Dear Sunnyside School Families, 

I hope you had an enjoyable long weekend. It appears that the cold weather will persist, leading to some indoor recesses. Please be reminded that students will still go outside when the temperature reaches -20°C with the windchill.  

Lunchroom 

This week will serve as an adjustment period, with classes eating lunch in their classrooms. This arrangement allows students in grades 1 and 2 to access materials they enjoy during indoor recess. Next week, students in grades 3-6 will be eating lunch in the courtyard, which will also provide teachers with the opportunity to run clubs in the classrooms.  Please stay tuned for additional information and letters from teachers in the coming weeks. 

Lunch Time Activities 

Sports related activities have been set up for students in the gym during the cold snap. Thank you to teachers that have donated some of their lunch time to supervise!  

Gymnastics 

Starting Tuesday, February 18, Sunnyside students will begin a fun gymnastics-based Physical Education and Wellness unit! Over the next few weeks, we'll be progressing through activities like floor exercises, mats, benches, small apparatus, and the Canadian Climber. Safety will always come first, and we’ll make sure to go over important CBE rules and guidelines with students each day. There will be a zero-tolerance policy for misbehavior to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind as students get ready each morning:

  • Students with long hair should have it tied back. We have a limited number of hair ties available if they forget. 
  • Watches, jewelry, and other decorative items should be removed. Small stud earrings are okay. 
  • Students should wear either bare feet or shoes, and 'grip socks' (like the ones from indoor play places) are also fine. 
  • Please dress for movement—hoodies will need to be taken off, and shirts should be tucked in. 

Self-Regulation and Problem Solving 

Elementary school age children often have difficulty finding solutions to their problems independently. A Problem-Solving Wheel, also known as the Wheel of Choice or Solution Wheel, can be a valuable tool to help students of all ages learn how to resolve conflicts and challenges with more independence. It provides a visual guide to offer students choices for calming down when upset or resolving conflicts with others.

Students have been learning about the Problem-Solving Wheel and all members of staff, including lunchroom supervisors. have a copy to refer to when supporting students. By using the Problem-Solving Wheel, students from kindergarten through grade 6 can develop essential problem-solving skills and learn how to manage conflicts in a constructive way. 

Questions that we may ask when working with students and referring to the visual include: 

  • What strategy/ies have you tried? 
  • What can you try next? 
  • What actions can you take that will make the problem smaller (instead of bigger)? 

If you would like to try this at home, please find a copy of the Problem-Solving Wheel here: 

Problem Solving Wheel

Also, a blank template to work through solutions to common problems at home (like those that may occur between siblings): 

Problem Solving Template


Web link for more information: https://www.speechtherapystore.com/problem-solving-wheel/ 

Thank you so much for your ongoing support as we provide exciting movement opportunities for Sunnyside students! 

Warm regards, 

Ms. Muir 

Looking Ahead

February 19 Fun Lunch, Grade 1 vaccinations for those that have arranged it with AHS 

February 21 International Mother Tongue Day 

February 26 Pink Shirt Day, Be Brave Hitman Hockey Game 

February 28 No School for Students, Professional Learning Day for Teachers 

March 6 Council Meeting 6:00 

March 19 Fun lunch (last day to order is March 14  www.healthyhunger.ca) 

March 20, 21 Student Involved Conferences 

March 24-28 Spring Break, School Resumes March 31