In order to make our classroom run efficiently I have put into place several procedures and routines. Students have spent part of September getting accustomed to these routines. Please skim through the following information and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to give me a call or email.

Physical Surroundings

Students will spend the majority of their time inside our classroom.

Students are expected to keep their belongings in their desk. I have made space for extra materials in the form of boxes. Students may access their extra materials as needed.

The classroom teacher is responsible for the seating arrangement. Occasionally I may feel a need for change. At this time I will make the changes I feel are necessary.

Agendas and Homework

Students are required to have their agendas on their desks at all times. They are expected to note assignments as they go up on the assignment board.

The agendas are used for communication, reminders and personal organization. I encourage students to use their agendas as their own personal organizer. The more they use it the easier it will become to make it a lifelong habit.

I would ask that parents find a moment in the evening to go over the student’s agenda and ask questions about their child's day. Afterward please sign the agenda so I know you have looked at it. If you have anything to let me know please do not hesitate to write me a note in your child’s agenda.

Homework

I rarely assign homework simply for the sake of assigning homework. Students will almost always have a chance to at least begin an assignment. If you feel your child has an excessive amount of homework it may be because they are not using their class time as effectively as they could. If this becomes a cause for concern please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss it.

Incomplete Homework Assignments

It does occasionally happen that a student will be unable to complete a homework assignment. Should your son or daughter fail to complete an assignment there is a procedure in place to follow. After I check the homework, if it is incomplete the student is required to fill out an incomplete homework assignment slip. That student then stays in at lunchtime to complete the incomplete assignment. Once the assignment is completed I will mark a big "C" on the slip. Assignments are due at 9:00 AM. If the student has forgotten an assignment at home or has lost it the student still fills out the incomplete slip and still stays in at recess to do the work that was left at home.

Basic Routines

Students line up outside in the morning and wait to be allowed inside the school.

As they enter the school students are expected to change their shoes and go to the classroom to get ready for the day.

As soon as students enter the classroom they are expected to organize their coats and backpacks, then sit and copy down the « ordre du jour » for the day in their agendas. They are also expected to get any necessary materials for the morning, fill water bottles or go to the washroom.

Once students are settled I check the agendas. It is at this time that I collect any notes, forms or permission slips that are due back.

At about 10:15 students are allowed to have a small snack and a bathroom break. This is not recess and should not be treated as such. We are aiming to keep this interruption minimal and students are expected to eat their snack at their desks while continuing their work. Students are allowed and encouraged to keep a water bottle handy for drinking water. I only allow students to have water on their desks. No juice or pop or anything other than water. If it spills it does not get all sticky and water is better than sugary drinks anyway.

We have reverse lunch this year so students go for recess before proceeding to the gym for lunch.

The afternoon recess is scheduled for 1:55. At this time students go outside for 15 minutes. There are no snacks allowed outside on the playground.

At the end of the day students pick up their belongings, tidy up the classroon and they are dismissed.

Bathroom Breaks

Students are expected to use the washroom and get a drink of water before classes begin. For example, in the morning as they enter the class. Of course, in case of an emergency I will allow students to use the washroom.

Speaking French

The nature of our school and our programs require that students make an effort to speak French at all times.

Staying Organized