Dear Families,
This month we are celebrating the virtue of hope. We understand that both the world and its people are
essentially good. Furthermore, God has this Advent season year after year in order to focus our minds and
our hearts on the good call around us.
May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power
of the Holy Spirit. (Roman 15:13)
The IB Attribute for this month is risk-taker/courageous.
Students who are risk-takers and courageous are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and
change. They approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; and work independently and
cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. Risk-takers and courageous students are brave
and articulate in defending their beliefs. I am willing to make mistakes. I am confident and have the courage
to try new things.
The IB Attitude for this month is enthusiasm.
Students will be encouraged to strive to understand the enjoyment of learning and willingness to demonstrate
their best effort.
Units of Inquiry
Our FDK classrooms are continuing with the IB Transdisciplinary theme of Who We Are in Place and Time.
We have been focusing on the central idea that journeys create change and can lead to new opportunities.
The lines of inquiry we will be investigating are:
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The types of journeys people make
Choices and decisions involved in making a journey
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Changes experienced because of a journey
Our students have been learning about how to prepare for a journey as well as discovering places around the
world. Our dramatic centres have been transformed into a post office and an airport complete with
passports. Both classes have investigated and discussed how children from different countries get to school.
The students have also been sharing their experiences on the journeys they have taken with their families.
To support our inquiry, we will be going on a trip to Wildhagen Adventure Gardens where students will have an
opportunity to take a tour of the gardens, participate in a scavenger hunt, make a Christmas craft, as well as
play in the indoor playground. We encourage you to discuss with your child what they need to pack to go on
our journey to Wildhagen.
During the month of December, students will also learn about the Advent season and the Christmas story by
listening to stories from the Bible, watching videos, creating works of art, and responding to God’s word
through class discussions and personal reflections.
Reminders
Although the snow has not arrived yet, our students will soon be enjoying outdoor playtime in the snow. Please
send your child with the appropriate attire to stay warm and dry throughout the day. Your child needs:
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A pair of snow pants
A hat
Warm boots
Waterproof mitts (at least 2 pairs)
Extra socks and extra pants in case the snow comes through
 Help your child practice putting their snow gear on.
 Remember to label ALL belongings to ensure a quick return should an item become lost. There have
been a few incidents where student’s belongings have gone missing, please check your child’s backpack
daily to make sure everything that comes home belongs to them.
 Please send all correspondence, money, and forms in the communication bags.
 Snuggle Up and Read books (SK) are to be returned every Monday.
 Travel bags (JK) are to be returned every Monday. Please place bags in the communication bags to
ensure your child will get a new bag for the following week.
Learning at Home
To support your child at home we have recommended some resources and suggestions that will help your child
on their learning journey:
 Read to your child daily and make regular visits to your local public library.
 Students working through the levelled readers are encouraged to do the follow up activities outlined
in the “Snuggle up and Read” parent newsletter.
 Have frequent conversations with your child and encourage them to describe their daily experiences.
This “talk” will develop oral language skills and increase vocabulary. Some prompts that you can use are
“What story did you read today?”, “What did you build today?”, “What did you do in the house/dressup centre today?”.
We would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!
Thank you for your continued support.
The Kindergarten Team 