Welcome Letter

Welcome to Grade 5-6
September, 2010-11

Welcome back to the school, students and parents! I am eagerly anticipating a fantastic year with you. Summer was great but I am so excited to be teaching in elementary again.

I was born in Ontario (which makes me a LEAFS Fan) and grew up in Vancouver and Langley. Moved to White Rock in college and haven't left. I graduated from Simon Fraser University and still go to Trinity as part of my life-long learning experience. I got married to my very beautiful wife, Richelle, in 2004. Together, we have six children (think Brady Bunch and you have the story), 2 cats, 2 dogs (one is my boxer Chilli), hamsters, and Guinea Pigs (one is “Tank” who is also the class pet). I love teaching, going for walks with my dog, riding my motorcycle, reading, and laughing with my wife. I have taught a variety of grades over the years and I just get more excited about teaching every year. Education can be full of life, love, laughter, and learning and I want all my students to get as much of those four things as they can every time they come to school. I Love the Lord because of the world He has created and how he whispers to my heart.

The first couple of days are really busy and there seems to be so much to know. Don’t panic, as the days go by, your child will soon understand the routines and procedures. I have an “open door” policy, so please feel free to drop by, call ext. 118, email me at teacherMrL@gamail.com, or check out our class blog at http://grade5-6.blogspot.com/ .

This newsletter contains a list of some of the classroom procedures and policies that I hope you will find helpful. I look forward to meeting you at the parent meeting on September 16th. Following the meeting you are invited to see the classroom and ask any questions that you may have.

I am really excited about this year as it will be full of LIFE, LOVE, LAUGHTER, and LEARNING!

Sincerely,

Mr. Lukacin





CLASSROOM POLICIES


1. ABSENTEEISM

Illness If your child is absent from illness, please have someone come in to pick up their homework each day after school. It is the student’s responsibility to complete ALL missed assignments by the given date.

Holidays If your child will be away for an extended period of time, the work they miss will be available the day they return. A date will be set by which the work must be completed.

2. HOMEWORK

Most days each child will have varying amounts of homework depending on particular assignments and how wisely they have used their time in class. I do not assign homework on the weekend unless a major project has been given and requires additional time at home.

3. LATE ASSIGNMENTS

Following directions and time management are important aspects of education which children are continuing to develop. Once 5 lates occur in a term, there will be a 1 hour work period in my classroom after school. If unforeseen circumstances arise, please let me know immediately.

4. TESTS

All major tests will be forewarned on the blog with a brief summary of what information will be covered and, therefore, should be studied. Most tests will be marked and sent home to be signed by a parent. Please return the test the next day.

5. NEATNESS

It is expected that any work that is to be read by another person, such as a parent or teacher, be “readable” and therefore neat. If a peer is marking work and it cannot be read clearly, a question may be marked incorrect. Often for assignments, presentation is part of the mark, so neatness is beneficial, and handwriting will be expected on some assignments.


6. DISCIPLINE

My philosophy towards discipline is to maintain a positive environment where students can explore and enjoy their learning, yet still know the boundaries within which they may work. This includes both individual responsibility as well as group cooperation. Therefore, I reward positive behaviours that I see. I will deal with minor infractions first before involving the parent. When a major infraction occurs or an expectation is repeatedly violated, a phone call home will be made. This may also involve the school Principal or Vice Principal and a record will be kept of the action.


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CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
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1. PLANNERS

Each student at W.R.C.A. is to have a planner for the year. Students will be given time at the end of each day and instructed to write out work that is due. If work has been completed, it may be checked off. Please take the time to read your child’s planner each night and initial it at the end of the week so I have an indication that you are aware of what your child is doing. You may also use the blog to keep track of the work assigned and can contact me at teacherMrL@gamil.com .

2. BIBLE MEMORY

As part of devotions on Monday afternoons, students will be discussing certain Bible verses. They will write these verses in their planner and will memorize them for an oral memory quiz on Fridays. Help from home will be essential.

3. SPLIT ABD COMBINED CLASSES

Grade 5’s will be combining with the other Grade 5 students for PE, Music and French. The Grade 6’s will be combining with the other Grade 6’s for Band, PE, French and Bible (Chapel).
The Math will be taught to each grade on its own. Mrs Neime will teach Grade 5 Math.