It is hard to believe that we are winding down the last few days of 2010. It has been a busy year, which is why it has seemed to fly by. We've had a ton of special guests, gone on a bunch of fun outings and field trips, hosted two sharings, welcomed a new student from Germany, and then another new student from Hungary, created a video production for the school, become big reading buddies for the kinders in Michelle and Sandra's afternoon classes, and big writing buddies for Heather G's grade 1/2's, re-built and hung the 'Anna MacDonald' crane mobile in the lobby with room 310, taken part in two day science workshops, and a host of other activities. As we look at the last couple of days this week, we have sing a longs with the whole school in the gym each day this week, a special holiday get together with our writing buddies on Thursday, a special presentation in gym by our own Aaron L., some special reader's theater activities (the sixes shared 'The Grinch' today, and the fives will re-enact the digestive system in the skit 'Harriet the Hamburger' tomorrow), and we will wrap up Friday with our annual 'gift and take' activity. For this activity those who wish to take part are to bring in a wrapped gift (the class agreed on under $7 for this gift) to put into the game. Everyone participating is guraranteed to leave with a gift, though there are some twists to the gift selecting portion of the game (ask the students, they understand it). Lots to think about.
With the end of the year coming I need to formally share some important news for the class. I am guessing that you have all heard either from me in passing, or from one of the students in our class, that I am taking parental leave in the new year. It is official, and will be announced in the school newsletter this week to the Churchill community. I will be spending the first five weeks of the new year with Jenny and Arlo, enjoying parenthood, and hopefully giving Jenny as much of a break as I can. We have a variety of plans in the works, and I will check in with the class from time to time, or at least keep in touch with them. While I am away I am very pleased to announce that Amy Becker will be replacing me in Room 308. She is a great fit for the class, not only because she has worked with the class over a dozen times in the past year, but also because she was my student teacher a few years back. Due to Amy's experience working with me in the past she understands my own teaching philosophies, my programming, and the class dynamic very well, so I am sure that the transition will be very smooth for the students in the new year.
I will be returning to the class for the second week in February, and I look forward to catching up with everyone then. I hope that everyone has a fun and relaxing winter holiday season with thier families. Jenny and I are looking forward to celebrating Arlo's first Christmas with our families. If I don't see you before the end of the week, I guess I'll be seeing you next year.
Best Wishes, Ray
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