Hi!
Here we are! These past ten months have come and gone so fast.
All the students have done their "Show and Share" presentation. They did wonderfully. It is so neat seeing what the children have chosen to bring to share with their classmates because I could always tell it was special to them. We saw everything from baby siblings, figure skates, lady bug in a jar, plants, a light up Vegas shirt and so much more.
The Signing In activity has been successful. I appreciate you all being so supportive and remembering that all the children are at different stages in the writing process. I will be sending home their laminated sheet in a couple classes, I encourage you to keep practicing. Please try your best to continue to expose them to lower case letters as much as possible.
Our first Park Day had to be rescheduled due to rain (and in which later turned into a Tornado Warning). We will wait to see what the weather holds for us tomorrow (Thursday, June 13) and then decide whether we will be moving that Park Day. Please keep an eye on your emails as to whether it is cancelled and when the rescheduled day will be. Thanks for your understanding in this matter.
Just a heads up as to how the Tornado Warning was handled this afternoon. An email was sent out to families by Cheryl explaining that we were under a Tornado Warning. Chynna and I kept an eye to the weather and if at any point we decided we were not safe, we would be taking the children next door to the hair salon in the basement. We had the radio on low in the kitchen so as to be kept current and decided to get the children dressed and ready to go earlier than usual so it would be a quick pick up for parents/guardians. I explained to them that we had a storm coming, kept things calm and read them a couple of stories. Glad everyone is okay :)
Last Day of Classes Parties:
T/TH - Thursday, June 20th
F - June 21st
M/W - Monday, June 24th
The last day of classes will be low key. I would like to give the kids the opportunity to just have a nice play and be with their classmates as a whole one last time. We will have a special snack and handing out scrapbooks. Please do not forget to take your indoor shoes and check Lost and Found box.
AGM/Family BBQ JUNE 22nd at Whitecroft Hall
Please mark this event down (with pen :) ) on your calendars. It will be held in the afternoon at Whitecroft Hall. Please bring out your friends and family as this is a nice way to wind up the school year as a whole community and welcome Summer. The Board has been working hard on this event so don't miss it!
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has come together to make this school year an enriching experience for the children. Whether it be fundraising, cleaning, scrapbooking, field trips, loft building and so much more, I really want you to know that your actions did not go unnoticed.
Happy Father's Day!!
Thanks!
~Meghan
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Spring has finally appeared!
Hello
Happy Mother's Day! I hope you had a restful weekend ;) I also hope you now understand why your children were coming home with green feet:)
This month, we will continue on our Kindergarten prep. All of the students will be signing-in every day. Please remember that we are all at different stages in our writing development and as such we need to take care when assisting the kids. Encouraging words, high-fives and hugs are always welcome. It is always a joy when you see a child realize that they have mastered a letter or word. I also have the privilege of seeing my little guys that I had as three year olds last year now just writing their names like it is common practice as they get ready for Kindergarten. I thank you for sharing this milestone with me.
Show and Share has been a hit. I love how they are bringing in things that mean something special to them. We have had everything from tap shoes to a lady bug in a jar. Take Home Teddy Bears are doing their second rounds. Please return the very next class as the year end is fast approaching and I would like every child to have another turn with their bear.
We will be going to Wallish Greenhouse on May 14/15. They have been generous enough to share their time, resources and knowledge with us.
A reminder that I would like to take the children out time and weather permitting. Please ensure they are dressed appropriately. We will only ever be out for about fifteen minutes, so please apply sunscreen before class.
Enjoy the sun!
Meghan
Happy Mother's Day! I hope you had a restful weekend ;) I also hope you now understand why your children were coming home with green feet:)
This month, we will continue on our Kindergarten prep. All of the students will be signing-in every day. Please remember that we are all at different stages in our writing development and as such we need to take care when assisting the kids. Encouraging words, high-fives and hugs are always welcome. It is always a joy when you see a child realize that they have mastered a letter or word. I also have the privilege of seeing my little guys that I had as three year olds last year now just writing their names like it is common practice as they get ready for Kindergarten. I thank you for sharing this milestone with me.
Show and Share has been a hit. I love how they are bringing in things that mean something special to them. We have had everything from tap shoes to a lady bug in a jar. Take Home Teddy Bears are doing their second rounds. Please return the very next class as the year end is fast approaching and I would like every child to have another turn with their bear.
We will be going to Wallish Greenhouse on May 14/15. They have been generous enough to share their time, resources and knowledge with us.
A reminder that I would like to take the children out time and weather permitting. Please ensure they are dressed appropriately. We will only ever be out for about fifteen minutes, so please apply sunscreen before class.
Enjoy the sun!
Meghan
Monday, April 22, 2013
Happy Earth Day!!
Happy Earth Day!
We have been talking about ways we can help our Earth stay healthy and clean. After learning about the Solar System this past winter, the children understand that we need to protect our planet as it is where we live (and as one pointed out - Even with sunscreen, Venus is too hot to live on!). I expect that some of the children will become some sort of "Earth Police" making sure lights and taps are turned off :)
At the BriarPatch, we strive to minimize our impact on the environment by reducing, reusing and recycling. I thank you for helping us minimize our waste by sending snacks and drinks in reusable containers. Also, thank you for contributing many of your recyclables and household/office type materials that you had no use for. These type of materials lend themselves well to open-ended art and encourage creativity.
"If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the Earth before we ask them to save it." -David Sobel
We have been talking about ways we can help our Earth stay healthy and clean. After learning about the Solar System this past winter, the children understand that we need to protect our planet as it is where we live (and as one pointed out - Even with sunscreen, Venus is too hot to live on!). I expect that some of the children will become some sort of "Earth Police" making sure lights and taps are turned off :)
At the BriarPatch, we strive to minimize our impact on the environment by reducing, reusing and recycling. I thank you for helping us minimize our waste by sending snacks and drinks in reusable containers. Also, thank you for contributing many of your recyclables and household/office type materials that you had no use for. These type of materials lend themselves well to open-ended art and encourage creativity.
"If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the Earth before we ask them to save it." -David Sobel
Sunday, March 24, 2013
April 2013
April 2013
We had a busy month of March but came out smiling (and with lots of snow)!
This month, we will be learning the letters Q and U. We are continuing to work on our fine motor skills so as to ensure the children have the muscles in their hands to hold a pencil correctly and efficiently. Please take the time to work on this at home too as with consistent work both in the classroom and at home; we will see success much sooner.
We will be beginning our “Show and Share” towards the middle of the month. Students are welcome to bring in a special something from home to share with the class. I ask that we keep toys of the weapon nature at home. I will post a calendar for when your child will be sharing.
As Earth Day is this month, we will be looking at the ways in which we can be responsible and respectful citizens to not only our Earth but also to future generations. An activity I always did as a child on Earth Day was to go and pick up litter with my family and community. Litter is something the kids can see and relate to, so it would be a very beneficial activity to do as a family that will drive home the message that everyone plays a role in keeping our Earth clean. Please take time to discuss why we observe Earth Day.
At the end of the month, we will be going to Fort Edmonton. The dates are located on the calendar and permission slips will be going home soon.
Spring (the one we can see) is fast approaching. Please ensure your children are dressed appropriately for the weather as I would like to take them out when able to.
Thanks for your continued support!
Reminder - I will be out of the country until Tuesday, April 9th. Classes are back in though on April 2nd.
~Meghan
We had a busy month of March but came out smiling (and with lots of snow)!
This month, we will be learning the letters Q and U. We are continuing to work on our fine motor skills so as to ensure the children have the muscles in their hands to hold a pencil correctly and efficiently. Please take the time to work on this at home too as with consistent work both in the classroom and at home; we will see success much sooner.
We will be beginning our “Show and Share” towards the middle of the month. Students are welcome to bring in a special something from home to share with the class. I ask that we keep toys of the weapon nature at home. I will post a calendar for when your child will be sharing.
As Earth Day is this month, we will be looking at the ways in which we can be responsible and respectful citizens to not only our Earth but also to future generations. An activity I always did as a child on Earth Day was to go and pick up litter with my family and community. Litter is something the kids can see and relate to, so it would be a very beneficial activity to do as a family that will drive home the message that everyone plays a role in keeping our Earth clean. Please take time to discuss why we observe Earth Day.
At the end of the month, we will be going to Fort Edmonton. The dates are located on the calendar and permission slips will be going home soon.
Spring (the one we can see) is fast approaching. Please ensure your children are dressed appropriately for the weather as I would like to take them out when able to.
Thanks for your continued support!
Reminder - I will be out of the country until Tuesday, April 9th. Classes are back in though on April 2nd.
~Meghan
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
In like a lamb...
March came in like a lamb (and then snowed a LOT the next day but nevermind that!)!! Spring is upon us! We will move through this month fast!
We will be finishing up our unit on the Solar System. The children have enjoyed everything they have learned (and I am sure you have learned some random Space Facts or jokes). Our buddies from Apollo 13 will be leaving us shortly :( The children worked hard on their Solar System, so I think we are going to leave that up.
We will be working on learning the letters W and I. We have also started looking at words that rhyme.
Fieldtrip to Sobeys: (NO siblings and limited parent volunteers as requested by Sobeys)
TTH AM class - Tuesday, March 12 930-11
MW AM class - Wednesday, March 13 930-11
TTH PM class - Tuesday, March 19 1-230
MW PM class - Wednesday, March 20 1-230
Easter/Spring Parties:
We will be having a small, low-key celebration to welcome Spring.
**MW PM class - Monday, March 18
MW AM class - Wednesday, March 20
TTH AM class - Thursday, March 21
TTH PM class - Thursday, March 21
Spring Break - March 23-April 1. Enjoy your time with your family!
Thanks to....Terri Parker/Ted Ryan (Bottle Drive), Pregitzer families (Family Dance) and Vertz Family (Family Dance). The Art Show and the Family Dance were successes! Thank you for being so involved in your children's education and community.
All the best!
~Meg
We will be finishing up our unit on the Solar System. The children have enjoyed everything they have learned (and I am sure you have learned some random Space Facts or jokes). Our buddies from Apollo 13 will be leaving us shortly :( The children worked hard on their Solar System, so I think we are going to leave that up.
We will be working on learning the letters W and I. We have also started looking at words that rhyme.
Fieldtrip to Sobeys: (NO siblings and limited parent volunteers as requested by Sobeys)
TTH AM class - Tuesday, March 12 930-11
MW AM class - Wednesday, March 13 930-11
TTH PM class - Tuesday, March 19 1-230
MW PM class - Wednesday, March 20 1-230
Easter/Spring Parties:
We will be having a small, low-key celebration to welcome Spring.
**MW PM class - Monday, March 18
MW AM class - Wednesday, March 20
TTH AM class - Thursday, March 21
TTH PM class - Thursday, March 21
Spring Break - March 23-April 1. Enjoy your time with your family!
Thanks to....Terri Parker/Ted Ryan (Bottle Drive), Pregitzer families (Family Dance) and Vertz Family (Family Dance). The Art Show and the Family Dance were successes! Thank you for being so involved in your children's education and community.
All the best!
~Meg
Monday, February 18, 2013
Family Dance - Saturday, February 23rd
Hello
A quick note to say thank you for all of your help on ensuring our parties went well and the Strathcona Capital Care residents received Valentine cards. I received an email from them thanking families for their wonderful cards.
Our annual "BriarPatch Family Dance" is this Saturday at Whitecroft Hall! Our parent volunteers have been working hard and it is sure to be an evening of laughter and lots of visiting. Tickets are on sale now!! Please ask Chynna or myself as we are selling them this week. $5/person or $15/family of four.
I hope you had a restful long weekend!
~Meghan
A quick note to say thank you for all of your help on ensuring our parties went well and the Strathcona Capital Care residents received Valentine cards. I received an email from them thanking families for their wonderful cards.
Our annual "BriarPatch Family Dance" is this Saturday at Whitecroft Hall! Our parent volunteers have been working hard and it is sure to be an evening of laughter and lots of visiting. Tickets are on sale now!! Please ask Chynna or myself as we are selling them this week. $5/person or $15/family of four.
I hope you had a restful long weekend!
~Meghan
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Valentine's Day
I cannot believe it is almost Valentine's Day. Time is flying!
A couple things:
1) The deadline for the Valentine's cards for the residents at Capital Care is Friday, February 8th. I was missing a couple kids today, so I am okay if they come in Monday, February 11th. I would like to ensure that every resident will receive a card for their Valentine's Tea, so I will be doing the final count Monday. If we are short cards, I will ask a couple kids to make some cards at school.
2) Valentine's Day Parties - February 13/14th. Please wear red/white/purple and bring in cards for classmates. We will have a low-key party with some special little activities and a special snack.
3) Due to me being absent the past couple of days, we are behind in our Random Acts of Kindness project. We will work on completing our bookmarks and then getting them laminated. Please remember that this is to be done as a family. Talk about who your child could give their bookmark to and then approach that person together (or leave it for them). Some suggestions include - the newspaper carrier, the elderly widow/er down the street, the checkout person etc. My goal with this is to remind families that we are part of a community and we need to take the opportunity to reach out to people as we never know what they are dealing with - sometimes all it takes is a smile or a simple drawing by a child to lift spirits.
4) Field trip consent forms due next week (please return even if you are not planning on attending). Please get these in ASAP as we need to let WEM Sea Life Caverns know our numbers. Please have children at meeting spot 15 minutes before our scheduled time and ensure they have had an opportunity to use the washroom before hand. Please wear closed toed shoes. No snack is required. Thank you for your understanding on the no siblings and limited parent helpers. We will let everyone know once names have been drawn next week who will be assisting us.
5) We will be closed Monday, February 18th for Family Day.
6) Family Dance. Come out to Whitecroft Hall on Saturday, February 23rd. The BriarPatch will be having our annual dance from 5:30-9:30. Tickets will be on sale starting Monday, February 11th. Parent volunteers have been working hard on this event and it is sure to be a fun evening.
7) Field trip to Sobeys in March. Information about this will be out soon.
8) Reminder that Spring Break is March 23rd- April 1st. I will be out of the country for this break and will not be returning to class until April 9th. Jen Mills and/or Cheryl Roberts will be covering for me during that first week of April. If you have any questions or need to let us know anything during this time, please email/phone Cheryl. Jen Mills is a teacher (and parent of two BriarPatch kids) with a Zoology background and has offered to share her knowledge with our kids that week.
I would like to thank everyone for your support. As many of you know, I had a tough Fall for personal reasons and have been under the weather the last little while. I appreciate knowing that there are many kind and considerate people behind our work at the BriarPatch. Enjoy February! Mr. Groundhog believes Spring is almost here!
"May you always have love to share, health to spare, and friends that care!"
~Meghan Hetherington
A couple things:
1) The deadline for the Valentine's cards for the residents at Capital Care is Friday, February 8th. I was missing a couple kids today, so I am okay if they come in Monday, February 11th. I would like to ensure that every resident will receive a card for their Valentine's Tea, so I will be doing the final count Monday. If we are short cards, I will ask a couple kids to make some cards at school.
2) Valentine's Day Parties - February 13/14th. Please wear red/white/purple and bring in cards for classmates. We will have a low-key party with some special little activities and a special snack.
3) Due to me being absent the past couple of days, we are behind in our Random Acts of Kindness project. We will work on completing our bookmarks and then getting them laminated. Please remember that this is to be done as a family. Talk about who your child could give their bookmark to and then approach that person together (or leave it for them). Some suggestions include - the newspaper carrier, the elderly widow/er down the street, the checkout person etc. My goal with this is to remind families that we are part of a community and we need to take the opportunity to reach out to people as we never know what they are dealing with - sometimes all it takes is a smile or a simple drawing by a child to lift spirits.
4) Field trip consent forms due next week (please return even if you are not planning on attending). Please get these in ASAP as we need to let WEM Sea Life Caverns know our numbers. Please have children at meeting spot 15 minutes before our scheduled time and ensure they have had an opportunity to use the washroom before hand. Please wear closed toed shoes. No snack is required. Thank you for your understanding on the no siblings and limited parent helpers. We will let everyone know once names have been drawn next week who will be assisting us.
5) We will be closed Monday, February 18th for Family Day.
6) Family Dance. Come out to Whitecroft Hall on Saturday, February 23rd. The BriarPatch will be having our annual dance from 5:30-9:30. Tickets will be on sale starting Monday, February 11th. Parent volunteers have been working hard on this event and it is sure to be a fun evening.
7) Field trip to Sobeys in March. Information about this will be out soon.
8) Reminder that Spring Break is March 23rd- April 1st. I will be out of the country for this break and will not be returning to class until April 9th. Jen Mills and/or Cheryl Roberts will be covering for me during that first week of April. If you have any questions or need to let us know anything during this time, please email/phone Cheryl. Jen Mills is a teacher (and parent of two BriarPatch kids) with a Zoology background and has offered to share her knowledge with our kids that week.
I would like to thank everyone for your support. As many of you know, I had a tough Fall for personal reasons and have been under the weather the last little while. I appreciate knowing that there are many kind and considerate people behind our work at the BriarPatch. Enjoy February! Mr. Groundhog believes Spring is almost here!
"May you always have love to share, health to spare, and friends that care!"
~Meghan Hetherington
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