Hello families, 

Last weekend was a weekend of Remembrance. I trust your family had the opportunity to commemorate Remembrance Day in some meaningful way. It is not only an important time of recognizing those who served in the great wars, but also those currently in active duty in many forms keeping our country and communities safe. Participating in community services and talking about our freedom in child appropriate ways is important of instilling in our children an appreciation for peace and freedom. I know many families have connections to those who have served, or are serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Telling the stories and remembering them is an important part of family history, and honouring their service. 

Some highlights from last couple of weeks include:

• Remembrance Day – All classes engaged in meaningful discussions, activities and artwork related to Remembrance Day. We finished the week off with a student led assembly. Thanks to Mrs. DeSousa and Mrs. Corner for organizing and to our student leaders! Thanks to Trustees Shunter and Bremner for attending. 
• Fall Writing assessments– As part of our school plan we are working towards improving student learning in writing. By now most classes have completed their fall assessments as a baseline for where our students are as writers. There are a lot of great writing samples out there!
• Numeracy assessments and activities – As with literacy, we are focusing on our goal of improving numeracy for our students. Students have been engaging in hands on math, problem solving and games.
• Trafalgar big buddies and peer tutors – We have weekly big buddies and peer tutors who come from Trafalgar to help in our classrooms and build relationships with our students. It has been great to see them in and around the building, partner reading, helping with math or literacy, or playing games. 
• Nelson Leafs – We also have Nelson leafs who come weekly to support the learning in our intermediate classrooms. 
• Tea Party in Gr. ½ - Mrs. Bury’s class had a tea party last week to build classroom community and get to know parents. It was a great turn out and we hope you all had a great time!

A few reminders for you:

1. Student outerwear –Winter is here to stay! Please make sure that your child is coming prepared for the weather, whatever may come, during the day. It can be quite unpredictable, and often our classes go outside for significant parts of the day for outdoor learning. Students should have warm jackets, rain jackets, water proof shoes, etc.. Always better to be overprepared than not!

Some upcoming dates (you can also find these posted on our calendar: https://southnelson.sd8.bc.ca/events/calendar)

1. Dec. 6 – Learning Updates released in MyEdBC
2. Dec. 9-12 – Guessing Jar fundraiser
3. Dec. 12 – Winter Concert and celebration 1:30pm
4. Dec. 13 – PJ day
5. Dec. 17 – Santa’s Workshop
6. Dec. 20 – Last day of school

Finally, some family learning! 

Here are some resources to help you support the learning at home this week:

Did you know that November is Metis Awareness month? Here is a link to the Metis Nation within Alberta cultural resources. There are many great easy activities you can download to do with your family to learn more about the Metis nation

That’s it for now. 

Have a great week!

Mrs. Snell