I am beyond thrilled that our first days of classes went so well, with students learning lots of updated procedures for our year in the new academic wing, writing with focus about their summer break, and displaying Christ’s love by welcoming new classmates.

Now for a full week of classes, including the new additions of digital literacy and genius hour!

Upcoming Events

As we start the school year, there are a number of events to be aware of:

  • Monday, September 10 – ESL Parent Orientation Night
    • This is for parents of GCS students that are part of our ESL program.  The event begins at 6:30 pm in the chapel area.
  • Tuesday, September 11 – Meet the Teacher
    • Parents are invited to the school to meet their child’s teachers from 3:30-5:00 pm.  This is a “drop-in” event.  I look forward to meeting you and providing you with an opportunity to visit your child’s learning environment.
  • Wednesday, September 12 – GCS Community Event 
    • All students and their families are invited to our GCS Community Event from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.  Please wear your GCS clothing to demonstrate your school pride.  Please watch our social media accounts for more details.
  • Friday, September 14 – Terry Fox Run
    • 2:00-3:00 pm – While we are not sending our students out to canvas the community, any donations received will be added to the proceeds of our first Casual Day and sent to support cancer research. Parents are most welcome to join us in celebrating Terry’s life and his cause!

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Late on Thursday evening GCS launched a 24 Hour Knight’s Challenge to raise $24,000.  If you have not been a part of the 24 Hour Knight’s Challenge yet, there is still time!  Each student has received a pledge form for the 24 Hour Knight’s Challenge. Please return your pledge form and payment to your child’s homeroom teacher by Monday if you wish to be included in this Challenge!

There are also online and texting opportunities to support GCS as well. Visit http://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/58384 or text “GIVE” to (204) 817-6871 to contribute to our on-going Buy A Brick Campaign.

Your Child’s Teachers

As the lead grade 4 teacher, I will be responsible for teaching your child Math, Language, Writing, Spelling, Penmanship, Social Studies, Art, Genius Hour, and Digital Literacy.  Your child will be blessed to have multiple teachers throughout the week for various content areas:

  • Mrs. McGonnell: Bible
  • Mrs. MacNeill: Science
  • Mrs. Wilting: Music
  • Mrs. Smylie:  French
  • Mr. Wood: Gym

GCS Apparel & Online Store

Visit our online GCS Clothing store to get all of your school and athletic apparel. Show your school spirit with high quality shirts, jackets, hoodies, and more. Shipping is free and most clothing is custom designed by you! Check it out: http://gracecs.entripyshops.com/ 

Class Schedule

Students in Grade 4 are very busy throughout the week, and in efforts to make every day run smoothly, we ask that they come prepared for each of their classes. Please take note of their weekly class schedule which has been sent home in their school agenda.

No Homework???

Please rest assured that this in NOT the case for students in Grades 4.  Although many class assignments are completed throughout the day in class, there are a number of items that students should be spending time on each night.  These homework items include: any math corrections, spelling & vocabulary review, reading for a minimum of 15 minutes, as well as Bible memory work. Any unfinished classwork in Math or Language must also be completed. ESL students will have additional homework from the ESL Department which will be tracked using the SeeSaw App.

The Agenda

The agenda is an important tool we use to communicate between home and school. Forms that need to go home can be found in the agenda pocket. Forms and envelopes with money that need to come in to school should likewise be kept in the agenda pocket. Each day, students will write their homework on the day’s date with a box for placing a check in once they have completed each homework task. I ask that each day, parents sign the agenda so that I know students are keeping up with any homework.

Milk Orders & School Lunch Program

We are pleased to offer the milk program again this year! More information will follow in the coming weeks.

After School Care

With the majority of families in today’s society having both Mom and Dad in the workforce, Grace Christian School has recognized the need for additional support for your child during the after-school hours. We are blessed to offer a comprehensive After-School Program, Monday to Friday, from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM, within our school building.  This option is available to all elementary students for a fee of $12/child or $16/family.  This fee includes a light snack, opportunities for homework assistance, and outdoor play when possible.  If you would like to use our after-school program, please contact Mrs. Victoria Kelly (vkelly@gcspei.ca) for more details.

Athletics Camps & Clubs

Beginning this Monday, students in Grade 4 have the option of training for cross-country running beginning immediately after school until 4:15 PM.  You will also find that your child has received a permission slip outlining the details for both a soccer camp and a tumbling club.  Please return these permission slips and payment early next week if your child wishes to participate.

Upcoming Assessments

Friday – Spelling Test 1

Important Dates

September 10 – Parent ESL Orientation Night
September 11 – Meet the Teacher
September 12 – GCS Carnival
September 14 – Terry Fox Run
September 28 – Professional Development Day (No Class)
October 8 – Thanksgiving (No Class)

That was long! I hope you all had a great weekend and that students are looking forward to the coming week!

Mrs. Bouter