What an incredible couple of days of snowy fun we've had at school! Laughter echoed through the halls as students and staff embraced the winter wonderland that blanketed our grounds. 

A massive shoutout to everyone for relaying our snow day closure. You did a great job! We hope everyone stayed safe and warm at home.

As we thaw out and return to our routine, let's thank all parents for ensuring kids were bundled up and ready for the winter fun. Keep an eye out for future snow forecasts, as there might be more opportunities for snow-day fun! And don't forget to check for damp jackets – let's ensure everyone stays dry and toasty.

Exciting news! In our Learning Support Office, as part of the Feeding Futures Program. We now provide various nutritious foods, fresh fruits, oatmeal, and drinks to ensure our students stay energized. 

It's not just for those who need it. It has been utilized by those who have forgotten lunches, finished their lunch on the bus ride in, or need a pre-practice boost. Our goal is to keep our students fueled for success.

Prepare to get cozy on January 26th because it's time for Comfy Cozy Dress-Up Day! You can wear your favourite oversized sweater, wrap yourself up in warm, cozy pyjamas, and wear your comfiest socks. Remember to wear the toque and gloves your grandma knit for you - they'll keep you warm and stylish! If you don't wish to wear a comfy, cozy, and appropriate ensemble, you can still dress in our ever-so-stylish uniform.

Parents, grandparents, and family of our elementary students, you are invited to join us at the school on Friday, January 26th, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM for fun literacy activities! If joining our incredible elementary students for a time of fun literacy events wasn't enough (of course it is), we also will be enjoying Milk & Cookies! 

Date: Friday, January 26h
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

We are eagerly looking forward to your arrival!

But Wait There's More!
Join us after milk and cookies for our Parent Professional Development workshop, where we will delve into the crucial topic of mental health. Our very own Mrs. Kiri Erb will guide us through the significance of a Biblical foundation for mental well-being, along with Mr. Alex du Boulay, who will address the common challenge of anxiety.

The event runs from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. 

Dive into the world of learning with our Experience Kindergarten Event! Calling all parents with new kindy students – join us on January 25th or February 1st for an exclusive peek into the excitement of our classrooms. Secure your spot now and embark on the journey of a lifetime!

Make sure to check our website's ProD page periodically as we update it with new articles, book recommendations, and links to resources for you and your family.

To check it out use the link below!

Our students are embarking on an exciting mathematical journey. In next week's Math Bee competition, where we will be training daily and finishing with a riveting math bee extravaganza on Friday!

Date: January 22nd to January 26th, 2024

Throughout the school year, there are a variety of opportunities for students to shine in areas of their strengths and at Gaglardi, some of these opportunities are competitive. Next week, there is a school-wide K-9 math bee, and there is the science fair in less than a month. There will be awards for first, second and third placement and recognition on the stage at our Academy Awards.

For the math bee next week, students will be given a timed math activity each day. These are scored for accuracy and speed. The top students are invited to attend the math bee finals in the chapel on Friday morning, where they will compete for placement in their grades and beyond. 

Please note that daily practice in the classroom is required, but participation in the finals is optional. To help our students reduce anxiety about participating in a timed activity, it is explained that they are working to improve their own math skills and that participation in the finals is optional. The daily math bee activity is completed and corrected each day so that students know their goal for the following day. Recalling math facts, depending on the child’s grade, from addition facts to 20 times tables, is foundational for all future math. 

We generally prescribe 10 minutes of home learning per grade. Grade one students should be home reading, reviewing red words and playing math games to build their skills for a minimum of 10 minutes each evening. Grade 4 students should be reading for 15-20 minutes, practicing their multiplication skills (which will make division easier) and completing assignments that the classroom teacher sends home. This week, your home learning could be a math game after dinner, or it could include creating a science fair expo project if your child would like to extend their learning, research a passion and share it with others.

We all know consistency is the key to this success. Spending time building literacy and numeracy skills with your children is the side-by-side time your children crave - an investment guaranteed to bring emotional and academic success!