September 2, 2015
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to a new school year! This is my third
year teaching at Elboya and 7th 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
