Dear Sunnyside School Families,
What Happens on Non-Instructional Days?
Friday was a non-instructional day where staff engaged in professional learning centered around the Math and English Language Arts curriculum and high impact teaching and learning strategies. We are implementing flexible groupings in all classrooms based on the principles of the Science of Reading, an evidence-based body of research that outlines how humans learn to read. It emphasizes that reading is a complex skill that requires explicit instruction in various foundational areas, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The research highlights the importance of teaching children the foundational skills in a systematic, structured way to ensure they can decode and understand written text effectively. It also stresses that early intervention is crucial to prevent reading difficulties later on. Students will be grouped according to the skill they need to strengthen or develop next while continuing to engage with grade level curriculum. For more information, please engage your classroom teacher in conversation.
School Council Meeting Thursday 6:00 PM
All are welcome. Ms. Vertone will be sharing a teacher update on behalf of grade 1,2. Ms. Muir will be engaging in discussion about the School Development Plan and gathering input to inform next year.
Swimming this Week
We are excited to announce that students will be participating in Swimming Lessons at the City of Calgary’s Renfrew Pool this week. If you find that you are running late in the morning and may miss the bus, please contact the office for information on how to meet up with your group.
- 8:40 – 9:55 Kindergarten & Grades 1-2 (Room 7) Teachers: Mrs. Boyer & Mrs. Tokovenko
- 9:10 – 10:45 Grades 5 & 6 (Rooms 5 & 6) Teachers: Ms. Lang & Ms. Betcher
- 9:55 – 10:35 Grades 3 & 4 (Rooms 3 & 4) Teachers: Mr. Millar & Ms. Jones
- 10:50 – 12:00 Grades 1 & 2 (Rooms 8 & 9) Teachers: Ms. Richard & Mrs. Vertone 10:50 – 12:00
Helpful Tips for a Smooth Swimming Day
- Start with a good breakfast to fuel up for the lesson, and don’t forget to pack a healthy snack and water for after swimming.
- Wear comfortable, easy-to-change clothes that will make the transition in and out of the pool quicker and easier.
- Layer the swimsuit under regular clothes for a faster change. Remember to pack underwear to wear after swimming and extra socks in case they get wet.
- Bring a towel to dry off, and a hairbrush or hair elastic if needed for drying and styling and some skin cream for those that may get itchy after being in the pool.
- Pack a separate reusable bag (different from their school bag) to take items to/from the pool and store wet items after the lesson.
- At home, dry and prepare the swimsuit and towel as soon as possible so they’re ready for the next day.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to this wonderful week of swimming for our students!
Warm regards,
Ms. Muir
Looking Ahead
February 3-6 Whole school swimming
February 6 School Council Meeting 6:00 at Sunnyside School. Grade 1, 2 sharing
February 7 Grade 1-6 swimming
February 13 – 14 Teachers Convention (professional learning) No School for Students
February 14 Last day to place Fun Lunch orders www.healthyhunger.ca
February 17 Family Day, No School
February 19 Fun Lunch, Grade 1 vaccinations for those that have arranged it with AHS
February 26 Pink Shirt Day, Be Brave Hitman Hockey Game
February 28 No School for Students, Professional Learning Day for Teachers