Welcome to the 2015/2016 School Year

September 2, 2015

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to a new school year! This is my third year teaching at Elboya and 7^th year in the teaching profession. In previous years, I have taught kindergarten through grade 5 In British Columbia, at Chaparral and here at Elboya. I am looking forward to grade 4 this year with many familiar faces. My goal is to provide students with an engaging learning environment where they can grow as learners and citizens.

Parent/Teacher Relationship

I believe that a strong parent-teacher relationship is necessary for maximum school success. Throughout the year I will communicate with you through, Google Aps (our online community blog), notes, emails, telephone calls, report cards and parent-teacher conferences.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.  The most effective way to reach me is by email at mvhaines@cbe.ab.ca.  You may also leave a message by phone at 403-777-7760 ext. 2010. 

Agenda:

Daily communication home with be primarily done through the online blog. Any upcoming events, homework, pictures of projects and other information will be at http://gradefourelboya.blogspot.ca. Students will also be expected to keep a daily agenda.

Footwear

For safety reasons we request that all students wear some sort of footwear at all times.  Phys. Ed. is taught daily and every student must have a pair of indoor running shoes that can be tied. These shoes should be kept at school during all seasons and cannot be used outside. In the warm weather, we would also ask that outdoor shoes be a type that can be used for outdoor gym classes. Sandals, slip-ons, and boots are not appropriate for running around during outside gym.

Homework

As a Grade 4/5 team, we believe that a little homework can be beneficial and helps a child develop responsibility, practice necessary skills, and share their learning with parents. We recognize that families have extracurricular and family commitments and we don’t want homework to take away from these important experiences in a child’s life.  Any homework expectations will be communicated through the online blog and agenda.

Reading and practice of basic Math facts is not considered homework at Elboya and is expected to be practiced as often as possible. We recommend approximately 40 minutes per night for a student in grade 4/5 or the equivalent over a week as many children at this age like to curl up with a book on weekends.  

Additional homework for students will not exceed 40 minutes per night for students in Grade 4/5 and will likely be more on a weekly basis or long term projects. I will provide classroom time to work on all projects throughout the year. Students who choose not to use their school time effectively and complete their work here may expect that teachers will be discussing catch-up periods at home with parents.

Lunch and Snacks

Just a reminder that Elboya is a nut free school. Please do not send snacks or lunch items that contain any kind of nuts (including tree nuts). Also, please send healthy food with your child. Elboya is also beginning a litter-less lunch initiative to alleviate work for the caretakers and help with the environment. Ideally lunches would be packed in reusable Tupperware and any garbage would be sent home with the student.

Money

In the event that it will be necessary for your child to bring money to school, always send it in a sealed envelope or enclosure with the following information:

-        your child’s name

-        the amount of money

-        the purpose of payment (book order, field trip, etc.)

If at all possible, please do not send field trip permission slips and money separately.  

In closing, I would like to say that I am looking forward to an exciting year working with your child. 

Sincerely,

Marissa Haines

Grade 4

Elboya School

t | 403-777-7760 ext. 2010

f | 403-777-7769

mvhaines@cbe.ab.ca