This week we unveiled the children’s beautiful Alphabet Books to them.  We have been drawing and labelling pictures, and practising printing upper and lowercase letters, for each Letter of the Week.  We’ve been sending home the weekly Itchy’s Alphabet pages and the letter craft, but we keep the “formal” printing pages here at school.  Up until this point, all of the children’s work had been completed on individual sheets until they were used to our routine.  Four letters later, we’ve collated everybody’s work into their individual books so now each child will work out of his or her own book.

We’ve explained to the children we want them to care for their Alphabet Book, and to love it by taking pride in doing their very best work, turning the pages gently and follow the teacher’s instructions.  When they have finished learning all of the letters, the children can take proudly bring their Alphabet Book home as a wonderful keepsake from Kindergarten.

We’ve had a rough go of weather this month and this last week of October has been a doozy.  Generally, our students have been managing quite well with boots, raincoats and wet socks.  They’ve become much better using their zippers and remembering to put their hood on (although we still have a few wet heads).  Thank you for supporting us in sending indoor shoes along with boots and changes of clothing.  We’ve been told it’s going to be a wet winter with warmer temperatures so all of this practise is going to make perfect.

We’re keeping busy with a variety of Hallowe’en activities.  This week we worked on our Hallowe’en word bank vocabulary, painted bats as a fun craft and completed these adorable faces for the painted pumpkins we made last week.

We also saw our Big Buddies, who each brought a Hallowe’en picture book (or two or three) to read aloud to the Little Buddies.  There was a lot of enthusiastic reading and follow-up discussions.

We’re sending home the November Scholastic Order Form today, along with the November Homework Calendar.  We don’t want to forget to give these out on Monday when we will definitely have other things on our mind.

Speaking of next Monday, Ridgeview continues its annual tradition of a Hallowe’en Parade and Assembly.  Our children are invited to wear their costumes to school; please have your children wear their regular clothes underneath their costume as we will be removing costumes promptly after the Assembly.  Please note that no weapons (swords, lightsabres) may be brought to school.  School begins at the usual time (8:50 am), and following the singing of “O Canada” and the morning announcements, Primary students participate in a parade led by our Principal, Mrs. Brady.  Parents are welcome to line the hallways to watch.  We will be sending home an information letter on paper with further details.

Centre Time will take place after recess, and we will add a few Hallowe’en Centres for some fun!

Upcoming Events and Reminders

The Earthquake Student Release will be taking place on Thursday, November 3rd.  An information letter was sent home with Thursday’s e-bulletin so please review the procedure.  The pick up time for ALL Kindergarten students is 1:45 pm.  If you are unable to pick up your child at this time, please arrange for the alternate guardian to do so.  This is the person or persons you designated on your emergency forms at the beginning of the school year.   It is important that you or your alternate guardian bring photo ID with you when you pick up your child.   The Student Release Centre / Parent and Student Reunion Area will be established near the portable area. You (or approved Alternate) are asked to report to the east undercover area at the designated times (1:45 for K). We suggest you walk to the school, as you would after an earthquake. Please DO NOT park in the school parking lot or bring your dog.

Hallowe’en Candy Collection: One of the many Ridgeview traditions is to make candy-filled Christmas crackers at Christmas time.  These crackers are then donated to several organizations such as our sister school, Grandview Elementary, Covenant House, and the North Shore Crisis Centre.  For the crackers, we ask that each student donate some of their Halloween candy.  Please support us by having your child choose some candy to bring into school during the first week of November (please no Halloween-themed candy).

On Monday, November 7, 2016, the Grade 7 students will be holding their first Popcorn Sale of the year.  This event is always a big hit with the Kindergarten.  We usually all purchase a bag and then enjoy munching on our popcorn treat outside, sitting on the benches and socializing with our friends.  Popcorn is $1 per bag and all proceeds go to the Grade 7 Grad year-end activities.

Photo Retakes will take place on Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Please return your November Homework calendar for a sticker

November Scholastic Orders are due Tuesday, November 8, 2016.  There are lots of wonderful Christmas books for purchase.  If you are purchasing some books as gifts please make a note on your order form.  We will then bag up your order and deliver it to you discreetly so no little Kindergarten eyes will see!

School will not be in session on Friday, November 11, 2016 for Remembrance Day.  We will be having a school wide assembly to honour this day on Thursday, November 10th.

School will not be in session on Monday, November 14, 2016 for a Non-Instructional Day.