October 31/19

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all enjoy an exciting and safe Halloween night!  Everyone looks great in their costumes today :)

Updates/Reminders/Thank you's

*the conference sign up is now available via the parent portal.  Please note:  The time you sign up for is a 15 minute block but you will stay for an additional 15 minutes so we can meet together.  This is what the conference will look like:

1. Please arrive at the time you have signed up for:  Example: 2:15
2. For that first 15 minutes you will meet in the hall with your child and celebrate his/her work
(For example 2:15-2:30)
3.  Then you will come into the classroom with your child and meet with me for an additional 15 minutes (2:30-2:45)

Please keep this half an hour timeline in mind as you book conferences for your other children. Thank you!
*thank you to everyone who sent in Halloween snacks for our party.  We really enjoyed them.
*Pajama Day/Hot Lunch are tomorrow! :). As always, dress up days are optional.
*Art cards are due tomorrow if you are interested in purchasing them, you can also send them in if you would just like me to include their work in their memory books
*Your children are all signed up for RAZ kids (an online reading program).  We have begun using this in class and it is a great resource, please have your children complete the quiz for each of their readings, it helps me to notice patterns and helps guide my instruction with them.  My account is aroberts47 and the student's password is their name.  The link is on this blog in the useful links bar.
*You will be getting a bat book, 'Amazing Bats' over the next few days (that the students have assembled).  Please read these with your child and then they may stay at home.
*November 8th is a professional development day, there is no school for students
*the students have completed a self-evaluation now, it is in their planner today
*please sign up/pay for our field trip to Ft. Langley
*our Remembrance Day assembly will be this Thursday, everyone is encouraged to send in a small amount for the poppy. Thank you!

Have a great evening, everyone!

Amanda Roberts

October 24/19

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful long weekend!

Updates/Reminders/Thank you's

*Halloween is fast approaching.  We will be having our party in the afternoon on October 31st.  Students should arrive at school in costume, we will be having a school wide costume parade in the gym that morning.  Recess and lunch will be outside, as usual so costumes should be easy to slip on/off or should be okay to be worn outside.  Please note:  Students should bring snacks and a lunch as usual as we will not be eating until late in the day.

Here is the list of people who have signed up to bring snacks:

Natalie (fruit plate)
Noah (veggie plate)
Tristan (cheese and crackers)
Navien (sweet treat)
Ekan (popcorn or chips)
Jack (juice boxes)

*Your child will be bringing home an extra book in their planner bag sometime over the next week.  It will have a post-it inside to indicate that this is a book that your child should practice nightly until they are confident.  Your child will be presenting this book (along with their group) to the class.
*Just a reminder to please check the date of your child's 'Great Canadian' so that they are ready to present on their special day.  Thank you!
*Art cards/order forms were sent home early this week.  I changed the date on the card to indicate the correct date.  All orders are due by NOVEMBER 1st
*A big thank you to Noah's family for sending in the extra balls/equipment for the class.  It is being used/enjoyed daily.
*The grade 6/7 classes are having a 'Day of Silence'.  The are gratefully accepting donations from October 24-26th for women/children in need.
*skating is tomorrow, please send in a booster seat for your child.  Thank you!
*Friday is a Professional Development Day, there is no school for students.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Amanda Roberts

Oct. 18/19

Hello Everyone,

It will be a short blog this week due to the email I sent at the beginning of the week.

Updates/Reminders/Thank you's

*just a reminder that Thursday is library day and Forest Fun.  Students are welcome to bring their books early and put them in our library bin once they are done. I also would like to encourage parents to send in an extra set of clothes/ensure your child is dressed for the weather so that we can enjoy our 'Forest Fun' rain or shine
*thank you for making arrangements for the Emergency Release yesterday, it seemed to go quite smoothly and I thought the students handled the situation well
*Halloween is fast approaching.  We will be having our party in the afternoon on October 31st (please note: students can wear costumes and should still bring a lunch; no weapons, please)  Here is the list of people who have signed up to bring snacks:

Natalie (fruit plate)
Noah (veggie plate)
Tristan (cheese and crackers)
Navien (sweet treat)
Ekan (popcorn or chips)
Jack (juice boxes)

*we will be having a Pajama Day in our class on November 1st (one less thing for you to do with sleepy children the day after Halloween :))  We will still have Family Reading that morning
*we continue to be very short of drivers for our skating field trip.  I will notify you if we need to cancel.  If you are sending in rental money, please clearly label the baggie/envelope so that I can return it to you if need be. If you haven't signed up, please do so by Monday so that I can make a decision and notify Planet Ice.
*please send in earbuds/headphones and inside shoes for your child if you have not already done so.  Thank you!
*planners are $7.00 and can be paid for by cash/cheque or online via the parent portal
*if you have any extra tennis balls, racquet balls (for wall ball), basketballs or soccer balls to donate to the class that would be much appreciated.  Most of the equipment I purchased for the year has already been lost or roofed.
*a reminder that next Friday, October 25th is a ProD Day. There will be no school for students.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Amanda Roberts

October 4/19

Dear Parents,

Our class is in charge of our annual Thanksgiving food drive.  Please send in non-perishable food items next week if you would like to make a donation.  Our motto in Division 10 is, 'Big People Can Make a Big Difference' and we are doing this by creating posters, decorating and delivering boxes and making announcements to collect food items for this great cause.  Donations will be gratefully accepted until Friday, October 11th.

*over the next week, you will see a paper in your child's planner bag recommending some reading strategies.  We are learning about these in class but it would be helpful if you could please review these with your child at home and notice when you see them using these.  Thank you!
*please send in headphones, earthquake kits, entertainment books and blue registration forms if you have not already done so
*just a reminder that we go outside for forest fun each Thursday (rain or shine).  Please send your child dressed appropriately for the weather
*we have now put a skating field trip announcement on the portal.  We will be looking for parent drivers so please ensure you have an updated driver's abstract on file.  If you aren't sure, please contact Korri or Karen in the office at 604 465 9331
*our new planners are now in.  Students will begin using them on Monday.  Please recycle the temporary planner but make sure that the bag they came in comes to school.  I will not be handing out new ones in order to keep down plastic waste.
*the office has asked me to remind you to please complete the form via the parent portal for the Emergency Release day.  Thank you!
*Mrs. Pace announced today that there will be a 'pause' on bringing Pokemon cards to school.  Our class had been doing really well with them but unfortunately today one of the students Pokemon album went missing. We think it occurred when we were at the gym and everyone took a look in their backpacks but so far we've had no luck finding them.
*here are some important dates from our leadership students:

Oct-24: silent day

Oct-30: movie night

Nov-6: donut day

Nov-19: WE day

Dec 9-13: spirit week

I will be away next week but I am leaving the class in the very capable hands of Harry Edwards who has regularly worked at Fairview over the past few years.  I have left him a very detailed day plan and Harry has worked in my class before so I am sure the students will have a great week.

Thank you,

Amanda Roberts

September 27/19

Hi Everyone,

We have had. a busy week at Fairview, preparing for our Terry Fox Run.  It was a big success once again as we raised over $2600 and had a great afternoon running/walking the course.

Updates/Reminders/Thank you's

*Monday is orange shirt day, this is the day we remember students who were placed in residential schools.  Due to the age of your children, I will be sharing a very simplified version of events and we will be doing a small art project noting why we all matter.
*Please send in your Entertainment Books, Earthquake kits and Blue Registration forms if you have not already done so
*There is a sign up sheet for treats hanging up in our room.  If you are unable to sign up in person, you can send in a request with your child.  Please send in a first and second choice in case an area fills up.  If I don't hear from everyone by the end of the week, I will place the remaining people in any leftover spots.  I will always send out a reminder via the class blog a few days before the party.
*Students brought home their 'Poetry and More' today.  Please return them on Monday after reading them this weekend, we will add to this duo tang each week
*Also a reminder to please send in inside shoes if you have not already done so, these keep our classroom clean and our gym safe
*I encourage you to also send in a spare change of clothes in case of mishaps at school

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Amanda

September 20/19

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for checking your child's classroom blog for the latest updates/information.

Updates/Reminders/Thank you's

*Our Terry Fox Run is fast approaching.  Please complete the permission for walking field trips by Tuesday if you would like your child to participate.  Students who have not been given permission will be walking around the fields at Fairview instead.  To give your child permission, please open the parent portal, click on the blue tab at the top that says 'Consent' (it will have a number in it, this is how many areas you need to complete).  You will need to scroll through each form and click on the bottom as guided to give your permission.  Thank you! Families who are new to the school received a linking letter which will activate this account.  If you have any difficulty, please call Korri or Karen in the office at
604 465 9331
*We are looking for volunteers for this event, please contact Mrs. Boyes at Celeste_Boyes@sd42.ca if you would like to help at a spot on the course or me at Amanda_Roberts@sd42.ca if you would like to run/walk with your child. The more the merrier!
*Our goal is to raise $2000 for the Terry Fox Foundation, you can also donate online
*Please sign and return the blue information form (after checking that the information is accurate) that was sent home from the office.  There is a contest to see which class returns their forms first.
*Monday is a professional day, no school for students
*Tuesday, September 24th is Individual Picture Day
*Please send in comfort kits, earbuds, Entertainment books (or the money collected from selling them) and inside shoes if you have not already done so
*Just a reminder to please ensure that your child is dressed for the weather every day.  We have West Coast recess/lunch in our district so students will go outside the majority of the time (rain or shine).  Also, we have 'Forest Fun' on Thursdays and will, again be going outside even if it is raining
*I encourage everyone to send in a spare set of clothes to be kept at school in case an accident does occur while your child is at school so they can be comfortable for the remainder of the day
*Thank you to Ms. Weber for agreeing to organize our Scholastic orders each month.  This month's order is due September 25th
*We have started planners/home reading.  There was a letter included in the bag when the first book came home explaining our program.  Please read with your child nightly and sign the planner.
*Thank you for sending your information sheets, the information you gave helps me begin to know your children.  I appreciated the thoughtful details you included.  Also, thank you to parents who have offered to volunteer this year
*Div. 9 & 10 have booked  3 skating field trips and a trip to visit Fort Langley.  Please mark your calendars - Thursday, Oct. 24th, Thursday, Dec. 19th, and Thursday March 5th - all in the afternoon.  Also we have booked Fort Langley on Thursday, Nov. 14th in the morning.  We will need parent drivers for all of these.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Amanda Roberts

Welcome!

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to Division 10's Blog.  I hope you find this a useful tool as we navigate the year together.  This will be the primary form of communication from me to you.  Please do not, however try to reply to me using the email attached to this blog. Instead, I can be reached at amanda_roberts@sd42.ca.  Please note:  I check my email early in the mornings and after school but rarely have time to do this during the teaching day.  If you have time sensitive information to share with me, please call our office at 465-9331 and our secretary, Korri McDermott will pass on the message.  Here is a list of the classroom expectations your children came up with for the year.  I think they did a great job!

Division 10’s Expectations

By: Students of Div. 10

In Division 10 we…

*treat others how we want to be treated (Golden Rule)

*take care of our belongings

*share

*persevere

*speak to others in a calm, respectful voice

*keep our school clean

*follow safety rules

*are kind to each other

*walk in the classroom and hallway

*listen at the carpet and are quiet when asked

*have fun!!!!! J

On Wednesday, I sent home an information package.  I will post it here so that you will have it as a reference if needed throughout the year:

September 2019

Dear Parents,

My name is Amanda Roberts and I have been a teacher at Fairview for several years, largely teaching in the primary grades. I have had previous experience teaching a grade 2/3 combined class and feel well prepared to provide a positive and engaging learning environment for your child. I am looking forward to a great year!

Classroom Routines

One of the big focuses when starting a new year is setting up routines within the classroom.  Getting these in place ensures that the day runs smoothly and that learning time is maximized.  With this in mind, I would like to ask that arrive on time and say your goodbyes to your child outside so that they can enter the room on their own and learn to follow the routines independently.  You are welcome to come in once students are dismissed at the end of the day if you would like to chat with me or if your child would like to share something inside the room with you.  Also, please send me a note if your child is supposed to meet you/a sibling at an alternate part of the school so I can ensure everyone is safely picked up.

Communication

I do realize that there are some mornings where you might have information to share with me that will help your child have a positive day (they haven’t had a good sleep, were nervous about school etc.)  Please feel free to see me if this is the case or write a note in your child’s planner.  You can also phone the school (604- 465-9331) and schedule an appointment to see me or email me at Amanda_Roberts@sd42.ca.  (Please note:  I rarely have time to check my email during the school day, I normally check it after school and early in the morning before I leave for work so it is better to reach me with time sensitive messages by phone or in person).I really feel it is important to keep the lines of communication open and encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns that may arise.  The main place you will be receiving information from me at this time is via our classroom blog robertsfairview.blogspot.ca.  I normally update this each week (most often on Friday or Saturday) but occasionally things arise between posts.  If this happens, your child will write ‘See Blog’ in his/her planner.  This will be one of the last ‘paper’ information packages you will receive. Our district is working towards paperless communication so the majority of information you receive from the school/myself will be digital, Mrs. Watkins will share school wide information via Facebook , the Parent Portal or on the Fairview Website.

Parent Helpers

I am attaching a parent helper sheet and welcome volunteers.  I realize that many of you may work during school hours and can’t volunteer during this time.  If this is the case and you have a day off sometime and would like to come in please let me know and I will try to arrange an activity where you can help or come for a visit.  Also, if you don’t mind completing some work in the evening, I have several jobs throughout the year where your assistance would be greatly appreciated. 

Weekly Schedule

 We will have library book exchange on Thursdays (but there is a bin in our classroom for returns if your child is finished with his/her book before the week is up). We have music on Tuesday and our gym days are Wednesday (with Mrs. Boyes) and Fridays.  We will be heading outside on Thursdays (rain or shine) for some ‘Forest Fun’ which includes running and exploration/play outdoors.

**Please note, however that the Ministry has mandated 30 minutes of physical activity each day so please ensure that your child is dressed comfortably and is ready for action!  We will be spending time outside rain or shine!  Finally, this weekwe will begin ‘Family Reading’ each Fridayfrom 8:30-8:45.  Parents, grandparents and any other adult family members are invited to come in and read with a small group of students.  This is an informal reading time so younger siblings are also welcome.

Planners

Our class will be using a student ‘planner’ this year. Unfortunately, the printing company lost Fairview’s order this year so we will be using a modified version until these arrive.  The planner is an essential part of our program and will provide home and school communication throughout the year as well as weekly spelling lists (we will start weekly spelling later in the year).  The planner will be sent home each afternoon in your child’s own ziploc bag and should be returned to school the following morning.  There is a specific area allotted for home/school communication so please feel free to write a note to me in this space (dental appointments, who is picking your child up etc.)  Please sign the planner daily once you have read with your child.  Also, please feel free to write encouraging comments for your child here.  IMPORTANT: There is a plastic pocket at the front of the planner where notices will be sent home.  It is also where you can return signed permission slips, field trip money etc.  Please check this daily.  

Supplies

Please send in your child’s supplies as soon as possible.  You should have already received this list but if you need a new one, please send me an email at Amanda_roberts@sd42.caand I will send you an attachment.  The only additional supply we will need at this time is earbuds/headphones for the lab/iPads.  Please send these in a clearly marked baggie.  Having personal headphones will greatly reduce the chances of our students coming in contact with lice.  Thank you!

Scholastic Book Orders

Several times throughout the year your child will be bringing home Scholastic book order forms.  Purchasing these books is  optional but if you are interested they do offer engaging books at reasonable prices. If you do purchase books I ask that you please send a cheque payable to Scholastic Canada as they will not accept cash. You also have the option of paying them directly online.  Thank you!

Themes

We are beginning the school year learning about each other and discussing the importance of being a good friend/classmate and beginning to build our classroom community. We will then move onto a focus on Canada.

Class Celebrations

We will have four main celebrations during the year.  If you could please sign up to send snacks for the class on oneof these dates that would be much appreciated.  I  have a sign up sheet ready near the entrance from the outside door.

Inside Shoes/Extra Clothes

If you have not already done so, I would like to ask you to send a pair of sturdy inside running shoes to help keep our classroom and gym clean.  I also suggest that each student have an extra set of clothes to keep at school.  This is helpful to have in case of any accidents and avoids the need for a phone call home.

West coast Recess/Lunch:  

Just a reminder that our district has adopted the ‘west coast recess’.  Students will be sent outside to play rain or shine (unless conditions are extreme).  With this in mind, please send your child to school with the appropriate gear so that they will be comfortable for the rest of the day.  

Thank you!

Important Dates in September

**Please note:  These will be on the class blog in the future.

September 16^th-Terry Fox Assembly am

September 23^th- Non-Instructional (no school for students)

September 24th-Picture Day

September 26th   -Terry Fox Run

 ***PLEASE NOTE: WALKING PERMISSION NEEDS TO BE GIVEN VIA THE PARENT PORTAL (Policy and Prodedures) FOR YOUR CHILD TO PARTICIPATE OFF SITE FOR THE TERRY FOX RUN

Thank you, 

Amanda Roberts