Hello Parents!

What a great first week we have had in Grade 1-2.  We spent time last week going through lots of procedures and routines that will make our year run more smoothly.  We discussed how “We are a classroom family” and that we treat each other with kindness and respect.  We spent time getting to know each other through a variety of activities including “Find Someone Who” and “All about me”.  I am excited to see this group of students grow together this year as a classroom family in kindness and love toward each other.   It is my prayer that our class will have the hope and joy that we speak about in our theme verse.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

This week we will be into a regular routine.  We will have separate Math and Language lessons while Mrs. Arthurs or Mrs. McGonnell works with the other class in the learning studio.  While in the learning studio, your child will be working on seatwork relevant to the day’s lesson and/or hands on learning activities to reinforce what has been taught.

Grade one information: 

This week in grade one math, we will begin to introduce addition and adding one, as well as learning to recognize number words one – five.  In Language students will review the vowel and consonant sounds and begin to blend short vowel sounds and words with those letters.    Students in grade one will not have a spelling list until the week of October 3rd, as we spend much of the first three weeks focusing on reviewing sounds.

Grade Two Information: 

This week, grade two will begin to review math and language concepts from grade one, including addition and subtraction and coin values.  In Language Arts, students will review short and long vowel sounds.  Students will begin studying the first Spelling List and our first Spelling Test will take place on Friday, Sept.16th.  Please ensure that the words are being practiced at home regularly.  There is a list of a variety of activities you may wish to try out as alternative ways to practice Spelling words.  Please indicate in your child’s agenda the nights your child practices his/her spelling list.

Agendas and blue homework folders: 

Each week, your child’s agenda will indicate the spelling list that your child should be working on, as well as the math facts that we have reviewed in class.  Each night your child completes his/her homework, please sign in the agenda to let me know that your child’s homework has been completed.  Please see the letter inside your child’s blue homework folder for more details on homework expectations each night.   As well, please check the blue folder each night.  Any papers that are in the “left at home side”  should be removed and kept at home.  From time to time, your child may bring home seatwork that has not been completed in class.  These sheets will be put in the “Right back to school” side of your child’s blue homework folder and should be completed at home and returned the next day.

Meet the Teacher
This coming Monday, GCS will be hosting a Meet the Teacher time from 3:00-4:00pm.  This is a time for parents that are new to the school to meet their child(ren)’s teacher(s) or for returning parents to meet any new teachers.  Parents are asked to remain in their vehicles until 3:00pm and then come into GCS through the main school doors.  In order for multiple parents to meet the various teachers, please ensure that your time with each teacher is kept to a minimum.

Dates to Remember
Monday, September 12th: Meet the Teacher 3:00-4:00
Friday, September 30th: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NO SCHOOL)
Thursday, October 6th: School Picture Day
Friday, October 7th: PD Day (NO SCHOOL)
Monday, October 10th: Thanksgiving ~ NO SCHOOL

Enjoy your week!

Mrs. Barton