Monday 14 September 2015

Happy September Everyone!

A big welcome to the new families and a big welcome back to the returning  students and families!

We have had an exciting start to our new school year.  It has been a busy first week here at St. John the Apostle Catholic School.  We have started many getting-to-know-you activities, we have learned rules and procedures, and we are establishing routines within the classroom. We are off to a great start and I know it is going to be a wonderful school year. 

Did your child tell you about filling buckets? We have been focusing on filling each other’s buckets after reading the story Have Your Filled A Bucket Today?  This book explains to children that we all carry an invisible bucket in which we keep our feelings about ourselves. When our buckets are full, we are happy; when they are empty, we are sad.  We call this ‘dipping a bucket’. The children learned that we fill buckets by saying kind words to others and doing nice things too. Please ask your child to tell you all about it!

Program Evening- Our Parent Program Evening will be held here at St. John the Apostle on Thursday September 17th 2015 from 5-7pm.  Come and see the school, learn more about what we do here and check our our class!! If you cannot make it, please let me know and I will send home the information with your child. Thank you for your help with this!

Transportation- If your child is absent from our Primary Language Class, it is very important that you call the transportation office to cancel the STS drivers (arrival and departure).  The phone number is 613-723-9677


Whole Brain Teaching

We will be implementing the Whole Brain Teaching method into our lessons this year.  It is a fast paced and high energy teaching practice to keep the students engaged and active in their learning.  It includes actions and repetition to assist students in their daily routines and lessons.  This is my second year incorporating this into my teaching practice and I am really excited about it! Ask your child about Class…Yes…and our School Rules!  They are doing GREAT! Stay tuned for more exciting practices!!



OUR CLASSROOM RULES

Our rules have been adapted from the Whole Brain Teaching method mentioned above!! Each rule has a hand gesture to go with it!

  1. Follow directions quickly.
  2. Raise your hand for permission to speak
  3. Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat
  4. Make smart choices
  5. Keep your dear teacher happy!
Please review these goals with your child.

Donations Requested: Please consider donating a box of large zip-loc bags, some hand sanitizer or a box of Kleenex if you haven’t done so already. This would help us a great deal. They will be shared by everyone in the class as needed.  Special thanks to the families who have already sent in supplies!

Allergy notice- Many students at St. John the Apostle have severe and life-threatening allergy to fish (all kinds, including seafood), nuts, and eggs. We appreciate your cooperation with not sending fish, eggs, or nut products to school in your child’s lunch or snacks.  Remember we are a nut-free, fish-free, and egg-free environment. 

Homework Calendars: Homework calendars come home on a monthly basis. They will begin next week! Look for them in their mail bags next Monday! Please work with your child to complete the daily activities. Activities for each night reflect what we are working on in the classroom.  The activities are short and require about 5 minutes to complete. At the end of the month, your child will be required to return the completed homework calendar with your signature.

*Please note that Our Snuggle Bag Reading Program beings next week as well.  Please refer to the note on the Snuggle Bag for directions! 

Word Wall Words: In order to read and write independently, children must learn to automatically recognize and spell high-frequency words that occur in almost everything they read and write.  In our classroom, we have a word wall where high-frequency words are displayed under the letter of the alphabet with which they begin and in the order in which they are introduced to the students.  Through phonics and spelling lessons (rhymes, chants, word patterns, songs) the children will be introduced to new words that will be added to our word wall each Monday. The children will be required to practise the new word wall words for a few days in school and at home for homework.  Our word wall words will begin next week with our homework calendars.

Parental/Guardian Role:  On Mondays for homework, help your child review the word wall words.  Practise spelling the words aloud with your child for a few minutes each evening and encourage him/her to print them out neatly. 


Does your child have indoor shoes at St. John the Apostle Catholic School?   We are requesting that each student bring an extra pair of shoes that could be left in our classroom. The shoes should be shoes he/she can put on easily on their own (i.e. without laces if you child is unable to tie his/her shoes yet).  This will help keep the class floors neat and tidy. Please be sure to write your child’s name in the shoes clearly.


Individual Education Plans (IEP)- Your child’s IEP is developed in collaboration between the homeschool team, you the parents, and me. It will outline the goals that your child will be working toward this term. The homeschool will send home a draft copy of the IEP in October.  Please take the time to read it carefully.  I would be very happy to arrange a time to sit and discuss the IEP with you.  I can also set up a time to talk to you by telephone if that is preferable.  Please remember your input is very important. Please note that Theresa Matheson (AM) and Amy Kralik (PM), teachers at St. John the Apostle Catholic, will be reporting on the Social Studies curriculum for our students.  


I would also like to mention, for those of you who do not already know, I am expecting a child in October.  I will be working in this class until Thanksgiving, and then there will be a new teacher filling in until June.  I will work with the new teacher  to ensure a smooth transition for the students.  Please stay tuned for more information and details!

Communication between home and school is very important. Be sure to review and sign the agenda and look in your child’s PLC Ziplock daily.  Please do not hesitate to write me a note in the agenda or call. I would be happy to discuss any concerns or questions.


The class blog will be updated frequently.  It is an excellent tool for us to communicate what is happening here at school with you at home.  Please check often for new posts, important dates and upcoming events.  

I do realize that sometimes accessing the internet is more easily said than done.  Please fill in the form below and return it if you would like a paper copy of blog posts sent home with your child. 

Thank you again for your cooperation!  Looking forward to a great start to the year!!!

Mrs. Faloon