Well, time has certainly flown by and here we are almost at the end of January!  It’s time for us to re-visit our first book “Thinking Thoughts and Feeling Feelings” from We Thinkers! by Ryan Hendrix, Kari Zweber Palmer, Nancy Tarshis and Marcia Garcia Winner.  

The children know a lot about feelings when they enter Kindergarten.  They were quite familiar with the feelings words “happy,” sad,” “angry” and “scared” that we use frequently at school when we are trying to express ourselves.  Their vocabulary has also increased as we introduced words such as “excited,” “disappointed,” “upset” and “uncertain” to make slight differentiations to become more specific about how we are feeling.  

One of our biggest teaching lessons is that whenever we are with other people, we all bring our thoughts and our feelings; therefore, we need to consider the thoughts and feelings beyond our own.  This particular concept certainly gave the children some pause to imagine that their parents, siblings and teachers also have thoughts and feelings.  It’s one of the first times we see our students start to become less egocentric and able to think about others at the same time.

You may have heard your child talk about the “green zone” or “yellow zone.”  We talk a lot about the zones (from The Zones of Regulation by Leah M. Kuypers) when we are talking about our energy levels and what is the most appropriate for a given social situation.  In the “green zone,” which is the most optimal zone for learning, we feel happy. The green zone means we are feeling calm, happy and focused and ready to learn; we’re in the learning zone.  We can feel happy or excited (similar but not quite the same) because if we are excited our energy level is higher and in the “yellow zone.”  We want to be excited when we are playing a competitive game or at recess and lunch playtime – that’s when it’s appropriate to bring more energy to that social situation.  Being in the yellow zone also includes feelings of frustration and getting carried away.  The children love to know about the “red zone” which is feeling angry, very frustrated and that your body may be out of control.  The red zone can be a tricky zone as we explain to the children that shouting and screaming, and kicking and hitting others is not appropriate. The final zone is the “blue zone” where we may feel tired, sad or scared.  All of the zones are good – it’s just which zone we should be in, emotionally and behaviourally, for the current social situation.

All of these discussions around feelings became very real world in our classrooms the past three weeks.  We have many upcoming birthdays in our classes, and as the children and parents have come to know each other better, birthday celebrations are being discussed both in and outside the classroom.  In the classroom we have really encouraged our children not to talk about their birthday parties for the primary reason it makes those who do not get invited feel hurt and excluded. 

Please be reminded that we cannot hand out birthday invitations at school.  This needs to be done privately especially when only some children have been invited.  Also, with food allergies and sensitivities we cannot have birthday treats sent into the classroom.  In the Kindergarten we celebrate every birthday with a visit to the office to collect the birthday pencil and sticker, a special moment as we listen for our name announced during the morning announcements on our special day, a “Happy Birthday” sung to us, and a special certificate and a birthday badge from their teacher.  

Upcoming Events and Reminders

Tuesday, January 30 – Library Book Exchange (Division 16 – Mrs. Daudlin/Ms. Eng)

Wednesday, January 31 – Library Book Exchange (Division 15 – Mrs. Campbell

Friday, February 9 – Lunar New Year Celebrations

Wednesday, February 14 – Valentine Day Card Exchange (more details and name list to follow)

All Kindergarten children are singing “Little Snowflake” and “Silver and Gold” for their Grade songs, and for our finale number with Grades 1-3 “Auld Lang Syne,” at the Primary Christmas Concert.  Several students from Division 15 (Mrs. Campbell) and Division 16 (Mrs. Daudlin and Ms. Eng) will represent the Kindergarten to sing “Bear’s Lullaby” with the Land Acknowledgement at the beginning of the concert. 

Regardless of whether your family has tickets for the afternoon matinee or evening performance, we are expecting all children to participate in both performances.  

We are going to have our dress rehearsal in the gym on Tuesday, December 12 at 1:10  pm.  The children do not need to wear their Christmas Best outfits but if they would like to wear something holiday themed or red and green, that would be great.  We’re absolutely fine with school clothes; we just want to make Tuesday easier for our parents.  We will wear our garland crowns to practise walking and singing with them on our heads.

It is our understanding tickets will be distributed, two per family, on Tuesday, December 12.  You MUST bring your tickets with you for admission to the concert.  Please keep them in a safe place.

For our costume, we are dressing in our Christmas Best on Thursday, December 14 only.  Please feel free to wear different clothes for each performance.  We will keep the garland crowns in our classrooms and the children can wear them home after the evening performance.

We would prefer if the children wear shoes, rather than boots, as it is quieter on the wooden risers.  If you have questions about your child’s costume, please let us know.

Girls – party dress or fancy skirt and top, tights, shoes (no runners, please)

Boys – button-up shirt, dark pants, dress shoes or dark runners, tie or bow tie if you have one

Please, no t-shirts, shirts with team logos or athletic wear.

Thursday, December 14 – matinee performance at 1:30 pm.  All Kindergarten children come to school in costume at the start of the school day.  We will make every effort to keep the children clean, tidy and show ready.  Please ensure snacks and lunches are easy to eat.  However, we would appreciate it if you would also speak with your child.  After the concert, we will return to our classrooms.  School dismisses at the regular time of 2:40 pm.  The Christmas garland crowns will remain at school for the evening show.

The line-ups to get a seat in the gym will be long.  Based on prior experience, we advise you to begin lining up at 12:30/12:45 pm if you are attending the matinee performance.  

Thursday, December 14 – evening performance at 6:30 pm.    All Kindergarten children come to school in costume.  The children’s calltime is 6:00 pm and we will promptly open the classroom doors at that time to remove jackets and settle down before we perform.   

Please note:  After Mrs. Campbell’s students all arrive at their classroom, they will then move to Mrs. Daudlin and Ms. Eng’s classroom so the Kindergarten are all together as we wait to be called to the upstairs waiting area.

After the concert, we will return to our own classrooms and you may collect your child from his or her classroom teacher when we are ready to dismiss them.   Please wait outside the classroom door.  Dismissal will be a slow and methodical process for safety reasons.  Please do not take your child from their line-up on our way out of the gym.  This causes mass confusion for the classroom teachers.

The line-ups to get a seat in the gym will be long.  After many years of school concerts at Ridgeview, we advise one parent to begin lining up at 5:45pm if you are attending the evening performance.  

The Kindergarten performs a second time at the end of each Concert performance, in the finale number with the rest of the Primary students, so please stay for the entire duration of the concert.

If you have any questions regarding this year’s show, please ask your classroom teacher.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

It’s going to be a rockin’ week at school so please ensure your child is getting enough rest in the evenings.  We are going to continue with as much of our regular program and Christmas activities as possible around rehearsals and performances.

Monday, December 11 – Primary Concert Walkthrough at 8:50 am.  We have five minutes to bring our students inside, hang up coats and get into our standing order before we walk upstairs to the gym.  If you have not arrived by 8:45 am please enter the school by the front doors.

Tuesday, December 12 – Primary Concert Dress Rehearsal at 1:10 pm.  Students wear casual holiday clothing or regular school clothes.

Library Book Exchange for Division 16 (Mrs. Daudlin and Ms. Eng)

Wednesday, December 13 – Library Book Exchange for Division 15 (Mrs. Campbell). 

Thursday, December 14 – Matinee and Evening Performances for the Christmas Concert.  Students wear Christmas Best to school.  Try to stay clean all day.

Friday, December 15 – Bask in the glow of amazing performances and enjoy a regular school day!

Our Kindergarten children made us very proud during their first important assembly of the year, the Remembrance Day Ceremony.  It’s a serious and somber time, where students are reflecting on peace and what it means to them.  The children were noted for their excellent self-regulation skills:  calm bodies, focused listening and an awareness of their social situation and responding appropriately.

We’ve had some sickness moving through the school building and we encourage everyone to stay home if you are not feeling well.   Kindergarten is a fun and busy time and we know nobody wants to miss out, but please keep in mind that sick children have a hard time with behavioural expectations, listening to the teacher and following classroom rules and routines when they are not feeling healthy and strong.  In Kindergarten where we share our toys and school supplies, and children still put their hands in their mouths and noses and touch classroom items, germs and illness spread fast.  A day or two to rest at home and get over the worst of a cold or cough is best for everyone.

Although it seems far away, the Christmas Concert is coming up quickly!  The week of December 11-14 is going to be full of dress rehearsals and performances as our staging arrives the week before.  We wanted to give you lots of time to plan your child’s Christmas Concert outfit.

Girls:  dress, skirt and top, party or dress shoes (if you have them)

Boys:  collared shirt, dark pants, dress shoes (if you have them); necktie, bow tie, vest are optional

We had another two weeks to go to finish up our current round of Sharing and Special Helper theme of “3 objects that begin with the first letter of my first name.” 

Upcoming Events and Reminders

Wednesday, November 15:  school is in session 8:40 am -2:40 pm

Please return your Library Books.  We will try to arrange a short book exchange time for Division 16 as they missed their regular Tuesday Library time this week. Division 15 is tomorrow at 9:00am.

Mrs. Meldrum’s Grade 4 class is organizing the Sock, Toque and Glove Drive.  They are looking to collect new items for donation.  Pick-up from our classrooms will be on Wednesday and Friday until November 24. 

It’s going to be a big week so here we go:

Monday – let’s get all the Library Books returned today because it’s going to be a lot to manage our costumes and to remember to bring back the books over the next few days.

Tuesday – Hallowe’en Costume Parade and K Mini Hallowe’en Celebration

Kindergarten will be leading the Hallowe’en Parade.  It starts promptly at 9 am so please be on time for class at 8:40 am.  The parking around the school will be extremely busy so please plan your leaving time from home accordingly.

Mrs. Campbell’s class (Division 15) will lead the parade.  Next, they will come by Mrs. Daudlin’s and Ms. Eng’s classroom to pick up Division 16 and then each primary class will join the back of the parade line.  We have asked our K room parents to be the “caboose” for each K class so we keep the Kinders all together.  After you have dropped off your child, all other parents should find a good outdoor location to watch us walk in and out of the Primary classes facing the playground.  

Please take photos only of your own child as we do not have media press releases for all students in our school, and photos should not be uploaded to social media sites.  We cannot really stop for photos so please keep this in mind if you are calling to your child to look at you for a picture.

Following the parade, please come down to your child’s classroom to help your child get out of their costume.  Your child should be dressed for school underneath their costume for everybody’s ease.  If you’re unable to make it, don’t worry as we always have lots of help.  Please send a bag large enough to hold the costume, particularly if your child is going to Camp Ridgeview afterschool.

We’d like to ask you to visit your child’s classroom for a few minutes to admire our beautiful rooms and artwork before you carry on with your day.

In the afternoon, we will be having some fun Hallowe’en themed centres for the children.  Then, we will get to eat our special snack (provided by each family for their own child) and watch a Hallowe’en movie.  It promises to be a very fun day and we will be carefully pacing ourselves throughout the day as you still have THE BIG NIGHT ahead of you!

We are often asked if the children can bring some of their treats in their school food bags.  We are comfortable with one or two small items a day for the remainder of the week.  We will ask them to eat their treats with their lunch, rather than the morning snack time.

Wednesday – We have a late start on November 1.  School will begin promptly at 10:30 am.  We will commence with opening routines and then gently ease into our daily schedule.  It’s also Universal Snack Day which we will eat with our lunch (at time of writing, we do not know what the snack will be but will let you know when we know).

Thursday and Friday – continue to ease the children through the latter part of the week until everyone is back on top of their sleeping schedules and activity levels

Happy Hallowe’en!

We’ve started the first book, “Thinking Thoughts and Feeling Feelings,” from We Thinkers by Ryan Hendrix, Kari Zweber Palmer, Nancy Tarshis and Marcia Garcia Winner, an outstanding educators’ resource for the social and emotional development of young children.  During these next few months, our children will learn and develop self-awareness of their emotions, an understanding of the perspectives of others and build social competencies, including social problem solving, to create and foster positive social relationships.

In “Thinking Thoughts and Feeling Feelings,” we follow the adventures of four friends who learn how their thoughts and feelings affect the social interactions of each other.  One of the most important lessons our children learn is that every time they interact with others, from their classmates to their teachers to their family members, everyone brings their own thoughts and feelings to every social situation; it’s not just the individual child’s thoughts and feelings. 

Our first lesson focused on what is a thought?  The children are learning that thoughts are made in the brain (thought maker), and that thoughts can be ideas, pictures or quiet words they hear in their brain.  A great visual is the thinking bubble above a person’s head to show what he or she is thinking about.  The application of this visual is important as it can appear as character thoughts in the books we read to enhance comprehension, or used in drawings to depict our thoughts to tell our own story.  Our discussion on thoughts ranged from a recent pumpkin patch visit, to fall gardening to a favourite activity with mom or dad and the children did a great job in expressing themselves with ever increasing detail.  We’ll start talking about our feelings next….

Rain was probably our watchword this week.  We experienced some atmospheric river situations and “soaked” was the best way to describe the Kindergarten following morning and lunch recess.  We cannot stress enough the need for all families to send in rainpants and extra socks for their children, and indoor shoes (preferably runners) to change into from rainboots.  The children need dry socks and shoes to maintain good foot health.

Well, no sooner did the turkeys fly away then we started pulling out the Hallowe’en activities.  The first thing we need to do to get ready for the Big Day is to start decorating our classrooms with the children’s artwork.  Our big project this week was a beautiful painted pumpkin from the art website, Deep Space Sparkle.  

We taught the children how to draw a pumpkin using white pastel to create the ribs.  Next,  colouring mixing using red, yellow and orange paint from a paint palette to create the orange of their choice for each pumpkin section.  Then, a few pieces of construction paper to make the facial features, a stem and leaves from the vine and before you could say, “Boo!” we had a painted pumpkin patch!

During Alphabet time, we worked on the letter d.  We’re using an integrated instructional method of teaching phonics and phonological awareness in a balanced approach to reading instruction so our children are not only learning that language is made up of sounds, syllables, rhymes and words) but that language and literacy is also acquired through their personal and shared experiences and interactions with literature. 

Upcoming Events and Reminders:

-please send in rainpants and boots to be left at school

-please return your Library Book for the next Library Book Exchange

-Shake Out BC:  our earthquake drill will be held on Wednesday, October 25 just before the morning recess.  We’ll be practising “Drop, Cover and Hold On” underneath the classroom tables.  We will then count to 60 but there will be no building evacuation.

-we’re still collecting for the We Scare Hunger food campaign in support of local families on the North Shore.  This week the Harvest Project will pick up your generous donations.  Thank you.

In December 2014, Christy and I started our blog and website, theselfregulatedteacher.com.  We had recently come through a long provincial teachers’ strike and creating the website and writing the blog became our therapy as we focused our attention on what was really important to us, and that is the connection between teacher and student. We wanted to write about what was happening in our classrooms, and to celebrate all of the joys and happy moments each school day brings.  We use the lens of self-regulation to guide us in our teaching practise for ourselves and how we view the children we are delighted to be teaching each year.

We continued to write weekly (mostly) about our classrooms and all of the wonderful magic and sparkle that is truly and uniquely Kindergarten for the next eight years.  We’ve written a lot about self-regulation, alphabet printing, art, good books, assemblies, Christmas Concerts, and what we’re doing in math, literacy and social studies; but mostly about the sweet, daily events that shape our lives as Kindergarten teachers and their students.  We took some much needed time away from our blog last year to rest and recharge and now we are back to share with you our journey in self-regulation in Kindergarten.  You can go back and see our newsletter from the past number of years.  If you decide to check out the Kindergarten Handbook and Resources we’ve got quite a few items we need to update and we’ll let you know each time we do.

Last school year we welcomed Ms. Erica Eng to our Kindergarten team and this year, Erica is teaching two days a week with me (Andrea) and Christy is teaching full-time.  With Erica, a recent UBC graduate, we have a fresh infusion of energy, knowledge and perspective for all things Kindergarten.  We’re so fortunate to be able to welcome Erica to Ridgeview, and especially to Division 16.

Before we talk about what happened this week, let’s take a moment to look back at Turkey Week.  Who doesn’t love a beautiful turkey, especially ones as cute as these wee birds made from torn paper.  While we love a good art project, we’re also mindful that these small tasks can help our students build their strength and stamina for printing with correct letter formation and speed.

Printing is hard work – you’ve got to think about your pencil grip, your writing hand, your helping hand (to hold down the paper so it doesn’t slip away) and your printing posture (feet on the floor, bottom on your chair) and then one eye on the teacher as well!  So tearing paper, colouring, cutting and gluing, Lego and building, buttoning buttons and zipping zippers all contribute to fine motor strength.

Speaking of printing, we’ve completed lowercase letters, a and b, and c in the past few weeks.  We’re making a craft for each letter of the alphabet so you can create your own alphabet wall at home!

This week the children drew and crafted together their October Self-Portraits.  We make one self-portrait a month and it’s a wonderful reminder about how the children see themselves and the world around them.  You’ll see a change in their drawing skills which is very satisfying for the Kinders as they love to see their own improvement.  We ask the class to make their artwork “Big, Bright and Beautiful” each time.  Big means fill you space, Bright means five colours or more and Beautiful means do your personal best.

In Social Studies, we’re focusing on our Personal Identity for Term One.  We’ve completed a couple of activities, including “My Heart Fills with Happiness.”  This week we talked about our personal features such as eye and hair colour and how each of us is unique in our own way.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

-we’re still looking to have rainboots for all the children stored in our cloakrooms for those sudden rain showers.  The Kindergarten goes outside two to three times a day so we want everyone to be properly attired for our west coast weather.  Please send the boots and rain gear as soon as you are able.

-the children wear indoor shoes in the classroom which means they must be able to change their shoes independently.  We do not teach students how to tie their shoes, nor are we able to tie their laces as it takes our attention away from the others.  If your child chooses to wear shoes with laces, please ensure you have taught them.

-we’ve been sending home sick children this week.  The children often tell us as soon as we sit down in the morning that they do not feel well but had to come to school.  We are not able to look after sick children so the school office will be calling you to come and pick up your child.

-Library Book Exchange – Tuesday for Division 16 and Wednesday for Division 15.  Please return your book for a new one.

-Provincial Professional Development Day on Friday, October 20 – students are not in session

This article was originally posted on April 22, 2019.  We’re reblogging today with updates to reflect this current school year.

We communicate student learning in a variety of ways:  through this website, our Remind texts, our Kindergarten curriculum overview, and the three formal and two informal reporting periods each school year.   Our Kindergarten students receive their formal written report cards at the end of each term.  Students received their first report card last December, the second report card was given out in March, and the third report will be distributed at the end of June.

The two informal reporting periods are a parent-teacher interview, held virtually last fall, and this Spring’s Student-Led Conference.

There’s a lot of excitement and wonder surrounding Student-Led Conferences, and for good reason.  Having your child lead the conference, not the teacher, is a shift in mind-set, particularly if this was not part of your school experience growing up.  But we know this will be one of the most delightful learning experiences you will share with your children, as it will be for them to demonstrate their independence and leadership with you.

A Student-Led Conference is exactly that – a conference or interview for you and your child, led by your child.  During the Conference, students assume the ownership for reporting and explaining to their parents what they are learning about and how they are doing in school.  The teacher, who has supported the students in the selection of student work and practiced the conference with them, stays in the background during the actual Conferences.

During the years we taught from Grades One to Four, our students participated in a teacher-led discussion about the student work they would like to present at the Student-Led Conference.  A brainstorming session of possibilities would ensue.  There would be suggestions such as a polished piece of writing, the latest math test or a Science notebook; the class would vote on the ideas they liked best and those selections were included in their Student-Led Conference folder.  

A week or two before the Conference we had our older students write a letter inviting their parents to attend.  The letter would highlight the learning and personal achievements students wanted their parents to particularly notice.  This was a wonderful opportunity for student self-reflection of his or her successes.

For our Kindergarten students we organize our Student-Led Conferences by Centres.  It’s a system the children are familiar with, and one in which we’ve used successfully with this age group.  

We typically include a Language Arts Centre which focuses on the children’s Alphabet; a Math Centre to create math patterns and showcase their Math Books; and an Art Gallery portfolio to see some of the best work we’ve completed in Kindergarten this year.  With the children’s help, we form an “Agenda” of the Centres the children will lead you through.  

When you arrive with your child at our classrooms, your child will be given a personal copy of the Agenda and he or she will mark each activity with a sticker as it is finished.  The Centres do not need to be completed in any particular order, but each one must be visited.  We explain to the children that if they see there are many families at one Centre, then they should choose another until it’s less crowded.

During your child’s Conference, parents are able to enjoy looking at their child’s schoolwork and participate in the activities he or she has selected for you.  As parents, giving specific praise and support recognises your child’s efforts at school.  It is through your comments that you model what you value about your child’s learning.

This is a time for positive comments only to your child.

At the end of the Student-Led Conference we ask our parents to sign the Guest Book.  It’s important for us to have a record of parent attendance and receive feedback every year.  Over the years parents have always enjoyed the Conferences so it’s very rewarding to have the appreciation of your children’s, and our, efforts.

This year the Kindergarten Student-Led Conferences will be held on Wednesday, April 27 and Thursday, April 28, 2022. 

Kindergarten students will be dismissed promptly at 12:50 pm, and the Conferences will begin immediately afterwards starting at 1 pm.  You will have a 25 minute time slot with your child.  A maximum of four Conferences will be held at once so families need to be prepared to speak softly, and move quietly and slowly in the classroom.  At the appointed time, we will ring a bell to signal the end of the Conference so that we may prepare for the next group.

Over the years, a few parents have asked why they cannot have an interview with the teacher instead.  

To put it simply, the reason why you’re having a Student-Led Conference is because it’s an incredible opportunity and privilege to share in the learning of your child.

You will hear about your child’s learning from your child’s perspective, and have that deep insight into your child’s thinking, motivations and achievements.  You will be engaged in a dialogue rich with the language of a young learner, share the joy of a job well done, and a sense of pride with every printed letter and cut out shape.  And you’ll be able to share in the delight of your Kindergarten child as he or she begins the journey as a life-long learner.

Student-Led Conferences are one of our favourite days of the entire school year. From a teacher’s perspective, we couldn’t be any more proud of our students as they beam with pride at leading their mom and dad into their classroom to share the fabulous work they’ve completed at this point in the school year.

Please make arrangements for siblings so that your Kindergarten child can have your full attention during his or her Conference.  Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate toddlers and preschoolers.

You can sign-up for your Student-Led Conference through the School Interviews link sent by email last Wednesday.  

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of our Kindergarten Families!

We’ve had a lovely few weeks of Winter and Lunar New Year themed activities and capped it off this past week with Valentine’s Day festivities.

In Art, we made these lovely February Self-Portraits.

In Social Studies, we talked extensively about what our families do to show they care about us.  We read The I Love You Book by Todd Parr.

We had our Valentine’s Day Party a few days earlier so as not to cram too many events into one day.  Thank you to all the parents who contributed snacks and drinks for our Party.  We watched Franklin’s Valentines which made a nice comparison to the storybook version.

We’ve been talking a lot about friendship and the importance of being kind, respectful and considerate of our friends and families.  The children are learning that good manners, greeting others by using their names and kind words and gestures are necessary to developing positive connections and strong friendships.  We all know how good it feels when our friends speak to us nicely and actions are gentle, predictable and appropriate.  Feeling safe and comfortable is very important for our students so they can focus on learning and having fun with their friends, rather than feeling anxious about what might happen next.

Today the children brought home their Valentine Cardholder.  Thank you, moms and dad, for taking the time to sit down to create and write Valentine’s cards with your children.  The Kindergartens were so proud to bring their “bag of cards” and place them methodically in their classmates cardholders.  We’ve asked them to wait until they get home to open and share the delightful contents with you.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

Mondays:  Library Book Exchange

Tuesday, February 15:  Fire Drill 

Friday, February 18:  Reading Break (school is not in session)

Monday, February 21:  Family Day Holiday (school is not in session)

Wednesday, February 23:  Pink Shirt Day

We’ve had a fun-filled January with snow, Winter art and crafts, the start of our Math rotations for numeracy and a few treasured days of sunshine.

It was very exciting to be working on the letter “m” this week as we are now officially halfway through the alphabet.  We can see the growth in the children’s printing as they work diligently on correction with attention to size, shape and space.  

This week we made the adorable “m is a mouse.” We’ve begun a new Math unit in numeracy.  Our focus now is on exploring number, creating number sets, matching numerals to sets, counting with one-to-one correspondence and where do we see sets of 0-9 in our environment.  The children are working in small groups of 4 at different Math centres.  Sharing, speaking kindly, cooperating and turn-taking are the pro-social skills they continue to develop and practise and what we are reinforcing in class.

We have created so much beautiful Art this month.  From our January self-portraits to our whimsical snowglobes, the children love to draw, cut and glue, and use fun embellishments like Sparkle Mod Podge, punched out snowflakes, buttons and pompoms to decorate their work.  

For the upcoming RPAC Fundraiser, “theCardProject,” the Kindergarten classes are making Happy Penguins, a delightful mixed-media penguin posed against a colourful, rainbow background.  These projects will be photographed and turned into cards and journal covers, available to purchase later this year.

Upcoming Events and Reminders:

We’ve got A LOT happening for February.

Mondays:  It’s our Library Book Exchange Day but we encourage you to return your book on Friday so you have an extra day in case you forget.  The children are very disappointed when they do not get to take home a book.  We have to be strict regarding book borrowing from our Library collection as you know books are very expensive to replace.

Tuesday, February 1:  Lunar New Year at Ridgeview.  Children are welcome to dress up in red and gold, or wear traditional Asian clothing.  We are going to make some special crafts at school this week to decorate our classroom.

Friday, February 11:  Crazy Hair Day.  The children are welcome to colour their hair, wear a fun hat or hair decoration.  If your child decides to participate, and based on our previous experience, please choose an idea that your child can manage throughout the day.  

Monday, February 14:  Valentine’s Day.  In Kindergarten, we encourage our classes to participate in a Valentine’s Day card exchange.  It’s fun and a nice opportunity to share a card and show some kindness to others.  We’re providing this information early so you have lots of time to prepare.

We realise this may be the first Valentine’s card exchange for quite a few children in our class.  We will send home a list of all the children’s names in our Divisions later this week.  Please write a card for either ALL of the girls, ALL of the boys or EVERYONE.  We want everyone to be included in the receiving of cards.  We will see Mrs. Kennedy for a Valentine story on Monday so the children can also write a card for her and deliver it in person.

Over the past few years, more of the children have made and addressed their Valentine cards with their family, and the Kindergarten have signed their names which is meaningful practise.

We will make Valentine cardholder bags with our classes.  During the week of February 7-11, the children can bring their cards to school and we will help them to place the cards into their classmates’ bags.  We prefer for the cards to come in earlier than the 14th, otherwise it’s very rushed to get the cards into the bags.

We are always asked if candy can be included with the cards.  Yes, candy and small non-edible treats can be included but please remember no nuts of any kind.  All candy must be pre-packed and individually wrapped; unfortunately, we are unable to have anything homemade to eat at this time.

On Valentine’s Day the children are welcome to wear pink, red, or white to celebrate the day!