Welcome to playschool! I hope everyone had a great summer!
Themes
Each month, we focus on specific themes. We read stories, participate in discussions, make crafts and do activities related to the monthly themes. For September, the themes are All About Me, Friendship, and Fairy Tales.
Classroom Visits
Parents are more than welcome to join your child’s class. We do request that these visits start after the Thanksgiving holiday so teachers and students can get familiar with each other and the routine. There will be a sign-up sheet in the classroom starting October 16, 2019, for those of you who would like to come and spend time with your child in the classroom. The sign-up sheet will be located on the bulletin in the front entrance.
Show and Share
For those families who are new to the playschool, and as a refresher those families returning, I wanted to explain a little bit about Show and Share. Every day, two students from each class will bring something from home that they are willing to show and pass around to each child at Circle Time. They can bring whatever they want for show and share, however we do request that the only bring one item. This is in order to allow each child an enough time to discuss and share their special object. Please check the calendar for when it is your child’s turn to bring show and share. If your child is sick on their show and share day, he/she is more than welcome to bring their item the next time they come to playschool.
Carstairs Public Library Cards and Visits
Miss Marg, from the Carstairs Public Library, comes to the play school to spend time reading to the 4-year-old classes starting in October. We are very happy to announce that she will be bringing a mobile library filled with books for the children to sign out and take home. Each child will receive their very own library card, which is very exciting for them. Parents are required to complete the Membership Form and return it to the playschool as soon as possible. Extra copies of the form will also be available at the playschool. Book return dates will be posted on our website calendar, as well as watch for reminders on our Facebook page
September 17th – PUF Open House from 11:30-12:30
September 29th – Carstairs Playschool board meeting @ 2pm
September 30th – Fire drill for the Monday/Wednesday classes
October 1st – Fire drill for the Tuesday/Thursday classes
October 2nd – School pictures for the Monday/Wednesday class
October 3rd – School pictures for the Tuesday/Thursday class
Welcome CES Staff
I would like to welcome the Carstairs Elementary School educational assistants to the Carstairs Playschool. These ladies will be in the classroom to assist a few children with the daily activities and expectations of the playschool program. Both Michelle and I are looking forward to working with them again this year.
Class Pictures
Simply Unique Photography will be visiting on October 2nd and 3rd to take individual and class pictures. Forms will need to be completed and payment is required on the date of pictures. More information and the form will be emailed out closer to the date.
Scholastic Orders
The Carstairs Playschool will have many Scholastic orders available to you throughout the playschool year. These orders will always be in your child’s cubby. Return deadlines are on the forms. Payment can be made by credit card online, cash or cheque. Please note, if paying with cash, the exact amount is required. If the cash received is short, the order will not be placed. If overpayment is made, change will not be provided. Any extra funds will be deposited into our general account. Parents are not obligated to order from Scholastic. The Carstairs Playschool Society does receive “Scholastic Cash” from any orders made. This “cash” is used to purchase supplies for the program.
Because the Carstairs Playschool Society is a not for profit facility, we often rely on donations. Parents are not obligated to donate however it is very much appreciated when you can. We do, however, ask that you do no donate items that we have not put out a request for. As much as we appreciate it, there is not a lot of storage space and we have found in the past, that some items do not get used and it can quickly become overwhelming. Each month, the newsletter will include a list of items we are in need of.
The Carstairs Playschool uses a lot of various materials for crafts and we may be short of some items.
This month, I would be grateful for:
Poster paper (any color)
Green/Red/Black foam sheets
Black paper plates
Fundraisers
The Carstairs Playschool Society does hold several non-mandatory fundraisers throughout the year. The first one will run from September 18 until October 3rd. Back by popular demand is Davison Orchard Apples! These apples are delicious and huge! Various varieties are available, and they stay fresh for a lengthy amount of time. Information and forms will be sent home shortly.
PUF Open House
For the families receiving PUF program services through Chinook’s Edge School Division, there will an Open House on Tuesday, September 17th from 11:30-12:30. This is a great opportunity to meet the service providers, sign paperwork and ask questions. Please see the Open House link for details and RSVP information.
Communication
Parents can expect ongoing communication regarding program activities via newsletters, website, Facebook page and the bulletin board located in the coat room of the playschool. Soon, we will also be launching a communication app. This is to provide faster communication between the playschool staff, board and parents. More details to follow on the app.
The Carstairs Playschool supports and promotes an “open door” communication policy. Parents are encouraged to contact the teaching staff and arrange a mutually acceptable time to discuss any concerns and/or questions regarding your child in the playschool program. The number for the Carstairs Playschool is 403 816 1481.
On a personal note, I encourage communication of all kinds. Please feel free to call me on my cell at 403 305 6204, or you may contact me by email at carstairsplayschoolteacher@gmail.com
Danielle