowed to bring toys to school. If they do, they will be asked to leave them in their back packs or with me until the day is over. Next week, I will be asking children to bring their favourite object/souvenir from summer as part of a speaking activity for Show and Tell.  

PROGRAM DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
We will spend time working on school routines and building a sense of community in and outside the classroom. We will establish and display our TRIBES agreement that will help us remember that mutual respectactive listening, appreciation, and positive participation promote academic success. 

We will also be reviewing what children learned in Kindergarten as well as gradually moving toward meeting the First Term expectations for Grade 1.

COMMUNICATION 
I believe that a solid flow of communication between parents and teacher is the key to success. I strive to keep parents updated on all student accomplishments through this blog and via agendas. 

You can help your child adapt to the routines of Grade 1 by making sure that he/she receives adequate rest and by talking with him/her about how to be a good listener and friend. You may also refer to educational French websites on the "Parent Resources" tab of this blog

Thank you in advance for your support and here's to a superb year!

Best regards,
Madame Bensalam

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