Dear all,
It sure is HOT! Be cool everyone; kids and teachers! We have definitely noticed an increase in poor behaviour choices, so take time with your kids to check in. Schedule some mindfulness - whatever you need to make it two more weeks!
I am currently writing this from Bangalore, cheering on all our swimmers who are doing an amazing job!
Thank yous and Recognitions
ES Coaches who spent last weekend in Mumbai - Rosario (basketball) and Ilona (swimming)
Dilip for the safe arrival of his baby boy
Everyone who came to view the screening of Screenagers
For your patience during the recent string of indoor recess times
Personal Leave
As per the handbook, personal leave cannot be granted during the first and last two weeks of school. Please know that unless there are extenuating circumstances, out of your control, we will no longer be able to grant any personal leave for the remainder of this year.
All remaining personal leave will get accrued into your total number of sick leave days for you to avail next year.
2017-18 Schedule
There will be a few changes to next year’s schedule. We’re planning to move the preschoolers into the cafeteria for lunch; because of space constraints that means we are going to be creating three (not two) lunch shifts: EY3 to Grade 1 (ES cafeteria), Grade 2 and 3 (ES cafeteria), Grade 4 and 5 (FAC cafeteria). This impacts some recess times as well. The basic schedule can be viewed here.
Common planning times will also be impacted due to losing both an art room and a music room in the renovation project. Teams will still have collaborative time dedicated to team meetings, but cannot be guaranteed two back-to-back 45 minute blocks. No planning time will be lost, but the periods are likely to be configured differently. Priority will be given to creating 5 grade level planning periods; after that, common planning time by triad will be prioritized.
Questions? Thoughts? See Lori ASAP.
From Donna: Regarding the Upper ES Swim Gala
Thursday, May 25th is the day of our Swim Gala which is the culminating activity for the Upper ES swim program this year. It is our hope that you will come to the pool with your class and bring your TA’s, as well. It is a GREAT opportunity to see your students’ success in an area outside of the classroom.
We are hoping to enlist your help during the 40 minutes that your class will be at the Gala. We would like teachers and TA’s to be on deck, at that time, to sit with students while they patiently wait to demonstrate their skills and watch others after they have completed their skills. We, the PE teachers and Aquatics staff, will be in the water guiding students as they show off their new skills. You may not be with all of YOUR students, as students will be divided into their levels, as explained in the next paragraph. Your presence is important to assure the smooth running of the program and we thank you.
Classes should be ready to go at their start time. Students will arrive in their swimsuits, as explained in our initial note about the Gala (changing in the bathrooms in your section). Students will arrive at the pool five minutes before their event begins, so we can get them settled and ready to go at their start time. This means that while grade 3 is finishing their last 5 minutes, Grade 4 will be entering the deck and be seated in the area of their swim level, which will be clearly marked. Changing time is NOT built into the 40 minute session. The dismissal whistle will be blown 2 minutes before the end of each session to allow students time to exit the pool so the next group will be able to get in at the beginning of their time. Teachers/TA’s and a lifeguard will then supervise in the changing rooms.
Grade 3 will use the MS/HS Boys and Girls changing rooms. The MS/HS students will be in class, so there will not be a conflict.
Grade 4 will can squeeze into the ES changing rooms, but it will be tight
Grade 5 will use the MS/HS changing rooms. The MS/HS students will be in class, so there will not be a conflict.
Students and teachers will enter the pool through the regular entrance from the PE hallway. Students will come on deck and be seated by their designated time. Students will carry their school clothes in a separate bag and deposit that bag in an area marked for their grade level, either Gr. 3, Grade 4 or Grade 5. This area will be to the left of the entrance door. Students will then go to their clearly designated swim level area on the deck, either Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 or Level 5. This is where we will want teachers to sit and monitor students who are waiting their turn or have completed their turn, while we lead the students in the pool through their activities. Chairs and shade will be provided for teachers and TA’s.
Here are a few reminders for you, your students and their parents:
Bring a swim kit which consists of: swimsuit, goggles, swim cap and towel (We apologize, but if a student forgets their essentials on this day we will NOT be providing substitutes. We only have a few suits of various sizes on hand and feel that providing for one child who forgets and not being able to provide for another is unfair. Also, there will be little time to sort that kind of issue out, given our squeezed schedule)
Parents will enter the pool deck through the open fence on the soccer field side of the pool. Bleachers will be set up on that side of the pool for them for their viewing pleasure. If you have Room Mother’s that you want to enlist in helping you that day, that is a great idea, but all other parents will be asked to stay on the bleachers. The field side of the pool is is sunny at that time of day, so they will want to wear hats. We also ask that parents go directly to their seats and do not come over to where the students are. They are welcome to cheer their children on from the bleachers and to speak with them after their child’s event is over.
Schedule:
8:45-9:25 - Grade 3
9:25-10:05 - Grade 4
10:05-10:45 - Grade 5
Scheduling notes:
3A and 3B will likely be late for their World Language classes at 9:30.
3D will be late for music with Shireen.
3C will stay following the Gala for PE with Nushrath.
At 10:15, 3B will return for PE with Nushrath.
We apologize for any disruption to your daily schedule and thank you for your support.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to direct them to any of us.
Swimcerely,
Donna, Velin, Jonathan and Rosario
Report Card Narratives - due to admin proofers by Wednesday 24 May (repeat announcement)
Weds 17 May
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faculty meeting dedicated to reports; time could be used for entering proficiency levels (B, D, A, E), writing narrative comments or for proofing a colleague’s narratives
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By Monday 22 May - 8am
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Narratives written on google doc and given to proofing buddy
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BY Weds 24 May 4pm
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report card narratives (google doc) due to admin for final proofing
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Thursday 25 - Tues 30 May
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Admin proof reports (will return as completed)
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By Monday 29 May 4pm -
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Reports returned to teachers, can begin entering narratives into skyward
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By Wednesday 31 May 8am
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All report information entered into Skyward
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Thursday 1 June
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Reports go live to parents
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Have a nice weekend!
Keryn & Lori
