This is tonight!

This is not a drop-off!  A parent must be onsite the whole time.

Holiday Hamper Fundraisers – Coming soon. . .

There will be a Bake Sale at recess on Thursday, December 6.  We will be selling items for $1 or $2.

We are asking for baked goods to be donated for the sale.  They can be dropped off Thursday morning in the office.  All profits will go to the Holiday Hampers for our sister school.

Are toys and books taking over your home?  Maybe it’s time to de-clutter!  We are asking for donations of gently used books, games, puzzles and toys for our Rummage Sale that will be held on December 10th.  Please no stuffed animals or broken toys.  Look for the box outside the office next week.  We will also accept adult books and SMALL household items that are in good condition and easy to sell.  No clothing please.  All profits will go to the Holiday Hampers for our sister school.

The rummage sale will be held in the library on Monday, December 10th from 10:30am-3:30pm.  All items will be under $5!  Donations will be collected from Monday-Friday next week.

Did you receive your Concert Ticket Order Form?

Japanese High Tea for the Staff

Special thanks to Cliff and Ms. Smith for organizing a wonderful High Tea- Japanese style.  This was yet another team-building

Twin Day

To promote school spirit and fun, Maple Grove staff dressed up as twins.

Counselor Corner

November/ December

Let Your Children Carry Their Own Backpacks

Last year while walking on my home commute from my workday, I watched two of my elementary aged students toss their back packs to what appeared to be their grandfather who then picked up the packs.  The two students then started running and playing while the grandfather accompanied them home with two backpacks in his hand.  The students waved at me and said hello.  I said hello back, and then I said, “Hey, you should carry your own back packs!  Why are you letting your grandfather carry them?”  They just laughed and kept on playing, “He always carry’s our backpacks!”

To be fair to my students, they are right.  I consistently see parents, grandparents and caregivers grab student’s backpacks, coats, lunch bags or work.  And what is wrong with this?  Why shouldn’t adults help children carry their stuff?  Afterall, we are stronger, more responsible and maybe it even feels good to help children lighten their load.

The problem is that children miss out on a significant opportunity to practice skills that will support their ability to regulate and manage their feelings.  We have evolved as a species with the daily practice of contributing to a tribe. Physical labour was an essential part of our survival.  Our feeling brain evolved along with the practice of moving, pushing, pulling, carrying and lifting.  Our brain and body still carry the connection between helping our tribe survive and using our big muscles.

Physical tasks and managing feelings are connected. We want children to get into the practice of taking care of their own things.  We want to give children the message that they have the strength to manage their uncomfortable feelings on their own.

Let your children carry their own backpacks.  This gives them the experience of carrying and lifting.  It teaches them to be responsible for their things.  It helps them practice the notion that it is their job to take care of their things.  Over time, this gives them confidence and assurance in knowing that they can take care of themselves.  Our modern day lifestyle is becoming farther removed from the daily tasks that helped teach our brains to manage our feelings.

Maple Grove Pac Website (Click to enter)

November 30th – PAC movie night

December 13th – Craft Day for Primary students

December 14th – Open house for Interested Montessori Kindergarten Parents  11:00 am

December 19th – Winter Concert Dress Rehearsal (1:15 pm)

December 20th – Winter Concert  (Afternoon performance 1:15 pm, Evening 6:30 pm)

December 21st – Last of school before the winter break

January 7th – First day of school after the winter break