On Friday, October 31st students – and staff – arrived at school in a wide variety of costumes.  We had our Costume Parade after Recess.  This year we did our parade to the accompaniment of Mr. Olson and his musical marching band.

In the afternoon we enjoyed a ‘ghostly’ craft, ate some treats, and played with friends during Centres time.

This morning I heard all about the students’ fun during Hallowe’en evening, and their weekend.  I am very happy to hear that all were safe – and dry!!  We were very lucky with the weather this year.

On Thursday, October 30th we got together with our big buddies and carved pumpkins in our school-wide event.

It was a great afternoon!  We met our new big buddies, had fun with messy vegetables, and then got to eat the seeds – after the parent volunteers cleaned and roasted them, of course.

Even with our school year starting late this year, we still managed to get our learning in about Terry Fox.  In our class we discussed his life and what he accomplished in that short life.  We had a talk about cancer and how, because of the awareness that Terry brought to this serious disease, more and more people are surviving than did in the past.

As next Spring is the 35th anniversary of when Terry began his Marathon of Hope, we are focusing our major fundraising efforts for then.  We will also be doing our big run then, as well.  We had planned to do our regular run two weeks ago – and then a more involved one next Spring – but the weather was rather inclement that day.  We had a short assembly followed by our (indoor) corn roast instead.  With the students we talked about how Terry ran in all sorts of weather (fair or foul) but he was an adult and could make that choice for himself.  We didn’t think it was a good choice for our young students.

In our class we did write, on special sticker forms, for whom we were going to be running.  We will use these next Spring.  Today, as a part of one of our Fin’s Friends (Canucks’ character building programme) we discussed ‘perseverence’.  Naturally Terry was again discussed as I cannot think of anyone better suited as a role model for not giving up – no matter how difficult something is.  Students seemed to really understand what it means to persevere and will, hopefully, be able to incorporate that trait into their lives.

Last Friday we had to say good-bye to Ms. Sue.  Earlier in the week I had read the book “The Important Book”, by Margaret Wise Brown, to the class.  Students then each made a page for our class book which was titled “The Important Things About Ms. Sue”.  Each student used their own unique experience with Ms. Sue to write and draw about what they felt was something that was important about her.  This was put together (with photographs of events from her time with us) into a book that I am sure she will treasure forever!

We then presented her with a ‘suitcase’ full of books and other items to start her on her ‘teaching journey’.

Of course, we also had to eat cake!!

This Friday – February 28th – we will be going by school bus to the VSO.  This is always a great field trip and a lovely experience for the students.

As we are going to a ‘fancy’ place (the Orpheum Theatre) we do allow – and encourage – students to ‘dress up’ for the occasion.  While this is not mandatory, if you like your child can wear ‘party clothes’ for this special event.

We will be celebrating Valentine’s Day this Friday (February 14th).

The Valentine holders are attached to desks and are awaiting filling!!  Your child may deliver their valentines tomorrow or on Friday.

If you want, you may also send in a small snack for sharing on Friday afternoon during Centres time.

Thank you.