THEMES
Health & Nutrition Valentine’s Day
Family Anti-Bullying Day
February 3-6 - Handing out Valentine’s cards
February 10 – Wear red for the Monday/Wednesday classes
February 11 – Wear red for the Tuesday/Thursday classes
February 11 - Board Meeting 7pm all are welcome
February 12 – Valentine’s Party for the Monday/Wednesday classes
February 13 – Valentine’s Party for the Tuesday/Thursday classes
February 17 – No school -Family Day holiday
February 18 - No school -Family Day holiday
February 19 - No school -Winter Break
February 20 – No school -Winter Break
February 25 – Miss Marg reads to the Tuesday/Thursday classes
February 26 – Pink shirt day for the Monday/Wednesday classes
February 27 – Pink shirt day for the Tuesday/Thursday classes
May 8 - Open House 4:30-6:30pm
Valentine Cards
The children will be handing out their Valentine cards to each of their friends.
Please DO NOT write each child’s name on each Valentine card as, we have found in the past years, that it takes a very long time to hand out the cards and the children get very restless waiting for their turn. Only write who the card is from.
If you do choose to give out Valentine cards, please give one to each child in the class so as to avoid hurt feelings.
Please bring your child’s Valentine cards to the playschool the week of February 3 - 6.
Valentine’s Party
Each playschool class will be having their own Valentine’s party. Each class will be following the regular classroom routine, however a few different games and activities will be included which will be related to the Valentine’s Day theme.
A small treat for the children will be provided but please still have the children to bring their regular snacks on the day of the party.
Anti-Bullying Day
The annual Pink Shirt Anti-Bullying Day is on Wednesday, February 26. Carstairs Playschool feels it is important to join the nation in teaching the children how not to be a bully. We will be observing Anti-Bullying Day on Wednesday, February 26 and Thursday, February 27.
If you are able, please join us by sending your child in pink on those days to support this great message.
Donations
This month we would really appreciate:
Sticker gems
White poster paper
Wagon wheel pasta
Large file folders
Teacher/Parent Conferences
Mrs. Gerle has created kindergarten check list for those parents who have children attending kindergarten in September 2025. Each child will be observed for their social and emotional skills, independent skills, language and communication, gross motor skills and wellness, fine motor skills, cognitive skills, numeracy, and creative expression. This check list is intended to demonstrate where your child is at in regards to readiness for kindergarten. It is important to note that playschool does not have a set curriculum.
Parent teacher conferences will be conducted during the first two weeks of February to discuss the check lists. These meetings will be during classroom hours and the Board will be emailing parents to sign up during a specific time in the day. If you are unable to attend during classroom hours, there will be a limited number of evening slots open to accommodate. During these meetings, parents will be shown examples of your child’s skills, and Mrs. Gerle will relay to each parent how your child is doing in the classroom, as well as their strengths and weaknesses within the playschool environment.
If the results of the evaluations demonstrate some severe delays in skills, it may be suggested your child attend another year of playschool. This would not be a detriment to your child. An extra year of playschool is very beneficial to those children who have late birthdays or who may not be quite ready to attend full days of kindergarten. Studies have shown that those children who waited an extra year to attend public school are much more confident, can adjust to long days much more easily, and are able to navigate their new environment without a large amount of stress and anxiety.
CES Communication Permission
If your 4 year old is to move onto kindergarten next year, please fill out the form below. Mrs. Gerle will be meeting with the Principal of Carstairs Elementary School, Ms. Upshaw, to discuss information such as personality (shy, outgoing, social, anxious, etc.) peer relationships, supports needed, etc. This information is used to help place students in the best classes so they will thrive in kindergarten next year.
These conversations can only take place if parents sign off on the permission form. Please complete as soon as possible.
CES Communication Permission Form
Table Time
Three year olds will be working on the circle, diamond, and triangle shapes.
Four year olds will be working on letters Q, G, and S. Practicing these letters will help the children learn to use correct top-to-bottom, left-to-right directionality for letters, while holding a crayon with proper pencil grip and using their helper hand to help stabilize objects and paper.
Cold Weather Clothing Tips
The teachers help the children get dressed to leave for the day, and they are having difficulties with some children struggling to put on their gloves. If possible, it is highly recommend the children wear mittens, not finger gloves, as many children who bring finger gloves to school have difficulty with putting their fingers where they need to go, which takes the teachers a longer time to get the children ready.
We have also noticed some of the children’s shoes are getting a little snug. We will be letting the families know if your child is growing out of their indoor shoes. It is appreciated if you could replace your child’s shoes with either Velcro or slip ons. This will help your child become more independent in putting their own shoes on, which in turn helps them with kindergarten readiness.
Carstairs Playschool Society is looking for substitutes! Spread the word!
If you have experience with early childhood education and are at least 18 years of age, please forward your cover letter and resume to carstairsplayschool@gmail.com
Playschool Fee Accounts
Please ensure your fees are up to date and you are not behind on payments. The third payment instalment is due March 1st and there are many families who still have outstanding balances. If payments are not made, the Board will move to next steps in restricting hours students will be allowed to attend.
Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated.