St.

Patrick Catholic Elementary School

4816- 53 Ave, Camrose, AB T4V 0Y2 Ph. (780) 672-2177 Fax (780) 672-1818

Welcome to Grade 1B
Important dates:
Sept 6-Meet the staff at 7pm8pm in the school
gym.
Sept 7-Early Dismissal
Sept 11 -Fall Photos
Sept 13-Opening Mass @9:30am (walking to church)
Sept 16-PD Day, No School
Welcome to the 2017/2018 school year! My name is Georgina Baker. I will be
instructing your child in all grade one curriculum. I have my Bachelor of Education
Degree and Bachelor of Psychology Degree from the University of Alberta. I have
taught preschool and grade one. I spent two years teaching in a remote Inuit
community, where I taught pre-school, I grade one for two years in Ecuador at the
international school, InterAmerican Academy. I then piloted the Junior Entry
program here at St. Patricks School and taught preschool for two years before
moving into my present position here at St. Pats, This will be my tenth year
teaching grade one. I am very excited to be teaching your children and I am
dedicated to give your children the best education and challenge them to their
highest potential.

In Language Arts we have started with the review of the alphabet using the
Animated Literacy series. The children were introduced to these letters in
kindergarten and therefore should be able to recall the letters with ease. Letters
are introduced using stories, songs and gestures. We do many activities
surrounding the letters and their sounds.

The children are read to daily as well as will read with a buddy daily and will also
have sustained silent reading on their own. The children are being taught that
books can be read by using the words or the illustrations. Parents, please be
patient with your children as they embark on this reading journey.

We will also be doing lots of writing in many different ways. Since children are just
beginning to explore with letters and their sounds, inventive or phonetic spelling is
encouraged.

In Math we have started the unit, Representing Numbers to 20. In this unit we
will read and print numbers to 20, count forward to 20 and backwards to 0, match
the number word to the objects being counted, compare and order numbers using
words such as more, fewer and same, recognize familiar groups of objects or
dots(subitize) and estimate. Practicing these skills at home will help the the
children have more successes.

In Social we have started the unit, Belonging In My World. In this unit, we will
learn about identity and self-esteem and how they are enhanced by our sense of
belonging in the world and as active members of their community.

In Science, we have started a unit on Color, we will explore with color in many ways
as well as identify and evaluate methods of creating and mixing colors and
comparing and contrasting colors using terms such as lighter, darker etc.

In Religion, we will base lessons and discussions on the central theme of, I Am A
Child of God. We will discuss and explore many questions like, Who is God, Who is
Jesus and What does God want me to do? Much of the learning will be through art
work and discussions.

It is my belief that with positive interaction and an atmosphere of open

communication regarding our school day, your childs progress and behavior will
strengthen the feelings of support and comfort that all children need for success
in school. I consider it a privilege to be a part of your childrens academic, spiritual
and social growth and am confident that we will have a great year together filled
with much laughter, joy and many learning experiences.

I will have a newsletter every month and will supply a paper copy for September,
but in an effort for our school to go paperless and starting in October, I will be
posting the newsletter online, you can find them online @bakergeorgina.weebly.com
If you would like a paper copy, please just let me know and I can provide one for
you.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at the school
at 780 672-2177 or by email at georgina.baker@eics.ab.ca.

See you at Meet-the-Staff night on Wednesday, September 7 at 7pm in the school

gym.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Georgina Baker
St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School