A common activity within elementary school classrooms is circle time. It is a valuable time to connect with one another, and practice using everyday language such as saying “hello.” We integrate different inclusive technologies so that all students can express themselves. In our classroom we have students who use augmentative communication devices, picture symbols, sign language and spoken language. As part of our circle time, we integrate curricular outcomes such as demonstrating a positive caring attitude towards others, and demonstrating interest and persistence in learning activities as part of the Health and Life Skills Curriculum. It is part of our modified programming that we partake in group activities and attend to tasks as a group. This not only facilitates group work that we do later in the day, but also supports table time behaviours that become important for meal time expectations.
When students first come for Circle Time they transition with the same song each morning. This facilitates easier transitions and independence with the transition. Independence is another important part of our programming. In Circle Time we say hello to one another, and then have students identify if they are at school or at home. This builds the students' vocabulary, and is a great way for them to settle into school mode and classroom expectations. We focus on days of the week and the weather as vocabulary building. Learning these are also valuable for when we focus on how to dress appropriately for different seasons. To support student engagement we integrate songs into the Circle Time routine. Students are excellent at sharing and taking turns, which is another large focus of not only our modified programming, but also the Health and Life Skills Program of Studies.
Upcoming important dates:
- Thursday, Dec 5, parent-teacher conferences from 4-8 pm.
- Friday, Dec 6, parent-teacher conferences from 8am-1pm. No school for students. Please contact me to book your time slot if you have not yet done so!
- Wednesday, Dec 11, Family Winter Celebration (see invitation below)
Lastly, please see the following important message from our principal:
RE: LOCKDOWN PRACTICE & Safety Procedures
November 28, 2019
Dear Cambrian Heights School Families,
The safety of all students and staff of Cambrian Heights School is of great importance. To that end, we have been working to establish appropriate safety measures for the various situations that may occur and affect our staff and students. Fire drills are a long-standing expectation of everyone who congregates in a setting such as a school. We are required to have a minimum of six fire drills each school year. Our students and staff treat each drill as though it was the real thing and we are very proud of their performance during those drills. Teachers keep class lists with them during all drills and attendance is always taken. Parents or other visitors are expected to evacuate the building when the fire alarm is sounded.
It is a reflection of the changes in our society that we must add variations to our safety drills. We are going to practice a drill known as a “lockdown” on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. The teachers will be instructing students regarding their role during a drill of this kind. No one is allowed to enter or leave the building during a lockdown procedure.
As we continue to refine our school safety procedures, other safety precautions we now have in place include:
§ Locking All Doors
§ A Fan Out Procedure – has been established to ensure clear and swift communication with parents in the event of an emergency.
§ Visitors – are expected to register at the office
§ Volunteers – must complete a Police Information Check (PIC) and wear nametags at all times
§ Substitute Teachers – are provided with emergency information upon entering the school.
Teachers are trained in first aid and have thoroughly reviewed emergency plans with the children. We appreciate your support in these very important matters.
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