Mr. Hooper announced that the assembly on Friday is cancelled. There will be a great instrumental performance called Swarm at 9:00 am. This means that our FANCY DAY will be postponed until Friday Feb. 22. We will dress up with posh accessories such as hats, ties, necklaces, sunglasses etc. Children can bring things from home if they wish. We will also have extravagant things here to wear for finishing touches. Division 15 will do a performance for the school at the assembly. Division 14 may not have an audience, but I will film them so parents can enjoy the show on our blog.
Here's this week's news!
Watch out! Mrs. App is becoming a proud computer geek!
I loved the technological conference today. Rather than simply putting computers in our class and keeping the status quo, I see the need for classrooms to change and prepare our children for the ever-changing world of technology that surrounds us. Indeed, we are preparing students for jobs that haven't even been created yet.
I'm working towards having a story time corner on our blog. For now, I'll present this one as a post. Sometimes it's nice to watch a movie of a book, because the children can rewind or watch it over and over as they wish. I expect our little smarty pants will be reading the book along with me in not time! When they need a challenge, pause it and ask them to find a word on the page. I chose the fairy tales book today because it highlights some of the folk tales we read. Be sure to view it as a full screen movie. Show your child how to click replay. Enjoy!
Wait there's MORE!
I'm exploring how podcasting can help our children learn and teach each other. In addition to the puppet shows, stay tuned for other information from the children on our page. I've also added some educational podcasts by Sesame Street. More puppets - Yay! Plus, there is also the famous shadow puppet presentation. It's all in the right coloumn. Check them out.
Love Mrs. App
It suddenly hit me that I did not mention the professional development day on Feb. 8 in my newsletter below! On Friday, the Vancouver teaching staff are attending a variety of conferences for educational updates to improve classrooms. I will be attending a Techonlogical Workshop. I have to admit I'm starting to feel like quite the computer geek myself with all I've learned about blogging and creating a paperless line of communication with parents. I hope to learn more about making class movies. I want to create an informative clip about kindergarten and what we do in our classroom. This is one of my plans for improving the Kindergarten Orientation this year.
We fell behind with the Lunches with the teacher due to illnesses. I have a schedule that will also include Thursdays. Even with two days a week, we will go all the way into June with lunches. I'll post the schedule soon. If you are extra eager, ask me it class to take a peek!
I'm going to try to put a new slide show in with all the puppeteers! The children are loving the two puppet centres. Their improvisations are quite charming and hilarious!
Here's a great idea! Make your computer's home page our class page. I did it and I love it! Now instead of seeing Google when I open the internet, I see the Kindergarten page. I have to admit their little faces always make me smile. You'll also see updates before the emails go out! Go into your control panel and give it a try!
Love Mrs. App
Dear Parents:
Now that the switch has happened, it may change people's availablity for volunteering in the class. If you can volunteer on a regular basis in the class, please indicate your first, second, and third choice for the date and time desired and return the form to school by next Wednesday. I will then contact you. If you are unable to volunteer on a regular basis, but would like to volunteer occasionally (eg. every 1st and 4th week), this can be arranged. Also, if you have a friend in the class and would like to alternate weeks, please arrange it and let me know.
Thanks in advance for all your help!
Caroline
Click here to get a printable version of the sign up table.
This post is for the parents. Remember, our children should NEVER think that we have questions about parenting!
Many of you may know that I've done some very LONG intensive workshops around attachment theory and cultivating caring children. (It's in the right column.) I found all the workshops extremely insightful and they had a positive effect on my teaching and parenting. However, I am also aware the 8 week courses may not be realistic for everyone. I may have found a solution. On Feb. 6, Dr. Deborah MacNamara is prestenting a short 2 hour evening workshop that will try to address the key issues in parenting and teaching today. I plan to ask Dr. MacNamara if she would consider doing a workshop at Bayview for interested parents. Let me know what you think!
Cheers,
Caroline
Here's the workshop description:
We all want caring and considerate children but there is much confusion about how to get there. Dr. Neufeld unravels the mystery by uncovering the developmental roots of these esteemed virtues. What may come as a surprise is the negative effect that some of our prevailing practices in parenting and education have on caring. Included in this presentation are suggestions for how parents and teachers can best cultivate these characteristics in children.
We just returned from the Winter break and it's already February! There's some exciting events coming up. Here's some important information.
1) It all changes on Monday. Yes, February 4 is the next day I see you. Division 15 will now come in the mornings and Division 14 will come in the afternoons. Here's a reminder of class hours if you are wondering when to show up and pick up your child.
Morning Class: 8:45 -11:30 (M, T, Th and F) 9:00 - 11:30 (Wednesdays)
Afternoon Class: 12:30 - 3:10 (M, T, Th, and F) No School on Wednesdays
2) Mark March 13 on your calendars. It is the school play. Our kindergarteners will be bear cubs. I already have the costumes organized so you will not be sewing. (Hooray!) Both classes are needed for the 11:00 am performance and the 6:00 performance. I'll give you more information about when to come to school closer to the date. The 11:00 show will have lots of room for young children in the audience to sit at the front. All floor space is used for seats during the evening show. It is always sold out. Tickets are $10 each. Many people buy tickets for both shows. Julie Smith and Michelle will be helping our class get ready before our scene.
As the director, I'll be pulled in many directions, but I will be leading the children during their performance. Ticket sales will be at the end of February. Stay tuned for more information. There is also a link in the right column.
3) The Bayview GALA is just around the corner on Feb. 15. This will be a fantastic and glamorous event featuring local talent and entertainment. Child care will be available. There will also be a silent auction to raise money for the school. Each kindergarten class has made a stunning platter that will be auctioned off at the Gala. Take a look at the display case on the main floor to get a preview of our platter. The children are very proud. I'm sure EVERYONE wants to take it home to remember their child's precious year in kindergarten. Start planning your bidding strategy! Check the link in the right column for more information.
4) Thank you for all your kind and supportive words to me about our classes this year. Apparently, you've been spreading the good news about our learning environment. More people are realizing what a special school Bayview is. Kindergarten registration is overflowing with applicants. If we have more registrations in the next month or so we will be able to confirm THREE kindergarten classes!
6) Valentines day. On Thursday, Feb, 14 both classes will have little theme-based parties with activities.
7) I'll be looking for more volunteers now that your schedules will look different. Stay tuned for a blog update, email me, or talk to me in person about your slot request. Remember, it's a regular weekly time to help out with preparing materials and assisting children at their desks. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but if you are willing, we WELCOME you. Plus, you get to see the magic during Roses at the end of the day.
I'll see you all on Monday. I can't wait to see how it goes. Any bets that some families will show up at the wrong time? (Hee hee)
Love Mrs. App
