In Science and Physical Health and Education, we started our unit on the human body, puberty, and making safe choices.

You and your child are approaching a big milestone and the difference you can make at this point in their life is huge! You can support their journey into adolescence by talking about it openly and being prepared with the facts. We will be learning how to be healthy and confident during puberty and we will answer their questions and help them understand their bodies.  By starting the conversation today – you’ll be helping to kick off their journey towards becoming a strong, healthy, and confident adult.

Information will be sent home (like pamphlets) during this time if you would like to discuss topics further. Check out Teams for another informative website.

This week Division 1 has been learning about Orange Shirt Day and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Truth and reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires reflection and action. In an interview, Phyllis Webstad, the person whose experience inspired Orange Shirt Day, noted that there will come a time when the people who lived through the experience of residential school will be gone, and we are dependent on our youth to carry forward the knowledge of Canada’s history.

Many students already have some background knowledge about residential schools and are continuing to learn challenging truths of Canada’s past. Reconciliation starts with a willingness to listen and learn in order to restore positive relationships for affected communities.

Below are some links to support you in your truth and reconciliation journey:

• Orange Shirt Day – the story behind why we wear orange
• Native Land – learn about whose land you live on

• 94 Calls to Action – a child-friendly document to learn about important steps still needed to be taken towards reconciliation (did you know that this Day of T&R is #80 of the 94 calls to action?)

A belated welcome to the division 1 blog site.  I am so excited to be your child’s teacher this year!  This blog will give you some general information about our class routines for the coming year.  I am looking forward to getting to know your child better and to having a great year with them… and you!

Planners

The delivery of the student’s planners was delayed,  but we now are using planners to record daily homework and activities. Any upcoming assignments and longer term projects will also be written in there.  Also, writing a note in the Planner is a great way to communicate with me and I can do the same.

Physical Education,  Healthy Living & Well-Being

Students will receive physical activity three days per week on Monday Thursday and Friday; sometimes this will take place in the gym, outside or in the classroom. Please ensure that your child wears comfortable clothing and appropriate running shoes on these days or has a pair of running shoes to change into. Students do not change for Gym.  Also, please provide a labeled water bottle (one that cannot spill easily) so that they can leave it at their desks. It is important to hydrate the body and it helps the brain with learning. Similarly, it is just as important to pack a healthy lunch and snack; please avoid sending food or drinks with little nutritional value like pop and candy. Let’s try to bring a no litter lunch too by using reusable containers!

Arriving on Time

It is important that students arrive on time to school. Students should be lined up at the community room doors by 8:50 and instruction begins at 8:55.  It is a valuable lesson to learn early in life and it starts your child’s day off on a positive note. If your child is going to be late or away, please contact the school at 604-296-9036

Library

From Monday to Thursday, students will have the opportunity to visit the library to check out new books. They are to keep the books for at least two days before returning it for a new one. Encourage your child to re-read the books to improve accuracy, practice fluency and deepen thinking about the same book. Please ensure your child takes good care of these books and remembers to return them on time so that they can make a new selection.

Please call or drop by if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to working with you this year as partners in your child’s education.