Pesach is Coming!!! (information about the JK/SK Seder included)

Posted on March 31, 2023March 31, 2023 by Andréa Black

שִׂמְחָה רַבָּה, שִׂמְחָה רַבָּה
!אָבִיב הִגִּיעַ, פֶּסַח בָּה

SK is having so much fun getting ready for Pesach!! From learning songs and the Mah Nishtana to putting together their very own Haggadot, from reading so many stories and playing games on the SmartBoard, we have been truly blown away by all they have been learning about this chag!

This coming Tuesday, April 4, we will be having our own special Seder in the morning with JK!! Sorry parents, this event is for the kiddos only, but we promise to share pictures!!

Each student is asked to bring the following to school on Tuesday (in addition to his or her snack/lunch):

1 hard boiled egg, peeled and wrapped in plastic wrap
1 or 2 small pieces of celery
1 piece of romaine lettuce

The remainder of the Seder foods will be provided by the P.T.A. We will serve horseradish, egg matzah, grape juice, and NUT-FREE charoset. Should you have any concerns regarding food allergies, please provide your child with his or her own Seder food.

Your child is welcome to come to school wearing fancy holiday clothing, but because this is not a Dress Down Day, we ask that they bring their school uniform to change into after our celebration. Please note that drop-off will still be outdoors so whatever they are wearing should fit comfortably under their outdoor clothing. If you have any questions, please reach out.

Thank you so much to everyone who was able to join us for Innovation Day in SK yesterday!! The students worked so hard on all of our Water Cycle projects and they were so proud to share what they had learned and created with you. Check out the picture gallery below and if you haven’t been able to get the “Water Cycle Song” out of your head, you can find a link to the video here.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Tuesday, April 4 – JK/SK Seder

Wednesday, April 5 – Friday, April 14 – Passover Break (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, April 17 – Return to School

General Studies, Reminders, STEAM

Innovation Day is almost here!!!

Posted on March 28, 2023 by Andréa Black

This year’s INNOVATION DAY is less than 2 days away!! It is a day to celebrate STEAM here at OJCS, so make sure to join us on Thursday, March 30th at 8:45 am to see what SK has been busy exploring and learning.…. while the poster below says the day begins at 9:00 am, we are shifting slightly to not overly affect the SK’s schedule and so that anyone with older students has time to visit those classes as well.

Please bring your child to the school’s front door for drop-off (as you would on a rainy day) as close to 8:30 as possible and we ask that you wait outside the school as your child gets settled for the day. Once the 8:45 bell rings, you are welcome to make your way to our classroom and your child will show you their individual experiments as well as the ones we did as a class and fill you in on their learning. We will wrap up with a quick song before we send you on your way (which should be no later than 9:15).

We kindly ask that you limit visitors to no more than 2 people per child as space is limited in our classroom.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Friday, Mar. 31 – Dress Down Day: don’t forget to send in donations for the Ottawa Kosher Food Bank!

Tuesday, April 4 – JK/SK Seder (sorry this event is for the kiddos only, but we will send more info soon!)

Wednesday, April 5 – Friday, April 14 – Passover Break (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, April 17 – Return to School

École Enchantée, Francais, STEAM

École Enchantée – Winter Fun Day Edition!

Posted on February 16, 2023 by swollock

Today JK and SK explored snow through the lens of a snow sculptor. They gathered piles of snow, transported it with shovels and sleds, and used tools like branches and popsicle sticks to carve out forms. Once their masterpieces were completed, they used washable tempra paint to add some beautiful colour. Please feel free to tour their outdoor gallery at pick up this afternoon, or peruse our photos from today!

Bonnes vacances!

M. Ebbs et Mme. Suzanne

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Monday, Feb. 20 – Friday, Feb. 24 – Family Day/Reading Week (NO SCHOOL)
Monday, Feb. 27 – School Resumes
Wednesday, Mar. 1 – 100th Day
Friday, Mar. 3 – 3:00 pm Dismissal begins

General Studies, STEAM

Let’s Talk Science…. Solids, Liquids and Gases

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Andréa Black

SK spent most of the week inquiring about, observing and experimenting with the States of Matter. We listed different examples of each state and learned their properties through activities and songs; we experimented with mixing more solids and liquids to create gases and documented our observations. We even built a mini snowman and then watched to see how water can actually shift from one state of matter to another (snow, water, water vapour). Below are some of the videos and songs we watched in class to enhance our learning and some pictures as well.

We culminated our learning by participating in another super fun Let’s Talk Science lab with Farah and Madalina from the University of Ottawa AND we got to do our experiments in the OJCS Makerspace!! The kids were introduced to everyday liquids and solids to determine their properties. They used their hands and senses to explore different liquids, like water, oil and corn syrup, and then poured them out to see the differences between them. Then they did a cool experiment where we mixed solids with water to see whether or not they would dissolve and ended with another experiment where we mixed solids (baking powder and sugar) with water to create a gas….. the kids loved experiencing this neat reaction and it sparked some really interesting questions…. make sure to ask your child what they observed and learned in Science this week!!

Move Like Matter Dance:

Matter Chatter Song:

3 States of Matter Song:

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Fridays (from now until early March) – 2:00 pm Dismissal

Monday, Feb. 6 – Tu B’Shevat

Thursday, Feb. 16 – OJCS Winter Fun Day

Friday, Feb. 17 – PD Day (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, Feb. 20 – Friday, Feb. 24 – Family Day/Reading Week (NO SCHOOL)

General Studies, STEAM

SKs are Germ Busting Super-Soapers!!!

Posted on November 29, 2022 by Andréa Black

Now say that 5 times fast!!

It’s that time of year where germs seem to be more prevalent than ever and many of our friends in SK have been sick over the last few weeks, so we thought it was a perfect time to talk about how we can avoid spreading germs and tie it all into some sensory & scientific exploration…..

Yesterday, the kids participated in the Magic Finger (or Pepper Germs) experiment. After sprinkling pepper (germs) over some water in a shallow dish, we investigated what happened to the pepper when we dabbed it first with our finger and then what happened when we put a little bit of soap on our finger. We even tested different types of soap to see which worked the best…. the results were indeed like magic, so make sure to ask your child all about it!!

Today, we spent time learning how to properly wash our hands to make sure we are keeping the germs away…. we even did a special experiment with Glo-Germ Gel and a black light to see if they were scrubbing hard enough!! The kids got to see for themselves how proper hand-washing can make germs disappear and they are all Germ Busting Super-Soapers now!!

A friendly reminder about the email that was sent to parents last week regarding our school’s sick policy:

We have many children coming to school sick. If your child has any symptoms, the screening tool will indicate that they must remain at home and self-isolate until their symptoms have been improved for at least 24 hours (48 hours if there was nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea), and they must of course be fever free. If your child is sick, please test them for COVID as we have several active cases.

Anyone away due to COVID must mask upon their return for 10 days following the first day their symptoms presented. This also applies to siblings.

I will ask as well that if your child should be masked due to illness or if would like your child to be masked at school, please let the SK team know so that we can ensure that those who require masks are wearing them during the day. Thank you so much in advance for your cooperation and support in keeping our school community as healthy as possible!!

General Studies, STEAM

Let’s Talk Science…. Fat, Fur, and Feathers

Posted on November 18, 2022 by Andréa Black

Today was a very exciting day in Senior Kindergarten. We had special guests join our class and lead us in a Let’s Talk Science lab. Farah and Madalina, Science students from the University of Ottawa, led us in a discussion about how different animals get ready for winter and the SK students are already experts thanks to the many books we have read and the activities we have done in class. They told Farah and Madalina that many animals adapt to get ready for the cold weather by eating a lot of food to gain more fat or by growing thicker fur or feathers to stay warm. The kids asked great questions and knew a lot of answers to the questions they were asked. Then we experimented with Fat (vegetable shortening in a baggie), Fur (faux, of course!) and Feathers to see which kept their hands the warmest when touching ice. The students were so engaged and enthusiastic as they tried different combinations to see which would keep their hands warm…. the combo of fat and fur was the clear winner. Thanks to Farah and Madalina for leading this special, super-fun experience! We can’t wait to do it again in the winter!

Speaking of getting ready for winter, now that the snow has officially arrived, we thought we should clarify our Outdoor Play plan for the winter months. We will continue having our morning drop-off and recess on the playground, so please ensure that your child comes to school dressed appropriately. However, if it is colder than -18, with or without the windchill, we will not be venturing outdoors (we will be using the Weather Network to determine the temperature if you want to check before leaving the house). As with rainy days, if there are no teachers on the playground after the bell rings at 8:30, please bring your child to the front door for drop-off. While we will strive to get outside as much as possible, we will take advantage of the gym or other indoor physical activities when the weather is not cooperating.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to Esti and Sari who turned 5 on November 17th!!

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Fridays (from now until early March) – 2:00 pm Dismissal

Thursday, Nov. 24 – Dress Down Day supporting the Ottawa Humane Society

Friday, Nov. 25 – PD DAY – NO SCHOOL

General Studies, STEAM

Global Maker Day 2022

Posted on October 20, 2022 by Andréa Black

October 20, 2022 was #GlobalMakerDay and the Senior Kindergarten kids certainly rose to the challenge!!

After celebrating Simchat Torah earlier this week, the kids were tasked with making their own torahs out of recycled materials. They painted their own torah covers, rolled them onto their “scrolls” and added straws for the handles. We are so excited to start the Torah over again this Shabbat and hear the first of many Parashat Hashavuah tomorrow!!

After listening to a Virtual Storytime with Miss Brigitte, who read “Be a Maker” by Katey Howes, we introduced 3 different Maker Day challenges that the kids could choose between: creating a dinosaur (or other creature), building a bridge, or constructing a tower. Using all of the recycled materials that we’ve been collecting (we nearly covered the entire carpet with stuff!!!), each child completed the challenge and they were super proud of what they accomplished. The innovation and imagination in our classroom was astounding!!! Make sure to ask your child about their creation!

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Friday, Oct. 28 – Dress Down Day and 3:00 pm Dismissal begins

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!!

General Studies, Reminders, STEAM

We Need Your Recycled Goods!

Posted on October 13, 2022 by Andréa Black

Hi SK families,

We need your recycled goods!

We are collecting items for the OJCS Global Maker Day coming up on October 20th. We are looking for any cardboard boxes (think cereal boxes), toilet paper tubes, paint stir sticks, popsicle sticks, and plastic tubs (think yogurt pots, sour cream tubs – clean, please!) or any other items that may help with our creativity. The class that brings in the most recycled items will win a prize!!

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Monday, Oct. 17 & Tuesday, Oct. 18 – NO SCHOOL for Simchat Torah

Friday, Oct. 28 – 3:00 pm Dismissal begins

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!!

General Studies, Reading, STEAM

On International Dot Day, SK Made Their Mark

Posted on September 16, 2022September 16, 2022 by Andréa Black

On September 15, 2022, the kids in SK celebrated International Dot Day!!! If you’re not sure what International Dot Day is all about, here’s a little explanation:

September 15th marks the anniversary of the publication of best-selling author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds’ The Dot, a “story book for all ages.”

Starting in 2009, a group of educators began celebrating this date as International Dot Day — a day for classes to explore the story’s powerful themes: bravery, creativity, and self-expression.

The Dot tells the story of a caring teacher who reaches a reluctant student in a remarkably creative way. In Peter’s book, the teacher dares a very resistant Vashti to “make her mark.” Vashti’s breakthrough begins with a simple dot on a piece of paper. Encouraged by her teacher she sets off on a journey of self-discovery, letting her creativity bloom and, ultimately, inspire others.

from The Educator’s Handbook for International Dot Day

To mark this special day yesterday, after reading the book, the kids got to explore their own creativity by making their own unique dot. They experimented with colour mixing by using markers on coffee filters and then spraying them with water at the Saturation Station. They also drew their own special masterpieces to make their mark. We listened to and watched a video of the “The Dot Song” written by Emily Arrow and Peter H. Reynolds…. you can watch the video and do the actions at home here.

The school year may have just begun, but the kids in Senior Kindergarten have already made their mark in a big way!! Check out the pictures below and then keep scrolling for some important upcoming dates!!!

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Wednesday, Sept. 21 – Back to School Night at 7:00 pm (in person!!)

Friday, Sept. 23 – OJCS Terry Fox Run

Monday, Sept. 26 & Tuesday, Sept. 27 – Rosh Hashanah (NO SCHOOL)

Friday, Sept. 30 – Dress Down in an Orange Shirt for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. All proceeds from loonies and toonies will go to the Orange Shirt Society.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Belated wishes to Evie who turned 5 on September 2nd

Belated wishes to Aliza who turned 5 on September 5th

and to Mason who turns 5 on September 23rd!!

General Studies, Reminders, STEAM

Innovation Day is almost here!!!

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Andréa Black

This year’s virtual INNOVATION DAY is just 2 days away!! It is a day to celebrate STEAM here at OJCS, so make sure to join us on Thursday, April 7 at 11:45 am to see what SK has been busy building and learning.…. check out the poster below for the day’s schedule and links for the SK meet. We look forward to virtually welcoming you to our Kindergarten classroom!

Taking too long?

Reload document

Open in new tab

Download

שִׂמְחָה רַבָּה, שִׂמְחָה רַבָּה !אָבִיב הִגִּיעַ, פֶּסַח בָּה

שִׂמְחָה רַבָּה, שִׂמְחָה רַבָּה
!אָבִיב הִגִּיעַ, פֶּסַח בָּה