As most of you know, my eldest son died on January 13, 2016. I am not sure when I will resume teaching our class. Barry Bartlett, for the time being, will continue to be the classroom teacher. If my absence is prolonged then you will, of course, be advised about the teaching situation.
My family is so grateful for all the support and understanding that our community has given us. To say that my life is shattered is grossly understated. I have three more children that I want be present for. I know also that many people grieve for loved ones and I am only beginning to understand that shared experience. I trust that the class is going well and I do want to get back to work but only when I am fit and ready.

We are heading into the latter part of the first term. There are a few updates about coming events:
• Thursday, Nov. 18 craft making in the morning (also photo retakes)
• Thursday, Nov. 26 pizza day sponsored by Lightfoot class
• Thursday, Dec. 3 Goldstream
• Wednesday, Dec. 9 Fulford Creek monitoring in the morning
• Tuesday, Dec. 15 Concert
We have started practicing our skit "Noel" with Mary Freeman
There are other events happening which will be added as they come up. Whole school events are usually on the Fulford School calendar.
Please make sure that your child has a change of clothes, inside shoes suitable for wearing in the gym, and boots or solid shoes for outside. It is muddy!

A few important dates coming up!
• Wed. Nov. 4 - We are walking to the Fulford Estuary for the afternoon. Parents are welcome. Contact me if you want to come along and be involved in our scientific study of the estuary.
• Tues, Nov. 10 - Ganges field trip (Swim, Remembrance Ceremony at GISS, and play at Artspring)
• Dec 3 - Goldstream field trip with K-1 class

Just a few updates:
Thursday is pizza day. Our class is sponsoring it and thank you for all the prompt orders.
If any parents have time to help on Thursday that is appreciated. Please call or email.
Other important dates:
•
• Nov. 10 Remembrance Ceremony at the High School, we are going (updates to follow)
• Dec. 3 Goldstream Field Trip (updates to follow) Parents are welcome
• Parent help is always encouraged. Please contact me!
• Keep reading at home with your children, the reading logs are up to date. Thank you!

Just a few updates:
The students have been asked to bring a sock for their dried apple puppet. This is not a new or fancy sock, just a lonely clean used sock that we will use to make the body for the puppet. Please don't fret, we will have extras. We will also soon be doing our science monitoring in the Fulford estuary with Cate McEwen.
In Math, we are working on place value and regrouping.
I have been very impressed with our class in a group commitment to work on fitness. This can be shown very clearly in our active bar graph in the hallway where we keep track of our laps run around the soccer pitch.
Great job, everyone!

You child should have brought home a home reading log today. What should your child read? Hopefully, something enjoyable but also "just right". This means challenging and engaging choices but not material that requires frequent prompts and frustration for the reader. We can work out appropriate books brought from the school that will work for the reader.
Most forms have been returned regarding our field trip to Cusheon Cove next week. Thank you!
We are having a pre-session with our Conservancy coordinator on Thursday. Also this week:
• Bus safety on Tuesday before lunch play
• Making dried apple monsters Tuesday afternoon
• Wednesday early dismissal (11:30) There are still sign up times for Wednesday afternoon but we can also work out other times to meet

We are starting to make characters out of dried apples for a puppet play. This will be part of an integrated unit which will dramatize the Magna Carta!  (in time for Hallowe'en)
Please check out the Fulford School newsletter for other school information.
Also, it looks like the kids are bringing excellent big snacks and lunches. Candy and pop are discouraged as part of regular lunches and snacks.
Thanks!
Lindsay (Mr. MacQueen)

Welcome to a new school year! Our class is grades 3 and 4 and we have 21 students. The intention of this blog is to keep parents updated and provide a venue for student work and showcase our learning experiences. There are a few housekeeping details. Please return all appropriate forms that come your way and also the student fee is greatly appreciated.
Some important dates coming up:
• Sept. 23 - early dismissal 11:30 (sign up sheet in class or contact school for appointment)
• Sept. 29 - field trip to Cusheon Cove (permission slips to be sent out on Wed. Sept 16)
• Sept. 21 - start of Home Reading Program
My email is lmacqueen@sd64.bc.ca, home phone is 250-653-2018. I hope to see you on the 23rd but you can pop by the school or we can arrange other times if you want to meet.
I hope to update this blog weekly or as necessary.
It's been a great start!
Lindsay (Mr. MacQueen)