May 15, 2026
Hello Families,
Important Dates
May 15 – Non-instructional Day
May 18 – No School (Victoria Day)
May 25-28 – Ball Hockey & Flag Football Residency in PE
May 28 – Kindergarten Orientation for 2026-27
Growing Into Grade 1 Together
As we begin preparing for the exciting transition to grade 1, our kindergarten students have been participating in opportunities that help build confidence, independence, and strong connections within our school community. Throughout the coming weeks, students will continue visiting different learning spaces, connecting with students and staff members across the school, and strengthening positive relationships throughout the school.
These experiences help students feel comfortable and excited about the next step in their learning journey while developing a strong sense of belonging within our school community. Along the way, we have been focusing on important skills such as kindness, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving as students learn to work and play with a variety of peers, partners, and buddies throughout the school.
It has been wonderful to see students growing in confidence, developing new friendships, and showing excitement about becoming Grade 1 learners. I am so proud of the growth, resilience, and strong community spirit our kindergarten students continue to demonstrate each day!
Little Learners & Big Dreams
This week, kindergarten students explored the question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” through a visual journal activity. Through drawing, conversation, and early writing, students shared their future dreams while learning about the important roles people have in our community. We saw future teachers, veterinarians, firefighters, artists, doctors, athletes, and more!
This activity supported oral language, creativity, early writing, identity, and community awareness. Students loved sharing their ideas, listening to others, and celebrating the unique dreams within our classroom community. It was wonderful to see their excitement, confidence, and imagination shine.
You may wish to continue the conversation at home by asking:
What is interesting about that job?
How does that job help others?
What would you practice to help you do that job one day?
Alphabuddies: Growing Readers & Leaders (Daily 7:50-8:00am)
Our kindergarten students have loved welcoming their Grade 4 “Alphabuddies” into the classroom each morning for literacy learning activities. Together, students practiced letter recognition, matching uppercase and lowercase letters, identifying beginning sounds, and building confidence with early reading skills.
The Grade 4 students demonstrated wonderful leadership, patience, and encouragement while supporting our young learners. Through learning games, kindergarten students strengthened foundational literacy skills while also building meaningful connections with older students in our school community.
Many of the Grade 4 students were previously in my Grade 1 and 2 classes, which has made this experience especially meaningful. It has been wonderful to see their excitement and eagerness to be leaders and role models for our kindergarten students. I have never seen so many students hustle to get to kindergarten each morning! Their enthusiasm, kindness, and commitment to helping others are making a positive impact on our classroom community... kinders often have 2 buddies at a time and feel like they are celebrities!
Kindergarten Self-Reflection
This week, kindergarten students also explored self-reflection through a special partnership with grade 5 students. Together, students discussed friendship, kindness, teamwork, and what it means to be a positive member of our classroom community.
Using simple reflection pages, students reflected on skills such as the following:
Sharing with others
Using kind words
Working together
Helping friends
Our Grade 5 buddies showed outstanding leadership and kindness while supporting students through this activity. Kindergarten students loved sharing their thinking and celebrating their growth. Thank you to Ms. Braat and the Grade 5 students for making this meaningful experience so special!
Have a wonderful weekend!
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