Friday, September 5, 2014

September 5, 2014

                                                 We are going to have a BRIGHT year in Grade 4/5!



Our "Relaxation Station" Students are welcome to spend time at this station as needed throughout the day. Students use this time to think about how to solve a problem, if they need time to cool down or simply need a small break. 


What Kind of Teacher do YOU Want?
Not only did we take some time to get to know each other this week, we also took some time to find out what kind of teacher the students want to have this year. I will do my best to live up to their vision, however, I'm not sure I will be able to break dance every single morning! I love how much fun we had creating this list together.

Some student responses included:
 "A teacher who is kind and sweet." 
 "A teacher who has fun, makes the day bright and loves us."
"A teacher who makes us laugh in class." 
 "Lots of field trips."
"Gives best hugs."
 "Greets us at the door."
 "A teacher that is respectful. A teacher that has a soft voice."
" A teacher who appreciates us for who we are, who has fun learning ideas"

Brain Breaks and Mindfulness
Brain Breaks will continue to play a large role in our classroom this year. Brain breaks are quick movement breaks (1-2 minutes) and we do them when our mind needs "re-energized". These movement breaks help cross the mid-line of your body which helps both sides of your brain engage. One of the programs I use for interactive brain breaks using technology is called Go Noodle. This program allows students to choose a mascot who grows and changes the more brain breaks we do. This year the students voted on a mascot named "Squatchy Berger", as seen in the photo! The students really look forward to brain breaks and it's a great way to get moving in the classroom!

Just as we need brain breaks to re-energize our brains, there are also times where our minds re so busy with thoughts that it's difficult to focus on the task at hand. Mindfulness is the practice of living in the present moment by focusing our attention and observing what is going on around us. One way in which we practice mindfulness in the classroom is by taking part in belly-breaths. School can be a long day for many students and sometimes the last part of the day is the hardest to remain focused. However, it is amazing how productive and engaged students are after just a few short moments of breathing and relaxation to calm their busy minds. 

Scholastic Book Orders
I will be sending home a Scholastic Book Order each month with your child. The due date for orders will be written in your child's agenda. If you would like to order from Scholastic, please return the order form with a cheque made out to Scholastic Canada Ltd.

Treaty Four Field Trip
To coincide with our teaching of treaties, we will be participating in activities at this year's Treaty Four in Fort Qu'Apelle. This is an exciting opportunity as we are taking all students Grades One through Eight. We will be leaving the school at 9:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 17 and returning prior to 3:30 P.M.. Students are asked to dress for the weather and bring a brown bag lunch. The cost per student is $4.00 and payment can be made online. Parents wishing to join us must have a current Police Information Check on file with the board office. Bus space is limited, so please let us know if you would like to join us.

A Field Trip consent and waiver form was sent home this week. Please ensure to return the signed permission form and complete the $4.00 payment online as soon as possible.

Agenda Fee
Each student received a school agenda this week. The fee for the agenda is $4.00 and can be paid for online.

Return Back to School Forms
Please return the back to school forms (media release, lunchroom program and severe weather plan forms) as soon as possible, if you have no already done so.

Say Cheese! Picture Day is Just Around the Corner!
Just a reminder that school picture day is on Monday, September 8th!

Important Dates and Reminders:
Monday, September 8th: School Picture Day
Wednesday, September 17: Treaty 4 Field Trip
Friday, September 19th: Letter About My Child Due
Wednesday, September 24th: Terry Fox Run







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