If you had happened to walk into the kindergarten classroom over the past few weeks, you may have noticed the smiling faces of busy students but also the piles of many projects on the go–all in preparation for one day.
A day to honour one of the most important people in a person’s life, their mother.
It began last year when teacher Barbe Dennis decided to hold a Mother’s Day tea with her kindergarten classes. It was such a success, she decided to plan one this year, too.
Under her organization, the junior and senior kindergarten classes worked hard over three weeks to complete many tasks. They made placemats, centrepieces, decorations, and gifts for their moms. They also found time to prepare a bit of entertainment.
When the big day finally arrived, the 25 students, along with their mothers (in some cases grandmas), made their way to the gym, which was magically transformed from a gym to a spring garden, complete with flowers and butterflies.
Before the entertainment began, Mrs. Dennis held two small door prize draws. One for a student, a Clifford book, was won by Dana Allan while the other prize, a candle with holder, was won by Becky Kingbird.
Entertainment began with laughs as a few SKs told jokes. This was followed by the SKs reciting a poem, singing songs, and doing a little play. The JKs entertained with their performance of the chicken dance.
After all that entertaining, students sat with their mothers and grandmothers and enjoyed refreshments prepared by Mrs. Dennis. Near the end of the tea, students presented their mothers with the gifts they had made before getting ready for home.
It was a successful event, and the work was worth seeing the smiles on faces of both young and old.
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The kindergarten class wasn’t the only one with a special day planned last week as Miss Hale’s grade 1/2 class had planned a grandparents’ luncheon last Thursday.
The class spent days ahead of time memorizing poems and songs for entertainment on the big day.
Although there was not as big of a turnout as last year, the day was very successful. The majority of the time was spent in the classroom. Grandparents got a firsthand look at the “Reading Partners” program in the 1/2 class as the normal volunteers were replaced by the grandparents.
The children performed their songs and poems as entertainment, and got the grandparents involved when they started to do the chicken dance. It was after the entertainment that everyone headed down to the gym for the luncheon.
Students and their grandparents then sat down for some yummy stew (which the 1/2 class prepared) as well as buns and fruit salad for dessert.
After lunch, the grandparents received gifts made by their grandchildren, including butterflies and flower pots.
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As last week was Education Week, the other classes in the school planned activities and invited parents to come and join in some fun. The grade 3/4 class prepared a “Survivor” challenge and last Friday parents were teamed up with students for the game.
The grade 5/6 class invited parents to come to the school last Thursday for a volleyball game, parents vs. students, and everyone had lots of fun.
The 7/8 class also planned a sports activity and on Friday, parents came and joined in a game of soccer with students. It was a very busy yet fun week for everyone.
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The book fair held by the Book It Committee last week turned out to be a great idea! Parents already were invited to come to the school and participate in some activities with their children and they also were able to browse through the books with and without their kids.
The committee would like to thank everyone who came and showed their support in their efforts to raise money for the school library.
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Students in grades three and six began the EQAO testing this week. Students will be performing the tests on various days starting today (May 16) to Thursday, May 24.
If you have a child in grade three or six, it is important for you to know that it is necessary for them to be present and on time for every day of the testing. If you have any questions, call the school.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
