VERY IMPORTANT!

A couple times this year, I've seen products with peanuts slip into lunches in the classroom. It's been a long time since September when parents were told about allergies in the class. We also have four new students who joined Kindergarten since January. I've noticed the children share food more than they did in the past. It nice to see them genuinely wanting to share, but it does raise the danger for an allergic child. With that in mind, I believe it's my responsibility to post the following.

This is an important reminder that one of our students has a severe allergy to peanuts and other nuts that could result in a life-threatening situation. Any contact with even a small trace of nuts, tasting, touching or smelling, could be life threatening to this child. Because of the seriousness of this allergy, PLEASE DO NOT SEND PEANUTS, PEANUT BUTTER, NUT PRODUCTS OR FOODS WHICH MAY CONTAIN NUTS in your child's snacks or lunches or party foods. In addition, if your child has eaten peanut butter (or other nut or nut product) prior to coming to school, please assure that they have brushed their teeth and washed their hands and faces. Thank you for keeping all of our kids safe!

In hindsight, I realize I was less worried when Michelle was in the classroom. Since we no longer have our own paramedic, I will have to be more alert!

Thank you,
Caroline

Principal Days

My three days as principal were busy, yet delightful. It was a wonderful chance to move around and see the entire school in action. All the children we kind and welcoming whenever I passed them outside, in the halls, or in their classes. Make sure to take a peek below at the serenade by the intermediate students. Enjoy the clip above and view the school through my eyes. It's no secret what a special group of students we have.
Love Mrs. App

Class News - April 28

Hello everyone! I'm excited to be back in the class this week. I'm sure Ms. Hardie explained the Walk-A-Thon to everyone. Still, I need to point out that the PLEDGE FORMS ARE DUE ON MONDAY APRIL 28. That's now! Please pledge a flat amount rather than a per km amount.
Our walk-a-thon will be done as a class on Friday, 2. We will do two big walks separately with each class. We will not be able to do the HUGE walk that the rest of the school is doing for two reasons.
1) The morning class would miss it all together.
2) It is FAR too long for our kindergarten children. Even the walk to the starting point at Jericho is too far for us!

Here is the present walk-a-thon plan. We hope to have the school cheer the both the morning and afternoon class cheer us on as we leave. The morning class will aim to depart at 9:00 am. The afternoon class will aim to leave at 1:00 pm. We will walk with volunteers mostly along side streets all the way up to Almond Park. We will stay about 20 minutes at the playground. Children who are exhausted can rest up before we return for the second leg of the walk. Children will have a chance to eat their snack at the park. Any children with lots of energy, can take full advantage of the playground. We will then return to school taking the same route.

REMEMBER: We need as many volunteers as possible to walk with the class for safety reasons. Please send a snack with your child on Friday. Thank you.
Love Mrs. App

An Afternoon Performance

On Thursday, April 24, the afternoon class had a chance to see a musical performance called Honk! The Arts Umbrella Musical Theatre Troop performed it for us in the gymnasium. It was an variation of the The Ugly Duckling story.
It was a little long for our little ones, but they seemed to enjoy the music and dancing. Ask them about it? I think my favourite part was the frog dance.
Love Mrs. App

Parent Matters

Thank you to Deborah MacNamara who donated her time last week to speak to a group of our parents. Deb is wealth of knowledge with anecdotes that ring true for all parents and teachers. I always find her words help me see the world through the eyes of a child, and in turn increase my patience and understanding.

During the workshop, I suspect most parents found that learning about counterwill was like finding a secret map to children's behaviour. Once we understand a child's instinctive and developmentally healthy need to refuse to do what adults ask when they are not collected, our frustration dissolves. (Well, at least a little.) Yet, at the same time, when a child begins to rebuke a no and the adult changes circumstances to avoid a struggle or disappointment, the child is then placed in the lead. Research shows that children who are placed in the lead have increasing anxieties which leads to more challenging behaviour. There is a message of safety and being taken care of when parents take the lead and assure the child that they know what they are doing - they are the child's best bet. So as parents and teachers we act as a double agent, being both the wall of futility and the angel of comfort. Through this support and guidance, our children may have tears around not getting what they want, yet the comfort gives birth to acceptance and resilience.
How do we avoid soliciting counterwill?
By coming along side a child, collecting them, and guiding them, our children are eager to do our bidding. (I can best explain this in person.) As Deb mentioned, chapter seven in Hold on to Your Kids goes over strategies that don't divide or damage relationships with parents. (I could elaborate here, but it's not wise to let children read about the "magic.") Do check her blog for workshop dates for Neufeld's Relationship Matters Presentation and Deb's The Trouble with Time Outs presentation. www.deborahmacnamara.blogspot.com


I am continually amazed at all the parents of the kindergarten students. Every day I see how you strive to do the best for your children and reach into your hearts for caring and warmth to address inquiries or quivering lips, help with calendar activities, read books, and even tend to stuck shoes and zippers. You send your children off with great hugs and I love yous. Then you open your arms wide at the end of the day for them to rush in. (This is indeed the case, for parents picking their children up in K class or next door at JKC.) I must also add, that you have all been wonderful matchmakers for me and your children. You take the time to make sure they have a chance for my eye contact, hand, or voice, before you ever leave. Since they know you like and trust me, they instinctively feel the same way and turn to me for answers in your absence. It is your graciousness and wisdom to do this that gives me the power to teach.
Thank you.
Love Mrs. App
(I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'm a little teary after printing that. I truly do love my job and teaching these two classes.)

Serenade

I had the wonderful chance to hear the intermediate grades in Ms. Bailey's class sing today. When When I arrived they sang, "You're Beautiful to Me." Play the clip above and enjoy what I heard.
It's heart-warming song with a message close to my heart. Hopefully, our children will develop this sense of self-worth independent of peer actions. Indeed, it is what leads to strength in adulthood. I will soon be teaching my sons and kindergarten students the same song.
Thank you boys and girls for sharing it with me!
Love Mrs. App

Here's the words.

You're Beautiful to Me
You don't have to dress a certain way. Change your hair, your style, your face.
Or play the games some people play.
You're beautiful to me.

When it seems that life just knocks you down. And you don't measure up somehow.
Remember what I tell you now.
You're beautiful to me.

Oh, you're a shining star.
Oh, just the way you are.

You don't have to wear your mask today. Just be yourself in every way.
No matter what this world may .
You're beautiful to me.

Oh, you're a shining star.
Oh, just the way you are.

Don't you know you're worthy to be loved. Not for what, but who you are.
A pure and precious child of ____.
You're beautiful to me.
You're beautiful to me.

International Day was GREAT!

Our International Day was a great success. Thank you to all the families for bringing food to share with the rest of the class. We enjoyed looking at each other's pictures, listening to musics, seeing favourite clothes, and of course tasting new food! In the slide show above, you will see the Kokomo African group performing Somalia music for the school. Look closely, can you see some of our classmates dancing? Wait a minute.... Is that Mrs. App? Yes. See how many teachers and children you recognize dancing. There was also a Kids Write performance in the afternoon. We enjoyed it, but I do not have pictures in our slide show.

Thank you to all the parents who helped make this event possible.
Love Mrs. App

Spring Fever!

The sun came out today and it finally started to feel like Spring! The children are getting excited about the change in weather.

After 8 months of routines, I need to point out that some are starting to forget a few. Guess what? I'm referring to the parents, not the children! Please remember the following class start and pick-up times.

Morning Class:

8:45 am. start (9:00 am on Wed.)

11:25 am dismissal

(This means the last 10 minutes of class the children are putting on their clothes and waiting to be picked up. JKC kids go next door at 11:25 am.)

Afternoon Class:

12:30 pm. start

3:00 dismissal (JKC students go next door at 3:00 pm. The other students have the last 10 minutes to gather their belongings and leave.)

It's fine to be late every now and then, but I have noticed that people are drizzling in later and many children are missing the start of the day. The end of class is a difficult transition time for many children and some start regressing if they have too much wait time. I noticed the trend is leaning towards coming or leaving at the last minute, and it is changing the class times. Stephanie and I then struggle to meet our other school, job, and family obligations.

Thanks for your support.

Love Mrs. App

Telugu New Year

This week one of our students is performing a dance at UBC for a Telugu New Year Party. We were fortunate to watch M practice his performance in our class. The song and the dance has lots of jumping and kicking to illustrate that a child at this age has great promise and energy to work towards achieving something. Thank you for sharing this dance with us. Good luck at your UBC performance!


Remember: We are valuing various cultural foods and traditions on Thursday. Bring a family food and explanation to class.
Love Mrs. App

Class News - April 14

This is going to be a busy week! This morning we had 4 students from Ms. Quinlan's class come in to talk to us about bears. They also read us the Bear Hunt story with the felt board. Click above to see this class activity.
Here's important reminders for this week.

1) Gymnastics is over. Children need proper shoes for the gym again.

2) Class International Day. On Thursday, the children will wear their favourite clothes or culturally traditional clothes to school. Children may also bring an object that has a significant meaning to their family or culture. This does not mean stuffed animals. It is meant to give children a chance to share a part of their culture with the class if they wish to. Many children may not know what to bring and that is fine. HERE'S THE BIG PART. We will be having food tasting stations during class time. Please send some food with your child to share with the rest of the class. Some families may easily think of something that reflects their cultural background. An other option is to bring something to share that is a favourite food for your family. Please have the food labeled with a title and explanation of why it is important to your family. If there is a tradition around the food or special time of the year you eat it, please explain that information too. Remember to have enough food for all students to try a sample. The left over food will go into the fridge to be served at the evening parent social.

3) Two performances. On Thursday, we will also have a performance for each class. The morning class will watch an African Dance by Kokomo. I'm very pleased that this falls on our International Day. The afternoon class will watch the Vancouver Youth Theatre performance.

4) Parent Night. Yes, our social with Deb MacNamara speaking is on the same day as International Day. Come to the library at 6:15 pm. It is over at 8:30 pm. I hope to see as many people as possible. We are so fortunate to have Deb donate her time for us. She will talk to us about "counterwill" - Why Children Say No. It's a fascinating (and life-changing) topic. You are welcome to bring any friends that you would like. The more the merrier. I would like you to let me know so we have enough hand-outs. Child-care will be provided by donation in the carpeted area. Our adult function will be in the library. Remember to check out the links on the right for more information about Deb MacNamara or Gordon Neufeld. As always, you can ask me any questions. See you there.

5) No School on Friday. Remember, it is a professional development day for teachers. Teachers have workshops. Children do not come to school. Regular classes will resume on the Monday.

See you soon.
Love Mrs. App

Class News Update - April 7

Wacky Hair and Pajama day was a blast last week. Here's some upcoming information for this week.
1) COINS FOR CARING will begin Monday, April 7th and run through Friday, April 11th. As a part of their Social Studies Action projects, the Grade 6 students in Ms. Quinlan’s class are collecting money to support an orphanage in Africa. Coins for Caring will be a one week coin drive: on Monday, they are collecting nickels; Tuesday is dimes; Wednesday is quarters; Thursday is loonies; and Friday is toonies. We will set up collection jars. I strongly encourage the children to participate in this great show of social responsibility. The class with the most money raised gets a Pizza Party. Of course, this is not the reason to give, but it would be fun!

2) Gymnastics. This week is our last week of gymnastics. The children need to be able to take their socks off to go on the equipment. Ms. Veda would like to remind parents to avoid sending your child in stocking or a skirt on gym day. They need appropriate clothing for climbing and rolling etc. We had two parent volunteers help the morning class last week. The afternoon class struggled without any parent volunteers. Due to all the equipment, please let me know or just show up if you can volunteer to help with the afternoon gym class on Friday. It starts at 12:55 pm.

3) April 17 Parent Social. Information went home to the afternoon class on Friday. The morning class will take home the reminder on Monday. I am still tracking down the PAC chair for confirmation on child care. We are VERY fortunate to have Deb come to share her wisdom with us. I can't tell you how amazing she is. Of course, it's all based on the Neufeld paradigm. Please check the Deb blog in right column for her background and to read recent comments on parent matters. Our night is included in her public speaking schedule.

Must run,
See you tomorrow!
Love Mrs. App