Welcome to the Junior Class!

2. Welcome to the Junior Class! Parent Open House September 10, 2013

3. About Ms. O’Connor • Second year teaching the Juniors • Loves reading • Enjoys baking About Ms. Riddell • -Taught the Intermediates for 2 years • Is teaching gym to the juniors this year • Enjoys dance

4. 5 Pillars fivepillars The ability to research, analyze and synthesize are the skills that will prove most valuable in the years to come. When students learn to act and react successfully in the yard, in groups anywhere, those benefits become measurable in the classroom. academic The mind / body relationship is becoming clearer with every new study published. We live it every day. social physical emotional global An appreciation of our Global Village leads to an under-standing of their personal hamlet. Through learning what makes students tick internally, we can ensure the external impact is only positive.

5. Individual Goal Setting As you are all aware, we test and measure your child in a number of areas throughout the year to ensure that the programming also changes to reflect growth and can continually motivate your child. We believe that parents are important team members in the process. As such, we ask that you reflect on what you see are attainable important objectives for your child this year and to share this with us. The following questionnaire is available on the Parent HUB. We ask you to fill it out and that will become the bases for discussion as we meet to share our ongoing data, in order to plan our educational road map.

6. Code of Humanity The following Code of Humanity applies to students, teachers, volunteers and parents, whether on school property, school trip or authorized school event. Star Academy respects the diversity and similarities within its community and provides an environment free from prejudice and discrimination. All members of Star Academy are to be treated with dignity and respect, showing honesty and integrity in all situations and at all times. All members of Star Academy are responsible for using appropriate language and appropriate behaviour. All members of Star Academy are to take ownership and pride of their physical surroundings, both actively and preventively. Students are expected to work to their full potential, and to complete all tasks with due diligence and without complaint. Students are expected to dress in school uniform and be clean, in person and habits.

7. Classroom Routines • Our behaviour chart • Programs: Letterland, Jump math • Choice Time • Subjects: • Math: includes a combination of Jump Math and other programs, along with hands on activities and in class work • Science/social studies: Personal safety and injury, Heritage and identity, Properties of liquids and solids, Structures and mechanisms, • Growth and change in animals, Healthy living, Air and water, Global communities, Science Fair, Fables • French: Greetings, Fruit, Calendar, Numbers, Colours, Parts of the body • Gym: Includes measurements, testing, games, Think Motion etc… • Art: Taught by Amanda Porter • Reading: Reading groups • Writing: Writing about self, Poetry (Giving Tree), Narrative writing, Speeches, Persuasive writing, Opinion writing, Air and Water, • Letter writing, procedural writing, Fairy Tales

8. Uniforms • The mandatory daily uniform consists of • *The Star Academy golf shirt along with solid dark blue or black pants/skirt.   • *Jeans or leggings are not permitted. Gym shirts are not acceptable as a uniform shirt.  • The mandatory Phys-Ed uniform for grade levels is as follows: • *Primary & Junior: are not required to change for gym but must have non-marking running shoes. • *Junior/Intermediate:  Students are to wear a “my *” (school logo) T-Shirt available through the school or their “Summer Showtime” T-shirt with navy or black shorts along with proper running shoes.  Star Academy shorts are available to order but not mandatory. • *Intermediate, Foundations & Senior:  Students are to wear a “my *” (school logo) or “Summer Showtime” T-shirt and Star Academy gym shorts and proper running shoes.

9. Homework Policy • It is the expectation for all students of Star Academy to complete their assigned homework each day. The purpose of homework is to ensure students comprehend what has been taught and also to develop good independent work habits as they prepare for high school. • The quantity of homework delivered by Star Academy increases based on the development and grade of each student. A guideline to use is approximately 10 minutes for every grade (i.e. Grade 4 student should complete approximately 40 minutes of daily homework). • Parents please initial your child’s agenda each night so that we are aware you have seen any notes or your child complete their homework. • Homework will provide the opportunity for students to: • *Complete any necessary work from class time • * Reinforce skills taught and increase competence • * Develop independent work skills • Teach time management and study habits

10. Homework Roles Students, Parents & Teachers each have a role to play in the success of a homework program:

11. Class Website http://www.staracademy.ca/homework/junior/

12. Communications Phone: 905-891-1555 – Please call anytime to check in on your child’s progress. We will return your call the same day, but after students are dismissed at 3pm. If you would like to schedule a phone conference during the day, this can also be arranged. Email: junior@staracademy.ca Meetings: At any time during the year, we are available to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress. Meetings can be arranged via email or telephone for a mutually convenient time.

13. Parent Contact List Many times during the year, we are contacted by parents, requesting the contact information for other parents in the classroom. We would like to avoid duplicating efforts during the year, by asking you to fill out a form tonight to agree to have your phone number and email address shared with the other parents in the classroom. This will make organizing playdates, birthday parties, or other events much easier! *A special note about birthdays: We are happy to celebrate your child’s birthday at school! Feel free to send a treat (nut free!) with them in the morning of their birthday, and we will distribute to the class either at lunch time or at the end of the day. **We discourage handing out invitations to parties at school unless there is an invitation for every child in the class.

14. Q&A