Blue Group Christmas Party

As a group, we are trying to brainstorm what the students would like to see for their Christmas party this year.  We have created a long list of "must haves" for our party (be sure to check out our "Giggle of the Week" to see one boy's suggestion), and we will continue to fine tune the details shortly.  After this week, we only have 3 weeks to prepare, and when we only see the blue group every second day, it may add some extra challenges to the preparations!  We took a vote to decide on the date of the party, with most agreeing that it should be held on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 2:15. We hope you will be able to make it as all are invited to share in the festivities.

Stonecrest Snowsuit Fund

Stonecrest will once again fundraise to support the purchase of new snowsuits for local children.  This fundraiser will be held from Monday, December 1 to Friday, December 5, 2014.  Should you wish to support this initiative, we accept donations of money, or new winter clothing.  If you choose to write a cheque, please address it to “Stonecrest E.S.”.

Please note:  Due to storage limitations, we are no longer able to accept gently used winter wear.  Should you have used winter items that you wish to donate, may we direct you to your local donation box, or Value Village on Hazeldean Road.
In keeping with the spirit of the season, the staff at Stonecrest would prefer that families, who wish to purchase teacher gifts during this festive season, redirect their generosity towards this fundraiser.  Therefore, if you choose to make purchases, may we suggest new hats and mitts, or other winter wear, which we will donate to less fortunate families on behalf of our “Stonecrest Family.”  Should you choose to make a donation on behalf of a teacher/staff member, please feel free to use the tear-off tag at the bottom of the letter sent home this week.

Sticky Business

We have set out our magnets as well as a variety of objects which may or may not be attracted to the magnets. After reading a non-fiction book about magnets, we discovered and experimented with making other metal objects into magnets.  We made a sewing needle into a magnet, and even a pair of tweezers! One child explained that it was like when you rub a balloon on your hair, and then it picks up things! Be sure to ask your child what they know or discovered about magnets. If you have any skills or expertise about special magnets, be sure to let us know, we'd love to hear from you!

Shapes

   

As mentioned earlier, we have begun discussing shapes.  In the French class, the students are learning the names of the 2 dimensional shapes.  In the English class, they are learning about the names and attributes of the 3 dimensional shapes. We watched a video that uses both 2 and 3D shapes to make a roller coaster.  The students love the you tube video of Shawn the Train and his roller coaster adventure.  If you would like for your child to see it at home, please go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBUjH2KJns4.

Shapes, shapes, shapes

We will begin talking about 3 dimensional shapes. Today, we worked with our reading buddies to create a variety of 3 D shapes. Then together, we built a 3D shape person. It started out as a man, but as the day progressed, they began to accessorize and our he turned into a she. In the end, we named her "Sal the old shape Pal". Hopefully, you will hear your child talking about cylinders, cones, pyramids, prisms and spheres soon. We will be talking about these until Christmas.

Firefighter visit

Today, our local volunteer firefighters came to Stonecrest. They kindly gave their time to visit students and discuss fire safety, and what an outfitted firefighter looked like. Then, a highlight, we got to visit the firetrucks in the snow. Even Sparky made a visit.

Show your Stonecrest Spirit

It is that time of year once again when we are offering Stonecrest school clothing for sale.  The online store is now open and available for business.  Please note that there is a $5 shipping fee on all orders and items are shipped to the school.  The order deadline is fast approaching (Nov. 20), so be sure to visit the store right away!  Please go to https://shop.riddellathlete.com/stonecrestclothing2014 to view all the new and exciting items available. If you have any questions about the items, please don't hesitate to ask.

Magazine Fundraising Reminder

 Just a reminder from our School council that the deadline for ordering magazines through the QSP fundraiser ends next week.  The deadline for placing orders is next Wednesday, November 12. Please remember that the revised code is 3727948.  Thanks to our hardworking, dedicated School Council members!

Smart board/smart kids

We recently had a portable smart board wheeled into our classroom. It has been a lot of fun to play educational number and letter games in such a BIG, kinaesthetic way!

Dem bones, dem bones

We have been continuing our slightly spooky theme of bones, skeletons and skulls into November. We have talked about animals that are vertebrates and invertebrates. They have had the opportunity to match animals and x Rays. In the science centre and the arts centre, we have continued our explorations.

Smile

On Wednesday, Nov. 5, the photographers will return to Stonecrest.  If you wish your child to have retakes done, please let me know.  Since the classes had not been split the last time they were here, we will be taking class photos at that time.