ABCs of Grade 6

ABSENCES: Much of our learning takes place together in class. We do lots of hands-on activities and group work. Please plan to attend school every day, except in cases of illness or emergencies. If your child will be absent, please call the school.

ARRIVAL at school begins at 8:55 am, with school starting at 9:10. Please ensure you are at school on time and ready to learn. This year the announcements, prayer and O Canada will take place first thing in the morning. If late, students will need to sign in at the office and get a late slip before heading to class. 

AGENDAS will be sent home on the first day of school.  Since we are now in grade 6, I do not sign the agenda.  I do ask that students notify me when there is a note for me written in the agenda.

AWESOME:  We are so blessed to have awesome things happening to us everyday.  To show our appreciation of God's gifts, we will be writing one awesome thing a day in our individual Book of Awesome. 

BIRTHDAYS: We all love to celebrate birthdays! Unfortunately, due to allergies and as per school policy, we do not allow treats to be brought in to class. 

BOOK ORDER FORMS will be sent home for you and your child to look over every month. Book clubs offer fantastic deals! Cheques should be made payable to Scholastic Canada Ltd. 

CONFERENCES are held after the progress report goes home. Watch for information and reply accordingly. I am also available to conference as needed; however, we will need to schedule a time convenient for both of us. 

DISMISSAL: Dismissal is at 3:40.  If there are any changes in home transportation, a note from home is required.

EMERGENCY CONTACT FORMS will be sent home in September. Please review the information and return it to school as quickly as possible. It is very important that we have your contact information!

FIELD TRIPS:  We will hopefully be going on a couple of field trips this year.  Stay tuned for more information and permission forms to be sent home.

GREAT 30 BOOK CHALLENGE: Students will be working towards a goal of reading 30 books from a variety of genres this year.  They will have until the end of May to complete this challenge.

HOMEWORK: There will be weekly homework, much of which will be completed online.  Students will have weekly homework in writing (English homeroom) that they will complete on their Kidblog page, and will also have to complete an entry in their Book of Awesome on a nightly basis.  French Immersion students will be completing an independent homework project of their choice every month (see French Homework tabs for more details).  Students will also need to complete any unfinished classwork at home.  Studying and work on projects will be homework as needed.  A minimum of 30 minutes of nightly reading (including French reading for Immersion students) is also expected.

INDEPENDENCE is a goal for students because it builds self-esteem and self-confidence. All students are very capable of doing many things on their own and I encourage them to do as much as they can for themselves in the classroom. Please encourage them to think through and problem-solve in everyday situations. 

JOURNALS : If you plan on taking a vacation during the school year, please have your child complete a journal of the week to keep up their writing skills! (Also let the office and myself know as soon as possible!)

KEEP INFORMED by reading our class blog every week. I update it regularly in the place of newsletters, so please read it to stay informed on what is happening in our classroom!

LUNCH takes place at 11:55 - 12:15. Pizza/Sub order forms and milk forms will be going home.

MONTHLY THEMES:  We are going to continue with a school-wide monthly focus on a Catholic Graduate Expectation.  Awards will be handed out right before the monthly assemblies to the students who best demonstrated the Catholic Value of the month.

NEW TO THE SCHOOL: I am so excited to be part of the dedicated and caring staff that make up St. Emily.  I am very thankful for being welcomed into the community so warmly by the students and look forward to meeting all of you at our Curriculum evening on September 18.

OPEN HOUSE will take place on September 18th. Be on the lookout for invitations with more information.

Phys Ed  Physical education will be taught by Mr. Kennedy for the Immersion class.

QUESTIONS: Instead of asking your child, “What did you do in school today?” ask, “What did you learn about in Science/Social Studies?” or “What did you learn in math?” or “Did you learn a new French word today?” Show that you’re interested, and ask specific questions. Most likely, your child will respond positively and more openly.

REPORT CARDS will be sent home three times.... one progress report in the fall, First Term report card in February and Second Term in June. Specific dates to be determined.

SNACK: Kids need snacks! When healthy snack choices are made, they provide the nutrients and calories kids need for growth, good health and energy to get through the day. Please pack your child a healthy snack to enjoy on a daily basis. Remember, no nuts!  We are a nut-free school.

SUPPLIES:  Please make sure your child is prepared for school every day with essential items, such as a pencil and eraser. Your child should also have supplies at home (as well as a quiet place to work) to complete at-home assignments.

TARDIES: If your child arrives at school after the bell rings at 8:55 am, a parent or guardian is required to walk him/her to the office to sign in. This is for the safety of your child.

UNIQUE: Each student in my classroom is unique. I will do my best to differentiate instruction to ensure that all children get what they need to be successful.

VOLUNTEERS and VISITORS are welcome! There are many opportunities for you to be involved in the classroom or school this year. Be on the lookout for upcoming info. When you arrive at school to volunteer or visit, please register in the office and pick up a badge instead of coming directly to the classroom. This policy is for the safety of your children.

WATER BOTTLES: Please feel free to have your child bring a water bottle to class. I prefer the reusable, aluminum water bottles with tight fitting lids (fewer spills). Please encourage your child to bring their water bottle home regularly to wash it.  

WISH LIST: Kleenex for the classroom is always appreciated!

It is E"X"TRAORDINARILY important for your child to have a successful "Y"EAR. I will do my best to make learning fun and exciting – you can expect a lot of growth in so many different areas. It will seem as if the 2013-2014 school year will "Z"OOM by!