reminders for the week of Jan 7-11 2019

I'd like to wish all of you a very happy holiday season and a very happy New Year too!  Here are some helpful reminders for the first week back.

1) Monday January 7, is Day 1 of our cycle and it's Library day.

2) We went home with our Poetry Folders today and the activity sheet will be due on Jan.7.   Have fun re-reading the Poems we have already done too!

3) We should have 2 leveled readers and a picture book too.  Please read out loud for at least 3-4 times/week to help maintain our learned strategies.

4) Writing a Recount using words like First, Then, Next and Finally about our holiday will be helpful to build our Writing strategies.  We need to Think it, Say it, Write it and re-read it to make sense.  We will be using  a Writer's Checklist in January independently.  We will double check our work for capitals, spacing, neatness, spelling and our sentences make sense too!

5) Grade 1's- please collect pictures with your child that we can use for our Timeline Project.  Pictures are due to class on Tuesday, January 8, 2019

6) Grade 2's- please work on your Social Studies project on Seasonal Celebrations.  We will be discussing the content the first week back after the holidays.  Project is due January 14.  

7) Electives are on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.  A letter with a checklist was sent home with your child yesterday.  Please dress appropriately for the weather that day, with extra mitts etc.  If you are skating, please have an approved Helmet and skate guards and a bag to put skates in .  We will need to have a litter less lunch that day too!  

8) There are lots of great websites to work with your child that are great for Language and Math.  My 2 favourite are www.starfall.com and www.mathville.com.  Check them out, they are so much fun!  

Please don't hesitate to call or ask if you have any questions or concerns.  Have a wonderful holiday with your children.

Mrs. Petramala

Reminders for the week of Dec.17-21

What a wonderful performance your children did yesterday for the Concert!  They were so excited to perform in front of a big crowd!  Thank you to all that came!
Here are some reminders for the upcoming week.
1) Monday is Day 1 of our Cycle and it's Library Day.
2) Popcorn/cookies are sold Tues/Thurs for $1
3) Please read through the Social Studies Project with your child and set up a schedule to start preparing them for January.  If you need another information sheet, please let me know.
4) Keep reading their leveled readers and picture books.  Reading out loud for at least 3-4 times/weekly is key for their success in building their strategies and fluency.  Pause and ponder as you go too.  Ask questions like: Who are the characters? What's the plot?  Where's the setting take place?  What do you think is going to happen next?  Retell the story from beginning, middle and end.  What was your favorite part?  Make connections to the text.  Does this story remind you of anything?
5) M.W.W. (Making Words Work) words- the activity sheet given on Monday is due on Friday. If you do a bit each night, it won't be overwhelming.  Having a bit of review each day will keep up their stamina and will help build their word knowledge too.  Posting their words on a visible spot, like a fridge or wall in their bedroom will help with this.  They can chant them every day too.
6) Assessment Folders were given out today.  Lots of great work we've done.  Take a moment with your child and have them orally reflect on their work. 
Have a wonderful weekend with your children!
Mrs. Petramala

Reminders for the week of Dec.10-17

Hi Families:
Please note that a Social Studies note went home today in your child's BEE bag explaining an upcoming project.  Grade One's will be creating their personal timelines in class and all materials are due in class by Tuesday, January 8, 2019 I am happy to photocopy personal photos of your child or you can email them to me if they are on your phones/computer...:)  My email is judith.petramala@yrdsb.ca. Grade Two's will be presenting a Seasonal Celebration of their choice.  The majority of this project will be done at home.  Their presentations will be on Monday, January 14, 2019 Please take some time to review this with your child.  We spoke about it today and will be speaking about it again next week. I will be helping them with format and their oral presentation. This is an Oral Presentation mark.  If you require further clarification, then what was handed out today, please do not hesitate to call or ask.
Here are some other reminders for the week:
1) Monday is Day 1 of our cycle.  We will be exchanging our library books later in the week as the Library is unavailable on Monday due to the ARTS program.
2) Primary Concert is on Thursday, December 13.  There are 2 performances.  One at 2pm and the other at 6:30pm.  Please dress your child in a white top and dark bottoms for the performance on Thursday.  We hope to see you all there.  If you plan to attend the night performance, please drop off your child by 6:15pm to our classroom. 
3) Poetry Folders were sent home today and they are due back on Monday.
4) Please dress your child appropriately for the weather.  Sending extra socks and mitts are helpful too!
Have a wonderful weekend with your children!
Mrs. Petramala

Reminders for the week of Dec.3-7

Hi families:
Thank you for all your help in assisting your child with learning the Honesty Rap.  They were so excited today to perform and looked amazing too! 
Here are some reminders for you:
1) Monday is Day 1 of our cycle and it's Library.
2) Dec.3-Dec 14 our school will be collecting NEW mitts and hats and gently used coats for donation to the Lions Club Coats for kids.  All your support will be greatly appreciated.
3) Dec 5 is Walk to School Day and we will have a SPIRIT DAY.  It will be wear your PJ's all day!  Students are allowed to bring in their favorite stuffed animal too, to snuggle up and read with.
4) Skate Exchange Sale is on Dec. 13 at 3:45-6pm.  A letter outlining the process was sent home last week in your child's BEE bag.
5) Dec. 13 is our Primary Holiday Assembly.  Students will be performing in the afternoon and an evening performance.  The performance at night will begin at 6:30pm.  An email was sent out school wide on Friday, November 30.  More information to follow.  What an exciting time of year!
6) Please return your Elective Forms by Dec. 7.  We have 2 fun filled days allocated to Electives in January.  If you are able to assist for the 2 days (or for one),  please let me know as soon as possible.  We would love to have you join us!  As with any school trip, an up to date Police Check is required.
7) Scholastic orders are due Dec. 5
8) Popcorn and healthy cookies are sold on Tues/Thurs. for $1.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or ask.  Have a wonderful weekend with your children.
Mrs. Petramala

Reminders for the week of Nov. 26

Thank you for coming to the interviews this week.  It was lovely to meet all of you and I appreciate all your help being partners in your child's education.  I enjoy every minute with them!  

Here are some reminders for the upcoming week:

1) Monday is Day 1 of our cycle and it's Library

2) The Book Fair is on all week

3) Popcorn is sold for $1 every Tues/Thurs

3) Yearbooks are on sale on school cash on line ONLY for this month

4) The new Pizza/milk/Greek order is now available on school cash on line and no late orders will be accepted.  Due date is November 30.

5) Movie Night at Rick Hansen is Nov.29.  Please sign up on school cash on line.  It's a fun filled night for the students.

6)  In your child's BEE bag on Friday a note about Winter Electives was sent home.  Please read and send back required information promptly.

7) We are presenting our Honesty song at our Pride Assembly on Friday November 30 at 2pm.  All are welcome.  Please practice the song too.  

8) If you haven't already done so, please complete the 'Every Child Matters' survey on line.  

9) If you haven't already returned the brown envelope that the Progress Report came in, please do so.  We need it for Term 1 and Term 2 reports.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or ask.  Have a wonderful weekend with your children.

Mrs. Petramala

Reminders for the week of November 19

Hi Families:
We had an amazing day playing in the snow!  With the snow comes wet mitts and socks too!  Please make sure you send an extra pair of mitts and socks so that we will always be dry! 
Here are some reminders for you:
1) Monday is a Day 2 of our cycle
2) Interviews are on Thursday and Friday of next week.   We are proud of what we have done so far and are continuing to work on our learning goals every day.  If you still require a time, please don't hesitate to call me and we can arrange a time for you.  EDSBY information was sent home via a school wide email a while ago.  If you still require assistance, please speak to one of the secretaries at the office and they will help you.
3) Please make sure you complete the "Every Child Matters" survey that was sent out last week.  On the back of the sheet was your password to log into the website.
4) Yearbooks are ONLY sold on school cash on-line this month.
5) Popcorn is for sale for $1 every Tuesday and Thursday.
6) We are presenting at this month's PRIDE ASSEMBLY and today your child went home with an Honesty Rap.  If the link does not work, you can access the song through youtube and on the search bar, type in "Honesty Rap for kids" and they will direct you to the song.  It's super cute
7) PRIDE ASSEMBLY is on November 30 at 2pm.  All are welcome!
Looking forward to meeting you all next week.  Have a wonderful snow filled weekend with your children!
Mrs. Petramala

Reminders for the week of November 12

Hi Parents!
We had a great week talking about Remembrance Day.  We have our Poetry Folder that has a poem we learned this week called "Little Poppy".  We wrote to a solder for our Friday Letter.  Our Poetry folder is due back on Monday.  Please just read with your child the poem and the letter.  Please also take a moment on Sunday to reflect upon Remembrance Day.  Lest we forget.
Here are some reminders for you to be aware of:
1) We will be presenting at this month's Pride Assembly.  More info to follow.  It is on November 30th, in the afternoon.
2) Please make sure you sign up for an interview time on EDSBY. If you are unable to sign up, please speak to me so I can fill you in on a time.  Interviews are on November 22 and November 23.
3) Yearbooks are on sale on school cash on line only this month.
4) The HEAT team will be selling popcorn for $1 on Tuesday and Thursdays starting next week
5) Monday is Day 2 of our cycle.
6) Please make sure that your child is appropriately dressed for the weather and make sure they have extra clothes at school just in case.
7) For grade one Parents, please fill out the Community Connection if you are able to share your families culture or stories with us.  We would love to have you as our special guest! A yellow form was sent out with the November newsletter.  If you need another, please let me know.
Have a wonderful weekend with your children!
Mrs. Petramala

Week of Nov.5-9

Attention Grade 1 Families:
This week with the monthly newsletter a notice went home for the Grade 1 parents/grandparents to see if we could have volunteers to share their experiences/culture or family favourite stories, songs etc with our grade one classes.  This Community Sharing would take place every third Friday of the month. If you are interested, please fill out the yellow form that was attached to the newsletter and bring back to school promptly.  If you need further information about this, please do not hesitate to call or ask.  We would love to hear all of your stories and experiences! 

Please also note that all of you will need to register for EDSBY.  This is a board platform that we will be using for interviews.  More information will be sent out on November 5 to sign up for a time slot.  If you require assistance, please speak to any one of our secretaries to give you guidance.

Other reminders:
1) Monday is Day 2 of our cycle
2) Spirit Day is November 7 and it's mismatched day.  Wear items that don't match!  Be creative!
3) Walk to school is on November 7.
4) Our character trait for this month is Honesty/Truth.  We will be participating in this month's Pride Assembly.  More information to follow, I'll keep you posted.
Have a wonderful weekend with your children!
Mrs. Petramala

Reminders for the week of Oct. 29- Nov.2

Hi Families:
Here are some reminders for our upcoming week:
1) Monday is Day 2 of our cycle
2) We dance on Wednesday from 10-10:45 am.  All are welcome!
3) Please make sure your child's costume is dance friendly.  No masks please, swords or guns.  If you chose to send a treat with your child that day, please make sure it is peanut free.  We cannot distribute treats to other children. 
4) Thank you for contributing to our Fundraiser.  All proceeds go towards all the cool and exciting things we have to offer at our school!  There is still time to participate.  For every $5 your child will get a ballot that they can get a chance to win some very cool things!
5) Please make sure you read the EDSBY note that went home a while ago.  In it, is pertinent info regarding Parent Teacher/Student Led Conferences.  More info will be shared with you on Nov. 5 on how to sign up. 
6) Photo retake day is Friday, November 2. Please just let me know in their agendas if you would like them to have a photo retake. 
As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to call or ask!
Have a wonderful weekend with your children!
Mrs. Petramala

Reminders for week of Oct.22

We had a great week of school!  Here are some reminders for the upcoming week...:)
1) No school on Monday
2) Tuesday is Day 3 of our cycle
3) Please remember our Fund Raiser is still continuing, for every $5 donated, your child will receive a ballot to win a prize.  There are some cool prizes!
4) Today your child went home with their 'ASSESSMENT FOLDER'.  Please look through it with your child.  There are a few items to sign and return next week.
5) Poetry Folder went home too.  The activity sheet is due on Tuesday.
6) In your child's BEE bag is also a note about EDSBY.  This is a new computer program that the school will be using to communicate for interviews later on in the year.  Please take some time to read and review.
7) There will be no M.W.W. words next week, it's a short week.
8) Please read and sign your child's agenda nightly.  Important information goes in there. 
9) READ, READ, READ!
Have a wonderful weekend with your children!
Mrs. Petramala

Reminders for the week of Oct.15-19

Hi families!
We had a great week talking about Fire Safety.  Tonight, your child will come home with a sheet to practice a fire drill at home.  This sheet does not need to come back.  This is national Fire Safety Week and it's never to late to practice safety!
As the Fall weather has arrived, please make sure that your child is appropriately dressed.  We are outside for 2 recesses, weather permitting.  Extra clothes to be left at school would be helpful too!
Here are some reminders for the upcoming week:
1) Spirit Day - October 18, please wear PURPLE!
2) We are dancing again on Thursday, please wear appropriate footwear to dance HIP HOP!
3) Our Food Drive continues until the end of the month.  Thank you for your contributions!
4) Our school fundraiser "Halloween Dance" is happening now.  For every $5 donated, your child will get a ballot to enter into many cool surprises like......BEING PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY!  Other ballots will be given for $20 and up too!  There was a blue sheet that went home with your child last week.  If you need another one, please let me know.
5) Monday is Day 3 of our cycle.
As always, please check their agendas nightly and sign them.  We are beginning to write independently in our Friday Letters.  Please read those too!  Have a wonderful and safe weekend with your children!
Mrs. Petramala

Reminders for upcoming week of Oct 9-12th
Hi Families!
We had a great week talking about 'what we are thankful for'!  We are thankful for lots!
Please note that:
1) Our Dance-a-thon note went home today in our BEE Bags.  Please look through it with your child.  It is a fundraiser for our school and we can't wait to dance on Oct.31!
2) We will have our first Arts Package performance on Tuesday, October 9 in the morning.  This was paid through our school cash on line, so please make sure you have contributed to this so we can participate.  We are going to learn Hip Hop!
3)Scholastic Order is due Oct. 9.  There are lots of fun stuff available for us.  You can create a parent account on line, or send in a cheque payable to Scholastic Canada Ltd.
4) No school on Monday
5) Tuesday is Day 4 of our cycle
6) Happy gobble gobble to you all!
Have  a wonderful Thanksgiving with your children!
Mrs. Petramala

Reminders for the week of Co

Hi Parents!  It was such a pleasure to meet with all of you last night!  We talked in class today about how fun it was to show off our classroom.  I am so proud of all their efforts!  Here are some reminders for the upcoming week of October 1-5
*Monday is a Day 4 of our cycle
*Tuesday is Picture Day!  Forms were sent home a while ago, IF you want a specific background or pose, please fill out and send to school on Tuesday, otherwise, it'll be the pose the photographer chooses. 
*Please read through the curriculum package and if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask! (for those families who couldn't make it, I placed in your child's BEE bag today!)
*M.W.W. (Making Words Work -aka Spelling Program) starts on Monday, stay tuned!  Remember NO spelling on short weeks.  Weeks with PA days or holidays.
*I have encouraged the students to talk with their parents about lunches....sometimes we do not like what we get....so I've asked them to help you make their lunches so they know what they are getting. Also if you order Lunch Lady, please speak with your child to see if it's an option they like...:) I always try and get them to eat their age (5, 6 or 7 bites) but I often get unhappy faces :(
*Keep reading!!!! and let them hear you read too.  They learn from your lovely intonation too!
Have a wonderful last weekend of September!

Reminders for the week of Sept. 25-28th :)

*NO school on Monday :)

*Tuesday is Day 5 of our cycle

*Poetry Folder sent home today and it's due on Tuesday.  It's called 'My School Pledge"

*Please read and sign your child's Friday letter ( We are learning to write a recount.  We will use words like....First, then, next and finally to start our sentences.)

*We will have our Terry Fox Walk/Run on Thursday, September 27th at 9:30 am. We will be outside weather permitting, so please dress accordingly and have appropriate shoes..:)

* We are also collecting Twoonies for Terry too next week.  

* We will also be recognizing "Orange Shirt Day' on Friday, September 28.  Please wear orange on Friday.  'Orange Shirt Day' recognizes communities coming together in a spirit of reconciliation and hope because every child matters.  

*Looking forward to meeting all of you at our Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 6:30-7:30 pm

Have a wonderful weekend with your children!

We had a great second week of school!

Hi Grade 1/2 Families:
Some friendly reminders for next week:
1) Monday is Day 5 of our cycle :)
2) Library books are due on Tuesday and we will be getting our levelled readers and a picture book.  A Reading log will be sent home for you and your child to fill out.  Daily reading is key to our success in grade 1 and grade 2, however, I know that life can get busy....so, reading at least 3 times per week is minimal to build success.  I will send home a helpful sheet to build fluency and expression. 
3) We start our Poetry Folders next week as well....stay tuned! 
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or ask.
Have a wonderful weekend with your children!

We had a great first week of school!

Some friendly reminders:

1) Please sign and return Parent Survey and bring back to school as soon as possible.  A timetable was sent out with it so you are aware of all that we do in Grade 1 and Grade 2

2) Remember that agendas are essential for communicating in Grade 1 and Grade 2 this year.  They are $5 and can be paid by cash or cheque.

3) Book of Forms is due on Monday, September 10

4) We will have our first Library visit next week on Day 1 :)

Have a great weekend!

September reminders :)

1) Please bring B.E.E. bag everyday (important notes go in there as well as their agenda) Please read what's in their B.E.E. everyday too...:)
2) Water bottles are allowed at school
3) Please have an extra pair of clothes at school at all times.  Label in a ziplock with your child's name clearly marked on it.  Can be kept at school or keep in backpack.
4) Agenadas are $5.  These are a great communication tool and will be used daily in Grade 1 and Grade 2.  Cash or cheque are accepted.  Cheque can be made payable to Rick Hansen Public School
5) Book of Forms are due back to school by Sept.10
6) Please sign and return Gym note
7) Curriculum night is Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 6pm
8) Terry Fox Walk is Sept.27
9) Picture Day is Oct.2

Welcome back to school!

September 4, 2018

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Hello and happy September!  A very warm welcome to you and your child.  Grade1 and Grade 2 is an eventful year filled with many new experiences.  It is my hope that we can work together to ensure that this is a positive year for your child.  I am including the following information items to help make this year enjoyable and effective for both you and your child.

Entry and Dismissal

Upon arrival at school, supervision by a teacher is at 8:55 a.m. in the Primary Yard.  Parents are asked to drop their children off no earlier than 8:55 a.m. Entry bell is at 9:05 a.m. with a prompt start to our day at 9:10 a.m.  If you are after this time, doors will be locked and you will have to sign in at the office. Dismissal is at 3:40 p.m. Parents picking up their child are asked to meet their child at the Primary Yard doors at 3:40 p.m.  Bus students will be escorted to the buses just before regular school dismissal. Children not picked up by 3:55 p.m. will be taken to the office. To ensure the safety of your child, any irregularities in picking up or dropping off your child should be specified in a written note to me.  (eg. If a bussed child is to be driven home on a particular day or if someone other than the regular caregiver is to pick up the child.) Without a written note or a phone call from you, a bussed child will be put on his/her regular bus.

Clothing/Indoor Shoes

Please provide a change of clothing to be left in their backpacks in case of small accidents.  They should be sent in a large ziplock bag on which your child’s name has been printed clearly.  In order to keep the classrooms clean and for gym use, your child will be required to keep a pair of INDOOR SHOES at school.  We recommend running shoes with velcro closures to speed up dressing routines and non-skid, non-marking soles for safety reasons.  Loose fitting shoes or sandals present a safety hazard both indoors and outdoors and are not recommended for school. Since many children have identical clothing, please remember to LABEL your child’s outdoor wear.  Also, please dress your child for the weather!  Make sure they have what they need. We will be going out for a morning recess and lunch recess. I am asking for each child to bring in one box of kleenex for classroom use.  A box will be placed in the room for the children’s use and replaced as needed.

Snacks/Lunches

Our snack time is at morning recess.  Please make snacks/lunches peanut free always!  My personal policy on snack time is that they eat their healthy snack first before they indulge in treats.  Of course I encourage all snacks to be healthy, however, I realize that everyone needs a treat once in awhile! Also, please inform me of any allergies that your child has.  Our lunch time is at 1:00-2:00 p.m. We are outside, weather permitting from 1:30-2:00 p.m. Please send a lunch that is easy for your child to handle opening and closing. Send lots of healthy food and drinks!  Students are permitted reuseable water bottles in the classroom. Please make sure to label your water bottle. If you are picking up your child for lunch, please let me know by a note or phone call.

Toys

Toys from home are discouraged to be brought to school.  I am going to be sending home in the next few weeks an exert from my long range plans about programming/curriculum content.   I will be launching a program called “Special Me” in which the child who is “Special Me” can bring some personal belongings to school during their time to orally share with the class.  

Communication

I believe that parent-teacher relationships are necessary for maximum school success.  Throughout the year, I will communicate with parents/guardians through notes, telephone calls, emails, classroom blog, report cards and parent-teacher conferences.  I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any time. You can call me at the school (905) 841-6225 or send me a note in their agenda. Agendas are used daily and are essential for communication this year in Grade One and Two.  As well as Agendas, there will be a B.E.E. (Bring Everything Everyday) bag sent home daily.  PLEASE make sure that this B.E.E. bag comes back to school daily.  Any pertinent notes/letters will be sent home in these and are a great organizational tool.  I am available for conferences regarding your child’s progress by appointment only on school days.  

Thank you for your patience and co-operation during this period of adjustment.  Some things may seem overwhelming now for you and your child, but very soon routine will settle in.  I look forward to a wonderful year getting to know you and your child.

Sincerely,

Judith Petramala

Grade 1/2 Teacher Rm 214

Rick Hansen PS

(905) 841-6225