Communication

I would like to begin by introducing myself as your

childs English teacher. I am very excited to be
teaching the grade two and three class and would like
to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me
the privilege of working with your child. Your childs
French teacher is Mme Boyer. Our resource partner is
Mrs. Whattam.
Volunteers will be needed to work with the students
in different capacities. If this is something that
interests you please indicate so during the upcoming
parent information night.
Each month you will receive a newsletter and
calendar electronically through the class website. In
addition to class information, please reference the
school on-line website and student portal to keep
informed.
The agenda is an important communication tool. The
children record homework in it from Monday to
Thursday. The agenda is checked daily for notes and
should also be checked and initialed nightly by parents.
If needed, I can also be reached through the school
by telephone at: 613-834-6334.
Reading and Writing
The most consistent homework will be nightly
reading. It is expected that students record what
they have read in their respective reading folders and
return it to class every second week so their progress
can be monitored. Reading in grade two continues to
focus on the decoding of new words. In grade three,
students are expected to read more difficult books
and novels. A big emphasis on comprehension and being
able to make inferences and connections with what is
being read stands for both grades. Your child will also
have the opportunity to write using many different
formats this year. They will be expected to spell word
wall words and theme words correctly. They will also
be taught to expand their writing capabilities by using
more complex sentences and overall content as the
year progresses.
Mathematics
The focus in mathematics is to learn through a
combination of explicit instruction and inquiry method.
Your child will experience practical applications using a
variety of strategies and manipulatives to gain a
better understanding. During the first term both
grades will work in the areas of building their

knowledge of numbers, sorting and patterning and data

management. Children will use a notebook to record
what they have learned or work on larger sheets of
paper so that they can explain their solutions and gain
knowledge through the consolidation method. As
always the grade three students will have varied
expectations in each strand based on the curriculum.
At home, it is helpful to play board games involving
numbers and card games or the card and dice games
that will be provided on curriculum night. Some
additional math related activities will be sent home
from time to time. The students in the grade three
class will also have fairly regular homework in
mathematics in an effort to practice for EQAO type
questions.
Science
The first grade two unit in science under
Structures and Mechanisms, focuses on Simple
Machines and how they make work easier for us. Grade
three students will focus on Forces Causing Movement
within the "Understanding Matter and Energy" unit.
Religion
This year the grade two students will have the
opportunity to receive two sacraments Reconciliation
and First Eucharist. Parents are always anxious about
the process involved in receiving the sacraments but
rest assured that Divine Infant Parish will provide
information and meetings to support you throughout.
For families with children not yet baptized and wish to
be a part of the Catholic faith please contact Divine
Infant Parish at 613-824-6822 for further
information. Grade three students will be following
their program entitled, "In the Spirit We Belong". The
beginning focus is for students to gain a better
understanding of their uniqueness.
Parting Notes
I strongly suggest that each child brings a change of
clothes. (The clothes should all be labeled and kept in
a bag on a hook at school.) All students must have a
pair of indoor running shoes.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have
any questions or concerns. I look forward to a
wonderful and exciting year.
Yours in education,
Mrs. Katherine Shaw