Sept 30

Today was the Terry Fox run and reflected on what we had learned about Terry Fox with our buddies. 

Yesterday, students discussed what it means to look at their work and create a writing goal based on reflection and self-assessment. Please talk to me about what a good writing goal would be for me to work on this month. Parents and students are encouraged to type one writing goal into the comment section below the writing sample on Iris over the next few days. 

Some ideas of writing goals to discuss with your child could be:
- My writing goal is to use finger spaces in my writing
- My writing goal is to use lower case letters in my words
- My writing goal is to put a period at the end of the sentence
- My writing goal is to add more detail words into my writing
etc.



                                     

Today we made our first posting onto Iris. We learned how to use the iPads to take a picture of our independent writing sample and how to post it online into our learning profile. Please log on to my Iris page and take a look at my hard work (see yellow sheet coming home in commutation folders today for log-in info.) On the lefthand side of the Royal Oak School page you will see the word IRIS in blue. Click on the word and it will take you to the IRIS log in page. 

Students discussed what it means to look at their work and create a writing goal based on reflection and self-assessment. Please talk to me about what a good writing goal would be for me to work on this month. Parents and students are encouraged to type one writing goal into the comment section below the writing sample on Iris over the next few days. 

Some ideas of writing goals to discuss with your child could be:
- My writing goal is to use finger spaces in my writing
- My writing goal is to use lower case letters in my words
- My writing goal is to put a period at the end of the sentence
- My writing goal is to add more detail words into my writing
etc.


                                                                 

1) Family Fun Fair is tonight and begins at 5:30pm.
2) Tomorrow is a half day. Please send an extra snack and water bottle.
3) Terry Fox: Tomorrow is also our Terry Fox run beginning at 10:00am
4) Snack Day: Tomorrow is our special snack day. Snacks will be handed out at the end of the day. 

Sept 28

Today in inquiry we took a google earth walk through the Royal Oak Community and explored the different buildings and landmarks in our community. Ask me about some of the landmarks we saw and learned about.

1) Terry Fox: on Friday at 10:00. Please refer to sept 26th post for more information.

2) Fun Fair: tomorrow at 5:30pm. Refer to Sept 27th post for more information.

Sept 27

Today we went to the wetlands and sketched what we saw. Ask me about what I sketched.

1) Picture day forms: went home today

2) Terry Fox run on Friday: See sept 26th post for more information

3) Family Fun Fair:

Royal Oak School Council

You are invited to Royal Oak School’s 1^st Annual Family Fun Fair!!

Thursday, September 29^th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm

5 food trucks – Spud Mobile, Sugar Cube, Family Freezed Lemonade and Popsicles, Tailgate Grill (items priced between $5 - $10, please bring cash)

Games and prizes!

Meet other ROS families!

Email roscommunityspirit@gmail.com

Sept 26

Today we started our new literacy groups. Ask me who my literacy teacher is and what we did today.

1) Wetlands trip: our class is planning a trip to the wetlands tomorrow. Please make sure your child comes dressed for the weather. Thank you.

2) Terry Fox: On Friday, September 30^th, Royal Oak School and William D. Pratt School will be participating in the Terry Fox Run.  Students will gather on the field between the two schools to take part in the annual 30-minute run, which is scheduled to begin at 10:00am. On this day please ensure that your child is appropriately dressed for the weather (including running shoes).  If the weather is poor, students will walk inside the school during their PE class time.

We are asking that each child donate a “Toonie for Terry” for the Terry Fox Foundation during the week of September 27-30^th.  All parents/guardians who are interested in joining their child in this event are more than welcome.

We do require a fair number of volunteers for this event to ensure its success.  If you have security clearance and if you are able to volunteer during the run time, kindly contact our school Volunteer Coordinator at rosvolunteers@gmail.com.

Thank you for your continued support.

The Terry Fox Run Committee

3) Volunteer Orientation Evening - Tonight

This invitation is for all parents of students who attend Royal Oak School who are interested in volunteering. The volunteer orientation will be on Monday, September 26 at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  The purpose of this evening to familiarize you with practices at Royal Oak School and to let you know about all the wonderful opportunities for volunteering within the school. The students’ experiences have been enriched at Royal Oak School because of all the volunteers who have dedicated time in some way to our school. As Mahatma Ghandi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the services of others.”  We look forward to seeing you. 

Sept 23

Our class is hoping to go to Wetlands on Tuesday, September 27th from 2:30pm-3:30pm.

Sept 21

**Safety Week**
Today we practiced a lockdown drill. We did a great job of sitting still and staying quiet until we were told the lockdown drill had ended. This was our last drill of safety week. 

Today we created some fall art to celebrate the first day of fall tomorrow. We used construction paper to cut out the trees and sharpies to add the details. The design of our trees were inspired by 'zen tangles' so you will see lots of intricate patterns and details.  
                              

1) Fun Lunch: Tomorrow is fun lunch for those who have ordered it.
2) Conferences: Tomorrow evening and Friday are student conferences.
3) No school Friday: There is no school on Friday due to parent conferences.

Sept 20

Today we had an excellent evacuation to Willam D. Pratt. 
Yesterday in inquiry we came up with several ideas while brainstorming the question "What's worth saving?" We decided that there were so many ideas that we needed a way to organize them. Students decided they could create four categories and all of their ideas would fit into those areas. Ask me which category I sorted electricity, cars, and wetlands into.

1) Lockdown tomorrow

2) Opening school package: Please return forms in opening school package.

3) Student conference forms: Please return conference questions.

Sept 19

This week is Safety Week. Today we practiced a fire drill and did an excellent job! In inquiry we learned about our inquiry question "What's worth saving?" We brainstormed ideas about what we think is worth saving? Ask me what I think is worth saving.

1) Scholastic book orders: Please return by Tuesday September 20th. Please make a payment online or send a cheque (sorry, no cash) in your child's blue mail folder. 

2) Meet the teacher conferences: If you have not signed up for conferences please sign up here.

3) Meet the teacher conferences forms: Please return form by Tuesday Sept 20th

Sept 16

Today we wrote in our home journals. Please take sometime to read your child's home journal. Please make sure to send back on Monday.

1) Parent Volunteer Orientation: All parents are invited to a Parent Volunteer Orientation Evening on Monday, September 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Royal Oak School Learning Commons.  Come and learn about all the opportunities there are to help in your child’s school.

2) Scholastic book orders: Please return by Tuesday September 20th. Please make a payment online or send a cheque (sorry, no cash) in your child's blue mail folder. 

3) Meet the teacher conference form: Please return by September 20th.

4)  Fundraising coupon books challenge: Attention parents!  Your child will likely come home excited to sell more ADmazing Coupon books to your friends and family!  There is a friendly competition going on among classes for the most books sold, and the most students returning orders, which will result in some great classroom prizes.  There will also be individual student prizes awarded, and every book order is an entry!  Please remember that the deadline for orders is Thursday, September 22nd, so send your orders in as soon as possible.  Cheques may be made payable to Royal Oak School Fundraising Society (or ROSFS)!   All orders will be collected and fulfilled by the Fundraising Society and will be sent home with your students within two days!  All questions can be directed to ROSFundraisingSociety@gmail.com  Have a great weekend, and Happy Selling!

Sept 15

Unfortunately, we were unable to go to the wetlands today. We didn't mind too much because we had a chance to go outside and sketch shapes we saw on the playground. We were excited to see how many shapes we could find! We also learned about how to hold a pencil for sketching. Ask me how to hold my pencil to shade in a sketch. 

1) Friday half day: Tomorrow is a half day. Students will be dismissed at 12:48pm. Please pack an extra snack for your child as they will have the opportunity for 2 snack times tomorrow. 

- Please see September 14th's blog for more important reminders

Sept 14

Today we went to the Learning Commons and Mrs. Azam talked to us about checking out books. We are excited that we get to go to the Learning Commons independently this year. Students will have the opportunity to check out books most days of the week from the Learning Commons. These books can be returned at their leisure and exchanged for a new one. 

1) Scholastic book orders: Today your child is bring home their September Scholastic order. If you would like to order books please make a payment online or send a cheque (sorry, no cash) in your child's purple mail folder. Orders are dueTuesday, September 20th.   

2) School Information Package: Today students will be bringing home their School Information package in their purple folders. This envelop contains very important start to the year information. Please take the time to read this carefully and send back the appropriate forms. 
Also in our purple folders is a blue form for parents to fill out and send to school about their child. This will help teachers better understand your child leading up to Parent-teacher conferences. 

3) Meet the teacher conferences form: was sent home today. Please answer the questions and return by Tuesday Sept 20th.

4) Wetland Trip: On Thursday we are going to the wetlands from 2:30-3:20pm. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. 

5) Ticket Pack Order: Hello Students and Parents! By now you have all had the ADmazing Saving Ticket Pack order forms come home. Please ask your family, neighbours, relatives, etc if they are interested in purchasing a coupon book. 
We would like all order sheets back in by Sept. 22, 2016 at the latest. Cheques can be made payable to: Royal Oak School Fundraising Society or ROSFS. Thanks and happy selling! 
The ROS Fundraising Society. 

6) Hug and Go volunteers needed: Hug & Go was officially up and running this week. We are in need of volunteers who could help with Hug & Go from 8:30am to 8:50am. Ms. Halton is currently coordinating the September schedule. The commitment could be as little as one day a month or more depending on your availability. If you already have your Police Clearance you can start volunteering right away. If anyone is interested please contact Ms. Dalton at dfdalton@cbe.ab.ca

7) Volunteer Survey: All parents please ensure you have filled out your volunteer survey for the 2016-2017 school year. This needs to be completed annually so the volunteer coordinator can update the system. Click on the link below to complete the survey. 

https://docs.google.com/a/educbe.ca/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVzeqXUMawWTi6LjB2yXsEZrehEVS4---nR4bXj1XSW7Wh3g/viewform?c=0&w=1

8) Pick-up meeting spot: Due to the large amount of parents and caretakers picking up students at the end of the day, parents are encouraged to make meeting spots for their child. Some caregivers make their meeting spot on the hill so the student can still see the parent when they're leaving. Other meeting spots may be the coloured basketball nets. Students in Grade 1 know that if they check their meeting spot and their parent or caregiver is not there that they can return to the Grade 1 doors or the office. You can send me a quick e-mail at jfpercival@cbe.ab.ca and let me know your meeting spot and I will ensure the students head there at dismissal. 

Sept 13

This morning we reviewed our vowels or "sticky letters" as well call them. We learned that each vowel has a long sound, and a short sound. Using the interactive website: Starfall (click to view Starfall website) we reviewed the short vowels sounds (located at the bottom of the alphabet). This is a great resource for students to be using at home! 

1) Volunteers Needed: On Thursday Sept 15th  we will be taking a trip to the wetlands and need 2 volunteers from 2:30 - 3:20. If you are able to volunteer and have a current volunteer clearance please email me at ammacdonald@cbe.ab.ca.

2) Wetlands trip: We will be taking a trip to the wetlands on Thursday Sept 15th. If you could please make sure your children are dressed for the weather.


3) Pick-up meeting spot: Due to the large amount of parents and caretakers picking up students at the end of the day, parents are encouraged to make meeting spots for their child. Some caregivers make their meeting spot on the hill so the student can still see the parent when they're leaving. Other meeting spots may be the coloured basketball nets. Students in Grade 1 know that if they check their meeting spot and their parent or caregiver is not there that they can return to the Grade 1 doors or the office. You can send me a quick e-mail at ammacdonald@cbe.ab.ca and let me know your meeting spot and I will ensure the students head there at dismissal. 

4) Ticket Pack Order: Hello Students and Parents! By now you have all had the ADmazing Saving Ticket Pack order forms come home. Please ask your family, neighbours, relatives, etc if they are interested in purchasing a coupon book. 
We would like all order sheets back in by Sept. 22, 2016 at the latest. Cheques can be made payable to: Royal Oak School Fundraising Society or ROSFS. Thanks and happy selling! 
The ROS Fundraising Society. 

5) Hug and Go volunteers needed: Hug & Go was officially up and running this week. We are in need of volunteers who could help with Hug & Go from 8:30am to 8:50am. Ms. Halton is currently coordinating the September schedule. The commitment could be as little as one day a month or more depending on your availability. If you already have your Police Clearance you can start volunteering right away. If anyone is interested please contact Ms. Dalton at dfdalton@cbe.ab.ca

6) Volunteer Survey: All parents please ensure you have filled out your volunteer survey for the 2016-2017 school year. This needs to be completed annually so the volunteer coordinator can update the system. Click on the link below to complete the survey. 

https://docs.google.com/a/educbe.ca/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVzeqXUMawWTi6LjB2yXsEZrehEVS4---nR4bXj1XSW7Wh3g/viewform?c=0&w=1

Sept 12

This morning we learned about 'sticky letters' (a, e, i, o and u). We couldn't believe that every word has to have sticky letters in it, even our names!! Ask me to find the sticky letters in my name.

1) Volunteers Needed: On Thursday Sept 15th  we will be taking a trip to the wetlands and need 2 volunteers from 2:30 - 3:20. If you are able to volunteer and have a current volunteer clearance please email me at ammacdonald@cbe.ab.ca.

2) Wetlands trip: We will be taking a trip to the wetlands on Thursday Sept 15th. If you could please make sure your children are dressed for the weather.

3) Home Journal: Please return home journals.

4) Blue Communication Folder: Please return blue communication folders daily.

5) Coupon Book Fundraiser:
Hello Students and Parents! 

By now you have all had the ADmazing Saving Ticket Pack order forms come home. Please ask your family, neighbours, relatives, etc if they are interested in purchasing a coupon book. 

We would like all order sheets back in by Sept 22, 2016 at the latest. Cheques can be made payable to: Royal Oak School Fundraising Society or ROSFS 

Thanks and happy selling! 

The ROS Fundraising Society

6) Hug & Go volunteers needed.  Hug & Go was officially up and running this week.  We in are need of volunteers who could help with Hug & Go from 8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.  Ms. Dalton is currently coordinating the September schedule. The commitment could be as little as one day month or more depending on your availability.  If you already have your Police Clearance you can start volunteering right away.  If anyone is interested please contact Ms. Dalton at bfdalton@cbe.ab.ca. 

Sept 9

Today we had music and met our Grade 3 buddy. We filled in a venn diagram about things we have in common. Ask me about what I had in common with my buddy. 

1) Home Journals: You will also see that our home journals are coming home today. Please feel free to read these with your child and send the book back to school on Monday. We will write in these journals most Friday's throughout the year.

2) Hug & Go volunteers needed.  Hug & Go was officially up and running this week.  We in are need of volunteers who could help with Hug & Go from 8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.  Ms. Dalton is currently coordinating the September schedule. The commitment could be as little as one day month or more depending on your availability.  If you already have your Police Clearance you can start volunteering right away.  If anyone is interested please contact Ms. Dalton at bfdalton@cbe.ab.ca. 

3) Volunteer survey: All parents please ensure you have filled out your volunteer survey for the 2016 – 2017 school year.  This needs to be completed annually so the volunteer coordinator can update the system.  Click on the link below to complete the survey.  

https://docs.google.com/a/educbe.ca/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVzeqXUMawWTi6LjB2yXsEZrehEVS4---nR4bXj1XSW7Wh3g/viewform?c=0&w=1

4) School Council: School Council Meeting is on Monday, September 12 @ 7p.m. In the Royal Oak School staffroom.  We welcome all parents to attend.

Sept 8

Today we read the story 'Friendshape' and wrote about what it means to be a good friend. We used the writing prompt, "I am a friend when..." ask me what I do when I'm being a good friend.

1) Friday dismissal/snack: Tomorrow is a half day. Students will be dismissed at 12:48pm. Please send your child with an extra snack. Since Friday's we do not have a lunch hour students will have the opportunity for 2 snack times.

2) Please see 'Welcome Back' post for more school information

 - Due to allergies within our spaces, all Grade 1 classes are nut free. 

- If you would like to be a volunteer coordinator for our classroom please email Ms. MacDonald at ammacdonald@cbe.ab.ca

- If you would like to follow my blog and receive e-mail's when a new post is made, please enter your e-mail address on the right hand side under "FOLLOW BY E-MAIL".  

Sept 7

Today we met our gym teacher and learned who was in our squads. Ask me what colour, number and shape my squad is for gym.

Here is a few things you will need to know about our day: 

1) Indoor Shoes: Each student will need a pair of indoor shoes and a pair of outdoor shoes each day. Students will keep their indoor shoes at school each evening. Please label them in case they are misplaced in the classroom. 

 2) Snack/Lunch: For snack and lunch there is no microwaves available. Please pack your child's snack and lunch separately in different containers or compartments so it is easy for your child to know when they should be eating each part. At times students will bring their snack with them outdoors, and a portable snack is often helpful for students. Due to allergies in our spaces, ALL Grade 1 classes will be nut free. 

 3) Communication Folder: A blue coloured folder will be coming home in your child's backpack. This is their communication folder and we will use it each day to send home notices and important information. If you need to send a note to the teacher it can also come in this folder. We will check them each day. Please ensure your child brings their folder to school everyday. 

4) Volunteering: If you would like to volunteer but have not yet completed your security clearance you will need to fill out paperwork at the front office and obtain clearance before we are able to schedule you a time to come in. 

5) Dressing for the weather: Students in grade one will be going outside throughout the day for recess, lunch, and possibly physical education. Students are encouraged to dress for the weather so that they feel comfortable outside during these times. 

6) Birthday Invitations: If you have birthday invitations to hand out please send them to school in your childs communication folder. We will discreetly make sure each child receives their invitation to avoid any hurt feelings. 

 - Due to allergies within our spaces, all Grade 1 classes are nut free. 

- If you would like to be a volunteer coordinator for our classroom please email Ms. MacDonald at ammacdonald@cbe.ab.ca

- If you would like to follow my blog and receive e-mail's when a new post is made, please enter your e-mail address on the right hand side under "FOLLOW BY E-MAIL".