Kinder students have now had their 3 term 1 fire drill practices. They will have 3 more in term 2. Students had their lockdown practice on Monday, Nov. 7th. The Kinder students did a wonderful job and were praised for their efforts in taking it seriously and staying absolutely silent throughout the drill. Unfortunately, some of our junior classes did not therefore we will be having another school wide practice. At this time, there has been no timeframe given for our 2nd lockdown practice. We apologize for any undue anxiety or fears these practices cause your little ones. Please take the opportunity to discuss how these drills are really just in case and the odds of them ever being real are very slim.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
This week teachers and ECEs will be hosting parent-teacher interviews. Some interview request letters have already gone home. Others are on there way soon as we are doing our best to coordinate interview times with families that have siblings in other classes. Please note there are only 20 interview timeslots therefore not all families will be able to meet. All families will receive some form of communication via Note Totes. Interview requests are salmon coloured letters. Teachers will have communicated that there is no request to meet at this time in communication books.
Changes to the Kindergarten Program
As we prepare to meet with families, it may be a good idea to review the changes to the Kindergarten Program. 2016 marks the implementation of the new 2 year Kindergarten program across Ontario. This change is mandated by the Ministry of Education and not to be confused with the OCDSB's decision to also add a bilingual component to all Kindergarten classes. It is good to keep up to date with these changes as it will help you better understand what educators are looking at in the classroom and are referencing when giving parents feedback on their child.
The changes are detailed on the Ministry of Education website which can be accessed here: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/kinderprogram.html
The biggest change is that the learning expectations are now based on the 4 frames:
1) Belonging and Contributing
2) Self-Regulation and Well-Being
3) Demonstrating Literacy and Mathematical Behaviours
4) Problem Solving and Innovation
This is different from what was used in the past which was more subject specific (Personal and Social Development, Language, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Health and Physical Activity, The Arts).
Interested parents can access more information on the learning expectations of the 4 frames here:https://files.ontario.ca/books/kindergarten-program-en.pdf?_ga=1.32462014.1452839930.1478978135
This year all parents will receive a communication of learning document (report card) based on the 4 frames at the end of both terms.
Hilson's School Council Facebook Page
Hilson's School Council is alive and well. They meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month in the library at 7pm. This is a great opportunity to get involved in your child's school and get to know other Hilson parents. Parents that can not attend are invited to like their Facebook page as a means to keep up to date on their events and the school community at large.
https://www.facebook.com/HilsonSchoolCouncil/
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Every Tues. 2nd Nutrition break - Pizza Day
Every last Tues. of the Month - Sub Day
Every Fri. 2nd Nutrition Break - Lunch Lady - please be aware that Lunch Lady no longer provides cutlery, please pack your own
Thurs. Nov.17th - Parent-Teacher Interviews 4pm-7pm
Fri. Nov.18th - PD Day, Parent-Teacher Interviews 8am-11am
Mon.Nov.21st - Let's Talk Science workshop - Dynamic Dinos
Fri.Nov.25th - Family Movie Night more info to come
Dec.24th-Jan.9th - Holiday Break