OCTOBER HAS ARRIVED!
September went well for the most part. We have had some germs floating around, some tears, lots of laughs and even more fun. It was the usual September start to the year for us!
There are items to update you on:
The school is closed on Monday, October 9th for Thanksgiving.
We will be closed on Friday, November 10th, to observe Remembrance Day (for future reference). We are open all that week; however, most school districts are closed either 3 or 5 days that week.
Please call or text if your child is sick so we can keep on top of illness. As a reminder, children (and siblings) and staff need to stay out for a minimum of 48 hours once symptoms subside. We have done well in September and if we all work together, October will be even better!!
Speech professionals are beginning to come on a regular basis for the children on their caseload. If you are unsure of your child’s speech day, please ask and we will get that confirmed for you. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the services your child is receiving.
MHCBE aide for 2023-2024 is Myrna Muryn.
SD#76 aide for 2023-2024 is Dixie Onheliger.
The kindergarten program is underway and we have had a month to establish a routine and get accustomed to one another. I think we are starting to figure out a balance. This routine gets easier as the weather gets colder, and we are inside. We are moving along nicely!
Our extra activities:
Monday-SACA Kickboxing 9:30am (Leave the school at 9:15am)
Tuesday-Social Thinkers (4–5-year-olds) 10:45am
Wednesday - Sunshine Circle (everyone but toddlers) TBD
Thursday - Music for everyone 10:30am
All children need inside shoes for the classroom. It is important to have footwear that fits and is appropriate for inside. We discourage flip-flops, big-headed slippers, or clunky/heeled shoes because the children trip, slip or step on other toes or fingers and hurt one another (by accident). Please label them for easy identification. Changing footwear in the morning is an easy transition to the day as well as an independent skill that all these children do during the day (even toddlers) so please support and encourage your child to change their footwear in the morning.
Make sure your child has appropriate outdoor wear for the coming months. We plan to be outside as long as we can, and they need proper coats, hats and mittens for walks or playing in the playground. It is best to keep a pair of little (thin) mittens and a toque at school for the cooler days. Please label items. The girls may want to keep a pair of leggings at school for cooler days if they are wearing a dress or skirt and everyone may want a hoodie or sweater for cooler mornings in the school.
Picture Day went off without a hitch, thanks to Miss Garrecht’s smooth plan. I will be checking in with the photographer this week to see about galleries being done.
If you are going to be having someone else pick up your child, please let a staff member know prior to them arriving. This makes it easier when your child is being picked up. We like to get to know your extended family, so they feel welcome when they arrive.
We are working on a plan for Halloween at the end of the month. Tentatively we will pumpkin carve on Tuesday the 31st and the children can wear their costumes that day. Once things are confirmed then I will let you know.
We are also working on some field trips. Once they are confirmed then formal permission slips will be required to be filled out. If any parents have ideas or careers that allow field trips or be brought into the preschool please contact Miss Garrecht for further information.
Starting in October the preschool children will be taking home a folder each Friday with their art collections in it. Please return the folder the following week to be refilled with their wonderful creations.
October will also be started off with file updates. Each child will have their information profile sent home. If anything needs to be changed, such as address or emergency contacts then we need this information to be updated. All forms are due back October 10th.
Miss Hayley has made the decision to step away from childcare. She has been gracious enough to stay on during October to help with the transition of new staff. On that note, we have hired Miss Blaynne Penner to fill her position. Blaynne is working on her Level 1 certification and will be in the main classroom learning the ins and outs of the program prior to Miss Hayley’s departure.
I am sure there will be other additions as the month progresses. Please check back to keep up to date with us.