March 2020 Newsletter
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that February has already come and gone! We had a busy month learning and exploring.
This month, we will review 2 and 3 dimensional shapes and build three-dimensional structures using a variety of materials. We will also continue to explore addition and subtraction in everyday activities. We will work on understanding the basic spatial relationships and movements like above/below, near/far, in/out (In French as well) as we ran out of time in February so we will see this in March.
We will be discussing and identifying practices that ensure their personal safety and the safety of others. We will discuss the differences and similarities of city and country living and the adaptations people can make.
The French vocabulary and songs will be sent with your child. With the Lenten season upon us, we are discussing ways we can “Do good things for Jesus”. We will be preparing our hearts for Easter. SJA will be doing a canned food drive for our local food banks, “40 Cans For Lent”.
As an act of charity during this Lenten season, the Owl class would like to raise funds for the Wild Bird Care Centre. We hope the children can find ways to earn some money to donate, such as doing extra jobs at home. We have a jar in our class where we will collect the money. At the end of Lent, we will count how much money we have collected. If we raise $100, we can sponsor a bird! Whatever money we collect, we know the bird centre can use it to care for the birds they help every year. Thanks for your support!
For more information about the Wild Bird Care Centre, please visit https://www.wildbirdcarecentre.org/index.html
On the days that are not as cold, we go outside to get some fresh air so please make sure your child is dressed warmly. You can also send an extra pair of mitts and socks in your child’s backpack in case they get wet.
Important Dates
6- Scholastic order is due
8 – Daylight Saving Time
9 - Sports Day
10 - Crazy Hat Day
11 - Backwards Day
12 - Rainbow Day
13 - PJ/Stuffies Day
16-20 - March Break
If you know of a family with children who are of age to begin kindergarten for the 2020/2021 school year, please let them know that they can drop by the office or give the school a call to receive the necessary information for registration.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at school.
Have a Wonderful March Break!
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that February has already come and gone! We had a busy month learning and exploring.
This month, we will review 2 and 3 dimensional shapes and build three-dimensional structures using a variety of materials. We will also continue to explore addition and subtraction in everyday activities. We will work on understanding the basic spatial relationships and movements like above/below, near/far, in/out (In French as well) as we ran out of time in February so we will see this in March.
We will be discussing and identifying practices that ensure their personal safety and the safety of others. We will discuss the differences and similarities of city and country living and the adaptations people can make.
The French vocabulary and songs will be sent with your child. With the Lenten season upon us, we are discussing ways we can “Do good things for Jesus”. We will be preparing our hearts for Easter. SJA will be doing a canned food drive for our local food banks, “40 Cans For Lent”.
As an act of charity during this Lenten season, the Owl class would like to raise funds for the Wild Bird Care Centre. We hope the children can find ways to earn some money to donate, such as doing extra jobs at home. We have a jar in our class where we will collect the money. At the end of Lent, we will count how much money we have collected. If we raise $100, we can sponsor a bird! Whatever money we collect, we know the bird centre can use it to care for the birds they help every year. Thanks for your support!
For more information about the Wild Bird Care Centre, please visit https://www.wildbirdcarecentre.org/index.html
On the days that are not as cold, we go outside to get some fresh air so please make sure your child is dressed warmly. You can also send an extra pair of mitts and socks in your child’s backpack in case they get wet.
Important Dates
6- Scholastic order is due
8 – Daylight Saving Time
9 - Sports Day
10 - Crazy Hat Day
11 - Backwards Day
12 - Rainbow Day
13 - PJ/Stuffies Day
16-20 - March Break
If you know of a family with children who are of age to begin kindergarten for the 2020/2021 school year, please let them know that they can drop by the office or give the school a call to receive the necessary information for registration.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at school.
Have a Wonderful March Break!
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
February 2020
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that the month of February is already upon us!
There are many exciting events happening in Kindergarten. February 11th will be our 100th day of school! We have been counting since the first day and on this special 100th day, we will have a little celebration in our class. We will have a few activities highlighting the number 100.
On February 13th for Valentine’s Day, the children are invited to bring valentine cards for their classmates. In the spirit of friendship within the class, we encourage the children who are bringing in cards to give one to each classmate. Simply have your child sign his/her own name and not address them to specific children. This makes it easier for distribution and it eliminates any hurt feelings that may result from valentines that are addressed to a specific student. There are 27 students in the class.
This month we will be talking about and exploring community helpers and the different buildings and places we can find in our community. In math, we will be measuring using non-standard units and exploring this concept with materials found around the classroom. We will also explore 3D shapes around us and build 3D structures. In French we will discuss different emotions and learn the French expressions for them. These will be sent home as well as the JK vocabulary and songs.
Important Dates
4th – No School (Due to job action)
11th – 100th Day of School!
13th – Valentine’s Day
14th – PD Day (No School)
17th – Family Day (No School)
18th - Communication of Learning sent home
Week of the 17th – Kindness Week
26th - Ash Wednesday
If you know of a family with children who are of age to begin kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year, please let them know that they can drop by the office or give the school a call at 613-828-0644 to receive the necessary information for registration.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at school.
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that the month of February is already upon us!
There are many exciting events happening in Kindergarten. February 11th will be our 100th day of school! We have been counting since the first day and on this special 100th day, we will have a little celebration in our class. We will have a few activities highlighting the number 100.
On February 13th for Valentine’s Day, the children are invited to bring valentine cards for their classmates. In the spirit of friendship within the class, we encourage the children who are bringing in cards to give one to each classmate. Simply have your child sign his/her own name and not address them to specific children. This makes it easier for distribution and it eliminates any hurt feelings that may result from valentines that are addressed to a specific student. There are 27 students in the class.
This month we will be talking about and exploring community helpers and the different buildings and places we can find in our community. In math, we will be measuring using non-standard units and exploring this concept with materials found around the classroom. We will also explore 3D shapes around us and build 3D structures. In French we will discuss different emotions and learn the French expressions for them. These will be sent home as well as the JK vocabulary and songs.
Important Dates
4th – No School (Due to job action)
11th – 100th Day of School!
13th – Valentine’s Day
14th – PD Day (No School)
17th – Family Day (No School)
18th - Communication of Learning sent home
Week of the 17th – Kindness Week
26th - Ash Wednesday
If you know of a family with children who are of age to begin kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year, please let them know that they can drop by the office or give the school a call at 613-828-0644 to receive the necessary information for registration.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at school.
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
January 2020
Dear Parents,
Welcome back and Happy New Year! We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday filled with lots of fun with family and friends.
Reading with your child at home will increase his or her ability to read and understand text that they encounter at school. As you read to your child, encourage them to point to the letters and/or sight words they already know and ask them which sounds these letters make. Continue to point out letters in their favourite books, on street signs, and cereal boxes. Making lists together is another great way to support literacy learning.
Here are a few more tips when you are reading with your child:
-Pause in between phrases and allow time to reflect on the material.
- Let your child “tell” the story, even if he/she is not reading what is written. Be involved in a conversation while reading the story; ask your child open-ended “What” questions. Ask anything to which you can get more than a one-word answer.
-Have your child predict what will happen.
This month we will work on naming the seasons and the changes they bring and associate activities to each of them.
In math we will work on addition and subtraction, begin to use information to estimate the number in a small set. We will also investigate and develop strategies for composing and decomposing quantities to 10.
If you know of a family with children who are of age to begin kindergarten for the 2020/2021 school year, please let them know that they can drop by the office or give the school a call to receive the necessary information for registration. Registration will be during the week of January 13th to the 17th.
Important Dates
January 13 to 17 – Kindergarten Registration
January 24 – PD Day (No school)
Please make sure to label all of your child's clothing. There are many snow pants, mitts and hats that look alike so it is very easy to get them mixed up.
Should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at school.
We want to wish you all a wonderful year for 2020!
Sincerely,
Your Kindergarten Team
Dear Parents,
Welcome back and Happy New Year! We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday filled with lots of fun with family and friends.
Reading with your child at home will increase his or her ability to read and understand text that they encounter at school. As you read to your child, encourage them to point to the letters and/or sight words they already know and ask them which sounds these letters make. Continue to point out letters in their favourite books, on street signs, and cereal boxes. Making lists together is another great way to support literacy learning.
Here are a few more tips when you are reading with your child:
-Pause in between phrases and allow time to reflect on the material.
- Let your child “tell” the story, even if he/she is not reading what is written. Be involved in a conversation while reading the story; ask your child open-ended “What” questions. Ask anything to which you can get more than a one-word answer.
-Have your child predict what will happen.
This month we will work on naming the seasons and the changes they bring and associate activities to each of them.
In math we will work on addition and subtraction, begin to use information to estimate the number in a small set. We will also investigate and develop strategies for composing and decomposing quantities to 10.
If you know of a family with children who are of age to begin kindergarten for the 2020/2021 school year, please let them know that they can drop by the office or give the school a call to receive the necessary information for registration. Registration will be during the week of January 13th to the 17th.
Important Dates
January 13 to 17 – Kindergarten Registration
January 24 – PD Day (No school)
Please make sure to label all of your child's clothing. There are many snow pants, mitts and hats that look alike so it is very easy to get them mixed up.
Should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at school.
We want to wish you all a wonderful year for 2020!
Sincerely,
Your Kindergarten Team
December 2019
Dear Parents,
November has gone by so fast. Christmas is on its way! We only have a few short weeks in our classroom to prepare and to celebrate. Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation. It is also a time of joy and of sharing as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.
Important Dates:
3 - Scholastic order is due
5 – Advent mass at St. John the Apostle Church at 6:30pm
19 – Christmas concert for parents @ 1:00
With the colder weather here, the children are coming to school with more clothing. Please make sure everything is labeled.
We hope you have been enjoying our class website and Twitter! The children are very excited to share with you what they have been doing at school.
Wishing You a Blessed Advent and a Joyful Christmas!
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
Dear Parents,
November has gone by so fast. Christmas is on its way! We only have a few short weeks in our classroom to prepare and to celebrate. Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation. It is also a time of joy and of sharing as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.
Important Dates:
3 - Scholastic order is due
5 – Advent mass at St. John the Apostle Church at 6:30pm
19 – Christmas concert for parents @ 1:00
With the colder weather here, the children are coming to school with more clothing. Please make sure everything is labeled.
We hope you have been enjoying our class website and Twitter! The children are very excited to share with you what they have been doing at school.
Wishing You a Blessed Advent and a Joyful Christmas!
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
November 2019
Dear Parents,
A new month has arrived, along with some colder weather! Just a friendly reminder to please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the colder weather. We still spend at least 90 minutes outside daily. We also ask that you please label your child’s clothing as we want to avoid any mix ups with hats, mitts, jackets and boots.
This month in literacy and math we will:
-use, read and represent whole numbers to 10 in a variety of meaningful contexts
-review counting sequence and order relevance
-identify, extend, reproduce and create repeating patterns
-respond to read-alouds
-write simple messages using pictures, symbols and familiar words
-explore writing as a means of conveying ideas or messages(special message of the day, picture stories)
-French vocabulary and songs will be sent home
We will also ask questions about and describe some natural occurrences, using their own observations and representations to describe what they see in nature. We will discuss what happens to some animals during Winter (Hibernation).
Each Wednesday, the children have been borrowing 2 books from the Learning Commons (school library). Each child has a special bag which has your child’s specific bar code. Please return this bag with your child's books every Tuesday.
Important Dates
November 6th – For a Toonie, wear your favourite Pjs to school for the OCSB Charitable Campaign (United Way)!
November 8th – Movie Night 6:00 pm (school gym)
November 11th – Remembrance Day
November 12th – Initial Observations Report going home.
November 14th – Parent-Teacher Interviews
November 15th– PD Day (No school)
November 18th to 22nd – Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
November 23rd – Christmas Fair (10:00-3:30) In the school gym
The parent-teacher interviews will be held on November 14th. If you would like to discuss your child's progress, you may call the office to book a 10 minute interview. The Communication of Learning will be going home in February.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
Dear Parents,
A new month has arrived, along with some colder weather! Just a friendly reminder to please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the colder weather. We still spend at least 90 minutes outside daily. We also ask that you please label your child’s clothing as we want to avoid any mix ups with hats, mitts, jackets and boots.
This month in literacy and math we will:
-use, read and represent whole numbers to 10 in a variety of meaningful contexts
-review counting sequence and order relevance
-identify, extend, reproduce and create repeating patterns
-respond to read-alouds
-write simple messages using pictures, symbols and familiar words
-explore writing as a means of conveying ideas or messages(special message of the day, picture stories)
-French vocabulary and songs will be sent home
We will also ask questions about and describe some natural occurrences, using their own observations and representations to describe what they see in nature. We will discuss what happens to some animals during Winter (Hibernation).
Each Wednesday, the children have been borrowing 2 books from the Learning Commons (school library). Each child has a special bag which has your child’s specific bar code. Please return this bag with your child's books every Tuesday.
Important Dates
November 6th – For a Toonie, wear your favourite Pjs to school for the OCSB Charitable Campaign (United Way)!
November 8th – Movie Night 6:00 pm (school gym)
November 11th – Remembrance Day
November 12th – Initial Observations Report going home.
November 14th – Parent-Teacher Interviews
November 15th– PD Day (No school)
November 18th to 22nd – Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
November 23rd – Christmas Fair (10:00-3:30) In the school gym
The parent-teacher interviews will be held on November 14th. If you would like to discuss your child's progress, you may call the office to book a 10 minute interview. The Communication of Learning will be going home in February.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
October 2019
Dear Parents,
October has arrived and with it comes beautiful fall colours! We are definitely enjoying our time together as the new Junior Kindergarten students are exploring and learning their new school routines. The Senior K. students have gotten right back into the routine and it is wonderful to see all of them making new friends, as well as interact and work together!
Important Dates to Remember:
In literacy (English and French), we will work on:
-listening and responding to others
-following one and two step directions
-identifying personal preferences in reading materials
-writing as a means of conveying ideas or messages (message of the day, writing centre)
-French vocabulary and songs will be sent home
We will also look at natural occurrences(weather) and patterns and cycles in the natural world (changing seasons).
We want to thank you for labeling your child's clothing as well as their snack and lunch containers as many containers look the same. This is very helpful in returning them to their rightful owners! As the colder weather arrives, the children will be coming to school with more clothing so it is very important to label all pieces. Please make sure to label boots as well. It is also important to label water bottles as some of them fall out of their bags. It is much quicker to return them when they are labelled.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at school.
For Halloween, the children are invited to come to school wearing their costume. We ask that they do not bring masks or their costume weapons to school. Please label all pieces of their costume. We would not want any disappointed children Halloween night!
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
Dear Parents,
October has arrived and with it comes beautiful fall colours! We are definitely enjoying our time together as the new Junior Kindergarten students are exploring and learning their new school routines. The Senior K. students have gotten right back into the routine and it is wonderful to see all of them making new friends, as well as interact and work together!
Important Dates to Remember:
- Oct. 3rd School Photo Day
- Oct. 11th PD Day (No School)
- Oct. 14th Thanksgiving (No School)
- Oct.15th Scholastic Order is due
- Oct. 16th Thanksgiving Mass @ 11:00 and Clean-up the Capital (all day)Rain day will be Thursday
- Oct. 28th School Photo Retake Day
In literacy (English and French), we will work on:
-listening and responding to others
-following one and two step directions
-identifying personal preferences in reading materials
-writing as a means of conveying ideas or messages (message of the day, writing centre)
-French vocabulary and songs will be sent home
We will also look at natural occurrences(weather) and patterns and cycles in the natural world (changing seasons).
We want to thank you for labeling your child's clothing as well as their snack and lunch containers as many containers look the same. This is very helpful in returning them to their rightful owners! As the colder weather arrives, the children will be coming to school with more clothing so it is very important to label all pieces. Please make sure to label boots as well. It is also important to label water bottles as some of them fall out of their bags. It is much quicker to return them when they are labelled.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at school.
For Halloween, the children are invited to come to school wearing their costume. We ask that they do not bring masks or their costume weapons to school. Please label all pieces of their costume. We would not want any disappointed children Halloween night!
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
September 2019
Dear Parents and Guardians,
To all our new students and families, Welcome to St. John the Apostle School! For our returning students, Welcome Back! We look forward to sharing a wonderful year with your children. Our goal is to create a positive and stimulating learning environment for your child. We are looking forward to meeting you on Meet the Teacher Night on September 18th at 6:30pm. This letter will provide you with some helpful information to make the coming school year a success.
The children are encouraged to dress and undress themselves – therefore clothes that are easy to put on and take off are recommended (i.e. Velcro running shoes). It would be appreciated if the children could bring a pair of indoor running shoes and also a change of clothes (underwear, socks, pants, and shirt) in a plastic Ziploc bag with their name on all pieces of clothing. The children would leave their shoes at school and change into them daily. Please label all of your child’s removable clothing, boots, shoes, and lunch boxes. Many bags, shoes, coats and containers look alike.
Any changes in your child’s routine must be explained with a note. This includes such things as being picked up at school by you or someone whom we don’t know; going to a friend’s home or somewhere other than her/his usual destination.
Additionally, please keep us informed of any illness, medication, accidents, etc., which may affect your child’s performance at school. This will help us make the school experience a positive one. When your child is absent, please phone the school before 9:15 a.m.
The children will be having a snack twice a day and lunch as well. Parents are asked to send nutritious snacks (fruits, raw vegetables, cheese, etc.) and a drink. Please try to avoid sending candy or other sweets. Parents are reminded that peanuts and peanut bi-products are not to be sent in for snack as we have students with life threatening allergies.
As we are a full-day kindergarten, your child will be eating lunch at school. Please send a lunch that is ready to eat. The students do not have access to a microwave so warm meals should be preheated at home and stored in a thermos. Please keep a fork and spoon in their lunch box.
The children will be going to the library once a week and will be borrowing two books to bring home and returned the following week. Your child will be going outside for recess for approximately 30 minutes in the morning and after lunch. Please make sure to dress your child in weather appropriate attire so they can be outside. In the afternoon, your child will have a rest time for approximately 30-40 minutes. Your child will need a mat and a small blanket.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at school at 613-828-0644 should you have any questions, comments or concerns. We are looking forward to a fun-filled year with the kindergarten students!
Here are materials we would appreciate if you could send in with your child:
-1 boxes of Kleenex
-1 box of Ziploc bags (Large Not the sliders) Please do not label them.
-1 yoga mat (This will be used during Rest Time) Please label with your child's name.
-1 small blanket (We are limited in space so please send a blanket no larger than 80cm by 110cm, approximately.) Please label with your child's name.
-a change of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear, socks) Please label all pieces and place in a Ziploc bag.
-A pair of running shoes (*Velcro) (These will stay at school.)
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
Mme Gallant (French Teacher)
Mrs. DeCristofaro (Mrs. D.) (English Teacher) Mme Pat (ECE)
Dear Parents and Guardians,
To all our new students and families, Welcome to St. John the Apostle School! For our returning students, Welcome Back! We look forward to sharing a wonderful year with your children. Our goal is to create a positive and stimulating learning environment for your child. We are looking forward to meeting you on Meet the Teacher Night on September 18th at 6:30pm. This letter will provide you with some helpful information to make the coming school year a success.
The children are encouraged to dress and undress themselves – therefore clothes that are easy to put on and take off are recommended (i.e. Velcro running shoes). It would be appreciated if the children could bring a pair of indoor running shoes and also a change of clothes (underwear, socks, pants, and shirt) in a plastic Ziploc bag with their name on all pieces of clothing. The children would leave their shoes at school and change into them daily. Please label all of your child’s removable clothing, boots, shoes, and lunch boxes. Many bags, shoes, coats and containers look alike.
Any changes in your child’s routine must be explained with a note. This includes such things as being picked up at school by you or someone whom we don’t know; going to a friend’s home or somewhere other than her/his usual destination.
Additionally, please keep us informed of any illness, medication, accidents, etc., which may affect your child’s performance at school. This will help us make the school experience a positive one. When your child is absent, please phone the school before 9:15 a.m.
The children will be having a snack twice a day and lunch as well. Parents are asked to send nutritious snacks (fruits, raw vegetables, cheese, etc.) and a drink. Please try to avoid sending candy or other sweets. Parents are reminded that peanuts and peanut bi-products are not to be sent in for snack as we have students with life threatening allergies.
As we are a full-day kindergarten, your child will be eating lunch at school. Please send a lunch that is ready to eat. The students do not have access to a microwave so warm meals should be preheated at home and stored in a thermos. Please keep a fork and spoon in their lunch box.
The children will be going to the library once a week and will be borrowing two books to bring home and returned the following week. Your child will be going outside for recess for approximately 30 minutes in the morning and after lunch. Please make sure to dress your child in weather appropriate attire so they can be outside. In the afternoon, your child will have a rest time for approximately 30-40 minutes. Your child will need a mat and a small blanket.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at school at 613-828-0644 should you have any questions, comments or concerns. We are looking forward to a fun-filled year with the kindergarten students!
Here are materials we would appreciate if you could send in with your child:
-1 boxes of Kleenex
-1 box of Ziploc bags (Large Not the sliders) Please do not label them.
-1 yoga mat (This will be used during Rest Time) Please label with your child's name.
-1 small blanket (We are limited in space so please send a blanket no larger than 80cm by 110cm, approximately.) Please label with your child's name.
-a change of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear, socks) Please label all pieces and place in a Ziploc bag.
-A pair of running shoes (*Velcro) (These will stay at school.)
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
Mme Gallant (French Teacher)
Mrs. DeCristofaro (Mrs. D.) (English Teacher) Mme Pat (ECE)