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