Welcome Back!

 Welcome to Grade Three! This year is obviously different from other years but so far we are off to a great start. For now, the blog will be a general update on what is happening in our class. There are links to different sites that students can use and it will give a general outline of the learning happening in our class. Any specific or time sensitive information that needs to be communicated will be emailed to parents. In previous years, homework had been completed through the blog, but this will change this year and students will access homework through their school google accounts. Homework will not begin for a few weeks so that the students have time to learn how to access work in their school accounts. I will be sending updated passwords and log in information home. For now, homework can consist of reading every night (RAZ Kids or books of their choice) and spending time on the Zorbits math program. Zorbits and RAZ Kids can be accessed through the links on the blog or the student portal from the school website. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me through email or by phoning the school. Thank you for your support in your child's learning. I am looking forward to a great year!

Hello!

Hi everyone,
I am not sure if anyone is still following but I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of all my former students and all the school students and their families. I miss seeing everyone at school! I hope that you and your families are staying healthy and happy and adjusting to your time at home. I also wanted to mention that I have checked and updated all the links on my blog and they are all active if you wanted to use them. Instead of weekly writing homework (which I know many of my students enjoyed doing) I am going to post a weekly fun writing question which you can answer if you want! This is open to any of my former students, so don't forget to include your name. The one for this week is pretty general; let me know how you are doing and how you keep busy at home. I can't wait to read them! Take care and hope to hear from you! Mrs.Hiscoe :)

Valentine's Day and Artist Kate

For students who would like to bring in class Valentine's on Thursday, we have 22 students in the class, 9 boys, 13 girls. If students know classmate names they can include the name, but I cannot handout a class list, Valentines can be left blank with just the "From" section completed. Also, due to allergies in the school and in our classroom, no treats either. Thank you for understanding.

Just in case - IF there is a 'snow day' on Thursday, we will distribute Valentines on Tuesday. Also, in case of a snow day, our workshop with Artist Kate will be cancelled Thursday morning and moved to a different date. For our workshop with Artist Kate, students are asked to wear paint friendly clothing. It will be a great learning experience. :)

Due to the extra long weekend, we will not have any homework this week. 

Have a wonderful Family Day weekend. 

Spirit Week, Craft Day and Sing Along

We have a very busy week ahead! The spirit days are listed as follows:
Monday- Red and Green Day
Tuesday - Sparkle and Shine Day
Wednesday - Christmas Cheer Gear Day
Thursday - Snowman Day
Friday - Christmas Sweater Day

Our Christmas arts morning will be on Thursday, all parents are welcome to attend with their child. Please sign in at the office at 9:20 am. We will be completing 3 crafts by rotating among the other Grade 3 classes. Students are reminded to bring a bag to keep their crafts in.

Friday is the annual Christmas Sing Along in the gym. Our class will be singing during Block 1, from 9:30 - 10:30, again, all parents are welcome to join in the gym to sing along with all the classes.

I hope everyone has a safe, restful and happy Christmas break and I wish you all the best for 2019. 

Ballet Trip Friday and Extra Socks

We have our trip to the ballet tomorrow! We will be leaving promptly at 11:40 am and returning around 2:30 pm. Students will eat lunch before leaving and will eat when we return as well. They are asked to bring a slightly larger lunch or some extra snacks so they can have plenty to eat before and after the trip. We will not be bringing food on the trip since the show runs from 12:30 to 2:00 pm.

Also, with the changing temperatures, it is a good idea to pack extra socks and mitts with your child. Thanks.

Portfolios, Bully Awareness Week, Looking for One Volunteer :)

Student portfolios went home today - with most students. Students did not receive their portfolio if they have work that is still being completed or caught up on. We have had a lot of illnesses the past two weeks! These portfolios will go home next week. :)

Please take some time to go through the work with your child and complete and sign the first page in the binder. Please return the binder, with the work still in it, anytime next week. If there are any questions, please let me know.

Next week is Bullying Awareness week and we have a number or activities in the school planned. Please take some time to discuss this important subject with your child.

Finally, we are still in need of ONE more volunteer for our Scientists in School workshop on Thursday November 22. If you have your police check and are able to volunteer on Thursday from 9:00 - 12:05, please let me know.

Thanks and have a great (snowy) weekend.

Swimming Date Change

It was wonderful to meet many parents last night, thank you for coming in! If anyone was not able to make it last night and would like a phone interview, please add a note in your child's agenda.

There has been a change to 2 dates for our second group of Swim to Survive. Students in Group B will be swimming Tues November 13th (remains the same), Friday December 7th and Friday December 14th. A note has been sent home regarding the change and it needs to be signed and returned. A new note for volunteers will be sent on Monday. Any questions, please let me know. Thanks.

Swimming Reminder, 67's Game and Interviews

Group A has their final swimming session tomorrow (Tues Nov 6). Don't forget to bring your swim gear!

Also, we are attending the 67's game on Wednesday Nov 7. Students are asked to bring their lunch and snacks with them. They can also bring a water bottle. Volunteers, staff and students will leave the school by bus around 9:30 am and return for Block 4 (around 2:50 pm). If you have any questions, please let me know. It is always a fun trip.

Parent teacher interviews will be held on Thurs Nov 8 between 4 and 8 pm. Please follow the link on the school website to sign up for an interview. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to sign up. If you are not able to make it on Thursday but would like an interview, please let me know and a phone interview or meeting can be arranged for a different date.

Thanks for your continued support.

Swimming Reminder

Just a quick reminder that our class has 2 groups for swimming. Half the class is 'Group A' and half the class is 'Group B' the dates on the note that went home correspond to the Group your child is in. Group A started swimming this week and will continue on Tues Oct 30 and Tues Nov 6. Group B will start on Tues Nov 13 and continue on Tues Nov 20 and Tues Nov 27. All students need to bring for swimming is a towel and bathing suit, in a separate bag. If they normally wear/require goggles when swimming, they are permitted to wear goggles. Please label anything they bring incase it is lost. Group A had a great first session and I am sure all students will enjoy this exciting opportunity.

Homework

Homework started this week and is 'due' every Tuesday. Students have a full week to complete the writing assignment, reading and math sections. As a reminder, the reading component is 2 RAZ Kids stories and the comprehension questions. The math section is 30 minutes on Zorbit's (Dreambox has been replaced with this program). The writing section is dated and linked on the blog. All log in information is glued to the first page of the student agenda. A full explanation of the homework was sent home in the information package on Open House night and I will attach a copy below. Student's were shown how to access everything and what to do/ where to go in each program. If there are any further questions, please let me know! Thanks.

Open House Information (Including Homework Information)

Library Books and Open House

Library books are due Monday! It was wonderful to meet so many parents on Thursday night. Information from the Open House will be sent home to parents who were not able to attend.  If you have questions about anything, please let me know. I look forward to meeting all parents throughout the year. :)

Welcome Back!

I would like to welcome back all of the students for another great year! I hope everyone had a restful summer. Homework will not be starting until after the Parent Information Night, Sept 20th. If you have any questions at any time, please send a note in your child's agenda or leave a message for me at the school and I will return your call. I look forward to meeting all the parents and working with you and your children this year. :)

EQAO Testing

Wednesday May 23 will be our first day of EQAO testing. Students will be writing in the afternoon, starting around 1:10 pm. They will have until the end of the day to complete the assigned section of the test. If possible, please try to avoid picking students up early during these times. Students are reminded to bring a water bottle to school and to bring lots of healthy snacks. They are permitted to chew gum during testing (not bubble gum). If you have any questions about the process or the test, please do not hesitate to contact me. I know the students will do their best and I am confident that will work hard! Testing will finish on Thursday May 31. Thanks for your continued support.

Talent Show Volunteers Needed

Looking for parents who would like to help out with the SPS Talent Show to be held the night of the SPS Fun Fair on Friday June 1st. Lunch time (Tues/Wed/Thurs 12-1) practices will start in April in the weeks leading up to the Fun Fair. Our coordinator Pam Budge-Carvish will be running the show but is in need of additional support this year. If sufficient volunteers are not available for lunch time sessions, we will have to look at changing format/event. Please contact sps.talentshow@gmail.com to volunteer or for more details. This is a much loved St. Philip tradition, please help if you can!

Thanks!  

Talent Show Volunteers Needed

Interviews

Interviews will be held in the Learning Commons (Library) tonight, Thursday Feb 22 between 4 and 6 pm. Interviews are not in the portable. There are still spots open if anyone would like to set up an interview. I look forward to seeing everyone tonight. Thanks.

To book an interview: Click Here For Interview Sign Up

Report Cards and Interviews

Report cards went home today. Please take some time to speak with your child about the report card and complete and return the sections on page 3 and 4. Interviews will be held on Thursday Feb 22 between 4 and 6 pm. An interview is not requested for all students at this time, but please book an interview if you would like to meet. You can book an interview by following the link below:

Term 1 Interviews Feb 22

Phone interviews can be completed on a different date if the 22nd is not convenient. If you have any further questions, please let me know. Thank you!

Skating Trip Reminder

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Just a reminder that our skating trip is tomorrow, Monday February 12. Students need to bring their skates, a helmet, lunch and dress to be outside all day. An easy to eat lunch, with lots of pocket snacks is recommended. They need to be able to fit their snow pants in their school bag or skating bag. Please use a cloth bag for skates. It should be a great day!

Hour of Code

Last week we participated in the Hour of Code challenge. A number of students wanted to continue the activity at home so the link is posted below. Enjoy!

https://hourofcode.com/ca/learn

Swimming Volunteers

If any Dads are available to volunteer Tuesday November 21 and/or Tuesday November 28, from 12:45pm - 2:15 pm, please let me know. We are in need of a male volunteer to supervise the boys change room for our Swim to Survive afternoons. Thank you!

Interviews and Presentation

Parent teacher interviews will take place on Thursday November 2 from 4pm - 8pm. Interviews will be held in the GYM and NOT the portable. Everyone is welcome to sign up for an interview. If Thursday night does not work for you, please let me know and an alternate date or phone conversation can be arranged. Thanks.

To book an interview click below:

Interview Sign Up


The Grade 3 student presentation on symbols of Faith will take place on Thursday also, at 1:50pm in the gym.