Welcome to Grade 5
September, 2010-11
Welcome back to the school, students and parents! I am eagerly anticipating a fantastic year with you. Yes, my summer was great, but I always look forward to a new year.
I came to W.R.C.A. after graduating from Trinity Western University with a B.A. and the University of Alberta with a B.Ed. It was a goal /dream to be able to teach a W.R.C.A. and I am so blessed that God answers prayers in such a beautiful way. This is my 12th year teaching at this school and I’ve taught both at the Grade 4 and Grade 5 level.
The first couple of days are really busy and there seems to be so much to know. Don’t panic, as the days go by, your child will soon understand the routines and procedures. I have an “open door” policy, so please feel free to drop by, call ext. 119, or visit whenever the need (or desire) arises.
This newsletter contains a list of some of the classroom procedures and policies that I hope you will find helpful. I look forward to meeting you at the parent meeting on September 16th. Following the meeting you are invited to see the classroom and ask any questions that you may have.
I am really excited about this year and as I wrote on the board to the kids the first day, “Welcome to Grade 5! Hop on board for the ride of your life!” We work hard, we learn a lot and we also have some FUN.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Whitmarsh
CLASSROOM POLICIES
1. ABSENTEEISM
Illness If your child is absent from illness, please have someone come in to pick up their homework each day after school. It is the student’s responsibility to complete ALL missed assignments by the given date.
Holidays If your child will be away for an extended period of time, the work they miss will be available the day they return. A date will be set by which the work must be completed.
2. HOMEWORK
Most days each child will have varying amounts of homework depending on particular assignments and how wisely they have used their time in class. I do not assign homework on the weekend unless a major project has been given and requires additional time at home.
3. LATE ASSIGNMENTS
Following directions and time management are important aspects of education which children are continuing to develop. Once 5 lates occur in a term, there will be a 1 hour work period in my classroom after school. If unforeseen circumstances arise, please let me know immediately.
4. TESTS
All major tests will be forewarned in the planner with a brief summary of what information will be covered and, therefore, should be studied. Most tests will be marked and sent home to be signed by a parent. Please return the test the next day.
5. NEATNESS
It is expected that any work that is to be read by another person, such as a parent or teacher, be “readable” and therefore neat. If a peer is marking work and it cannot be read clearly, a question may be marked incorrect. Often for assignments, presentation is part of the mark, so neatness is beneficial, and handwriting will be expected on some assignments.
6. DISCIPLINE
My philosophy towards discipline is to maintain a positive environment where students can explore and enjoy their learning, yet still know the boundaries within which they may work. This includes both individual responsibility as well as group cooperation. Therefore, I reward positive behaviours that I see with such things as individual coupons and prize draws. When a major infraction occurs or an expectation is repeatedly violated, a phone call home will be made. This may also involve the school Principal or Vice Principal and a record will be kept of the action.
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CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
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1. PLANNERS
Each student at W.R.C.A. is to have a planner for the year. Students will be given time at the end of each day and instructed to write out work that is due. If work has been completed, it may be checked off. Please take the time to read your child’s planner each night and initial it so I have an indication that you have read the homework assignments and checked for notices. Also, this is a place for us to communicate with each other. Planners will be checked on a daily basis for completion and a parent’s signature.
2. BIBLE MEMORY
As part of devotions on Monday mornings, students will be discussing certain Bible verses. They will write these verses in their planner and will memorize them for an oral memory quiz on Fridays. Help from home will be essential.
3. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
This year, the Physical Education classes will be taught by Mr. Dykstra on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and I will be teaching the Thursday class. We will be combining with the other Grade 5 students in Mr. Lukacin’s class for P.E.
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