Welcome to the Primary Class!

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

3. About Ms. Jacobson • Best puzzle solver ever! • Loves to learn about The Tao • Meditator Extraordinaire

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 We have many routines in the Primary classroom, far too many to list! Needless to say, there is a routine or structure to almost everything we do. Students are encouraged and supported to become self-sufficient in handling their daily needs independently, from entering the classroom (backpacks, homework, lunch bags) to getting the materials they need to complete tasks, to taking care of their classroom environment (putting things away, cleaning up messes, recycling).

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). • 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/primary/

12. Communications Phone: 905-891-1555 – Please call anytime to check in on your child’s progress. I 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: ms.jacobson@staracademy.ca Report Cards: Full Report Cards will be sent home in January and June in addition to a mid-term report in November. There will be mandatory meetings in November and January to discuss your child’s progress. Meetings: At any time during the year, I am 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. Technology (Applicable to Intermediate and Senior students.) Technology is an important tool in 21st century learning. At Star Academy, we have embraced mobile technology, and have laptops and Smartboards in every classroom. Additionally, our Intermediate and Senior students have been assigned Google accounts for educational purposes. Their teachers will be overseeing the use of these accounts. Students have been assigned a school laptop to use for academic purposes during the school day. A large portion of their assignments will require the use of a computer, and often the internet. We encourage all parents to be actively involved in what your child is doing on a computer. As we are all aware, there are many tools and sites that are not appropriate for use by children or even adolescents. Every parent will be provided with their child’s password for their Google Account, as this is good practice for parents. We expect that you will use their account to login and see what the class is creating online and how they are communicating with their classmates. If at any time you are concerned about what your child is doing on the computer, please contact us so we can help.

14. 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 play dates, 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.

15. Q&A