Ms. Barrington's Newsletter

Monday (Day 4):

Music

Leader in Me

Gr. 3 Gardening Club

• September 17th- Parent Council AGM (Postponed)

• September 18th- Welcome Back BBQ (Postponed)

• September 18th- PEAK Begins

• September 19th- Picture Day
  

• September 20th- No School (Staff PLF #1)

• September 25th- Fundraising Association AGM
  

• September 26th- Terry Fox Walk
  

• September 27th- Orange Shirt Day

• September 30th- No School (Day for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation)
  

• October 11th- No School (Staff PLF #2)

• October 14th- No School (Thanksgiving)

• October 22nd- Picture Retakes

• October 25th- No School (Staff PLF #3)

Absences or Late Arrivals: Please email: cgabsences@fmpsd.ab.ca if you are aware that your student will be absent or late. For early pick ups or changes to pick ups, families should contact the office via phone.

Lunch Drop Off: If you are dropping off lunch for your student, a cart will be set up in the main foyer. Please have lunches dropped off no later than 12:20 pm so that our student leaders have time to deliver the carts to the classrooms. We are unable to microwave lunches for students.

Trickle Entry: Christina Gordon is moving to a "trickle entry" this year. This means that doors will open when supervision begins at 8:25 am. Students who arrive between 8:25-8:45 am should enter through their assigned doors. Classes begin at 8:40 am. If students arrive after 8:45 am students are considered late. Please enter through the main office.

Supply Lists: Supply lists are available on our website: https://christinagordon.fmpsdschools.ca/parents/school-fees.

CG Gear: Our online store is up and running for the year. Check out https://christinagordon.entripyshops.com/ to order school clothing. There is a wide variety of styles, logos, and colours to choose from!

CG Handbook: The CG Handbook (available below) is meant to provide families with basic information about the school's organization, policies, and procedures. Regular, personalized communication will come to you via your child’s teacher, and current information for the whole school will be updated frequently via email, our website and Facebook. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions about any aspect of the school or enrolled programming please do not hesitate to contact us.

Hot Lunch Program: Hot Lunch ordering for the month of October is now open. Ordering will be open from the 1st to the 20th of each month in order to order for the following month. As this is the first month, ordering dates are delayed and will be September 11th to September 23rd. There is no Hot Lunch ordering for ECDP or Kindergarten students. This program is run entirely by parent volunteers. When placing your order you may notice a button to Volunteer for Hot Lunch days. Please consider volunteering to help sort and organize Hot Lunch from 11:30 am-12:30 pm. This program will not continue to run without the support of parent volunteers. To place your order click on the following link (https://christinagordon.hotlunches.net) and refer to the instructions below (Digital Take Home Folder). Information from last year is not kept in the Hot Lunch system and all parents must register for a new account each year. If you have any questions you can contact our Hot Lunch team at cgshotlunch@outlook.com.

Circle of Security: Alberta Health Services is offering virtual Circle Of Security session starting Wednesday, September 18th. There are eight weekly sessions, at no cost. See the poster (Digital Take Home Folder) for registration information. If these dates don't fit your schedule, there will be more opportunities for Circle Of Security upcoming throughout the school year; through FMPSD, and through AHS, both virtually and in person. Circle Of Security is a parenting program that focuses on attachment and relationship, for caregivers of children ages 0-15 years.

Take Me Outside: Our class will be enjoying the outdoors as a regular learning space this year. We are excited to be taking part in the Take Me Outside Learning Challenge this year. There is a growing amount of scientific evidence that says when we provide children with the chance to spend regular time in nature, they are happier, healthier, and better learners. I will be designing lessons based on the Alberta Curriculum, which are normally taught indoors, to teach in and around the schoolyard and in our community. It is important that students understand that when we are taking a lesson outside; this is not free play or recess time. We will be working hard throughout September so students get into the groove of productive learning outdoors on a regular basis! To assist your child in feeling comfortable and ready to learn outdoors, please help them to choose clothes and footwear that are appropriate for the weather each day. We will be aiming to have most of our outdoor learning on Day 1, but with schedule changes or weather conditions, that day is flexible to change. If you have any questions about our outdoor learning or your child’s individual needs, please don’t hesitate to contact me! Thanks for your support!

Seesaw: Please make sure that you connect to Seesaw to receive important updates from your student and myself. We will post to Seesaw to share their learning with you. I will also send you messages and reminders through Seesaw that families need to be able to see. Seesaw is private. You’ll only see posts created by your child or their teacher. Our classroom Seesaw will be updated several times a week and it is important the ALL families connect to be informed of our classroom activities and of their students learning. A letter was sent home in the Take Home Folder on Friday that contained a QR Code to assist you in connecting. If you need another copy, please let me know and one will be provided to you. Families can also follow the following steps:

From Your Smartphone

1. Download the free Seesaw app for iOS or Android

2. Tap, “I’m a Family Member”

3. Tap, “Create Family Account”

4. Scan this QR code using Seesaw’s built-in QR code scanner

5. Create your account

From Your Computer

1. In a web browser, go to: https://app.seesaw.me/s/158-798-647

2. Choose your child from the list

3. Create your account

4. Once you’re approved by Ashley Barrington, you’ll get access to Seesaw

Already Have an Account?

If you’ve used Seesaw before or have more than one child using Seesaw, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your account in the Seesaw app or on the web at https://app.seesaw.me

2. Click on your profile icon, click “+Add Child’s Journal” button, then scan the QR code above

Ashley Barrington, Grade 3 Teacher

Pronouns: she/they

Christina Gordon School | Website: https://christinagordon.fmpsdschools.ca/

106 Parsons Creek Drive, Fort McMurray, AB T9K 0B4
Telephone: (587) 276-2017 | Email: ashley.barrington@fmpsd.ab.ca

CG Twitter: @ChristinaGFMPSD | CG Instagram: @christinagfmpsd

Website: www.ashleybarrington.com | Twitter: @MsBarringtonCG | Instagram: @msbarringtoncg