Dear Division 14 families,
I would like to take the opportunity to welcome everyone back to the new school year. Division 14 is off to a positive start and we are getting well acquainted with the students. Most of September will be spent familiarizing the children with both the school and classroom routines. Mrs. Sharon Von Einsiedel is new to Brooksbank this year, and will be teaching every Monday. Mrs. Von bring with her, over 20 years of teaching primary in North Vancouver School District.
We will be teaching all subjects except for music, which will be taught by Mrs. Leslie on Wednesdays and Fridays. We do, however, try to integrate subject areas as much as possible, as well as incorporate field trips to enrich the curriculum. You have likely heard about the “new” curriculum in BC schools. This is an exciting opportunity for teachers and students to “have more flexibility to personalize the learning experience to better match each student’s strengths and needs.” Communication and social responsibility are important skills that will continue to be developed throughout their school years.
This year, the children will be a part of social responsibility lessons and community building activities, which help to foster a sense of belonging, inclusion, and compassion within the Open Area and the school at large. One of the many benefits of being a part of the Open Area community is the opportunity to participate in "Choosing" three afternoons a week. In “Choosing," students select from a variety of play based centres which are designed to meet a wide array of learning styles and interests. These centres are changed monthly to reflect current themes or seasonal events. Moreover, because Choosing occurs amongst the entire Open Area, the children quickly make new friendships outside their Division 14 peers.
Tuesday afternoons will be set aside for outdoor exploration with Mrs. Batista’s class. Outdoor Exploration is an opportunity to extend our learning beyond the classroom walls. Science, environment, art, health education, and language arts are just a few subjects that will be taught during these afternoons in the forest. Outdoor exploration will begin the first week of October and take place rain or shine. Rainboots, waterproof jackets and a hat are required.
This year we hope to have your support in the following areas:
1. Homework Bags: homework in Grade 1 is usually limited to nightly home reading (15min), which will be sent home most nights beginning next week. There will be a section on the homework for you to initial once it is completed. The initialed sheet should return to school in the homework bag the next day. Important notices will also go home in the Homework Bags. This will begin at the end of September.
2. Physical Activity: Our gym days will be Mondays and Thursdays, but we will
participating in some type of physical activity everyday. It is imperative that the children have running shoes for such activities. Runners can be left in a bag on their hook to ensure they have appropriate foot wear. Yoga will occur every other Friday in the gym.
3. Library: We will visit the library every Thursday for book exchange; any borrowed books must return to the school the following Thursday.
Finally, our classroom is always open to you and we hope for frequent and ongoing communication about your child's progress and what they are learning. This classroom blog is periodically updated to keep you apprised of classroom activities and important messages. The blog is a great opportunity to springboard discussion with your child and help to bridge the gap between home and school. Our web address is brooksbankgrade1.blogspot.ca. Please subscribe to it when you have an opportunity. I can also be reached by email at lkristensen@sd44.ca or svoneinsiedel@sd44.ca.
I welcome parents who are able to volunteer their time as drivers and chaperones on field trips, and for outdoor learning afternoons. Please note that a volunteer form must be completed and returned to the office.
Thank you in advance for your support!
