Faculty and staff have been busy over the past week preparing for the arrival of the children. We have engaged in dialogues about best practices in education and will continue to do this throughout the year. We are all excited to welcome returning students and parents as well as new students and parents. We look forward to “the wonder of learning” for those of all ages and to working together with you and your children.
I am very excited to join Eastwood College this year. I met with some parents at a
Parent Coffee in May and also met with the faculty. One day in May I spent time in the classrooms and this allowed me to see the students in action and I look forward to getting to know them better. I envision a productive learning year in 2013-‐2014 for all of us.
Please mark your schedule for Wednesday, October 9 at 2:30 for the Curriculum Afternoon. This time is for sharing information about programming, procedures, routines and all sorts of useful information as we begin the new school year. I look at these discussions as just one of many that will continue throughout the year as we work together for the growth and development of the children in the Elementary School. Community building activities that will build trust and confidence will be the primary focus as we come together as new groups.
Character education, the development of ethical and moral behavior, will continue to be an integral part of our curriculum. This month will focus on responsibility/respect as students take care of their belongings and their environment. At school adults will focus on positively reinforcing behaviors such as helping to clean up, taking care of belongings and trying your best. They will notice and comment upon actions that demonstrate respectful behavior. Try to “catch” your child(ren) being responsible/respectful and reflect positively on this behavior. By working together we can help children develop in the area of character and values.
Early Years and Elementary Healthy Eating at School Program
Our concern for the children’s health and development is reflected in our Healthy Eating policy. Parents are asked to send a healthy snack with their child for mid morning in Nursery , KG1, KG2 and Grade 1. Students are NOT allowed to bring unhealthy snacks such as marshmallows, chocolate, potato chips, cake with icing, sugary cereals, etc. If sugar is the first or second ingredient, it is considered a treat rather than a healthy snack. Snack time, like any part of the day, is also an
opportunity for learning about health, social skills, and self help skills. A written notice will be sent home if your child brings an unhealthy snack and he/she will not be allowed to eat it. This may upset your child. In order to avoid this please do not send unhealthy snack food to school. Together we can foster the development of healthy choices and lifestyle for our children.
Students in Early Years also need to bring a lunch. Elementary students may bring a lunch or buy food at the Canteen.
Students in Nursery-‐ Grade 6 classrooms will have a shortened day for the first week. Dismissal is at 1:00. Our doors open at 7:30 a.m. We ask you not to bring your child earlier than 7:30 a.m. as there is no adult supervision available
If your child goes by bus, he/she will be accompanied to the Lower Playground to board the bus. If your child goes by car, he/she will be dismissed at the front gate.
Volunteers are invaluable to us in the Early Years. We hope that you can find some time to volunteer at the school. Today a form is is being sent home that will allow you to indicate in what capacity you would like to volunteer. We have also sent home 2 forms which are REQUIRED information to ensure that we have accurate information for dismissal, emergencies, and efficient communication. Please complete it carefully and return to the homeroom teachers by Wednesday, September 23.
This year Elementary will continue heightening student awareness about the beauty of nature and our responsibility to care for it. All forms, letters and information will be posted on the website and within 2 weeks I will give you instructions for an exact location complete with directions. Also please check your email each Monday for my Monday Mail and any other necessary information. Teachers have emailed you a welcoming letter and will be posting a newsletter each month filled with
information about what has been happening in the classroom. Please make a habit of checking the website. As parents, teachers, and global citizens we are the models for the children. Our behavior makes concrete the beliefs that we discuss at home and in the classroom. Using the tool of technology to eliminate paper that ends up in the garbage is a worthwhile endeavor.
My door is always open and I welcome you to come and talk to me about things that you are happy about, about new ideas and about any issues that arise. I believe that all questions are good questions and that through communicating together we can enhance the educational experience for the children. All of us in the Elementary School look forward to an exciting new year filled with partnerships with you to ensure the successful growth and development of the children in our care.
Yours sincerely, Adele Hutchison
Elementary Principal
Upcoming Events:
September 23 Normal hours for elementary
October 9 Curriculum Afternoon at 2:30
October 14-‐16 Eid Al Adha (tentative) October 21-‐Nov.7 MAP Testing
