Christmas

Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

We will see you back at school on Monday January 6!  :)

Thursday

Tomorrow is pajama day in Kindergarten! 

Come to school wearing your pajamas and bring a teddy or stuffed animal to school to spend the day with you.  

Reminder: Friday is a PD day so there is no school.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is our Christmas Concert!  Please make sure you arrive on time and bring in a treat to share with the class.

Also, tomorrow the kids will be taking pictures with Santa.  If you would like your child to take a picture with Santa please send $5 to school.

See you all tomorrow! :)

Practice

Tomorrow is out last day to practice for the Christmas concert so it is very important that all students come to school and arrive on time tomorrow.

Please continue to practice the poems/songs sent home on the weekend.

Christmas Concert

The Kindergarten Christmas Concert is next week - on Wednesday December 18th.  

Each class will be presenting on their own in the gym followed by snacks in their classroom.  We ask all students to bring in a PEANUT FREE Treat to share with the class after the concert.  

Here is the performance schedule:

Wed December 18

9:00am - Mrs. Mancino's class

10:00am - Mrs. Giancola's class

12:45pm - Mrs. Evans' class

1:45pm - Mrs. Savelli's class

2:30pm - Mrs. Bambaci's class

Please arrive early or on time so you won't miss out on your child's performance.  When you arrive go directly to the gym to wait for the concert to start.  

The kids are excited to see you at school next week and show you all their hard work practicing!

Extra Clothing

Please make sure you send an extra pair of pants, a shirt and socks to keep at school.  Especially in the winter having an extra pair of socks can be very handy.

Occasionally children have accidents because they are having too much fun playing to go to the bathroom.  More often, they get wet playing outside or while washing their hands.  Making sure they have extra clothes at school will help your child stay dry during the day.  

If your child has become wet & we have used their extra clothes please make sure you send more to replace the ones sent home.

Airport

We have discussed places in our community and this month we have an airport in our drama center. 

First they pick up an "luggage" and have to buy a ticket for wherever they would like to go:

Next they have to go through security who checks them & their "luggage."

Then they board the airplane where they put their luggage under the seat.  The flight attendant helps them and gives them food & drinks.

It's Friday!

Have a wonderful weekend! :D

Christmas Concert

We have been learning songs & practicing for the Christmas concert (which can sometimes be difficult for some students).

Therefore, please speak with your child and let them know how excited you are for the concert and how much you really want to hear them sing.  Any and all positive encouragement at home will help them learn the words when we practice and will also help them overcome shyness at the concert.

Lunch

Many parents approach us and ask about what type of foods they should send to school; and how they can get their child to eat at school and at home.  

Please click the following link to get answers to your many questions; as well as lunch & snack suggestions.  

Eat Right Ontario

Frequently Asked Questions about packing school lunches:

http://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Frequently-Asked-Questions/Packing-Healthy-School-Lunches-and-Snacks-FAQs.aspx#.Up-dhXi9LCQ

Healthy Linch Ideas:

http://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/School-Health/Articles/Healthy-lunch-ideas-for-the-new-school-year.aspx#.Up-dvni9LCQ

Browse the site to find answers to your questions!

Learning Goals

This week we will be learning:

- the name and sound of the letter Hh

- words that start with Hh

- the value of number 3 (JKs)

- the value of number 8 (SKs)

- about octopus 

- the words: where, here, there

- places in our community

- about Christmas

Also, we will be practicing everyday for our class Christmas concert so please make sure your child comes to school everyday, and arrives on time, so they won't miss out.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is dress down day & wacky hat day for the entire school.  If you are participating you must bring a donation to school that will be donated to a person in need.  Thank you for your support.

Also, here is the calendar for December.  A paper copy with the newsletter will be going home tomorrow.  Please read the newsletter for information on our class Christmas Concert and other important information.

Holiday Events in Toronto

There is always a lot to see and do in Toronto.  As Christmas is approaching there are many family events available for you to take part in with your children.  

Some events are listed below, please click the links for more information and even more events & holiday ideas.

Skating at Natrel Rink (free)

http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/venues/natrelrink/index.cfm?ref=fp

- skate rentals available on site

Toronto Christmas Market (free)

http://www.toronto.com/events/toronto-christmas-market/

Christmas in High Park ($4-7)

http://www.toronto.com/events/christmas-in-the-park/

A Victorian Christmas at Mackenzie House ($4-7)

http://wx.toronto.ca/festevents.nsf/eea378997ab691ab852572f80049c569/2a8f87931b52466c85257c0d006dcaf9?OpenDocument

Crazy Christmas Extravaganza Concert ($5)

http://www.toronto.com/events/crazy-christmas-extravaganza/

The Miracle on Mercer Street - Musical Puppet Show ($14)

http://www.toronto.com/events/the-miracle-on-mercer-street/

Disney on Ice ($28+)

http://www.toronto.com/events/disney-on-ice-princesses-and-heroes/

Sesame Street Live ($35+)

http://www.toronto.com/events/sesame-street-live-make-a-new-friend/

Other Events, Guides & Resources:

http://www.toronto4kids.com/

Christmas Concert

Christmas is fast approaching!  The kindergarten Christmas Concert will be held during the day on Wednesday December 18.  

Please be sure to set the day aside to see your child preform.  More details will follow soon.

Learning Goals

This week we will be learning:

- the name & sound of the letter Ee

- words that start with Ee

- the value of the number 2 (JKs)

- the value of the number 7 (SKs)

- about weather: rain, wind, seasons

- about hibernation & animals that hibernate

Snow Pants

The first snow is here as well as colder weather.  We will still be continuing to go outside most days so please send snow pants to school with your child tomorrow so they do not get wet when we play outside.  Make sure their name is written inside the pants so we can make sure they don't get lost.

Enjoy the snow! :D

Brown Day & Milkshakes

Tomorrow is Brown Day!  Please dress in brown and/or bring in something that is brown. 

Also, a note went home about ordering milkshakes.  If you are interested you must send the order form back and the money tomorrow to pre-order them.  :)

(If you didn't receive a note you can order  a chocolate, vanilla OR strawberry milkshake to be delivered to your child for $2 on 3 different days - dates were on the note - if you don't have the order form send a note saying which flavour(s) your child wants & the correct amount of money or see me in the morning for the order form).

Welcome

On Monday we welcomed Ms. Frustaglio to our classroom as our permanent ECE! We welcome her to the St. Jude community! :)

Learning Goals

This week we are learning:

- the name & sound of the letters Cc & Kk (they make the same sound)

- words that start with Cc & Kk

- name and value of the number 1 (JKs) & the number 6 (SKs)

- the word can

- about things we can do

P.S. Please remember to send a fork to school if you order pasta.  I had purchased a pack of plastic forks which have already been used up (often by the same students) and I do not have any more forks in the classroom.  The best thing is to keep a fork in their lunch bags at all times so they have it if they need it. Teach your child to rinse the fork & put it back in their bag for you to clean at night & return it back to their backpacks. 

Conferences

Thank you to all the parents who made parent teacher interviews a success.  I know together we can help your child be the best they can be!

Progress Report

Just a reminder that tonight and tomorrow morning are parent teacher interviews so there will be no school tomorrow.  Please check what time your interview is at to make sure you arrive on time (a note was sent home on Monday).

At the interview we will discuss your child's progress report and you will receive a copy, with comments from our discussion, next week.  

When reviewing the progress report at the interview please take note of the following words:

- always

- usually

- sometimes

- occasionally

These words are key to understanding the report and recognizing areas of strength and growth for your child. 

Here are some photos of us making pizza today:

Pizza Party

We have been learning about more and less by making pizza's out of paper and painting toppings on them.

Tomorrow we will be making real mini pizza's for snack.  I will provide the crust and sauce for everyone but each child needs to bring to school 1 topping (ex: mushrooms, pepperoni, green peppers) and a small amount of cheese for their pizza tomorrow.

Thank you!  

Here are some photos from pepperoni pizzeria in out classroom:

Learning Goals

This week the students will be learning:

- the name and sound of the letter Ii

- words that start with Ii

- more, less & the same (with pizza toppings)

- how to make their own mini pizzas

- how to take & complete orders in our drama Center pizzeria 

As well, this week St. Jude's is hosting their annual book fair.  If you would like to purchase books plesae send money to school tomorrow or Thursday.  You are welcome to attend the book fair yourself on Thursday night or Friday morning before or after your interview. 

Interviews

Today a form went home with the date and time of your child's interview. Please make sure to check their backpack so you do not miss your appointment.

At your interview we will go over your child's progress report - how they are developing, strengths and areas of growth.  

If you are unable to make your appointment please see us right away to reschedule as we must meet with you to complete the conference form.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Numeracy

This week we have been learning about more, less and the same in math.  Students have been putting autumn leaves on trees in groups of more & less.

We have also been focusing on counting verbally and on counting objects correctly.  Continuing to practice at home will help develop and strengthen your child's skills.

Have a great weekend!

Literacy

Learning the letter names and sounds is the first step in learning how to read and comprehend literature.  We cannot stress enough how important it is to constantly practice and reinforce the letter names & sounds with your children.  

Many of the junior kindergarten students are having difficulty learning and remembering their letter sounds.  It is extremely important that you practice them at home with your child daily.  If you are unsure what sound a letter makes please ask us and we will be glad to assist you.

Singing the alphabet song does not mean they know their letters.  Randomly point to a letter and ask your child what letter it is: look on signs, in books, on cue cards you make (one letter per card) or anywhere else you see letters. 

For students in senior kindergarten it is important to practice reading strategies with them to help them learn to read and become confident readers.  Some strategies include: pointing to words as you or they read, sounding out words they don't know, looking at the pictures to help them figure out tricky words, or practicing sight words (it, the, and, etc.).

For further information on helping your child with literacy development please call or make an appointment to see us or ask us at the interviews next week.

Learning Goals

This week we are learning:

- the name & sound of the letter Nn

- words that start with Nn

- about feelings: happy, sad, angry, scared etc.

- to read & write the words like & no

- about numbats (an animal that lives in Australia)

Interviews

A letter was sent home today for you to request a time frame for your interview next week. All parents must meet with us as the progress report is in the form of a conference.  You will not revive a copy of the progress report until you come in for the interview. 

Please send the form back tomorrow to ensure you get the time you request as it is a first come first serve basis.

Library

Today we went to the Toronto Public Library to exchange our library books.  The library books are part of your child's reading bag.  The students are learning to sit quietly and read their books while the teachers conduct guided reading, lessons on making words, or conferences with small groups or individual children.

Yesterday the students participated in the annual dance-a-thon to raise money for our school.  They had a great time facing together!

Pumpkins

Today we roasted pumpkin seeds and ate them!  We also made our own mini jack-o-lanterns at the paint Center.

Remember, tomorrow is the dance-a-thin to raise money for our school.  Please send at least $2 to school tomorrow to support all the good work happening at St. Jude.  As well, tomorrow is a dress down day so students can wear whatever clothing they want.

Pumpkin Carving

Today we learned about and explored our classroom pumpkin!  Tomorrow we will be roasting the seeds & eating them!

Be sure to ask your child specific questions about their day.  Specifically how they used their senses to explore our pumpkin.

Orange Day

Tomorrow is orange day!  

Please come to school dressed in orange and bring in something that is orange!

Our Senses

Throughout the week we have been learning about our senses: seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching.  

On Tuesday we played a game where we listened to different sounds & tried to guess what we were hearing.  We also touched different objects around the classroom to describe how they felt (smooth, bumpy, soft, hard etc.).  

Today we explored our sense of sight (walking around blindfolded), our sense of smell (smelling different spices), and our sense of taste (tasting sour, salty & sweet things).  Then the students recorded which smell & taste they liked best.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is black day!  

Please come to school dressed in black and/or bring in something that is black!

This Afternoon

Today the students continued patterning at the math table where they made paper pattern chains.

This month the drama center is set up as a school so they can take turns "being the teacher".

We also learned how to use the smart board today to explore our sense of hearing.  The students then had a chance to use the smart board and to collaborate together to create different patterns. 

Learning Goals

This week we will be learning:

- the name & sound of the letter Aa

- words that start with Aa

- to create different types of patterns

- to see patterns in everyday life

- about autumn & weather

Development

As parents it is important that we continuously monitor and assist our child's progress throughout their development.  The Nipissing Developmental Screen is a well known and respected checklist to monitor your child's development.  

Please take a good and honest look at the checklist in regards to your child.  If you would like a paper copy of it please let us know & we will be happy to provide one for you.

By 4 years old:

By 5 years old:

Language

The school speech & language specialist will be visiting out classroom next week.  If you have any concerns about your child's language development please don't hesitate to speak with us so we can pass on your concerns.

As well report cards are quickly approaching and we will be holding interviews with all parents in November (more information to follow).  Most of the work we complete in class is done in small groups so we can assess the work your child is completing. Therefore, please continue to encourage your child to communicate their thoughts, ideas and opinions to build their confidence.  This will greatly enhance their ability to complete their work & to communicate their learning (which affects their assessments/report cards).

Learning Goals

This week the students will be learning:

- the name & sound of the letter Ss and words that start with Ss

- sight words: see & in

- to extend & create patterns with sounds, actions and manipulatives (blocks, counters, paint etc.)

Thanksgiving

Just a reminder that tomorrow is a PD Day and there is no school.  We will see everyone on Tuesday morning!

Have a very happy Thanksgiving! :)

Learning Goals

This week the students are learning:

- the name & sound of the letter Tt & printing it correctly (JK)

- words that start with Tt & writing sentences (SK)

- that a pattern is something that repeats over & over again

- to extend & create patterns

- about autumn/fall

- to be grateful to God (Thanksgiving)

Also today we went on a walk and used out senses to explore the season of Autumn.  We collected different coloured leaves and we brought them back into the classroom for further fun and exploaration.

Routines

It is important to establish rules and routines with your children at home. 

Having a few rules [ex: no hitting, saying please and thank you etc.] and tasks that your child has to do each day [ex: brush their teeth or make their bed] will help them develop responsibility and self-reliance.

Also, giving your child directions and multiple steps to complete a task will encourage there listening, thinking, and memory skills.  Listening to and following directions are extremely important for every aspect of life. Continue to encourage this with your children by practicing it daily. Not only are you greatly helping them but it also makes your life easier because they come to know what you expect and they learn to be independent.

Indoor shoes

Make sure your child has a pair of running shoes to keep in the classroom. When it is raining or snowing they will not be allowed to wear their wet shoes inside the classroom.

Have a great weekend spending time with your children!  They grow up so quickly so appreciate this time with them. :)

Vegetable Plants

Last year the students planted vegetable plants for Father's Day.  When we sent the plants home many of them were already growing vegetables.  Today one of the SK parents showed us the amazing amount of tomatoes they have been growing!  We are so happy to see that the plants are providing food for your families!  

Picture Day

Don't forget tomorrow is picture day! :)

Please make sure you are at school on time so you can be in our class picture as we don't know the schedule.  However, we do know that kindergarten classes usually go first to make sure they are looking their best!

Learning Goals

This week we are continuing our focus on sorting.  

Last week we sorted by colour (which was difficult for many of the JK's as they couldn't name the colours - this was very surprising).  Today & tomorrow we continue sorting by size: JK big & small; SK small, medium, large.  Later this week we will be sorting by shape.

Please continue to practice at home the concepts learned in school.  To sort at home you can use any items that have something similar (ex: shoes with laces & shoes without; clothes with stripes and clothes without etc.)

The National Ballet of Canada

The National Ballet is offering an amazing deal for families of this school to see The Nutcracker for only $5 a ticket! 

Call ASAP to take advantage of this amazing offer!  

Call 416-345-9595 to reserve your seats.  For more information see the attached flyer.

Thank You

Thank you to all the parents who came out to curriculum night last night!  It was great to be able to talk and laugh with you outside of the school day.  

If you were not able to attend we will send home one of the notes we gave out last night so please give it a read.

We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about the curriculum, classroom routines or your child's progress.  You are welcome to call the school or make an appointment to meet with us.

If you would like more information on the curriculum go to:

www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/kindergarten.html

If you would like more information on full day kindergarten go to:

www.edu.gov.on.ca/kindergarten

Tonight

We are looking forward to seeing you tonight at 6:30!

Curriculum Night

Tomorrow is curriculum night!  

Please arrive in the gym by 6:30 pm for the principal's welcome.  

Parents are expected to attend and visit their children's classes to meet their teachers, learn about their classrooms and ask questions.  

We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!  :D

Terry Fox

Friday is our Terry Fix run for cancer research.  All the students will be participating in a walk around the school (the older students will be walking/running longer).

We thank all those parents who have already sent in their donations & pledges for the walk.  We have had a range of donations from $2 - $50.  We do remind all patents to please send at least a Toonie for cancer research before Friday.

Thank you for your continued support of a great cause.

Learning Goals

Last week our learning goals entered around describing things to prepare us for sorting.   

Today the students were discussing and completing work around sorting buttons by colour.  This was a review for the SK's but new for the JK's who did struggle with the process of sorting their buttons.

Things you can do at home: 

- ask them to describe objects (shiny, soft etc.)

- ask them what is the same & what is different about pairs or groups of objects

- help them sort toys, buttons or other household items by colour (continue sorting by size & shape when they have a good understanding)

P.S. Tomorrow is Red Day so everyone is invited to come to school dressed in red and can bring in an object that is red!

Library Visit

Today was our first visit to the Toronto Public Library. The students were excited to get their library card and take out books to read in the classroom!  

Here are some pictures from our day: