News From the Elementary Principal
Dear Community,
Following on from last weeks school successful wide assemblies, GAA’s anti-bullying/kindness week was in full swing. From pinky pledges to integrated units of study, bullying prevention and the continued focus on the IB Learner Profile continued to be highlight in our classrooms and across GAA. Intertwined with the IB Learner Profile, GAA uses the Second Step program in your child’s classroom. The Second Step Program teaches students important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. We are encouraging all community members to be on board and parents engage their students at home. All parents should be receiving the appropriate home link for all 5 Bully Prevention Unit lessons that can be reviewed with your child. The following link is the Grade 1 example.
http://secondstep.org/Portals/0/G1/BPU/Lesson_Materials/Home_Links/G1_HomeLinks_All_BPU.pdf
If you have any questions regarding this please contact your classroom teacher and ask you child about:
Be Safe.
Be Respectful.
Be a Learner.
I would like to thank Laurie Socolow, GAA Learning Support and Literacy Advisor, who led an excellent parent engagement workshop on Words Their Way this week to assist supporting learning at home. She is always will to share her passion for literacy and other GAA programs with all community members. Please keep an eye out for more of Laurie’s engaging workshops throughout the year.
It is that time of year again and on October 30th, GAAPA will be holding its annual Harvest Festival, celebrating the changing season and providing the children with a fun activity after school. Please support The Harvest Festival as it is run solely on the time and donations of GAAPA, the GAAPA executive committee, and other parent volunteers. This event provides an opportunity for children to have a great time playing games and collecting candy. For the parents it provides a great platform to meet one another and I know the entire GAA community can help in making this a successful event once again this year.
Have a great weekend,
Ben Voborsky
Following on from last weeks school successful wide assemblies, GAA’s anti-bullying/kindness week was in full swing. From pinky pledges to integrated units of study, bullying prevention and the continued focus on the IB Learner Profile continued to be highlight in our classrooms and across GAA. Intertwined with the IB Learner Profile, GAA uses the Second Step program in your child’s classroom. The Second Step Program teaches students important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. We are encouraging all community members to be on board and parents engage their students at home. All parents should be receiving the appropriate home link for all 5 Bully Prevention Unit lessons that can be reviewed with your child. The following link is the Grade 1 example.
http://secondstep.org/Portals/0/G1/BPU/Lesson_Materials/Home_Links/G1_HomeLinks_All_BPU.pdf
If you have any questions regarding this please contact your classroom teacher and ask you child about:
Be Safe.
Be Respectful.
Be a Learner.
I would like to thank Laurie Socolow, GAA Learning Support and Literacy Advisor, who led an excellent parent engagement workshop on Words Their Way this week to assist supporting learning at home. She is always will to share her passion for literacy and other GAA programs with all community members. Please keep an eye out for more of Laurie’s engaging workshops throughout the year.
It is that time of year again and on October 30th, GAAPA will be holding its annual Harvest Festival, celebrating the changing season and providing the children with a fun activity after school. Please support The Harvest Festival as it is run solely on the time and donations of GAAPA, the GAAPA executive committee, and other parent volunteers. This event provides an opportunity for children to have a great time playing games and collecting candy. For the parents it provides a great platform to meet one another and I know the entire GAA community can help in making this a successful event once again this year.
Have a great weekend,
Ben Voborsky
News from the Elementary Vice Principal
Dear GAA community members,
This has certainly been an exciting week. On Sunday, we kicked off our Anti-Bullying campaign. In Elementary, our focus has been on educating our students how to identify bullying, as well as how to handle these situations. We hope to give our students the necessary tools they need in order to be part of positive behavior culture whether it is in our school or another school in the future. Classes have been spending some time going through the Second Step program. This is an ongoing process that we will continue to focus on with the assistance of our counselors and the Positive Behavior Committee.
Dear GAA community members,
This has certainly been an exciting week. On Sunday, we kicked off our Anti-Bullying campaign. In Elementary, our focus has been on educating our students how to identify bullying, as well as how to handle these situations. We hope to give our students the necessary tools they need in order to be part of positive behavior culture whether it is in our school or another school in the future. Classes have been spending some time going through the Second Step program. This is an ongoing process that we will continue to focus on with the assistance of our counselors and the Positive Behavior Committee.
On Tuesday we welcomed a number of performers from Dubai’s Virgin Radio, including Chris Fade, Big Rossi, Priti Malik, and Brent Black. Students from Grade 3,4 and 5 were able to attend an assembly that focused on acceptance, tolerance and understanding, with some fun thrown in. The Virgin Radio team also took the Pinky Pledge. This is part of our Anti-Bullying week that GAAPA is running. As you can see, members of GAAPA were excited to have the Virgin Radio take part.
In the upcoming weeks, we will be running MAP testing for students in Grades 2,3,4 and 5. MAP stands for Measures of Academic Progress. The results from these tests help us to inform our instruction by identifying areas of strength or weakness in each of our students. They also allow us to see progress or trends over time as we run these tests during the Fall and Spring testing windows. Students in Grade 2 will be tested in Reading, Language Usage and Math, while students in Grade 3,4 and 5 will be tested in Reading, Language Usage, Math and Science. Kind regards, Josh Doubleday Vice Principal Elementary |
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IB PYP Learner Profile Of the Month
What is an IB PYP School?
It is a school that, regardless of location, size or constitution, strives towards developing an internationally minded person.
What is an internally minded person?
It is a person who demonstrates the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.
The aim of the IB PYP is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
IB PYP Learners strive to be inquirers, communicators, caring and more in their goal to become internationally minded.
In conjunction with our Culture of Kindness, we are keen for our students to develop the IB Learner Profile, inside and outside of the classroom. Therefore we would like to ask our parents to support our goal and encourage your child to develop these attributes. Every month, we will be posting ideas in the newsletter that you can share with your child to develop their IB Learner Profile. If you have questions about the IB Learner Profile, please do not hesitate to speak with your classroom teacher or the IB PYP Coordinator, Sofia Lyons.
What is an IB PYP School?
It is a school that, regardless of location, size or constitution, strives towards developing an internationally minded person.
What is an internally minded person?
It is a person who demonstrates the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.
The aim of the IB PYP is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
IB PYP Learners strive to be inquirers, communicators, caring and more in their goal to become internationally minded.
In conjunction with our Culture of Kindness, we are keen for our students to develop the IB Learner Profile, inside and outside of the classroom. Therefore we would like to ask our parents to support our goal and encourage your child to develop these attributes. Every month, we will be posting ideas in the newsletter that you can share with your child to develop their IB Learner Profile. If you have questions about the IB Learner Profile, please do not hesitate to speak with your classroom teacher or the IB PYP Coordinator, Sofia Lyons.
IB PYP Learner Profile for October is CARING
Students will develop empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Activities for Parents:
• Role model the caring behavior you would like to see in your child all the time. Using kinds words, helping people without being asked, being an active listener, always show you care about people.
• After reading a book, spend time considering how people in the book acted. Was someone caring? All of the time or just some of the time? Were all the characters in the book caring or were just some of them?
• Practice random acts of kindness. Simple things like holding the door for someone or helping carry bags shows that you are aware of others and want to help them.
Students will develop empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Activities for Parents:
• Role model the caring behavior you would like to see in your child all the time. Using kinds words, helping people without being asked, being an active listener, always show you care about people.
• After reading a book, spend time considering how people in the book acted. Was someone caring? All of the time or just some of the time? Were all the characters in the book caring or were just some of them?
• Practice random acts of kindness. Simple things like holding the door for someone or helping carry bags shows that you are aware of others and want to help them.
News From The Classrooms
In this unit, your child will learn specific skills to help stop bullying. Students will learn how to:
• Recognize when bullying is happening, report bullying to a caring adult, and refuse to let bullying happen • Be a bystander who helps stop bullying
• Support someone being bullied by standing up for that person and being kind and inclusive
• Recognize, report, and refuse cyber bullying when they see or know about it happening
In addition, your child will bring home simple, fun activities called Home Links. These activities give your child another chance to practice his or her skills for handling bullying. They will also help you understand what your child is learning about bullying and how you can assist your child if he or she needs to respond to bullying. These home links will be emailed to you by your child’s homeroom teacher.
• Recognize when bullying is happening, report bullying to a caring adult, and refuse to let bullying happen • Be a bystander who helps stop bullying
• Support someone being bullied by standing up for that person and being kind and inclusive
• Recognize, report, and refuse cyber bullying when they see or know about it happening
In addition, your child will bring home simple, fun activities called Home Links. These activities give your child another chance to practice his or her skills for handling bullying. They will also help you understand what your child is learning about bullying and how you can assist your child if he or she needs to respond to bullying. These home links will be emailed to you by your child’s homeroom teacher.
For bullying prevention to work, everyone at school needs to be involved. All of our staff will get special training in how to:
• Recognize and respond to bullying
• Support children who have been bullied
• Correct behaviors of children who are bullying
• Use strategies that support a positive school and classroom climate
And we need your help, too! Get involved in making our school a safe and respectful place by letting us know if you hear about bullying at our school. Make sure your child knows to tell you or someone at school if he or she is being bullied, or if he or she knows about someone else being bullied. Give your child the clear message that it is never okay to bully others.
If you have any questions about the Bullying Prevention Unit or the Second Step program, please contact our counselors or Josh Doubleday, the program coordinator. For more information on our school’s anti-bullying policy and specific procedures, please check our Elementary Community Handbook or contact the school office. Thank you for helping us make our school a safe, respectful place where everyone can learn.
Sincerely,
Your GAA Counseling Team
• Recognize and respond to bullying
• Support children who have been bullied
• Correct behaviors of children who are bullying
• Use strategies that support a positive school and classroom climate
And we need your help, too! Get involved in making our school a safe and respectful place by letting us know if you hear about bullying at our school. Make sure your child knows to tell you or someone at school if he or she is being bullied, or if he or she knows about someone else being bullied. Give your child the clear message that it is never okay to bully others.
If you have any questions about the Bullying Prevention Unit or the Second Step program, please contact our counselors or Josh Doubleday, the program coordinator. For more information on our school’s anti-bullying policy and specific procedures, please check our Elementary Community Handbook or contact the school office. Thank you for helping us make our school a safe, respectful place where everyone can learn.
Sincerely,
Your GAA Counseling Team
Kindergarten Corner
What's cooking in the KG Kitchen lab?
This week KG students made their own cheesy crackers from scratch. The are an easy homemade alternative to store bought crackers that can be made with your child. If you want to try making these at home, scroll through the pictures for step by step instructions. Here are the ingredients you will need:
8 oz. (just less than one block) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
¼ tsp. salt
1 cup flour
2 Tbsp. water, iced
This week KG students made their own cheesy crackers from scratch. The are an easy homemade alternative to store bought crackers that can be made with your child. If you want to try making these at home, scroll through the pictures for step by step instructions. Here are the ingredients you will need:
8 oz. (just less than one block) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
¼ tsp. salt
1 cup flour
2 Tbsp. water, iced
Inside the Kindergarten Music Classes
News From The Elementary Drama and Dance Department
Drama and Dance (Grades 3, 4, and 5)
All students must have their lines memorized by November 11, 2014. The plays can be accessed on the following links:
Grade 3 Script – Goldilocks and the Three Bears
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AwP9shJ7CTWeap1V6qWgMzv0WV-eDiVFEnZlUdwp-hw/edit?usp=sharing
Grade 4 Script - Cat’s Party
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s_6KecjRhloHePBxRqHLC_A2WAX2bqPTx8hkIhwnC_M/edit?usp=sharing
Grade 5 Script – Peter and the Wolf
https://docs.google.com/document/d/109AWA2_JVFHdOXJfhXXK4jur_Wzl8_tKleQM1hKfNjk/edit?usp=sharing
Auditions for the Elementary Talent Show!! (Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)
An audition sign-up sheet will be posted outside of the dance studio, room 104. The sign-up sheet will remain posted from October 19th – October 23rd. Students must receive an appointment to audition. Those who audition can present a section of their planned performance; they do not have to show their full performance. Please ask Ms. Kalokoh any questions [email protected]
Please Note: The actual talent show for Grades 1 and 2 is scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2014, 1:30-2:55pm. Grades 3, 4 and 5 will have their talent show on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 1:30-2:55pm.
Drama and Dance (Grades 3, 4, and 5)
All students must have their lines memorized by November 11, 2014. The plays can be accessed on the following links:
Grade 3 Script – Goldilocks and the Three Bears
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AwP9shJ7CTWeap1V6qWgMzv0WV-eDiVFEnZlUdwp-hw/edit?usp=sharing
Grade 4 Script - Cat’s Party
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s_6KecjRhloHePBxRqHLC_A2WAX2bqPTx8hkIhwnC_M/edit?usp=sharing
Grade 5 Script – Peter and the Wolf
https://docs.google.com/document/d/109AWA2_JVFHdOXJfhXXK4jur_Wzl8_tKleQM1hKfNjk/edit?usp=sharing
Auditions for the Elementary Talent Show!! (Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)
An audition sign-up sheet will be posted outside of the dance studio, room 104. The sign-up sheet will remain posted from October 19th – October 23rd. Students must receive an appointment to audition. Those who audition can present a section of their planned performance; they do not have to show their full performance. Please ask Ms. Kalokoh any questions [email protected]
Please Note: The actual talent show for Grades 1 and 2 is scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2014, 1:30-2:55pm. Grades 3, 4 and 5 will have their talent show on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 1:30-2:55pm.
Don't Forget
Tuesday 21st October - Breast Cancer Awareness
Thursday 30th October - Professional Development Half Day, School Closes at 12pm
Thursday 3oth October - Harvest Festival
Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th November - 3 Way Conferences, there will be no school for students as teachers will be meeting with parents over the two days
Tuesday 21st October - Breast Cancer Awareness
Thursday 30th October - Professional Development Half Day, School Closes at 12pm
Thursday 3oth October - Harvest Festival
Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th November - 3 Way Conferences, there will be no school for students as teachers will be meeting with parents over the two days