Thursday, October 23, 2014

Shootings

Greetings parents

I came across this article while looking for ways to address yesterday's events with our class and I found it helpful when anticipating questions that may arise. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/alyson-jones/telling-kids-about-ottawa-shooting_b_6030962.html​ There will no doubt be questions that come from hearing about this tragedy and I want to ensure students feel safe and welcome to ask questions or express feelings. 

Sunday, September 14, 2014

A few things.... (Milk and Photos)

I've been asked a few questions this weekend about the milk program and school photos on Monday/Tuesday and figured I'd share what I know with everyone in case someone else has the same questions. The Milk program will be starting tomorrow. Some students still have some remaining milk credits from last year (and the year before). Unfortunately, I don't have names of students who do have the credits, as it is at school. I did let students know on Friday if they did have some though, so check with them if you're curious before Monday. For any new families to the school, Milk cards are available for $7.50 for 10, or $15.00 for 20. I realized at 3:30 Friday that I didn't send the "I'm running low on milk" order forms home (Part of me must still be on vacation - sorry!) but I will gladly fill these out for you and send a copy home if you'd like to purchase a card tomorrow. As for picture day; I checked with the office who let me know that backgrounds will be chosen once the proofs are in, so no need to make a decision tonight! I will continue updating my blog with important dates and announcements as they come up, so please head over and check out the calendar if there is any confusion on dates or any happenings in our classroom in the near future. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and can enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Parents of Cross Country runners - It will be a cooooooooold morning for our run! Students should dress in layers and remember a water bottle, warm clothes, running shoes and a lunch! Hope to see some of you tomorrow!
Also, I'm hoping to see everyone out tomorrow night for Parent Night! I will begin a short presentation at 6:30 and promise to have you out by 7 at the latest Stop by to say Hi!

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Three days down...

We are well on our way into the school year!  3 days down..... How many more to go?  :)

We had our first assembly with Mr. Beatty today as well as our first Phys. Ed. class! (In the gym!)

I sent home a brown paper bag with students today to fill up with items from home that represent what they are all about!  We will begin our presentations of these bags early next week!  I cannot wait to see what we come up with!

Here is a video of us in action!  I am so proud that we are able to work like this so early on into the school year!

First Day of Grade 3!

We had a VERY busy day today in 3S!  When we were finally finished unpacking, there wasn't a lot of time left in our day!  Our afternoon was spent deciding upon some rules we'd like to have as a class this year.  We tried a carousel brainstorming activity, where all of us got to contribute some ideas for what the ideal student, teacher, friend, classroom and class should be like!  Take a look at some of the ideas we came up with!



Saturday, August 30, 2014

Welcome to 3S!


         I am excited to introduce myself to you!  I, Miss Schmelinsky have the pleasure of being a part of your child’s life as his or her Grade 3 teacher for the next 10 months.  I am somewhat new to Yorkdale, as I have spent my career teaching in Melville, however I was a student at this school myself! At Davison School in Melville, I taught primarily in grades 5 and 6, and I cannot wait to dive into Grade 3 with a new group of students this September! 

I convocated from the University of Regina receiving a B.Ed. in Elementary Education in 2011.  I am a Yorkton Regional High School graduate initially from Springside with a keen passion for music and technology.  My hope is to complete my Masters in Educational Technology within the next several years. 

The transition between grade 2 and 3 is a major step in terms of academics and social growth.  I will be challenging your child to be the best student, friend, and scholar he or she can be.  If at any point during this school year I have a concern with your child, I will not hesitate to let you know early on.  My number one priority is your child’s well-being.  With that being said, I ask that you, the parent, also contact me as early as possible if you foresee any problems or have any concerns with your child.  At the school, I have access to many resources and supports that I will use to ensure all students are as successful as possible and feel safe and welcomed in my classroom.

Like many teachers in this school, I will ask students to copy a daily message in their agendas to take home and have you sign. This is to ensure you are aware of important dates, assignments and other happenings in this classroom.  Although I understand that it may become monotonous to initial this book every day, I fully believe that this communication between you and I is a crucial part of your child’s developing organizational skills and also to alleviate stress, miscommunication and missed assignments or deadlines. I will be looking at these agendas on a daily basis, so please feel free to leave me a note at any time.

During the first few days of school the students of 3S will be deciding upon some rules we will follow throughout the school year.  I will let your child explain these to you once they have been determined.  I will be keeping track of student behaviour on a web based program called Class Dojo which you will be able to view once everything has been set up; keep an eye out for an invitation!
         I sincerely look forward to getting to you know you and your child and cannot wait to start learning together this year!  If you have any questions or concerns at all, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I check my e-mail on a regular basis and is probably the most reliable form of contact. I can get back to you via phone most days by 5:00.  You can reach me at christa.schmelinsky@gssd.ca or by phoning YCS directly at 306- 783-5412. 

Yours in Education,
Miss Schmelinsky