1

Dear Students and Parents of Division F03

Welcome back to another school year at Larson! Please allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Jessie Chouinard. I started at Larson in 2010, teaching grade 1 and 5 French
Immersion.

I realize that this is a busy time of the year for everybody, but I would appreciate it very
much if you could take a few minutes to read this package of information concerning this
school year. Id like to share with you information containing important details about this
years program. This includes; curriculum, classroom routines and general expectations.
Should you have any questions regarding the above-mentioned information, please feel
free to contact me via email at jchouinard@sd44.ca

I will be your childs main teacher throughout the school year, but your child will also
work 2 times per week with M. Fulton who will be teaching physical education. In
addition, Mme Petrasiunas will be teaching Music to the class.


CURRICULUM:

Franais

In French Language Arts, students will be doing weekly dictes throughout the year. The
text or words will be pre-tested every Monday. The dictes test will be on Fridays.
Students will work on French grammar throughout the year. Also various texts, activities
and games will be used to reinforce new concepts. Our literacy program will include
shared and guided reading aimed at developing specific reading strategies, Literature
Circle activities in small groups, as well as independent reading. Students have 30
minutes of silent reading in French every day at school but I encourage students to read in
French as often as possible at home.

English

In English Language Arts, student will work on grammar, reading strategies, writing
exploration and oral presentation. Theses abilities are often very similar in French and
English. What they learn in French in applicable in English and vice-versa.
Larson Elementary School
Lcole Elmentaire Larson
2605 Larson Road
North Vancouver, B.C. V7N 3W4
Phone (604) 903-3570 Fax (604) 903-3571
2
Mathmatiques

In Math, we will be using Math Makes Senses as our primary textbook. Students will be
doing many hands-on activities using math manipulatives to reinforce the various
concepts.

Sciences humaines

In Social Studies this year, we will be studying our country by its identity, society,
culture, economy, technology, governance and its human and physical environment.
Assignments in Social Studies will often be integrated into French Language Arts and the
literacy program.

Science Naturelles

In science class, through reading, discussions and a great deal of hands-on activities,
students will learn about the topics of Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources, Forces
and Simple Machines and The Human Body.

Physical Education

The sports and activities that will be covered in PE are: basketball, volleyball,
gymnastics, track and field and dance. I expect every student to come to school with, or
keep at school a pair of adequate sports footwear since we will be doing daily physical
activities.


EXPECTATIONS


It is expected that students come to school rested, well-nourished and ready to work with
all the necessary materials and with all homework assignments completed. It is also
expected that students recognize and respect the Larson Code of Conduct (please see the
Agenda for a copy of the Code), the Larson dress code, as well as our own classroom
rules. The GOLDEN RULE in the classroom is to speak French only, except at
lunchtime, during English Languages Arts and during Music and Band. It is my hope and
strong desire that the students will maximize their classroom time to develop and enhance
their French skills (speaking, writing, reading comprehension and listening) as well as
improves in all other areas.


HOMEWORK

Your child will receive 1-2 math assignments per week. This will allow you to see what
we are currently working on and monitor your child progress. I encourage students to
spend a few minutes every day reviewing for French dicte. Students are also encouraged
3
to spend at least 20 minutes a day reading. Every second week, I will ask them to report
on their reading via a book report. I realize that students require their time after school to
spend on extra curricular and family activities. Most students who find that they have a
heavy load of homework are those students who socialize excessively during class time.
Your child should not be spending hours on homework. If your child is unable to
complete a homework assignment, I would appreciate a short note in your childs agenda.
If you have any concerns about the homework, please do not hesitate to contact me.

FOOD AND DRINKS

Please ensure that your child has a water bottle at school each day. This water bottle can
be kept in the classroom, and will help to keep your child hydrated throughout the day.
This will also minimize trips to the water fountain. I also recommend that your child has
a healthy snack and lunch. No chewing gum will be tolerated in the classroom.

VOLUNTEERS

Parent-volunteers, you are welcome in the classroom! If you would like to help out with
art projects, special events, driving to field trips, or even if you have expertise in the
curriculum areas and would like to come in and talk to the class or help with a project,
please do let me know.

HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

Throughout the school year, should you have any concerns or questions about homework
or other issues, please dont hesitate to communicate with me. Id like to ask that we use
your childs agenda or my email address as a means to send messages from home to
school and vice versa. I will do my best to answer you the same day. My email address is
jchouinard@sd44.ca

CLASS WEBSITE

Please frequently visit our class website where you can find the weekly dicte and
assignments. I will also be sharing projects, curriculum content and communications to
parents. The website is http://madamechouinard.weebly.com.

I am looking forward to a great school year with you and your children!

Sincerely,

Madame Chouinard