News from our Elementary Principal, Ben Voborsky
Hello GAA Community,
It has been a great start to the school year and the Elementary program continues to be full steam ahead. Thank you to all the parents that responded to the Back to School Night Survey. The feedback was so positive:
The amount of time was enough in my child's homeroom class?
Agree 90%
The information shared by the teachers was beneficial.
Agree 100%
Did you enjoy being able to choose between different single subject teachers and parent engagement sessions?
Agree 80%
The event was the right length.
Agree 90%
I liked the meet and greet with the administration, GAAPA, and parent engagement representatives before going to the classrooms.
Agree 90%
What did you enjoy about the parent Back to School Night?
If you have not had the opportunity to have a look at our 2015-2016 Elementary Curriculum webpage, please have a look when you have a few minutes and you could also review the following curriculum documents:
KG1 Programme of Inquiry
KG2 Programme of Inquiry
G1 Programme of Inquiry
G2 Programme of Inquiry
G3 Programme of Inquiry
G4 Programme of Inquiry
G5 Programme of Inquiry
GAA Drama and Dance Curriculum Framework 2015-2016
GAA Grammar Continuum 2015-2016
GAA Language Arts Curriculum Framework 2015-2016
GAA Mathematics Curriculum Framework 2015-2016
GAA Music Curriculum Framework 2015-2016
GAA PSPE Curriculum Framework 2015-2016
GAA Visual Arts Curriculum Framework 2015-2016
Mike Hopaluk, PYP Coordinator, Sofia Lyons, Vice Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, shared one of their first PYP sessions on Monday. In case you missed it you will be able to find out more below.
Did you know you can link the GAA Google Calendar to your own? If you are having issues, please see one of our ICT team for assistance or email Brian Farrell, [email protected], GAA IT Director.
Have an enjoyable weekend,
Ben Voborsky
Elementary Principal
It has been a great start to the school year and the Elementary program continues to be full steam ahead. Thank you to all the parents that responded to the Back to School Night Survey. The feedback was so positive:
The amount of time was enough in my child's homeroom class?
Agree 90%
The information shared by the teachers was beneficial.
Agree 100%
Did you enjoy being able to choose between different single subject teachers and parent engagement sessions?
Agree 80%
The event was the right length.
Agree 90%
I liked the meet and greet with the administration, GAAPA, and parent engagement representatives before going to the classrooms.
Agree 90%
What did you enjoy about the parent Back to School Night?
- Very informative sessions.
- Classroom presentations.
- Got to know the management felt free to discuss issues. Got to know in depth what goes in class.
- Meeting the teachers without the stress level at drop-off/pick-up
- To get to know the teachers and to notice an embracing environment.
- These results demonstrate what an excellent job our teachers did! As GAA is focused on continuous improvement, we have taken your suggestions and areas for improvement feedback into our planning for the 2016-2017 Back to School Night and it will be even better next year.
If you have not had the opportunity to have a look at our 2015-2016 Elementary Curriculum webpage, please have a look when you have a few minutes and you could also review the following curriculum documents:
KG1 Programme of Inquiry
KG2 Programme of Inquiry
G1 Programme of Inquiry
G2 Programme of Inquiry
G3 Programme of Inquiry
G4 Programme of Inquiry
G5 Programme of Inquiry
GAA Drama and Dance Curriculum Framework 2015-2016
GAA Grammar Continuum 2015-2016
GAA Language Arts Curriculum Framework 2015-2016
GAA Mathematics Curriculum Framework 2015-2016
GAA Music Curriculum Framework 2015-2016
GAA PSPE Curriculum Framework 2015-2016
GAA Visual Arts Curriculum Framework 2015-2016
Mike Hopaluk, PYP Coordinator, Sofia Lyons, Vice Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, shared one of their first PYP sessions on Monday. In case you missed it you will be able to find out more below.
Did you know you can link the GAA Google Calendar to your own? If you are having issues, please see one of our ICT team for assistance or email Brian Farrell, [email protected], GAA IT Director.
Have an enjoyable weekend,
Ben Voborsky
Elementary Principal
News from our PYP Coordinator, Mike Hopaluk
This past Tuesday, GAA hosted the first "Curriculum & Coffee” parent information session of the school year. The Elementary Vice Principal, Sofia Lyons, and I led two sessions that facilitated discussions and collaborative activities centred around the PYP and the IB Learner Profile.
Parents began by brainstorming characteristics of what they would like to see in the ‘ideal’ child and the ‘ideal’ student. Many of the parents shared that they think these characteristics would be ‘happy’, ‘respectful’, ‘resilient’, ‘open-minded’, ‘confident’, ‘inquirer’ and ‘kind’- amongst other traits. The parents were then asked to read the IB Mission Statement and the IB Learner Profile descriptors. This activity allowed the parents to recognize a number of similarities between what they would like to see in their children and what we, as a PYP school, have embedded in our teaching and learning. After that wonderful session, the parents were given some information about the PYP Programme Model and the Essential Elements of the PYP.
Parents began by brainstorming characteristics of what they would like to see in the ‘ideal’ child and the ‘ideal’ student. Many of the parents shared that they think these characteristics would be ‘happy’, ‘respectful’, ‘resilient’, ‘open-minded’, ‘confident’, ‘inquirer’ and ‘kind’- amongst other traits. The parents were then asked to read the IB Mission Statement and the IB Learner Profile descriptors. This activity allowed the parents to recognize a number of similarities between what they would like to see in their children and what we, as a PYP school, have embedded in our teaching and learning. After that wonderful session, the parents were given some information about the PYP Programme Model and the Essential Elements of the PYP.
The sessions were concluded with a Visual Thinking activity where parents were asked to finish the statements “I used to think…” and “Now I think…”. This allowed parents to reflect on their own learning during the session and their own growth in their understanding of the PYP at GAA.
We would like to thank all the parents who attended these events and ask that you keep an eye and ear open for the next ‘Curriculum and Coffee’ session in a couple weeks.
Regards,
Mike Hopaluk
PYP Coordinator
Regards,
Mike Hopaluk
PYP Coordinator
GRADE 2
In grade 2 we have been getting to know each other and practicing our daily routines. Students have been tuning in to our new unit of inquiry exploring ‘who we are’ through our central idea ‘beliefs and values shape who we are and how we interact with others’. They have been reflecting on some of their beliefs and values.
Students in Grade 2 have been demonstrating their confidence and communication skills when they shared their Bag Biographies with their class. Students brought in objects to show something about themselves, about their family, and about their home countries.
In writing students have begun their journey as Grade 2 writers. They are excited to begin sharing their ideas with their peers. Students have been open -minded to each other’s ideas. They have been exploring how to pick a ‘just right book’ in reading to help develop their independence.
Helen Bruce
Grade 2B PYP Educator
http://tiny.cc/gaa-g2
Students in Grade 2 have been demonstrating their confidence and communication skills when they shared their Bag Biographies with their class. Students brought in objects to show something about themselves, about their family, and about their home countries.
In writing students have begun their journey as Grade 2 writers. They are excited to begin sharing their ideas with their peers. Students have been open -minded to each other’s ideas. They have been exploring how to pick a ‘just right book’ in reading to help develop their independence.
Helen Bruce
Grade 2B PYP Educator
http://tiny.cc/gaa-g2
GRADE 3
In grade 3 we have been exploring developing a positive attitude and growth mindset. Students have been tuning in to our unit of inquiry exploring ‘Who We Are’ through our central idea ‘Taking ownership of learning empowers us.’ They have been thinking about some of the challenges and responsibilities they have at both school and at home.
Students in Grade 3 have been demonstrating their thinking and self-management skills when they were given a variety of challenges to complete. These challenges incorporated a number of skills that not all students would have been comfortable with. At the end of each task, they reflected on how they felt during the challenge and why they felt this way.
In writing students have begun their journey as Grade 3 authors. We have begun our Writers Workshop by focusing on ‘small ideas’ and elaborating on them in our pieces. Students have been excited to share their ideas with their peers. They have been open-minded to each other’s ideas and have been showing respect by listening to others when they share their pieces of writing. Students have also have been exploring how to pick a ‘just right book’ in reading to help develop their independence.
This has been a fabulous unit to start off the year!
Sincerely,
The Grade 3 Team
Students in Grade 3 have been demonstrating their thinking and self-management skills when they were given a variety of challenges to complete. These challenges incorporated a number of skills that not all students would have been comfortable with. At the end of each task, they reflected on how they felt during the challenge and why they felt this way.
In writing students have begun their journey as Grade 3 authors. We have begun our Writers Workshop by focusing on ‘small ideas’ and elaborating on them in our pieces. Students have been excited to share their ideas with their peers. They have been open-minded to each other’s ideas and have been showing respect by listening to others when they share their pieces of writing. Students have also have been exploring how to pick a ‘just right book’ in reading to help develop their independence.
This has been a fabulous unit to start off the year!
Sincerely,
The Grade 3 Team
Percussion performance Workshop
A percussion performance workshop will be offered to GAA students (grades 3-12) starting October 25 from 3:00pm-4:00pm. This will be a yearlong program that will meet every Sunday in room 165. (25 students Max)
The goals of this workshop will:
Both parents and students must agree to the following terms:
If your child is interesting in participating in the Percussion Performance Workshop, please fill out the form @
https://docs.google.com/a/gaa-ad.com/forms/d/1atmHspjAO5gfeYxLEggRoi8_MAUPyXy8pC8W55CWdoQ/viewform
The deadline for completed forms is October 7. Students will be scheduled to tryout on the following dates: October 14, and October 21.
The goals of this workshop will:
- Strive to give students the knowledge and discipline they need to fully realize their creativity and to enhance their sense of their cultural identity in the context of a wider world.
- Create opportunities that will foster students’ ability to think critically and creatively about the music-making experience.
- Provide students with learning opportunities that will instruct them not only in percussion techniques, but also in music theory and composition.
- Offer opportunities for students to perform their own compositions and arrangements for the community.
- Present learning experiences in which students are expected to be willing participants to these opportunities and strive for excellence.
Both parents and students must agree to the following terms:
- Must have good attendance (that includes punctuality).
- Must make a commitment to work.
- Must meet the challenge of playing instruments.
- Must take good care of the instruments.
- Must be a good listener and follow directions.
- Must find time to practice.
- Must be respectful.
If your child is interesting in participating in the Percussion Performance Workshop, please fill out the form @
https://docs.google.com/a/gaa-ad.com/forms/d/1atmHspjAO5gfeYxLEggRoi8_MAUPyXy8pC8W55CWdoQ/viewform
The deadline for completed forms is October 7. Students will be scheduled to tryout on the following dates: October 14, and October 21.
Hello All,
In PE this unit, Grades 1 and 2 are swimming away in the pool!
During this unit, students are using swimming activities to learn how they interact with others through performance. Through games they are learning about the roles and responsibilities of a team member in the water. They are also working on stroke technique, fitness and diving. We look forward to seeing what they can achieve.
Want to spend some time swimming with your child?
Here are some fun and engaging things you can do with your child to help them get more confident and comfortable in the water:
Beginners
Intermediate
Whatever activities you do, have fun with them. Your child will learn to love swimming through YOUR LOVE OF SWIMMING. Even if you don’t love swimming, spend time doing other things in the pool. Try playing basketball, or have a catch, or even play keep away, anything to get them comfortable in the water.
Yours Truly,
PE Team
In PE this unit, Grades 1 and 2 are swimming away in the pool!
During this unit, students are using swimming activities to learn how they interact with others through performance. Through games they are learning about the roles and responsibilities of a team member in the water. They are also working on stroke technique, fitness and diving. We look forward to seeing what they can achieve.
Want to spend some time swimming with your child?
Here are some fun and engaging things you can do with your child to help them get more confident and comfortable in the water:
Beginners
- Play diving games – grab some fun water toys and have fun rescuing those submerged objects.
- Float Around – take a flotation device (i.e. noodle or board) and lounge around the pool together. Make sure to practice front and back floats.
- Stream Line Swimmer – Have fun practicing a streamline push off the side of the pool and see how far you can go without using your arms. A streamline push off is arms forward, head down, body straight.
Intermediate
- Practice strokes – some of the main strokes we focus on in Grades 1 and 2 are the Crawl (or front) stroke as well as the Back Stroke.
- Practice Breathing – help your kids find a breathing rhythm when they swim. This will help their focus, their control, and allow them to swim for greater distances while losing less energy on water drag.
- Tread Water – one of the most important things for young swimmers to learn is how to stay on one spot while swimming. Try and have them improve their treading abilities. The key phrase with treading is “Egg Beaters”. Students should make circles with their arms and legs in the water. Keep those heads above water.
Whatever activities you do, have fun with them. Your child will learn to love swimming through YOUR LOVE OF SWIMMING. Even if you don’t love swimming, spend time doing other things in the pool. Try playing basketball, or have a catch, or even play keep away, anything to get them comfortable in the water.
Yours Truly,
PE Team
Health and Safety at GAA
Microwaves.
In our goal to continue to improve the health and safety features of our school all the microwaves that are currently in the 1st grade classrooms will be removed on October 1. This is so that students will have the full twenty minutes to either eat the lunch brought from home or the lunch purchased from school. When teachers are asked to warm up ten or more lunches this reduces the time significantly that those students have for eating. If your child prefers a warm lunch the school catering company offers healthy nutritious lunches. Alternatively students could bring in their food in a thermos that will keep their food warm.
Microwaves.
In our goal to continue to improve the health and safety features of our school all the microwaves that are currently in the 1st grade classrooms will be removed on October 1. This is so that students will have the full twenty minutes to either eat the lunch brought from home or the lunch purchased from school. When teachers are asked to warm up ten or more lunches this reduces the time significantly that those students have for eating. If your child prefers a warm lunch the school catering company offers healthy nutritious lunches. Alternatively students could bring in their food in a thermos that will keep their food warm.
News from our KG Vice Principal, Sally Potts
Dear KG Parents,
Our KG1 and 2 classes have had a wonderful week writing in our Writer’s Workshop. Watching little ones learn to communicate their joy, ideas and thoughts through pictures and language is marvelous. Many children at this age are using squiggles, initial consonants or random letters as they begin the process of writing. You can celebrate with them by asking them to “read” their story to you. It is an important way to help them understand that their writing has meaning. Our teachers have assessed our students to establish a baseline and are working with them in the “workshop” to foster their abilities as writers. Thank you for working with us on this journey.
Sally Potts
Vice Principal KG
Dear KG Parents,
Our KG1 and 2 classes have had a wonderful week writing in our Writer’s Workshop. Watching little ones learn to communicate their joy, ideas and thoughts through pictures and language is marvelous. Many children at this age are using squiggles, initial consonants or random letters as they begin the process of writing. You can celebrate with them by asking them to “read” their story to you. It is an important way to help them understand that their writing has meaning. Our teachers have assessed our students to establish a baseline and are working with them in the “workshop” to foster their abilities as writers. Thank you for working with us on this journey.
Sally Potts
Vice Principal KG
KG1A
Wow we have been busy bees this week in KG1A after starting our first unit of inquiry!!! Our central idea is everyday we learn about ourselves. The focus this week is on our physical characteristics, particularly concerning the head, neck and shoulders focusing on eye and hair color. Each student took a long look in the mirror and made a self -portrait. We played lots of fun games such as I spy and blind mans buff.
Wow we have been busy bees this week in KG1A after starting our first unit of inquiry!!! Our central idea is everyday we learn about ourselves. The focus this week is on our physical characteristics, particularly concerning the head, neck and shoulders focusing on eye and hair color. Each student took a long look in the mirror and made a self -portrait. We played lots of fun games such as I spy and blind mans buff.
KG1B
KG1B have settled into the class routines and are building friendships, learning how to share and developing those all important social skills. The children enjoy using the play dough to strengthening their finger muscles whilst making snails, trains, cupcakes and some even made faces and bodies, their creativity knows no bounds.
KG1B have settled into the class routines and are building friendships, learning how to share and developing those all important social skills. The children enjoy using the play dough to strengthening their finger muscles whilst making snails, trains, cupcakes and some even made faces and bodies, their creativity knows no bounds.
KG1C
KG1C
We have been very busy learning about ourselves in KG1C. We inquired into measurement and explored different ways we can measure each other. We figured out who is the longest, who is the shortest, and who is the longest in the class. Great job KG1C!
KG1C
We have been very busy learning about ourselves in KG1C. We inquired into measurement and explored different ways we can measure each other. We figured out who is the longest, who is the shortest, and who is the longest in the class. Great job KG1C!
KG2G
Kg2-G singed and danced their way through another great week of school! Who knew learning could be so much fun? Play dough was used to help us explore numbers and alphabets, we were up to our necks in shaving cream as we spelled out our sight words, and sored to new heights using the blocks to measure ourselves. I wonder what the next week will bring?
Kg2-G singed and danced their way through another great week of school! Who knew learning could be so much fun? Play dough was used to help us explore numbers and alphabets, we were up to our necks in shaving cream as we spelled out our sight words, and sored to new heights using the blocks to measure ourselves. I wonder what the next week will bring?
KG2H
This week in KG2H we have been learning about whom we are and our role in our family. The students had the opportunity to engage in different learning activities that showcased themselves and their families. We reflected on our important attributes and things that made us special and how our family fit into our lives. We incorporated math and language learning into our PYP unit and enjoyed fun and engaging activities. Can’t wait to see what the next week will bring!
This week in KG2H we have been learning about whom we are and our role in our family. The students had the opportunity to engage in different learning activities that showcased themselves and their families. We reflected on our important attributes and things that made us special and how our family fit into our lives. We incorporated math and language learning into our PYP unit and enjoyed fun and engaging activities. Can’t wait to see what the next week will bring!