Hello Mapleside Families,
Thank you for joining us at the Terry Fox Run and back-to-school picnic. With the incredible support of your families and friends, the students raised over $2000 for cancer research!
This week, groups of students were presented with The Black Strip, an impressionistic lesson that emphasizes the vast amount of time that has passed since the formation of the Earth, and the relatively tiny amount of time since humans emerged. To help create an impression of these 4.5 billion years, the material is intentionally so large that the classroom cannot contain it. It must be taken outdoors to be shown – all 30 metres of it. Several work groups continue to learn more about the elements and life in the oceans, and the whole class learned about trilobites during our weekly sing-along.
Our P.E. games connected the students to their geography work through movement, as they played States of Matter tag, a relay coordination game called Orbit, and a partnered balance game called Equinox. These games give an experience of the key planetary movements, what makes a year, the reason for the seasons, and the division of day and night.
To wrap up the school week, a group of students baked funfetti cookies to share with their journal groups before heading home for the weekend.
NOW OPEN! – Mapleside Spirit Wear Web Store
The first edition of Mapleside spirit wear is available to order online through West End Sports, a local, family business that has been serving Hamilton schools and community groups for many years. All students require one Mapleside t-shirt of any colour or design to wear during field trips, outreach projects, and community outings. Students can choose from a simple silhouette on a colourful t-shirt, or a collegiate mascot print on t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, and toques. Adult sizes are also available! Our first group order is due on October 2 for free delivery to the school around mid-October. Our second edition of spirit wear will be available in December, with new items and options for the full-colour school logo.
DUE Saturday, Sept. 26 – Scholastic Book Orders
Submit your order online by Saturday, September 26 using our class code RC144312. for free shipping and to earn bonus bucks for the classroom. When your order arrives, we’ll send it home with your child. Please let us know if you have any surprises in your order and we’ll hold it for discreet pick-up.
Tuesday, September 29 – Parent Workshop: A Spiral Curriculum
Parents are encouraged to join the classroom guides for a workshop on the process and benefits of using a spiral curriculum to deepen student learning. Guests are welcome to arrive at 3:45, with the workshop running from 4:00 – 4:45. Students who are not typically registered for extended care may join the program during parent events at no charge. RSVP by email to admin@maplesidemontessori.ca by Monday, September 28 to confirm whether or not we can expect you this time, and if your child will be staying as well.
Wednesday, September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Students can honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by wearing an orange shirt in recognition of the story of Phyllis Webstad, and the experiences of the many other Indigenous children who attended residential schools.
Thursday, October 1 – Upper Elementary Outing
Charlie, one of our senior students, has planned the first Upper Elementary outing of the school year – a fall woodland hike at Sassafras Point in Westdale. All students in Years 4 – 6 should be prepared with their Presto card for travel on the public bus. Students are welcome to carry a small water bottle as well as a peanut-free pocket snack such as dried fruit or a granola bar with them.
Important Dates Coming Soon
Friday, October 9 – P.D. Day, School Closed
Monday, October 12 – Thanksgiving Day, School Closed
Monday, October 26 – School Photo Day
Wednesday, October 28 – Brott Education Concert – ALL students will require a Presto card to travel to and from the performance.
