Monday October 31, 2011

I can't believe I saw snow this morning !!! Almost winter.  2Bs worked in their Yesh Lanu Llama workbooks and 2As were busy in the computer lab on Rosetta Stone.  Remember that we are in the middle of our magazine subscription fundraiser.  Our first draw will be tomorrow morning (Tuesday) where we will have the draw for the crazy light up glasses.  Good luck to everyone who has sold magazines and is entered in the draw.

Friday October 28, 2011

Thank you to everyone for your cooperation this week in our temporary room.  Room 24 is now finished being painted and it is ready for us to be back in it on Monday.  It looks great !  A BIG thank you to Mr. Napier and his team for doing such a fantastic job.
Please make sure that your child has their Yesh Lanu Llama book in their Homework Folders EVERY DAY !  We have been using it daily in class, and I wan them to continue reading at home.  I would like every student to have at least one star on the Hebrew reading chart in my room by Winter Break (60 min = 1 star).
Enjoy your weekend.

Wednesday October 26, 2011

Thank you to all parents who came to Parent-Teacher Conferences this past Monday and Tuesday.
Because our room is being painted, until further notice the grade 2 Hebrew classroom will be room 22 (next door).
Today we began our Yesh Lanu Llama reading comprehension books.  We are taking a close look at vocabulary words and creating our own dictionaries in class.  Students need to remember to have their Yesh Lanu Llama Reading books in their Homework folder every day. Continue reading them at home, but we will need them to complete our workbooks.
Here is what the book looks like, in case you have forgotten:

Wednesday October 19, 2011

In case you haven't heard, today we launched the Magazine Subscription fundraiser.  Students took home an information package that hopefully answers a few questions.  Money raised goes to Student Council who then decides where they would like to use the money.  The `09-`10 Student Council decided to purchase new Volleyball uniforms with the money.  The `10-`11 Student Council donated money towards the building of the new playground.
Tonight begins the holiday of Shmini Atzeret where we ask G-d to ensure that Israel gets the rain it needs this coming winter season.  Tomorrow night Simchat Torah will begin.  We are excited to end and immediately restart the cycle of the reading of the Torah.  Because of the holidays, there is no school this Thursday and Friday.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday and Tuesday at school (no classes).
It will be a whole week until I see my grade 2s again :(

Monday October 17, 2011

Just a reminder that tomorrow is a non-uniform day.  We are supporting Miriam's Well which is run by Jewish Child and Family Services here in Calgary.  Please bring in a non-perishable (if possible Kosher) food item for donation.  Thank you to everyone for supporting this cause.

Please make sure that students are dressed warmly for outdoor recess.  Its getting colder outside so dress appropriately.

Happy Sukkot

Wednesday October 12, 2011

We had a fantastic time at our field trip today.  We were privileged to meet the author and illustrator of the Franklin series of books.  They shared how Franklin came to be and all about their careers.  Students who brought books with them, were able to have them autographed.  Very exciting.  We also had the two copies that the CJA library has of the Franklin books in Hebrew autographed.    Wishing everyone a Chag Sameach as Sukkot begins tonight.  Don't forget, Monday is individual Picture Day.

Sukkot & Simchat Torah videos

I just found a varitey of great short clips all about Sukkot and Simchat Torah on the Chabad.org website.
http://www.chabad.org/multimedia/media_cdo/aid/746719/jewish/Sukkot-Simchat-Torah-Videos.htm
Thought it was worth a look.

Tuesday October 11, 2011

Hi everyone,
I hope you all had a meaningful Yom Kippur and an excellent Canadian Thanksgiving. I want to remind you that our field trip to Wordfest is tomorrow.  Please make sure the students are wearing their fomal uniform.  Since we won't be at school during our normal snack time, we will be bringing snacks with us.  Please pack snacks that are labelled with the student's name (eg. if you are packing an apple for snack, please put it in a baggie and write your child's name on it).  This will make the entire process easier.  We are being picked up by the bus at 9:00 sharp, so make sure that everyone is on time tomorrow.
Have a good night.

Wednesday October 5, 2011

Today students took home their first Hebrew textbook called  יש לנו למה (Yesh Lanu Llama = We have a Llama).  Students should be feeling excited about the book, it is at their level. Please keep the book in their homework folders so that we can use it at school and they continue recording Hebrew reading minutes at home.  After Sukkot, we will be using this book to complete the Yesh Lanu Llama reading comprehension book.  Students will gain confidence in their reading abilities through repeated readings of the book.  Please take care of the books and continue reading !

Tuesday October 4, 2011

Today at dinner ask your child what they did today (2B) yesterday (2A) with a rubber chicken.  Also check out the pictures we drew that are hanging outside room 24 of us doing Kaparot.

New Maccabeats Video

Ok, so I am a huge fan of the New York based accapella group from Yeshiva University called Maccabeats.  Thank you to my former students who told me about this today.  I'm pleased to share it will all of you.  גמר חתימה טובה May you be inscribed in the Book of Life.

Monday October 3, 2011

I hope that everyone had a relaxing and renewing Rosh Hashana.  Today we finished learning all of the Hebrew script letters.  YAY !!!  We will continue to practice and each letter as the year progresses.  Please remember to bring in field trip permission forms ASAP and hand in Picture Day forms if you would like a certain pose or background color.