Gordon TerraceNews

December 2016

Principal’s Message

Dear GT Families,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our grade 6 students, Mrs. Levang, Ms. Andrew and every single person out there who helped make our Nepal Christmas sale such a success from making items for the sale to attending and purchasing. We raised, $6000.00. All money will go to our Gordon Terrace school in Nepal helping children and families with supplies and support for their education. Also, this money will go toward helping families rebuild their homes destroyed in the 2015 earthquake.

I’d also like to take some time to thank our wonderful parent and community volunteers who give of themselves to support our students and our school. From 1:1 Reading to accompanying classes on field studies; breakfast program to helping out with classroom activities; joining us at assemblies and events to attending meetings; organizing hot lunch to making items for the Nepal Sale… and so much more! From all of us at GTES to all of you, we say a big thank you for all you do for our school.

Best,

Michelle

Learning is Treemendous!

Collaboration sessions have begun and teachers are working together creating projects and inquiry that promotes students to question and tap into their curiosities.

Our new ipads have been in hot demand with Stop Motion animations of body systems, animal studies, andmath exploration. Students are asking questions and using these tools to engage deeply and creatively into their learning. Other fantastic learning over this month has included outstanding journal writing, guided reading groups, real-life math, outdoor learning, inquiry-based projects, hands-on projects and cooperative learning in small and large groups. Also, we have had the pleasure of Ktunaxa Story telling with Joe Pierre. Thank you, Joe Pierre!

Reading continues to be a strong focus at GT with a variety of supports and ideas to improve literacy and to foster the joy of reading. Here are a group of students working together on their stories, supporting each other in their learning.

Lastly, thank you to the parents who joined us for our parent night regarding Communicating Student Learning. This is an exciting time in education where we have more flexible options for children to show their learning and for us to communicate their strengths, areas to work on and how we can support them. Please feel free to contact us here at GT any time to discuss your child’s learning.All information was sent home via email!

Events and Reminders

Mass Choir: Wednesday, December 7th

Mass Choir will be held at the Alliance Church at 7:00pm.

Concert Band: Monday, December 19th

Please join the Gordon Terrace and Highlands School Band here at Gordon Terrace at 7:00pm. Students and Mr. Dureski have been working very hard for this great annual event.

Primary Christmas Concert: Thursday, December 22nd

  1. Full Dress Rehearsal: 9:00-10:15am. All classes will watch and parents and family members are WELCOME to come and watch too, especially if the afternoon time does not fit with their schedules.
  2. Performance: 1:30-2:40pm. Once the Primary Concert is done, all classes will return to the gym to join in a family sing-a-long!

PAC News:Check out ourHot Lunch Munch-a-lunch program on GT PAC Facebook Page or GT school website under Parents for more information and/or contact the school. PAC meeting will be Monday, December 12th at 3:15 in the lunch room.

Kindergarten Registration!

February 1, 2017 will mark the opening for Kindergarten registration for the 2017-2018 school year. More information coming in the New Year!

Intramurals: Grades 4-6

Intramurals begin for these grades starting next week. First up: European Handball!

Elf Jr. Musical

On December 9th, the school will experience this wonderful performance by Parkland Middle School. Students will be bussed there and back in time for school dismissal and buses.

Mini-Libraries:

We have three new mini-libraries in our school where students are encouraged, with parent input, to bring books from home to donate and then take a book off their library shelf to enjoy. Thank you Mrs. Molnar for adding these great resources to our school.

Dates to Remember

December / 5 / Pro-D day
7 / Mass Choir
7 / DQ Sale
9 / Elf Jr. Musical 1:00-2:30
16 / Red and Green Day
19 / Band Concert
21 / Primary Christmas Concert
19-22 / Communicating Student Learning Week!
Winter Break: December 26 – January 6, 2017
January / 9 / School Back in Session
9 / Kindergarten Registration Begins
11 / DQ Sale
12 / Mathathon Begins

Happy Winter Break to you all!