Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Today - Important

Dec. 14

Pita Day is still on for today.  Anyone not here who ordered will have his/her lunch stored in the fridge for tomorrow.  The WOW assembly has been postponed to a later date. More information will be posted once available.

Dec. 4 Homework

Homework
- Word Study homework (due Fri)
- Word Study test corrected and signed
- Gr. 3 Social Studies quiz (Wed)

Nov. 30 Homework

Homework
- Word Study homework and test (tomorrow)
- Gr 2 Printing (Mon)
- Gr 3 Cursive Writing (Mon)
- Gr 2 Social Studies project (due tomorrow)

Nov. 28 Homework

Homework
- Word Study homework (Fri)
- Math test (Thurs)
- Gr. 2 Social Studies project (Fri)
- book order (Thurs)

Nov. 27 Homework

Homework
- Word Study test corrected and signed
- Word Study homework (by Fri)
- Gr. 2 Social Studies project (due Fri)
- book order (by Thurs)

Nov. 24 Homework

Homework
- Gr 2 Printing - T, J, c, o (Mon)
- Gr 3 Cursive Writing - m, v, y, x (Mon)
- Gr 2 Social Studies project (due Friday, Dec. 1)

Nov. 23 Homework

Homework
- Word Study homework and test
- Gr 3 Cursive Writing - m, v, y, x (Mon)
- Gr 2 Printing - T, J, c, o (Mon)
- Gr 2 Social Studies project (due Dec. 1)

*Donations due tomorrow
*Reconciliation tomorrow

Please Donate

Please donate to our service project Kayley's Bears and Blankies.  The last day to bring in donations is Friday.  So far only half our class has participated.

Nov. 22 Homework

Homework
- Word Study (Fri)
- Gr 2 Printing - T, J, c, o (Mon)
- Gr 3 Cursive Writing - m, v, y, x (Mon)
- Gr 2 Social Studies project (Dec. 1)
- Donations (by Fri)

Nov. 21 Homework

Homework
- Word Study homework (Fri)
- Grade 2 Social Studies project (due Dec. 1)
- donations (Fri)
- hot lunch orders (by Fri)

Nov. 20 Homework

Homework
- Word Study homework (due Fri)
- Word Study test corrected and signed
- Grade 2 - Social Studies project (due Dec. 1) *see blue folder that went home today
- Donations (by Fri)

Nov. 15 Homework

Homework
- Word Study homework and test (tomorrow)
- red and blue
- donations (by Nov. 24)
- report card slip and envelope (tomorrow)

Parent Teacher Interview Night - Math

Here is what Mr. Marenchin posted about Parent Teacher Interview night:

Forward from Jo Boaler's book Mathematical Mindsets:
Imagine your children joyfully immersed in really hard math problems.  Imagine them begging to have their mistakes discussed in front of the class.  Imagine them saying "I am a math person!"  This utopian vision is happening in classrooms around the world......

Carol Dweck
Professor of psychology and author of 
Mindset:  The New Psychology of Success


We need your help to make this continue to come alive for our students (your children) as this begins with having a growth mindset in math (about learning in general).  I often refer to the analogy of learning to ride a bike as a good visual that describes a growth mindset.  To learn to ride a bike we must first fall (probably many times) before we succeed.  By falling our brain grows (i.e. learns) what not to do and makes the appropriate corrections.  This is a simplified example but one that we can all relate to in life.

On our upcoming Parent/Teacher Night you will see two different displays of Math throughout the halls.  Both have the intent of providing parents with a glimpse of how math is taught today.  

First of all, the "How Do You Measure a Pumpkin" activity is meant to highlight how today's curriculum is a gradual progression from grade to grade.  We slowly build the students knowledge over time.  Furthermore, this is an example of a problem with a 'low floor and high ceiling problem'.  This allows all students to enter the problem and at the same time challenge students to go as far as they can.  Overall, this dispels the myths surrounding combined (split) grades.  

Secondly, there will be a manipulative based (i.e. hands on) math activity located outside each classroom.  Please feel free to 'play' with the activity.  Today's math is much more about the process than the product.  Please don't misunderstand, but we do want our Air Traffic Controllers to 'get it right', however, we need students first to be able to conceptualize the math before we put the 'formulas' to it.  Memorizing a formula is one thing, however, learning is something completely different.  

Overall, we need to encourage our young people to not fear mistakes as these mistakes promote positive brain growth (eg. riding a bike).  We would like to leave you with a quote from Jo Boaler's book that summarizes the reason for these activities on this night.....

Teachers, parents and leaders have the opportunity to set students on a growth mindset mathematics pathway that will bring them greater accomplishment, happiness and feelings of self-worth throughout their lives.  We need to free our young people from the crippling idea that they must not fail, that they cannot mess up, that only some students can be good at math, and that success should be easy and not involve effort.  We need to introduce them to creative, beautiful mathematics that allows them to ask questions that have not been asked, and to think of ideas that go beyond traditional and imaginary boundaries.  We need our students to develop Growth Mathematical Mindsets.

Jo Boaler, Mathematical Mindsets

Nov. 13 Homework

Homework
- Word Study Homework (due Thurs)
- Word Study test corrected and signed
- Math test signed
- Science test signed
- Donations (by Nov. 24)
- Book Fair $ (we visit tomorrow)
- Report Card slip (signed) and envelope returned (by Thurs)

Electronic Waste Day

Just a reminder that this Saturday November 18th from 9 to 4 at Holy Name Elementary School, we will be collecting electronic items. Not only will we be saving our landfills but we receive money to buy new computers for our school!  Please let family and friends know. Thank you!

Nov. 10 Homework

Homework
- Printing and Cursive Writing (due Monday)
- Donations for our service project (by Nov. 24)
- Book Fair purchasing (Tuesday)

*We will be returning to the Book Fair for purchasing on Tuesday. If your child will be purchasing please send money with him/her that day.

*Thank you to those who have sent donations in for our service project!

Nov. 7 Homework

Homework
- Word Study homework (by Fri)
- Gr 2 Fully Alive - read pages 18-28
- Donations (by Nov. 24)

Nov. 6 Homework

Homework
- Word Study homework (due Fri)
- Word Study test corrected and signed
- Gr. 3 Math - finish p. 202-203 #3,4,5
- Donations for our service project
- Picture Retake Day (Nov. 9)

*Please see the note that was sent home today about our important service project.

Oct. 25 Homework

Homework
- Word Study homework and test tomorrow
- Gr 2 Printing - V, W, X, Y (Mon)
- Gr 3 Cursive Writing - t, p, j, r (Mon)
- Math sheet corrected and signed (return tomorrow)
- Math test (Monday)
- lunch orders due tomorrow
- picture orders (by Nov. 2)

HOMEWORK

There are several students who have not been completing homework properly or bringing the necessary books back to school on time.  I would appreciate your help with checking your child's agenda and work before you sign it to ensure work is completed and books are packed.  Thank you.

Oct. 24 Homework

Homework
- Word Study (Thursday)
- Gr 3 Math (see agenda)
- lunch orders (Thursday)

Oct. 19 Homework

Homework
- Word Study homework and test (tomorrow)
- Gr 2 Printing - H, K, L, U (by Mon)
- Gr 3 Cursive Writing - q, i, u, w (by Mon)
- field trip permission form and money (tomorrow)
- lunch orders (by Oct. 26)
- Read-a-Thon pledges (by Oct. 23)
- jersey day tomorrow

*Last few days to get those pledges in - we have a lot more to go to reach our goal of $500 with 100% participation.

Oct. 13 Homework

Homework
- Gr 2 Printing
- Gr 3 Cursive Writing
- permission form and money (Fri)
- pledges (Oct. 23)

Oct. 12 Homework

Homework
- Word Study Homework and test
- Math test signed
- Gr 2 Printing (Mon)
- Gr 3 Cursive Writing (Mon)
- pledges (Oct. 23)

*Picture Day tomorrow

Oct. 11 Homework

Homework
- Word Study homework (all 3 activities) by Friday
- Science Quiz tomorrow
- Printing (Gr2) - B, R, N, M (Mon)
- Cursive Writing (Gr3) - d, g (Mon)
- picture form (Fri)
- pledges (Oct. 23)

Read-a-Thon News

Let's Reach Our Goal!!!

Our class has decided to set a goal of $500 in Read-a-Thon pledges and 100% participation.  If we reach this goal we will be rewarded with a special treat to be determined by student vote.  Let's Go Hawks!!!

Oct. 10 Homework

Homework
- Word Study Homework (WS HW) due Friday
- Science Quiz (Thurs)
- pledges (by Oct. 23)
- picture form (by Fri)

Oct. 6 Homework

Homework
- Gr 2 printing - F, E, D, P
- Gr 3 cursive writing - a, c
- picture form (by Fri)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Oct. 4 Homework

Homework
- Gr. 2 Printing - F, E, D, P (by Tues)
- Gr. 3 Cursive Writing (CW) - a, c (by Tues)
- Chickadee slip
- cans
- Spirit Day (Fri)

*Thanksgiving mass scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed

Oct. 2 Homework

Homework
- Ckickadee slip (by Thurs)
- cans (by Oct. 6)

Find Pictures on Twitter

Follow us on Twitter! I'm trying out Twitter to post pictures of our class. Follow on Twitter at @MrsPillon2017.

Sept. 28 Homework

Homework
- Math test on Sorting & Patterning **postponed until Monday
- Spirit Day
- Book order due

Sept. 27 Homework

Homework
- Math test on Sorting & Patterning (Fri)
- book order (due tomorrow)

Sept. 25 Homework

Homework
- toonie for Terry (by Wed)
- book order (by Thurs)

*There will be a math test on Sorting and Patterning this Friday.  Students are encouraged to bring their books home to review what they have learned in class.

Sept. 21 Homework

Homework
- toonie for Terry (by Wed)

Sept. 20 Homework

Homework
- Gr. 2 math p. 21, 22 (only a couple need to finish)
- toonie for Terry (by Wed)

*Tomorrow is our first Coupon Day!

Sept. 18 Homework

Homework
- Family Life name sheet (by Wed)
- pizza order

Sept. 15 Homework

Homework
- pizza orders (by Tues)

Sept. 14 Homework

Homework
- book order (due tomorrow)
- pizza orders (due Tues)

Math Prodigy

Math Prodigy

This year we are using an exciting educational game called Prodigy. While we will be using the program during school hours, students are encouraged to play with the same character at home to supplement their practice!

How does my child play Prodigy at home?
1. Go to www.ProdigyGame.com on almost any Internet enabled device.
2. Select ‘Play Prodigy’ in the top-right corner.
3. Once the game loads, enter your child's username and password and select ‘LOGIN.’
Your child's username and password can be found in his/her agenda.

Coats for Kids

Coats for Kids - If anyone has any coats to donate you can send them in between now and Oct. 31.

Nightly Reading Program Information

Students are bringing home a reading log with their Independent Reading level on the top.  Please note that these are approximate until I have read with all students and determined whether this needs to be adjusted.  You may find that this level seems low, but it is supposed to be easy for the student to read independently.  If you are reading with your child they can read a higher level, but may need some support.  Students do not have to read a book from the cart at school.  They can read a book from home if they would like.  It is his/her responsibility to switch books at the cart when needed.  Reading logs/ziploc bags should be brought to school every day with a parent signature.  Please help me to encourage and promote a love of reading in your child.

Sept. 13 Homework

Homework
- white form (by Fri)
- book order (by Fri)

*Nightly reading program begins

Combined Grades

More and more we find that combined grades are becoming a normal occurrence in today's schools.  The Ministry has put together a good parent information brochure that is shared below.  Please feel free to review this information and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the school.

Sept. 6 Homework

Homework
- bring in supplies (by Fri)
- indoor shoes (by Fri)
- read over handbook in front of agenda together and sign on the page with the blue sticky (by Mon)

Sept. 5 Homework

Homework

- bring rest of supplies
- return completed forms
- bring indoor shoes

(by Friday)

Arrival/Dismissal Protocol 2017-18

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

In the interest of everyone’s safety, especially our students/your children, we are encouraging everyone to park at the soccer field parking lot adjacent to the school. Students can easily use the sidewalk to walk the short distance to school. This will alleviate much congestion and allow our busses to enter and exit much safer.

A reminder that there is ‘No Stopping/Parking’ along the front of the building.  However, we are willing to compromise but would need parent cooperation to not stop anywhere from the Daycare to just past the Front Doors.  This allows our busses to enter safely and allows you to drop off your children.  If you cannot drop off  your children at the soccer field parking lot, then the area North of the front doors would suffice for a short drop off zone (i.e. no parking but quick drop off only).  If you require to walk your children into the school, then please utilize the parking lot.

Your cooperation is appreciated in keeping your children safe.

(from Holy Name administration)

Highlights from School Letter

SAFETY

For the safety of all students, parents of SK through grade 8 children will not be allowed to travel through the hallways to drop off or pick up their children at their classroom doors.  All SK through grade 8 students will be entering and leaving the school building through the front of the building. The teachers will be dismissing their classes to their respective doors at dismissal time.  Older students who pick up younger siblings at the end of the day will meet before walking home.

If a parent needs to see their child, drop something off or pick them up during school hours, they are asked to wait at the office and we will call the student down.

Allergy/Scent Awareness

A number of people within the building have negative reactions to strong scents.  Please refrain from using scented products when visiting the school.  Thank-you for your ongoing cooperation.

There are several children within our school community that have life-threatening allergies to foods. We need everyone’s cooperation to ensure a safe environment for all children.  Your assistance is needed to:

· Teach your children to understand the seriousness of life-threatening allergies
· Please check the list of ingredients on items that are sent to school

The most common allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, seafood, egg, milk, soy, wheat and stinging insects. Reactions to peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish tend to be the most serious. Peanut allergies are the leading cause of food-induced anaphylaxis death.

It is difficult at the best of times to get children to eat healthy snacks; however, we hope that you will appreciate the seriousness of life-threatening allergies and that you will assist the school in our efforts to create as safe an environment as possible.  With your collaboration we can minimize the risk of an allergic reaction.

Morning Entry Procedures

We will continue to have students entering the school and proceeding to their respective classes at 8:50 a.m.  The front doors will be open for student arrival.  Supervision will be provided at this time. School will continue to begin promptly at 9:05 a.m.  Please ensure that your children arrive at school between the above noted times.  Punctuality is key to a positive start to the day.

Lunch Hour Procedures

Our lunch hour will be 12:14 – 1:14 pm.  The students will go outside for the first 40 minutes and then come inside to eat their lunch for the next 20 minutes.  Please keep this in mind if you ever need to pick-up your son/daughter.

Pick-up & Drop-off Routines

Both the beginning and end of the day around a school is very traffic congested.  At Holy Name it is no different.  We have many buses that need to access the bus bay in the morning and afternoon.  We have procedures in place to allow for safe drop-off and pick-up of your children.  A large part of our procedures include the active participation of parents to keep the bus bay clear during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.  Please utilize parking at the soccer fields or on Hanlan Street.  Further, if you must enter the school parking lot, please park your vehicle in the spaces provided.  

(from Holy Name administration)

Welcome Back Letter

Sept. 5, 2017

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome back, everyone, to another school year!  I hope that you had an enjoyable and fun-filled summer.  I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Grade 2/3!  I am looking forward to a fun, exciting, challenging, and rewarding year.  I am very excited to begin another year at Holy Name Catholic School and am looking forward to working with you.

I believe that communication between teachers and parents is necessary and very important for the well-being of the students.  I will always make myself available for parent conferences and phone calls whenever needed.  If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to give me a call.  I will also let you know about what is going on here at school through the use of our class blog.

As you know, Holy Name is a “nut and scent” aware school.  We do have students that have allergies in our classroom.  I ask that you please check your child’s lunch to be sure that there is nothing in it that contains or could contain nuts. 

I am sending home an information form so that I can get a bit of background information on your child and your family.  The information on this form will be kept confidential.  Please return it to me as soon as possible. 

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Sincerely,            

                            

Mrs. C. Pillon, OCT

Welcome!

Happy first day of school!

Social Studies Projects

Prayer Table - June

Prayer Table for May and Social Studies Projects

P

Digital Readworks

Due to lack of participation I will no longer be adding articles to read on Digital Readworks. Thank you for those who did participate.

Scholastic Parent Pay

Due to problems applying payment, I will no longer be using Parent Pay to make payments for Scholastic orders. Please use one of the other options of cash or cheque payable to Scholastic Canada Ltd. Thank you.

Measuring

Rainbow Poetry

Getting Crafty

Bryce cashed in his "Feeling Crafty" coupon and brought in this cool car that he made!  Thanks for sharing, Bryce!

Boat Show

Students did an excellent job designing their boats.  Take a look!