Kindergarten News

January 2016

Dear Families,

Happy New Year and welcome back! We trust that everyone has had a joyous Christmas and a wonderful holiday. We wish to extend to you our heartfelt thank you for the many cards, best wishes and gifts which were truly appreciated.

We are very happy to have Miss V (Virginia Mielke) with us as our new ECE (Early Childhood Educator).  She is replacing Mrs.Stafford who has left St. George to be able to spend more time with her young son.  We believe the transition has been very smooth and positive for the children.

Language

We continue to work in journals with the students who show the interest and readiness for using this type of media. Please keep in mind the children are encouraged to use phonetic or constructed rather than conventional spelling when they are learning to write. Research has clearly shown us that writing is a developmental skill and is acquired much the same as oral language. All attempts are encouraged. Children will refine their writing and conventional (correct spelling) will emerge with time and practice. When children work in their journal, they draw a picture of anything they like. Children will work at their own level and we will provide individual support to help children write their sentence(s).

Math

In math, our major focus will be on ordering and comparing numbers, and addition and subtraction.  We will also continue to strengthen our subitizing skills (the ability to perceive the number of a group of items at a glance and without counting). As we continue to explore numbers and applications through problem solving, the children will be encouraged to make personal connections (e.g. I made 3 more snowballs than my friend). Every day we create an environment that supports math learning which encourages wondering and inquiry. We involve children in solving problems, searching for solutions and most importantly in working to get the mathematics to make sense. Our constant goal is to create an environment where students are motivated to want to figure it out and feel that they can safely express their mathematical ideas without fear of being wrong or not getting the right answer.

French

In French, we have been talking about winter activities (ex: le traîneau, le patin, le ski, la raquette, les bonhommes de neige, etc.) as well as about snow and winter cloths (ex: pantalon, manteau, chapeau, foulard, mitaines, bottes, gants, ect.). Also, during the next few weeks, we will be practising the play of the Three Little Kittens who lose their mittens.  Please check the blog (http://stgeorgek3.blogspot.com/) for the words for this play, as well as for the songs we are singing in French Class.

Recess

Kindergarten students continue to go outside for recess daily, weather permitting. Please dress your child appropriately for the colder weather. Children should be able to put on their coats independently. Please also have them practice at home fastening buttons, snaps, zippers and putting on boots/gloves. The children will need to wear all snow gear (including snow pants and boots) in order to be able to play comfortably outside. Mittens that are made out of snowsuit material are best as they stay dryer than fleece or knitted mitts and keep the children’s hands warmer.  Please be sure to label your child’s winter clothes. We find many mittens, hats, scarves that nobody claims.

Report Cards

Kindergarten report cards will be sent home in February. Since formal interviews were held in November, there will be no formal scheduled interviews this term. If we have any concerns regarding your child’s progress, we will contact you. Of course, should you have any concerns at all regarding your child, please feel free to contact us anytime throughout the school year.

Wish List

We have a couple of items on our wish list.  We are in need of plastic spoons for the students to use at snack and lunchtime.  We would also appreciate some play dough for the classroom.  Either bought play dough or the homemade kind would be much appreciated.

Thank you for your on-going home support.

Mme Dolgos, Mrs. Caule & Miss V