Bonne rentrée / Welcome Back !

PARENT NEWSLETTER FROM ROOM 111

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. 

SCHOOL HOURS

8:40 -11:30AM LUNCH 11:30-12:25 12:25-3:15 PM 

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. 

CLASS TIMETABLE


Library day is DAY 3. 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 1, 4, and 5. 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 and DAY 5. 

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 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 summeras 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 respect, active 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. 

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to drop by after school or leave me a message with the time that you can be reached and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Just a little reminder: when you come to school to pick up your child during the school day or to talk to me or other teachers, please report to the Office first.

Thank you for your support and here’s to a fantastic year! 

Statistics reveal that the greater the parental involvement in a child’s education, the more success that child is likely to experience.

Mme Bensalam 
Grade 1 French Immersion Teacher

Last Week of School

Dear parent(s)/guardian(s),

As the end of the year is fast approaching, I would like to thank my students and parents for always having a burst of optimism and enthusiasm. I would like the last week of school for my students to be unforgettable, hence please take a look at the activities and come prepared with a good attitude and any items needed for that day. Merci!

Last week at glance of the year:

Monday, June 26th - Spelling Bee 'Concours d'orthographe'

We will have a friendly spelling competition to review all of the words/articles/verbs a Grade 1 student should be familiar with by the end of the year. You will find in your child's agenda a list of words to study. There will be a prize for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Bon etude!

Tuesday, June 27th - Tie dye activity (bring a white or light-coloured t-shirt)

Wednesday, June 28th - Outdoor chalk activities and team building games 

Thursday, June 29th - Pot luck picnic at Edge Park (bring a snack of your choice with labelled ingredients)

End of year assembly will take place outside at 1:00 pm on June 29th (weather permitting). 

Reminders: 

1. Please return all library books by next week so that your child can start fresh in September. 

2. Please return all Alpha Jeunes books from the book bag 'sac a livre' programme by next week. 

3. Please bring a huge bag to collect duotangs/projects/artworks Monday, June 26th. 

4. Friday, June 30th is a P.A. day. There will be no school for students. Bonnes vacances!

Monsieur Raymond

Dear parent(s)/guardian(s),

As most of you know, I am in my last stages of pregnancy and will need a second hand in the classroom. As such, Monsieur Raymond is a francophone teacher who is happy to help out in our classroom until the end of the year. He is very well-equipped and knowledgeable about our classroom rules and routines. I have no doubt that your child will be eager to participate in the activities that Monsieur Raymond and I have prepared for the rest of the year.

I will be back the last week of school to say my farewell's to my beloved class.


All the best,
Mme Bensalam

Spectacular Day at the Science Centre

The Grade 1 French Immersion classes enjoyed a spectacular day at the Ontario Science Centre on Thursday, May 25^th.

As we arrived, we entered the realm of science and came face to face with thousands of fascinating machines, apparatuses, and interesting facts.

We traveled through the escalators and descended each level of the center to discover it layer by layer. A few children were up for becoming builders at the KidSpark using multi-material tables, magnified materials, and much more!

Then, we were ready to watch the much anticipated Omnimax Imax film entitled “Dream Big”. The film inspired the students to think outside the box and to reflect on creative solutions for problems our world may have.

Finally, we participated in a workshop and learned about the characteristics of energy and its usages through various objects (e.g., thermal hand imaging, catapult, balloon, etc.).

A big thank you to the wonderful parent volunteers who came along. Your help was much appreciated!

Science Trip & Scientist in the School

Dear parents/guardians,
On Thursday, May 25th, 2017 our class will be going to the Ontario Science Center. 

Many thanks to all the parents who expressed an interest in volunteering for the trip. However, four parent volunteers have already been chosen on a first-come-first-serve basis. A note in your child's agenda will be written tomorrow to confirm your presence. You are kindly requested to arrive at 8:40 a.m. with your child. 

What to Prepare for the Trip:
1. A packed litter-less, nut-free lunch and snacks are required. Please ensure that your child eats a good breakfast arriving to school.
2. Each student is responsible for carrying his/her own belongings. Please make sure that your child has an appropriate back pack/lunch bag to carry to the Science Center.
3. Dress your child in comfortable clothing and in running shoes so that he/she is able to explore the center and participate in a workshop.
4. Wear protective sun gear (e.g., sunblock, hat).
5. Schedule: a. Tour of new 'Energy' exhibit  b. Lunch   c. Imax movie   d. Energy workshop

And...

 



On Friday, May 26th, 2017 the students in Room 111 will participate in the Energy Makes it Happen workshop. The workshop will complement and sum up our Science unit on Energy. Students will learn about energy conservation, solar panels, solar energy, heat energy, and light energy. Students will need to bring their creativity, curiosity, and teamwork skills in order to take part in an exciting morning.

Since I had several generous parents offering to volunteer for the trip, if you have not been chosen for the trip, your aid and support for the Scientist in the school workshop will be much appreciated. Please check your child's agenda for confirmation of your presence.

Merci beaucoup!

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