Welcome to Kindergarten at GME 2018 2019 You

Welcome to Kindergarten at GME 2018 -2019

You are now a Grizzly! Wendy Briggs Principal Learner Benita Crombie Vice Principal

School District 23 – Attributes of a Learner • A Thinker • An Innovator • A Collaborator • A Contributor

GME Raison d’être All learners have the right to dignity, purpose and options.

GME …a Passion for Learning Together!

GME – Guiding Principles of Learning • 1. Learners are at the center • 2. Learning is a social practice that can’t happen alone. • 3. Emotions are an integral part of learning. • 4. Learners are different. • 5. Learners need to be stretched, but not too much. • 6. Assessment should be FOR learning. • 7. Learning needs to be connected across disciplines.

Safety First • Pick up and Drop off • Noon Hour Supervisors / Certified Education Assistants • First-aid Room • Fire, Earthquake, and Lock Down Drills • Reinforce the Boundaries of the School (three walls and not in front) • Sign In / Sign Out • Introduction to the Playground • Criminal Record Checks-bring back to school from RCMP • Be Aware of ‘Bubble Wrapping’ and ‘Helicoptering’

Safe Routes to School • Park and Walk • Kiss and Drop • Drive through our neighborhood as if your child was walking on the sidewalk / road • Respect our neighbours

Learning Expectations • Requires a foundation of social-emotional well-being • Play-based learning • Academic expectations are raised in second semester • French Immersion (% of French)

Social-Emotional Development • Incredible Flexible You – Zones of Regulation Self-Regulation = Higher Academic Performance + Happiness

Communication and Trust • Seek first to understand, and then to be understood • Listen for all sides of the story • Communicate directly, honestly, and respectfully • Trust in the people that care for your child (assume the best first) • Remember we all want what is best for your child; we are on the same team • Chain of communication: Teacher, Vice Principal or Principal, Director of Instruction, Superintendent, Board Chair

Our Team • French Kindergarten Teachers • Speech and Language Pathologist • French Learning Assistance • Occupational Therapist • English Kindergarten Teachers • Prep Teachers- Fine. Arts/PE • English Learning Assistance • Librarian • Counselor • First Nations Advocate • Resource Teacher • Certified Education Assistants

Parent Expectations • Be respectful and mindful of all members of our school community (students, staff, and parents) • Be involved in your child’s education • Be informed about GME happenings (www. gme. sd 23. bc. ca) • Be proactive • Be responsible and make sure your child is at school • Be supportive of your child

First Days of School- to help you plan for the fall • Friday, August 31: Popsicle & Play (10: 00 – 11: 00) * Optional • September 5, 6 & 7: 1 hour session (9 am, 11 am & 1 pm) • Monday, September 10: ½ day of class (9: 00 – 11: 00 & 12: 00 – 2: 00) • Tuesday, September 11: ½ day of class (9: 00 – 11: 00 & 12: 00 – 2: 00) • Wednesday, September 12: Full day of class

How to do we create classes? • Observe all the children playing and interacting with each other • Create classes that are well-balanced and try to match the needs of each child with the unique teaching style of each teacher • Consider students with special needs, learning challenges, government legislation, and the available resources • In Kindergarten we do not take into consideration parent requests • In grades 1 – 6, we do consider parent requests with respect to student learning styles and social concerns (not teacher preference); however, first and foremost, we consider the feedback from each teacher after a lengthy collaborative process involving all members of school staff • This is where TRUST comes into the formula!

PAC • Get involved! • Volunteer in a class • Attend PAC meetings • Join a PAC committee or initiative • Hot Lunch Program…online order and payment

Details to consider • Absences / Lates: please call the office • Lost and Found: please check regularly • Label clothes • Velcro shoes or work on tying laces this summer • Healthy snacks and lunches that are easily opened • School Supplies - $30. . online payment • Cultural Fees - $12…online payment

When you are feeling ill…who are you going to call?

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