Needing a Home!

When I am passing out report cards on
Award's Night, please be sure to claim
the following items if it is yours:
1. tupperware bowl and lid
2. sandwich knife and cutting mat
3. boy's jacket (Lukas F.?)
4. Hudson's yellow ball
5. Ethan's water bottle
6. Red water bottle
7. Grandparent's Day Booklets: Menno/Louise Rempel
8. Illustrated camp story: boy/ blond hair with blue eyes
9. Lynn Canyon story: boy

See you then,
Kathe

Thank You For Your Prayer!

The funeral we had in Lethbridge on Saturday
morning for Howard Good, our "Pa," was truly
a celebration of his life. It is amazing to
get just a glimpse of the number of people
that we can touch through out our lives. We
were challenged to live our life in service
to others, as we play our role in spreading
the gospel.

Thank you, thank you for the lovely class
gift I received just as my class was starting
Friday morning. I can just imagine the fun Derek
and I will have as we seek out those special
little extras for our new house. Your kind words
and hugs will be something I will treasure.

See you at Award's Night.
Kathe

This Week Has Just Flown By!

A special thank you to Peter and Barbara Hogendoorn for
hosting the Grade 4 "Pool Party" at their home today. It
was a very busy pool with an early departure that even left
time to play on the school playground!

Thursday is the day we are celebrating "Summer Birthday's."
If you are sending treats, please have them in the classroom
by noon. Please send a garbage bag for all the school supplies
going home, Thursday.

It seems strange, but due to our flight for my father-in-law's
funeral on Saturday, I will be leaving the classroom by 11:45.
A teacher on staff will cover my class until 1:10.

See you Monday at "Award's Night."

Kathe

Help! Help! Blog #2 for Monday, June 13th

There is definitely too much on my plate!
I just received notification that the bus
that I had booked for Wednesday's pool
party is off the road.


I desperately need a parent to step up to
the plate to secure drivers for our field
trip, or please come and see me at 8:20 drop
off tomorrow, if you can drive.

Kathe

Double Checking!

Please be reminded:

Please check with your child to be sure that they have done
all their Memory Verses and have turned in any outstanding
assignments. Thursday is the deadline.

Tuesday is the last day for permission slips and money for
the pool party.

We are in need of 2 plates of sandwiches for the class party
on Friday. Please be sure to send a regular snack for the
morning recess.

I am saddened to say that Derek's father, Howard Good, passed
away early Sunday morning. We are all grieving the loss of
"Pa," who was such a godly example as a husband, father,
grandfather and great-grandfather. Later on Friday, we are
flying as a family to Lethbridge, Alberta for his funeral.

Kathe

An Amazing Time of Storytelling!

The Grade 4's were privileged to host 41 grandparents
and 2 great grandparents today! Each grandparent
completed a "Memory Book" for their grandchild which
contained questions that the class had brainstormed
about what Grade 4 had been like for them when they
had been in school. The storytelling experience was
rich with exchange as the Grade 4's learned things
about their grandparents that they had not known before.

Later in the day, some of the students had pulled these
books from their files to enjoy a second time around.
These "Memory Books" will be sent home in your child's
student file at the end of the year.

How often would we wish that we had the opportunity
once again, to sit with our grandparents to hear
the incredible stories of their lives?

Enjoy your weekend,
Kathe

P.S. Tuesday after school, I would like to meet with
the parents of the Grade 4 boys to discuss camp and
what can be done to prepare your son to have an amazing
experience at camp.

It's Been A Tough Week!

My husband's father had a stroke Monday. He is the care giver
for Derek's mother, who is blind. We are so pleased that Pa is
doing some talking and has quite a bit of mobility but we are
really praying that God will continue to work a miracle for him
and Nanny.

I hope to be back for Friday as I am finally on antibiotics for
a cold that has settled into my chest and a voice that will not
support the role of teacher.

I have planned for a regular Thursday for Mrs. Mothe, but would
be delighted instead, to have discovered that it was a great day
at the track!

See you soon,
Kathe

Happy Mother's Day

My best wishes for the happiest Mother's Day in the midst
of busy lives. May you experience great joy from your
family this weekend.

Derek and I have sold our house and are building a home
in Abbotsford. We are really excited about our new phase
in life. I have loved my 16 years at White Rock Christian
Academy but because of the distance and an already long
work day, I will not be coming back to teach Gr. 4 in the
fall.

Just A Bit To Catch Up!

1. Please see Tuesday's notice for Thursday's Track and Field.
Pray for good weather.
2. Send a toonie for a "Dilly Bar." Please forward the money to
Mrs. G., even if you are planning to attend, as the bars will be
purchased by the box.
3. Our "Aboriginal Open House" is Monday from 12:45-1:55. Hope to
see you there.
4. The Surrey Musuem has free admission to a limited exhibition
called "Passages to Freedom: Secrets of the Underground
Railroad," which ties in well with our recent study of Harriet
Tubman. This exhibition runs until May 28th.

We are enjoying the students' aboriginal presentations. The models
were an amazing output for their creativity. Thanks for all your
support.

We have just mailed all of our "Great Mail Race" letters which
are being sent to all of the provinces and territories in Canada.
I hope the students get a chance to enjoy who will receive the
first response back before the end of school. This person will
be our "Great Mail Race Winner."
Kathe

Getting The Researchers Ready To Share!

Please make reference to my letter sent home April 20th
regarding the need for students to practice presenting
their information. We will be starting the presentations
Wednesday in class hoping to complete them in a timely
fashion within the attention spans of the students.

Monday, May 9th is our "Aboriginal Open House" which will
be scheduled from 12:30 to 1:45. The students were guests
last year and are really looking forward to this opportunity
to share their learning. Parents, grandparents and special
family friends are welcome. Invitations will be brought home.
This event will also be open to WRCA's primary classes and
some of my previous students as well.

Over the last two days, the students really enjoyed hearing a
detailed account of this Holy Week, called "The Very First
Easter." It was such a privilege to be part of this reading
experience with them.

Have a blessed Easter,
Kathe

Celebration!

The Grade 4's hosted a "Birthday/Welcome" lunch with their
new ESL buddies today. Mrs. Bunkowski celebrated a
birthday with a delicious chocolate cake(made by Mrs.
Good)which was large enough to be shared by both classes.
Yum! Yum! The Grade 4's were excited to meet their new
buddies who seemed to enjoy the excitement that permeated
the classroom. They also seemed to enjoy the extra long
lunch hour recess.

For parents that have signed up for Tuesday's fieldtrip:
............all are welcome and can come with us on the bus.

Have a very blessed time with your family as you celebrate this
very Holy Week culminating in the rising of our Saviour.

Kathe

It's Great To See The Sun!

As our first week back from Spring Break was coming to a close, it was
great to finally see the sun! I'm sure you have heard about our mother
duck who is doing such a great job in looking after her nest, even
though it may not have been the safest spot. Maybe she'll do a better
job next year!

I have had an incredible fieldtrip to the archelogical longhouse site
in Mission booked for the class since last Oct., but I am sorry to
say that I have just discovered that they have lost their funding are
unable to open. I will do my best to replace this experience.

Down to business:
1. Speeches are to be practiced and delivered on Thursday in class.
I know that this is a big change from last year, but students are
encouraged to "say their speech." Reading their speech makes
it a presentation. Cue cards and their written format can of
course be refered to. Just take a deep breath and remember
that your child is on the threshold of developing an amazing life
skill that will carry them through job interviews and all sorts of presentations.

2. The due dates for the aboriginal reserach are: Monday the 18th
(Early Bird) or Tuesday the 26th. Please refer to the cover letter
for guidelines to complete the good copy. Students will orally
present their findings to the class. A hand held copy makes this
easier and enables them to have better eye contact and involvement
with their audience.

3. Any students wishing to donate some of their money for the
support of Ashly, our sponsor child from Guatemala, can do so in
the classroom or in the office.

4. Please be sure to ensure healthy snack and lunch items. Sweet
desserts, candy and pop are not helpful in a classroom with such
naturally active children.

Keep you posted,
Kathe

Thank You! Thank You!

It's almost here........................

I am so appreciative of the support that you have given
your child in our last, big push to complete the curriculum
necessary following their FSA's.

Just a "heads-up" for Thursday........................

1. For Saint Patrick's Day, students may wear green
assessories along with their uniform.

2. One of our high school Bible classes has planned
a fundraising event and bake sale to support the
devastation in Japan. The Grade 4's may bring money
on Thursday for these.

3. They may also bring in some of their allowance or
money to support, Ashly, our Guatemala Sponsor Child.

4. Please be reminded that the Grade 4's may wear their
Spring Uniform after Spring Break. The weather at this
time is very cool, so please be sure that they have a
warm jacket and a sweater to wear in class.Tights are
also a good option.

5. Hoodie orders must be in by Thursday.

6. As you know, report cards will be sent home on Friday
at early dismissal(1:10).Your child's FSA results will
also be sent home at this time as well.

I wish you the happiest of Spring Breaks! May God give
you a time of rest, relaxation and amazing family memories.
Kathe

Mike Goheen, Tuesday Night!

This is a parent meeting you won't want to miss.
He is addressing Christian eduacation. The meeting
starts at 7:00 and runs to 9:00.

We are fortunate to have him speak to us(the staff)
from 3:00 to 5:00.

Kath

Thanks For Coming!

To those parents that were able to find time in their busy day to share in their child's
learning on Thursday's "Student-led Conferences, may I say thank you.

The classroom was a buzz with lots of conversation and happy, smiling faces. It was
a pleasure to see how much your children enjoyed the opportunity of talking about
their learning with you.

Please be reminded of the following two things:

1. WRCA's Parent Education Night with Mike Goheen. (P.S: He was one of our
    speakers at the teacher's conference at PA. You won't want to miss him.)

2. Please consider assisting with lunch hour supervision.

Hopefully you'll be able to enjoy a sun shining weekend.
Kathe

We're Finally There!

Another good night's rest and balanced breakfast should put our "Math Super Stars"
in a good place for their last assessment, Tuesday morning. Please be sure they are
on time for school.

This is probably the balance they need for Tuesday's Spirit Day of "Neon and Crazy
Hair Day! It should be an interesting combination.

Hope to see you during "Student Led Conferences." There are quite a number of
spots available.

Kathe

Almost Halfway!!

Dear Parents,

We have only three remaining FSA's left, which are scheduled as follows:

Tues., Feb. 15th: Numeracy(30 minutes)
Wed., Feb. 16th: Writing(60 minutes)
Tues., Feb. 22nd: Numeracy(60 minutes)

Please ensure that your child is starting these days with a good breakfast and is
bringing healthy snacks and lunch.

To those of you that are supervising during the lunch hour, may I give you a big
thanks.

Please, please, consider signing up for "lunch hour supervisions"as we
are not even close to meeting the necessary parent number needed.
When this happens, teachers are having to give up their lunch hour
break.

Have a great weekend and in advance, "Happy Valentine's Day!"

Kathe

 As part of our Valentine's celebrations,
the Grade 4's may wear red, pink or white
with their jeans to match the spirit of the
day.

So Sorry!

Dear Parent(s),

Having rain both recesses yesterday is my only excuse. I do apologize for not letting
the class know about the non-uniform day today that replaced the one that we missed
at the end of January. I only read my email that day, but got distracted and didn't post
it on the blog.

Please note that FSA's will begin Tuesday morning, so just to be on the safe side,
please make sure that the students are in class on time. I have them do the shorter
ones first to help them adapt. They will also being doing one on Friday morning as
well.

Your support is needed to ensure that they have enough rest, have had good
breakfasts and healthy snacks. We have found that this combination helps them to
put their best foot forward, which is all that we can ask.

Have a wonderful weekend. I hope this sunshine is an indication of the rest of the
weekend.

Kathe

P.S.  In the interest of classroom unity, please be sure that every student is included
in the delivery of Valentines. Unless there are birthday invitations for all the boys, or
all the girls, please have your child pass them out privately after school.

Congratulations Scientists and VP Scientist Helpers!

Dear Parent(s),

You did such an amazing job of guiding your child and their partner(s) through their
first individual Science Fair Project. They were so excited to share and equally
excited to share in the experience of learning from others. Many of them
demonstrated such a good understanding of how they developed their experiments
through the various stages of the scientific method, that they will bring a heightened
level of understanding to any future experiments or Science Fairs.

My hat goes off to you all for such a terrific effort,

Kathe Good

PS......................Please by reminded that the school has sent out an email asking
that all projects remain in the gym until 7:30, at which time they can then be taken
home. If you are unable to pick yours up, please see if another family can do that
for you.
...........................Any remaining projects that are not picked up will be discarded.

FSA Practice At Home?

Additional FSA Practice Available!

Go to the Internet and type in FSA.
From the listing choose: BC Ministry of Education-Foundational Skills Assessment(FSA)
                                     www.bced.gov.bc.ca/assessment/fsa/sample-tests.htm
Highlight Multiple Choice Questions
Select School District Surrey # 36
Click on either Gr. 4 Reading or Numeration
Click the green Logon button and follow the remaining directions.

Our last class practice session is today, Tues. Jan. 25th.

Our FSA's will begin the week of Feb. 8th to the 22nd.
Please be sure that your child is getting the rest they need and have had a
nutritious breakfast.

Enjoy your long weekend.
Kathe

Just Humming Along......................

Dear Parent(s),

Thanks for the support you are giving your child regarding Science Fair. I am available
to lend support and answer any questions you might have after school. I would like the
projects in the classroom on Tuesday, Feb. 1st.

Since the beginning of January, we have been reviewing basic measurement
concepts (Grade 3). Many of the grade 4's are struggling with mass
(grams=g and kilograms=kg) and capacity(millilitres=mL and litres-L). They
need more experience with these concepts and looking through the frig and
food cupboards will help them to better apply these concepts to containers
 and weights in their everyday life. Please encourage them to explore the frig
and cupboards.

Will There, Or Won't There? That Is the Question!!

.......................................................be a Snow Day?


I am writing this in a hurry, but here are three quick updates:

Class Photo Day: -tomorrow (Wed., Jan. 12th)
                           -students are required to be in full uniform, including sweaters

Taking a Precaution: -a ski pass tore of a jacket today during recess.
                                -it may be a good idea to remove the pass and
                                 re-attach Sun. night

It's Just A Review: -some of the grade 4's are a little rusty on their
                              measurement concepts, so please be sure the
                              corrections that are coming home are completed.
                             -do some linear, mass and capacity exploring around the house

Find those scarves and mitts,
Kathe