School Closed

Just a quick note to let you know that the elementary school staff are all in town tomorrow for a workshop. There will be no classes for grade JK-8. We are back at school on Friday. Our class will be responsible for the hotdog lunch on Friday. Enjoy your day tomorrow!

Winter Games Week

We are excited about the Winter Games this week. For the first time there are three fourth grade students on the school team. We are very proud of our classmates on the team (as well as the rest of the team) and are looking forward to cheering them on in each sport. The Games will be held on Wednesday and Thursday. Parents and community members are invited to come and cheer the students on as well. Please call the school for details on which sports are scheduled to be played each day.

We discovered today that there are only 13 weeks left in our fourth grade year. Wow, this year has flown by. We have lots of learning and working left to do before the students are ready for fifth grade. Please make sure that your child is at school every day so they can do their very best to be ready for fifth grade.

There are two tests scheduled for this Friday: a spelling test and a math test (money). Please call if you wish for more details about either test or need extra materials to help your child study.

March Break

The school is closed on Friday, March 11 and the week of March 14-18. Regular classes will resume on Monday, March 21. Have a wonderful, safe break. See you in a week!

Winter Games Postphoned

This is our last week before the March Break. Due to the death of a community elder, there are a few changes to the plans for the week.

The Winter Games that were scheduled to happen on Wednesday and Thursday have been rescheduled for the week after the break (March 23 & 24). There will be normal classes this week on Wednesday and Thursday, unless the funeral is scheduled for either of these days. Out of respect for the family, school will be closed on the day of the funeral.

Tomorrow the elementary classrooms are closed because teachers are participating in a workshop on bullying in town. Barbara Coloroso, well-known speaker on parenting and education, will be in Kenora. This is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to learn more about protecting students and supporting them in their relationships with one another. Ms. Coloroso is also having a parenting evening from 7-8 pm. Parents are welcome to attend.

If your child is struggling with bullies, or is being teased, I highly recommend attending. Ms. Coloroso has written several books that are fabulous advice for parents. I have one of her books in my own library at home. It has been a very practical source of advice in raising my kids.

Valentine's Day

We will be celebrating Valentine's together with a class party on Monday. Students are bringing home newsletters with information about our celebrations. The party will occur from 2:45-3:20 on Monday afternoon.

Our class will also be decorating sweetheart cupcakes to sell as a fundraiser on Monday. Decorating will be done first thing in the morning.

We have also just been informed that our Phys. Ed. teacher is hosting a Valentine's dance from 1-2:30 instead of PE classes on Monday afternoon. Our class will attend for part of that dance time to enjoy some social time with other classes, and get some exercise by dancing together.

Guest Teacher

This past Monday we were joined by a special guest, Miss Collier, who will be working with our class for the next four weeks. She is a Teacher Candidate with the 7 Generations Education Institute. Miss Collier will be working with small groups, individuals, and teaching the whole class as she completes her final teaching placement in our classroom.

This is the last week in our first term. I am working on assessments to help me see the growth that each student has shown over the past five months. It is a very exciting time for me, as the growth that students do is always so encouraging.

I am looking forward to being able to sit down with each of you and share your child's growth at our Parent-Teacher Conferences. Please set aside time on Wednesday, February 2 between 5 and 8 in the evening to come to the school and visit our classroom. Your child's work will be here to look at. I will be here, eager to sit down and chat about their progress. And you can pick up their report card at that time.

We also welcomed a new student to our class last week, Trinity. She is quickly learning the routines of the fourth grade. I am very proud that the rest of the class has worked to make her feel welcome. What a great group of students!

Date to remember: Wednesday, January 19 - Math Test