For February, we challenge each other to practice more kindness, more love, more understanding toward others AND toward yourself. Spread some extra warmth and light during this month. The days are getting longer and the promise of spring is around the corner.
Important Information
Safety
Dress for the weather! Brrrrr! It is brisk outside! Please make sure your students are bringing all their layers! We try to go outside whenever we can and we need to be prepared for all the seasons…in a day! This week is Winter Walk Day, and many classes have a walk planned. Recess will be outside unless it is colder than -20 Celsius.
Valentine’s Day
This week is Valentine’s Day. We will recognize Valentine’s Day at school on Wednesday, February 12. Students are welcome to share valentines with their classmates. We ask that students bring a Valentine for all students in their class if they decide to participate. We also remind families that we are not sharing food and treats at school so please refrain from sending these to school on Wednesday or other days of celebration.
Donations | What do we need?
We have several things ‘on the go’ around the school. We have a wonderful community that is very resourceful and helpful. If you, or someone you know, are looking to clear some of items, please check with us, as we would love to take a look. Here are some that we are looking for:
- Loose Parts / Maker Space items: If you are looking to get rid of a button collection, wine cork collection, pool noodles, feathers, pop tab lids, milk jug lids, pennies, stir sticks, cool rocks (polished or ‘jewels’), etc., that you have a lot of – we will take it! We use these items for counting, sorting, creating, writing, and much more.
- Lego: We LOVE Lego and are currently building a Lego Table/Wall. If you have any Lego that you would like to donate to the school – please know it will be well loved and appreciated.
- Clothing – various sizes: Sometimes kids have accidents and may not have a change of clothing with them. We do keep some clean/lightly used clothing in the office so that kids can change, stay at school and are comfortable.
We are looking for pants (all sizes), and new socks and/or underwear (all sizes) to restock our emergency cupboard. - Early Learning Games/Toys/Puzzles/Puppets: These items are used in classrooms during recess on Blue Days (when it is colder than -20 C and we stay inside), and for learning. Uno, Mastermind, Chess, Battleship, etc., are popular.
- Crafty stuff such as full balls of yarn, ribbon, fabric, crochet/embroidery needles and hoops, scrapbooking stuff, wood pieces, marbles, etc.
- Seasonal decor: Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter – we do it all! Please check with us if you are refreshing your décor!
- Costumes (Adult: Santa/Mrs. Claus/Elf Suit; blow-up costumes; mascots)
From the Office
Kindergarten Registration continues. Confirmation of registration will be sent to our registered families starting the week of February 17. If you know of families who are still waiting to register their Kindergarten child, please ask them to do so as soon as possible. Parents can find information on kindergarten registration on our website at: https://chaparral.cbe.ab.ca/
In addition to this, please hold the date for our Kindergarten Orientation on May 29 at 6:00pm.
Volunteering at Chaparral School
If you have completed your Police Check and our annual volunteer registration you are eligible to volunteer at our school. Please email the school at chaparral@cbe.ab.ca is you would like to come in on a regular basis. We are always looking for support to complete odd tasks throughout the school.
From our School Council
Our next School Council meeting is Thursday, February 20 at 6:30pm.
Please plan to come out, learn more about what is happening at the school and participate in important decision making. Teachers will be attending these meetings to give a short update related to what is happening in their grade. February’s teachers will be the Grade 6 team. This month, the school administration will be sharing our School Development Plan information with our school community. We encourage everyone to attend.
Fun Lunch/Fun Snacks & Spirit Days
Our next Fun Lunch day is February 20. It is Subway. This can be purchased on the Healthy hunger website at www.healthyhunger.ca. Order deadline to order lunch is Saturday February 15.
Spirit Day
Our next Spirit Day is Thursday, February 20. It is Twin Day! Choose a friend or two and dress alike. It may be called ‘Twin Day’ but it can include many more if you wish. If you don’t know who you want to dress like, choose a teacher and dress just like them.
Weekly Mantra
Spread Kindness and Love
(SEL Competency – Relationship Skills & IELLF – Heart Domain)
During this special week, let’s focus on spreading love and kindness to everyone around us. Whether it’s a friend, teacher, or family member, a little bit of kindness can make a big difference!
Month at a Glance
We have moved to a Month at a glance calendar rather than in the weekly updates. It will be provided at the beginning of the month each month and updates will be posted on our website as they occur.
Please check our website for calendar updates. You can subscribe to it and the updates will go straight to your phone!! You will always be in the know!
In Recognition of the Multi-Cultural Calendar, we acknowledge the following Dates of Significance for February