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Happy Holidays to all!  Our class had an exciting week together.  Lots of special treats and celebrations were had during this week.  The children have been enjoying the winter weather.  Brrrrr it has been cold!

On Tuesday we created some secret gifts that will be given to the families in January as we welcome winter.  We talked about how the season is still Autumn, but it sure feels like winter.  The children were all measured again and some have really grown!  In French, we have been ‘studying’ the story Bonsoir Lune (Goodnight Moon).  If you have this story, feel free to read it and ask your child to name some of the objects in French.  They know the bunny, the lamp, the moon, the stars and many more!

On Wednesday, we had my Birthday Celebration.  I will turn ?? later in December!  My mom, Wilma, and my sons, Cameron and Trevor, joined the B3s and Pre K for Morning Meeting.  I shared a photo album that my mom made for me.  It was filled with pictures of me growing up.  Everyone knows that my favorite color is pink.  I was so pleased and surprised to see  many of the children wearing  pink.  In the morning, I was also surprised by the children who presented me with a beautiful plant arrangement, a photo of me and the class at Ioka and a pink birthday balloon.  Cameron read my favorite story, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and for snack I shared pretzels.  The party continued after lunch when I passed out ice cream sandwiches.  What a yummy day!   Thank you all for a memorable day.

We also had our Peer Readers vistit and read some really great books to us.  The children are creating some fantastic friendships with the Second grade children.  We will be continuing our peer reading into the new year!

 On Thursday, we had our Winter Solstice Party.  We talked about the fact that the first day of winter, or Winter Solstice, will happen on Monday, December 21st.  We explained that it is the shortest day of the year and that many animals that do not hibernate need food during the cold winter.  We also told them the air is growing colder and it usually snows more frequently.  In the morning, we made birdseed necklaces by stringing Cheerios onto yarn, spreading it with Crisco and then rolling them in birdseed.  Once our gifts to the birds were complete, we went outdoors and hung our birdseed necklaces on the lilac trees near the playground, so that we will be able to watch the birds.  During French, the children had great fun watching the popcorn pop in the air popcorn maker.  Thank you to everyone who sent in refreshments.  After lunch, we enjoyed hot chocolate, popcorn, and chocolate cupcakes.

Thank you to everyone for the awesome camera, the donations to our parties and your time volunteering during our ‘celebrations’!  I hope you all have a great break and enjoy the new year!

Joni

The Winter Olympics will be held this year in Vancouver, British Columbia, February 12 – 28, 2010.   The Olympic Torch Relay began on October 30 and will arrive at the site on  February 12.  The flame begins in Olympia, Greece the site of the first Olympic Games.   It travels more than 45,ooo kilometers.    In physical education class we will be learning about the history of the Olympics, the countries participating, the events, and numerous other interesting elements pertaining to this exciting time. Stay tuned for more information.

As part of the January 4 Professional Development Day, beginner and intermediate blogging workshops will be held from 8:30–10:30. Please click here to sign up for a workshop and to make any suggestions for topics you’d like to see covered. You may also just fill in the form below.

We had a lot of fun this week.  Mixed in with our work, we also found time to finish some special holiday gifts for some special people.  The children put lots of time and effort and love into them.  I hope you enjoy them!

Our week ended with a spectacular class party.  A huge THANK YOU goes out to Cara and Jenny for organizing such a  festive end to our week, and also thanks to everyone who made or sent in food and/or came in and helped!  There was an enormous assortment of delectable treats and drinks – all delicious!  During the party, a trio of carolers, dressed in clothing from  a century ago,  stopped by to sing for us.   The children sat spellbound, enjoying familiar tunes sung with terrific harmonies by terrific voices.  We thank Sharon Smullen for inviting the carolers to BCD.  Our afternoon was filled with good music, good spirits, and good food.   Thank you again, Jenny and Cara, for giving us such a fabulous party!

We return to school on Tuesday, Jan 5.  The first  Ski Friday will be Jan. 8.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, filled with happiness.  See you in 2010!