Tuesday,June 12 - Potatoes!

Today, we took our potatoes outside to see if we had any little potatoes, growing in our pots.
We did find some very tiny new potatoes growing on the roots. So we decided to replant some of the
potato plants with their roots intact. Just for good measure, we also planted a few more seed potatoes.
These potatoes are planted in the school garden by the sun circle. It will be interesting to return in
September, to find out how our plants and potatoes grew.
Snack and recess outside is very, very, exciting for Kindergarten. Today we were a bit late for music, so next recess we will work on lining up a bit quicker, and not forgetting our snack bags.
Tomorrow, Library Books are due. If you have any questions or concerns about your library books, please email Mrs. Kidd.  dckidd@cbe.ab.ca

Tuesday, June 5 - Outdoor Recess and Gym

Last week in gym,  Kindergarten students worked on their Frisbee skills. Frisbee Golf here we come!

This week, we have begun our Lacrosse unit. So far, we are learning to run around the field holding our Lacrosse sticks and trying not to drop the ball. Next, we are learning how to flick (rocking motion) the ball into the air and catch it in the basket of our Lacrosse sticks. Overhead throwing, will be our next challenge 😉

In preparation for Grade One recess, I am planning on Kindergarten eating their snack outside and joining the rest of the school for recess. This transition will be on the playground equipment and the adjacent Nature Ground. Please ensure that your child's snack is easy to open and good for outdoor eating.

Mark Your Calendars:
Wednesday, June 6 - Last day to check out Library Books
Friday, June 8  - No classes for students
Monday, June  11 - Last Day for Home Reading Book Exchange
Wednesday, June 13 - All Library Books Due For Inventory
Thursday, June 14 - All Home Reading Books Returned to Class for Clean-up
Thursday, June 14 to Monday, June 25 - Classroom Clean-Up - Volunteers are Welcome
Wednesday, June 20 - 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Whole School Transition Time to Next Grade 
Friday, June 22 - Sports Day

🎉🎉🎉 Tuesday, June 26 - Last Day of Kindergarten - Kindergarten Class Picnic - 10:00 AM to 11:20 AM

• School day begins at 8:20 AM for students
• parents, siblings and grandparents are more than welcome
• outdoor activities and picnic lunch (bring something to share for potluck and/or bring your own food) 
• bring your own lawn chair and/or picnic blanket
• Summer born birthdays will be celebrated

Friday, June 1 - This Weeks Highlights

What an exciting week! Our sketching residency went very, well. Outside the classroom, everyone's art is on display. Here is a collage of the student's sketches of flowers, that our artist made for us.

Despite the rainy weather, our field trip to the Calgary Zoo was lots of fun! Some excellent learning took place about the lifecycle of butterflies. One of our students, was transformed from a mammal to a butterfly (dressed up). The Panda walk was very educational. There were many displays and videos about the Panda. While their dad slept, the younger Panda's were gently playing with one another. There were many displays and videos about the Panda. A very big 'thank-you', goes out to our parent volunteers!

In our classroom, our Painted Lady Caterpillars have metamorphosed into the Chrysalis stage. Today, we set up their new butterfly habitat. I have attached the chrysalises to the top of their habitat.

Tuesday, May 29 - Field Trip + Sketching

Only two more sleeps, until we go on our Calgary Zoo field trip! The student's entrance to the zoo plus five chaperones, is included in our 'Gossamers and Wings' program. Therefore, student's zoo passes will not be needed. However, if any of our volunteers have a zoo pass, then please bring it with you. I would appreciate it, if our volunteers would email me with this information.
Zoo Field Trip Reminders:
Arrive at school at 8:40 AM for a prompt start to our day.
We are hoping to board the bus by 9:00 AM
Dress your child for the weather
Send a snack, lunch and water bottle in their backpack
Each child will be responsible for their own backpack
2:30 PM is our planned arrival time for pick-up
Kindergarten did an excellent job sketching and adding water color to their art.
You are more than welcome to come inside the school to view their art!
This is a collage of Kindergarten sketches that represent our Whispering Woods.

Tuesday, May 22 - Field Trip Forms

I hope you enjoyed your long weekend! Such beautiful, warm weather!
Please return your School Photo Order Form by tomorrow, May 23.
Today, I sent home the paperwork for our upcoming field trip. If anyone was expecting to volunteer and did not receive the volunteer paperwork (pink paper) please email me. I checked my list, but I may have missed you and we would love to have you join us on our field trip!
Zoo Field Trip paperwork is due on Friday, May 25.
Save the Date:
Wednesday, May 23, Thursday, May 24 and  Tuesday, May 29- Sketching Residency. We may go outside, so please ensure that you child is dressed for the weather. Outdoor shoes that students can walk/run over uneven ground, and a hat is always recommended. Everyone, receives their very own set of sketching tools!
Friday, May 25 - L.G.T. Coordinator Visit - Story and Games
Wednesday, May 30 - Learning about 'Word' on Computers with Buddies
Thursday, May 31 - Field Trip to the Zoo
Friday, June 1 - Randy Bottle our Blackfoot Elder, Visiting Kindergarten

Thursday, May 17 - Butterfly Larva

Yesterday, we enjoyed some 'Fresh Air Thursday' time outside sketching the spring flowers. Everyone, amazed me with their excellent. detailed drawings!
Today, our Painted Lady Butterfly Larva arrived in a box. We opened it together and placed each larva in their own vial with food. We can hardly wait until next Tuesday, to find out how much they have changed!
As I don't have the Zoo Field Trip paperwork ready, I will be sending it  home next week. A big 'thank-you" goes out to our 10 volunteers!
Enjoy your long weekend!

Tuesday, May 15 - Homework

Today, I sent home some homework for you to do with your child. This homework is due on Thursday, May 17th. Please fill in your child's address and phone number (please add your area code) that you would like them to learn to contact you. This is an important personal safety skill that I recommend you introduce to your child. During our technology time, our Grade 3/4 buddies will be teaching us how to use the keyboard to type in our contact information.

Last Friday, we went outside to observe the spring flowers and label a picture of a flower. Despite the rainy weather, everyone was dressed for their learning outside. Thank-you!

Thursday, May 10 - Exploring and Playing Outside

This morning, we enjoyed a spring walk and some time in the playground. We observed the bushes leafing out and the spring flowers. Soon weather permitting, we will be sketching and painting the spring flowers at the front of the school.
With the arrival of spring, I am hoping to take our learning outdoors. On a daily basis, please ensure that your child is dressed for the weather. In preparation for grade one, we will begin to enjoy our snack outside and participate in recess with the older students.
Next week, please check your child's backpack for our Zoo Field Trip paperwork. Since we are attending the 'Gossamers and Wings' student program, we have a 30 minute time slot to visit the Pandas!!!!!We are very fortunate to have this opportunity!

Tuesday, May 8 - Gardening

Our L.G.T.  garden is beginning to flourish! Our potatoes are planted in the big, black pots. A potato seedling is peeking out of the soil.

Today, we practiced a lock down. Everyone, silently gathered in the designated classroom areas. Kindergarten, practiced their lock down in the music room. Although it was tricky, everyone was able to sit silently for about 10 minutes.

Friday, May 4 - FAF and Math Centers

Today, I introduced some new math centers. Everyone was very excited and challenged by 'Math Towers', and 'Coji Maze'.

Storytelling with Randy Bottle

Thursday, May 3 - Spring is Really Here!

Tomorrow, we are looking forward to our Fresh Air Friday learning. Please remember to send your child with a jacket and hat. If your child needs sunscreen, please ensure that you apply it prior to coming to school. We are going outside to look for evidence of SPRING😎 We are planning on labelling and coloring a diagram of a flower.
We have planted 2 pots of potatoes, which will hopefully sprout soon. Later this month, the grade 1/2 classes will be planting some of our seed potatoes in the Sun Circle garden. We are wondering which plants indoor or outdoor,  will yield the most potatoes.
Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. - Please join us for the Dr. Coffin Parent Council meeting, where all parents are encouraged to attend.