Welcome to MACC Suncrest Division 5 2021-22!

 

Dear Parents and Students:

Hello to everyone, and a special welcome to our 12 new MACC students and their families! I hope you are all doing well, and that everyone was able to enjoy some of the beautiful sunshine this summer.

 

For new parents:

My name is Ms. DeTerra (known as Ms. D), and I have been the Grade 4/5 MACC teacher at Suncrest for the past six years, since the program started at the school. In fact, I was on the District Committee to create Burnaby MACC in 2013. Before that, I wore many hats! I was on the District’s Staff Development Team as an Advanced Learning Helper Teacher, providing District support for gifted students and teaching Challenge Programs in grades 2 – 7.  I have been teaching since 2003, and I have extensive experience with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme as both a teacher and consultant. Before teaching, I also worked in the corporate sector, in public relations for technology companies. My approach to teaching involves cultivation of inquiry skills, hands-on activities, and conceptual-based, transdisciplinary learning, meaning I combine most subjects into larger units for meaningful connections between disciplines. As soon as we get settled in, I will send you a ZOOM invite for a virtual presentation about the program and my approach. Please look for this in our second week of school.

For all parents and students:

  • Our first day together is Tuesday, September 7th from 8:55– 10:00 AM. I open doors at 8:50 AM. After that time, all students need to leave school grounds. The playground is used by before and after school daycare, and there isn’t supervision after school.
  • In MACC, we start right away with a full class. Everyone knows who their teacher is – me!  Students meet new classmates on day one.
  • Please come to PORTABLE CLASSROOM 3 at the back of the school and line up to the left of the wooden porch.
  • Please note the parking lot is for Suncrest School and Daycare Staff only; however, there is a lot of parking around the front of the school.
  • You don’t need to bring anything the first day in terms of supplies. Just you! See below for my supply list.
  • MASKS are required for all students in grades 4-7 in indoor areas.
  • At this time, indoor school spaces are for students and staff only, as visitors require an appointment. I also encourage both parents and students to wear masks and distance from one another as we congregate outside. Thank you for keeping everyone safe!
  • I will distribute a packet with more information, as well as a letter for each child to welcome them, on the first day.

 

Supplies List:

A list of supplies was posted on the Suncrest School Website by the office, but here is my detailed list. All supplies will be kept in backpacks or small bins in the cloakroom. Students do not have individual desks with storage, and we have limited space, so please avoid large or unnecessary items. Please label supplies with a name. Thank you!

 

  • Backpacks: Please find a backpack that will accommodate a lunch bag and one binder. Try to avoid larger bags, especially roller ones, as we have limited space. Please make sure they are not too heavy, and that your child can open and close it independently.
  • Duotangs – 3 different colour, 3 prong duotangs (ideally plastic, as they last longer, but paper is okay.) Give these to Ms. D so she can set them up for you.
  • Blue Binder – 1, one inch, 3 ring binder. This will have all unit handouts and will be kept in the backpack. You may find your child will want 4 dividers to split up work from Math, Language Arts, Socials/Science, and Other. If you would like to set those up for them, it can be helpful, but it is not required.
  • Journal – I will provide a composition book for your child during our first week. This book is where ALL notes for ALL subjects will be kept. No paper is needed.
  • Small Standard Math Set – With protractor and compass.
  • Calculator – A small, basic one, not scientific or with internet access.
  • Erasers – 3 white, vinyl erasers – one at school and two at home for back up
  • Sharpies – 2 standard black sharpie markers
  • Fine Liners – 2 standard black, ultra-fine tip markers
  • Pencils – 2 packages of quality pencils with erasers on top. If you can, during the school sales, get extras, as grade 4/5 students go through pencils quickly.
  • Pencil Sharpener – a quality one with a storage for shavings
  • Highlighters – 1 thin highlighter
  • Thin Felt Markers – one package of 12 thin felt markers
  • Coloured Pencils – one package of 12, pre-sharpened coloured pencils
  • Scissors – one pair of scissors, ideally sharp ones, not with blunted edges
  • Glue Sticks – 4 large glue sticks (Elmer’s if possible) – one at school and three at home for back up
  • Pencil Container/Bag – Optional. I will provide a small, plastic bin in class for things, and it does not have a lot of room for a box. I find a small pencil bag with a zipper is more useful than a box, which is hard to put the backpack and take to and from school when you need to finish a project.
  • Inside Shoes: Each student needs a pair of inside shoes that stays at school, to help with keeping our classroom clean. Please put your child’s name on each shoe. Shoes will also be worn for GYM, so please do not send crocs, flip-flops, or shoes that will easily fall off.
  • Water Bottle: Students need to have a water bottle with a secure lid. They will keep it in their backpack.
  • Lunch Kit: Try to keep it as small as possible. Ideally it can fit inside their backpack.

I wish all of you a calm last week before school starts up again, and I hope we all find ways to enjoy the sunshine and our families so we are ready for a new year. I look forward to meeting you all in person and to working with your children this year. If there is anything I can do to support you or to answer questions, please let me know.

Thank you in advance for your support!

With kindness,

Ms. D