Thursday 29 September 2016

Thursday, September 29th

OPEN HOUSE
Thank you to all of the families who joined us for last week's Open House. It was a great night for people to get re-acquainted with each other and check out some of the happenings at Hawthorne.   We had a positive response to our Scavenger Hunt with hundreds of participants.   Special congratulations to the Balquiedra, Kittson, Last, Boufeas and Dakiniewich families.  They successfully completed the challenges and have each won TWO front row seats to our Christmas Concert in December.

TERRY FOX RUN
On Friday, September 16th Hawthorne participated in its annual Terry Fox Run. Our grade seven students led us through the course.  Special thanks to Ms. Wilson (our VP) for coordinating our efforts and to those families who supported our fundraising efforts with all funds donated to the Terry Fox Foundation.

MONTHLY ASSEMBLIES
Parents are invited to join us for our Monthly Assemblies which take place on the first Friday of every month (with some exceptions).  These assemblies feature different discussion topics, student activities, video highlights and a group dance. Our next assembly is scheduled for Friday, October 7th at 11am.  We hope that your schedule allows you to attend.

HOMEWORK GUIDELINES
These guidelines seek to find some common ground on the issue of Homework at Hawthorne.   There will no doubt be some exceptions to these guidelines but they represent the ideal that we will strive for.  We ask that you discuss this issue with your child’s teacher at the beginning of each year.

Homework should…

-       reinforce taught skills and review material covered
-       foster time management skills
-       be a reasonable amount of time considering a student’s learning needs
-       not be every day with the exception of reading/spelling programs
-       support the review of basic concepts
-       consist of unfinished classroom work
-       involve preparing for tests

Students should…

-       ensure that they have the materials required for home
-       understand the assignment criteria
-       complete work to the best of their ability
-       use the planner/communication book to keep parents informed
-       use time effectively and avoid distractions at home
-       review material covered in preparation for assessment
-       read every day (independently or with an adult)

Parents should…

-       show an interest in their child’s work
-       support  their child’s learning without doing the work
-       foster time management skills
-       create a quiet work space and establish homework routines
-       read regularly with their child
-       monitor assignments using the planner / communication book
-       review assignment criteria from teacher
-       advise the classroom teacher if homework is becoming overwhelming

Teachers should…

-       ensure that the work is important for learning
-       provide feedback on the homework when needed
-       use the planner / communication book to record tasks
-       provide written criteria / instructions for take home assignments
-       provide substantial notice with regard to projects
-       avoid, whenever possible, assigning homework for long weekends and holiday breaks
-       provide clear expectations and work that students can complete independently
-       check that the homework was completed

WALK YOUR WHEELS
Students AND parents are advised that bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc are to be walked on the school grounds both before and after school.  Thank you in advance for your attention to this as it helps make our grounds a safer place for everyone who visits.

GRADE 5 & 6 "REC" PASSES
Students in grade 5,6,7 and 8  can drop by any Delta Recreation facility and activate a one-year Recreation Pass. There is a $5 administration fee and student will need to present proof of birth and Delta residency. With the pass, students can skate, swim or enjoy time in the Open gym.  Accompanying youths or adults can also participate for free.  For more information you can visit www.corp.delta.bc.ca/flyers.

VISITORS
Please be sure to check in at the office whenever you visit Hawthorne during the day so that our office staff can provide you with a visitor's badge.  As well,  we ask that if you would like to meet with a teacher,  please book in advance as impromptu meetings in the hallway can lead to delays in the classroom.  Finally,  please note that student lunches can be dropped off on the table provided outside the office.

INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS
Please note that individual photographs will be taken on Monday, October 3.  Proofs will arrive back at the school then sent home for you to review. Information regarding the ordering of portrait packages will follow with the proofs.


IMPORTANT DATES

Monday, October 3
Individual Student Photos

Oct. 3-7
Walk to School Week

Monday, Oct. 10
Thanksgiving Day
School Closed

Wednesday, October 19
Parent-Teacher Conference
Early Dismissal 2pm

Thursday, October 20
Parent-Teacher Conference
Early Dismissal 2pm

Friday, October 21
Professional Day
School Closed

Monday, October 24
Professional Day
School Closed