Yesterday’s Primary Winter Play Day was a huge success! I would like to thank Mr. Stratford for all of his hard work in organizing the play day for the primary students. The students enjoyed competing in a tug-of-war, building snow forts and sculptures, sliding down the hill on crazy-carpets, and participating in a mini-stick hockey shootout!  To top it all off, everyone enjoyed a warm cup of hot chocolate afterwards! I would also like to thank the grade 5-6 students in Mr. Bradley’s and Mrs. Keeling’s classes for helping to make the events run so smoothly. Some of the students were station leaders and explained the activities to the groups as they reached their station. Others were group leaders and made sure that their group members made it to their next activity. What a fun time!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I am excited to announce that Scientists in School will be visiting our classroom Tuesday, March 8th, 2016. The ‘field trip that comes to us’ will be presenting a half day workshop on Energy. This interactive and hands-on presentation will compliment your child’s learning for our Science Unit on Energy and Matter.

Scientists in School was founded on the principle that students learn best when they get to be the scientists – doing science instead of just reading or hearing about science. In fact, the name Scientists in School does not refer to the science experts that are brought into the classroom; rather, it refers to the students themselves. During Scientists in School workshops, your child becomes a scientist in school.

The workshop the class will be participating in is Energy makes it Happen. Students will step into the science lab and investigate the power of the sun and explore the impact energy has on our daily lives. Students will make a bubble grow using their own body heat as they investigate thermal energy. Students will also build a circuit to make light and sound. Lastly, they will harness light energy using a solar panel to create a cool painting. Students will participate in hands-on experiments that demonstrate the different states of matter.

Our presenter has requested that six parent volunteers join us for the half-day to offer a helping hand by assisting the presenter and students. Our presentation will take place in the afternoon in the library from 11:45a.m.- 2:45 p.m.

The cost of the activity is $7.00 per student. This activity can be paid for with cash or cheque that is made payable to W. Erskine Johnston P.S. I ask that payments be made by Tuesday, March 1st.

A letter will be sent home this afternoon that includes a permission form. Please fill out and detach the bottom portion of the form and send it with your child to school along with the fee. It is greatly appreciated if forms and money are returned sooner than later.

Thank you!

Ms. Gaffen

Dear Parents/Guardians,

With today’s bus cancellation, Winter Play Day has been postponed to its rain date, Wednesday, February 24th, from 12:30pm-2:45pm. Students in grades 1-3 will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities for the afternoon (with a nice cup of hot chocolate to enjoy afterwards!). Please make sure your child comes to school that day properly dressed to be outside for an extended period of time (waterproof mittens, hat, boots, snowpants, neck warmer, etc.). An extra pair of socks and mittens are recommended as well… just in case they are needed! All students are expected to participate. It should be a fantastic afternoon!

As previously mentioned, 100’s Day projects will be presented to the class tomorrow, Thursday, February 18th. Every student must have a project to present to the class as this assignment will be assessed for both a math and oral Language mark. Students are expected to skip count by how they arranged their project (1’s, 2’s, 5’s, 10’s or 25’s). They will also need to explain why they selected that type of display and how they made their project (which materials were used). I cannot wait to see what the children have made! I know the projects will look amazing!

 

Cheers,

Ms. Gaffen

On, Tuesday, February 23rd, please consider sending your child to school with a toonie to help meet the critical necessities for our students not funded by the school board or Ministry of Education.

Please view this attachment for more information: Toonie-Tuesday

Hello Parents/Guardians!

The students had a terrific time showing and sharing their Tiny Town Structures on Tuesday. The children were very enthusiastic when arriving to school with their community buildings. They all had huge smiles on their faces, quite eager to show teachers and friends what they had built over the course of January. Students demonstrated much courage presenting their research and buildings to their classmates. I am very proud of their efforts and hard work! Thank you for supporting your child’s learning and growing. Enjoy the pictures below!

Ms. Gaffen

 

 

Hello Grade 1 Parents,                                                                               

Please find the attached February Class Newsletter to inform you of all the wonderful learning and discovering your child will have over the course of the month. Read the newsletter carefully and take note of the important dates listed. Lets hope the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow tomorrow and an early Spring will be here sooner than later.

Click the link below to view the February Class Newsletter. Stay Warm!

February