The Butterflies Have Arrived!!

001 - Copy (2)

Students were very pleased to arrive in class on Monday morning to see that some of the butterflies had emerged from their chrysalids!!  These ones are enjoying some sugar water that is in the sponge and the lid below.  Students have been watching the butterflies’ long tongues (proboscis) which they use to drink liquids.

Some of the butterflies have, unfortunately, not had a successful transition into adult-hood.  As in all of nature, life is often a struggle.  We will likely release some of the early emergers in the next day or so.  There are still some which have not left their chrysalids.  We will wait a while longer to see if they will be viable.

Greater Vancouver Zoo Trip

006

We had a spectacular trip today!!  Most of us had never seen a pure white peacock before.  Isn’t it lovely?

I am sure that we are all very tired tonight after all that walking in the fresh air.  We were extremely fortunate that the weather was good.  It began cool and cloudy and then warmed up gradually over the course of the day.  By the time we left the sun was out and we were in shirt-sleeves!

We saw many interesting animals from around the world.  Part of our day was a guided tour where we looked at several different animals and discussed how they have adapted to their environments in order to survive.  Some of the ways that the animals have adapted included: camouflage, body size, colouring, or other unique features including horns (rhinos) or tail length (squirrel monkeys).

012

We were very fortunate to be able to see the lions and tiger being fed.  The male lion was truly spectacular.  We had to be careful to not get ‘sprayed’ as he seemed to like to ‘aim’ at the fence toward the benches where people were sitting.

023

While walking we shared many of our personal stories with animals.  Maya A told me how she rode on a camel on her recent trip to India.  I am not sure how this one would have like to have us riding on him!  He seemed a little too interested in just eating.

020

All in all, it was a great experience for all of us.  I am sure your child will share their stories with you.  Thanks to all the parent volunteers who came and enjoyed the day with us.

A Few Year-End Reminders

It is hard to believe that we are coming to the end of another school year!!

Reminders:

1) All library books are now due back to school.  Mrs. Levington will be printing off bills for lost/missing books shortly.

2) New Brighton Field trip:  We do have drivers for about half of the class at this point.  If you are able to help out with this, and have not already let me know, please consider this trip.

3) Report cards will be issued (as per District policy) on the last day that students attend which is Thursday, June 27th (from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.) this year.  If you will not be at school on that day please email me so that I can arrange for our secretary, Mrs. Ameixa, to mail it to your home.

4) We will be going on a few walking field trips (noted on the calendar on the front of the Rosser website) – to the Safeway and the Fire Hall.  The dates on the original monthly calendar were incorrect but have now been changed.  If you are able to join us for these two trips let me know.

5) In order to accommodate the extra time needed to be made-up to allow for our two week Spring Break next year, beginning in September our school hours will be 8:50 a.m. (start) and dismissal will be at 3:03 p.m.  Please adjust your mental clocks to have students at school for the 8:50 a.m. first bell.

As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask me when you drop off/pick up your child – or email me.

C.A.R.E. Kit Lessons

On Monday, we will begin our C.A.R.E. Kit lessons.  Grade 2 parents will remember this programme from last year.  The purpose of this programme is to teach the students how to keep themselves safe in situations that could lead to them being abused – whether it be emotionally, physically, and/or sexually.  Students learn the appropriate (scientific) terminology of body parts and how to assertively defend and protect themselves.

After each lesson an information card comes home to parents to share what we have discussed that day.  These cards are intended to open the conversation between child and parent(s).

If you have any questions, or wish to look at the kit, please feel free to come by the class and discuss this with me.

Library Books

Today we had our last library book exchange.  Mrs. Levington has requested that all library books be returned by next Thursday – June 6th.  She will be doing a full inventory of our library books over the next few weeks.  Any books lost or not returned after next week will be invoiced and these will then be sent home for payment.

Thanks for ensuring that your child’s books are back at class by next Thursday.

Earthquake Drill

As you know, we had a full-on Earthquake Drill including an early dismissal yesterday.  I just wanted to say that, despite the horrible weather, the students all took this drill very seriously and were very well-behaved.

Congratulations to the whole class!

Caterpillar Larvae Arrive

002

Our caterpillar larvae arrived on Wednesday, May 22nd.  The students have been avidly watching their growth this past week.  We have noticed a rapid change in their size.  The caterpillars should soon attach themselves to their cup lids and form their chrysalises.  When they have done this we will remove the lids and attach these lids into our butterfly container.

I will keep you updated on their progress.

McGill Library Reading Buddies

McGill Library is offering a programme this summer for students going into grades 2, 3, and 4.  Here is the information from Kathryn Lee, McGill Librarian:

Your child will be paired up for one-on-one reading with an enthusiastic Burnaby teen!  All teens have been screened, interviewed, and have passed an RCMP check.

The programme runs: Thursdays, July 11 to August 15 from 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm at the Burnaby Public Library – McGill Branch, 4595 Albert Street

If you are interested please pick up an application at any BPL branch, or print it out at:  www.bpl.bc.ca/kids/kids-events-and-programs/reading-buddies

Drop off applications by Friday, June 21

Names will be drawn by lottery if necessary

This program is open to children who live in Burnaby or attend a Burnaby school

For more information, call 604.299.8955

 

 

Sports Day Fun!

Sports Day 2013

We were very fortunate to have our Sports Day festivities completed before the onslaught of the torrential downpour of rain!!  Students seem to have a really good day.  The Grade 7’s planned a nice selection of fun activities for the classes.  It was great to see so many parents out to enjoy the day with their children.