January 5 - 9, 2026

Wishing you and your family a blessed, healthy, and happy 2026! I hope you had a restful holiday season with your loved ones. I am looking forward to being back in class with my little friends and continuing our learning together.

Our Learning

Religion:

January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord. That will be the topic of our Religion lessons this week. We will learn about the three Magi who followed the star of Bethlehem to baby Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What gifts can we give to Jesus? 

Language:

In Writing, we will review the criteria for recount texts while writing a recount of something we did during the holidays. We will also continue our learning about descriptive writing, and set some goals for using descriptive vocabulary and details to improve our writing.

To help with our reading comprehension skills, in the next few weeks we will begin an exploration of several features of non-fiction texts (information texts) and how they help the reader identify important ideas and information. We will learn about table of contents, headings, special font, photographs, diagrams, labels, captions, text boxes, maps, cut-outs/closeups, glossary, and index.

This week's UFLI phonics lessons will include a review of what we learned before Christmas about long vowels, as well as the _ce and _ge endings. We will also learn about some exceptions to the silent e rule, such as in the words have, give, live, love, some, done, none, come.

Please have your child practise the heart words we have learned so far in class: the, I, a, said, to, do, of, see, he, be, me, from, you, what, have, look, book, are, was, your, want, go, no, so, goes, says, they, their, were, talk, walk, could, should, would, or, for, who, by, my, one, once, use.

We will have a Spelling Check-in on Friday, January 9th.

Math:

We will continue to work on our unit about addition and subtraction. In Grade 2, we are practising our recall of and understanding of addition facts for numbers up to 20, and their related subtraction facts. We have practised using the doubles, doubles plus one, doubles minus one, make ten, and rearranging numbers or using friendly numbers to add. This week, we will review how to subtract by using addition, and then we will learn about adding and subtracting numbers to 20 by exploring and practising fact families.

Grade 2 Parent Letter About Using Addition to Subtract here

Grade 2 Parent Letter About Using Related Subtraction and Addition Facts

In Grade 3, we continue to explore strategies for adding and subtracting numbers less than 100 (e.g., using a number line, hundred chart, manipulatives such as counters or ten-frames, drawing objects, and using mental strategies). This week, we will review how addition and subtraction are related. 

Grade 3 Parent Letter Relating Addition and Subtraction here

Grade 3 Parent Letter Solving Problems Using Mental Strategies

In both Grades 2 and 3, we will also begin to work on solving word problems that involve addition and subtraction. We will focus on how to communicate and show our thinking (How did we determine our answer?; What strategy did we use? How can we explain our strategy?). We will also learn the steps to solving a problem, including writing the final answer in a complete sentence when solving a word problem. Please have your child practise adding and subtracting at home, with an important focus on encouraging your child to explain his/her thinking, as this is a challenging skill for many. 

Grade 2 and Grade 3 Math Homework:

Memorize doubles addition facts to the sum of 20 (e.g., 4+4, 5+5, 6+6, 7+7, 8+8, 9+9, 10+10), as well as the related doubles subtraction sentences (e.g., 8-4=4, 10-5=5, 16-8=8, etc.). 

Important Dates:

Monday, Jan. 5 - First day of school after Christmas break

Friday, Jan. 9 - Grade 2/3 Library Day

Friday, January 30 - P.D. Day: No school for students

 December 15 - 19, 2025

School Advent Project

The Advent season has arrived and Christmas is just around the corner. As we have done in past years, we will support families in need from our adopted school, St. John the Apostle. Each family is invited to make a donation through  School Cash Online. Monies collected will go towards the purchase of grocery store and WalMart gift cards so the families we are supporting can purchase essential items to meet their needs. We encourage the students to complete a chore at home to earn their own money so that they experience the gift of giving. We will be collecting donations until Tuesday December 16th.

St. Gabriel Christmas Market December 17th

Our annual Christmas Market is returning. Students will have the opportunity to choose special gifts for their family members using donated items from our community. As we did last year, a minimum $2 donation is required to participate. This contribution supports our Advent outreach project, helping families in need during the holiday season. We kindly request that donations be submitted by December 17th in order for students to participate. 

Volunteering Opportunity  - Help Wanted

On Wednesday, December 17th, we are looking for volunteers to come help the students choose and wrap presents from the Book Market for a family member. 

If you can spare one hour or more, please Sign up here .

Thank you for helping us spread Christmas joy!

Our Learning

Language:

We have been learning about adjectives, nouns, verbs, capital letters, and punctuation. We will continue our writing focus on descriptive writing and how we can use adjectives and interesting descriptive vocabulary to paint a picture in the reader's mind.

Our next UFLI phonics lessons will focus on the _ge ending. In this ending. the letter g says /j/ when it is followed by a silent E, like in the words page, age, and huge and also words such as cage, stage, and strange. The E at the end of the word does not make a sound so we say it is "silent" ("silent E" or "bossy E"). 

This week's new heart word: use

Please have your child practise the heart words we have learned so far in class: the, I, a, said, to, do, of, see, he, be, me, from, you, what, have, look, book, are, was, your, want, go, no, so, goes, says, they, their, were, talk, walk, could, should, would, or, for, who, by, my, one, once.

Math:

We will continue to work on our unit about addition and subtraction. In Grade 2, we are practising our recall of and understanding of addition facts for numbers up to 20, and their related subtraction facts. We have practised using the doubles, doubles plus one, and doubles minus one strategies. We will continue to explore how to make ten and rearranging numbers or using friendly numbers to add. Here are some ways to show our strategies for the addition strategies for smaller numbers:

Link to Grade 2 Parent Letter about Adding By Making Ten here

Link to Grade 2 Parent Summary Letter About Rearranging Numbers to Add here

In Grade 3, we continue to explore strategies for adding and subtracting numbers less than 100 (e.g., using a number line, hundred chart, manipulatives such as counters or ten-frames, drawing objects, and using mental strategies). Later on, we will learn how to add and subtract larger numbers. We will also begin to work on solving word problems that involve addition and subtraction. We will focus on how to communicate and show our thinking (How did we determine our answer?; What strategy did we use? How can we explain our strategy?). We will also learn the steps to solving a problem, including writing the final answer in a complete sentence when solving a word problem. Please have your child practise adding and subtracting at home, with an important focus on encouraging your child to explain his/her thinking, as this is a challenging skill for many. 

Link to Grade 3 Parent Summary Letter about Addition and Subtraction Strategies for Numbers Less Than 100 here 

Link to Grade 3 Parent Summary Letter about Solving Problems Using Mental Strategies for Adding and Subtracting Numbers Less Than 100 here

Important Dates:

Dec. 14th - Third Sunday of Advent

Dec. 17th- Book Market

Dec. 17th - Advent liturgy 1 p.m., followed by parent visits to classroom 1:30-2:15

Dec. 19 - Last day of school before Christmas holidays

Dec. 20 - January 4th - Christmas Break: School closed

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a restful holiday!

 December 8 to 12, 2025

This week is the second week of Advent. We will pray, sing, and read versions of the Christmas story, and light the second purple candle on the Advent wreath, symbolizing peace. The students continue to perform acts of kindness to prepare their hearts for the coming of Baby Jesus. Ask your child about our class Advent calendar. 

St. Gabriel Christmas Market December 17th

Our annual Christmas Market is returning. Students will have the opportunity to choose special gifts for their family members using donated items from our community. As we did last year, a minimum $2 donation is required to participate. This contribution supports our Advent outreach project, helping families in need during the holiday season. We kindly request that donations be submitted by December 16th in order for students to participate. 

For the market, we are collecting gently used or new donations of items such as candles, decorations, jewelry, hats, scarves, books, toys, puzzles, mugs, kitchen gadgets, bath products, and wrapping supplies. 

Donations accepted in the front foyer until December 12th.

 Parent volunteers are also needed for gift-wrapping on December 17th (morning & afternoon).  Sign up here

Thank you for helping us spread Christmas joy by supporting our Advent outreach initiative!

Our Learning

Math:

We will continue our exploration of addition and subtraction. Addition is the process of putting numbers together to find a sum. Subtraction is the process of finding how much is left or how much more is needed. In Grade 2, we are working on recalling and demonstrating our understanding of addition facts for numbers up to 20, and their related subtractions facts. We will practise using a variety of strategies such as using doubles, doubles plus one, doubles minus one, making ten, counting, etc. Here are some ways to show our strategies for the addition strategies for smaller numbers:

Link to Grade 2 Parent Summary Letter about Using Doubles here 

Link to Grade 2 Parent Letter about Adding By Making Ten here

In Grade 3, we continue to explore strategies for adding and subtracting numbers less than 100 (e.g., using a number line, hundred chart, manipulatives such as counters or ten-frames, drawing objects, and using mental strategies). Later on, we will learn how to add and subtract larger numbers. We will also begin to work on solving word problems that involve addition and subtraction. We will focus on how to communicate and show our thinking (How did we determine our answer? What strategy did we use? How can we explain our strategy?). We will also learn the steps to solving a problem, including writing the final answer in a complete sentence when solving a word problem. Please have your child practise adding and subtracting at home, with an important focus on having your child explain their thinking, as this is a challenging skill for many. 

Link to Grade 3 Parent Summary Letter about Addition and Subtraction Strategies for Numbers Less Than 100 here 

Link to Grade 3 Parent Summary Letter about Solving Problems Using Mental Strategies for Adding and Subtracting Numbers Less Than 100 here

Language:

Our writing focus will continue to be on practising different types of descriptive writing, using adjectives and interesting vocabulary to paint a picture when describing something or someone. 

Our phonics lessons will be about the -ce ending. We will learn that -ce says /s/ such as in the words rice, trace, twice, space.

No new heart words this week. Last week's Heart Words: one, once

Please have your child practise the heart words we have learned so far in class: the, I, a, said, to, do, of, see, he, be, me, from, you, what, have, look, book, are, was, your, want, go, no, so, goes, says, they, their, were, talk, walk, could, should, would, or, for, who, by, my, *one, *once.

Physical Education:

We will continue to work on our underhand and overhand throwing skills. 

Homework: Reading Practice Folder

Last week, your child brought home a Reading Practice Folder. Thank you for reminding your child to return this reading folder to school each Monday. 

This folder will contain the weekly phonics homework practice sheets. They will be kept on the right side of the folder. The folder will also contain an additional book for your child to read with you. This book is chosen by your child and may not be at their reading level. It is meant to develop their reading comprehension skills and a love of reading. Please help your child by asking them comprehension questions (see suggestions in folder) after reading the story together. Thank you for supporting your child with their reading practice. 

Important Dates:

Dec. 7 - Second Sunday of Advent

Dec. 12 - From 1:00 - 2:00 Grade 2/3 parents invited to to Mrs. Maidment's classroom to help make Christmas cards for seniors residence

Dec. 12 - Last day to bring in toiletries donations and book donations Dec. 14 - 3rd Sunday of Advent

Dec. 17 - Advent/Christmas Liturgy at 1:00 p.m.

Dec. 19 - Last day of school before Christmas holidays

Dec. 22 - January 4th - Christmas Break: School closed

Jan. 5 - First day of school after Christmas break

 Week of December 1st to 4th, 2025

Sunday, November 30th marks the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is the season of waiting and preparing for the birth of Jesus Christ. Throughout Advent, we will participate in weekly Advent liturgies and enjoy special activities that highlight the special meaning to this season. This week, we fill our hearts with hope as we prepare for Jesus' birth.

St. Gabriel Christmas Market

Our annual Christmas Market is returning! Students will have the opportunity to choose special gifts for their family members using donated items from our community. A minimum of $2 donation is required to participate. This contribution supports our Advent outreach project, helping families in need during the holiday season. We kindly request that donations be submitted by December 17th in order for students to participate. 

For the market, we are collecting gently used or new donations of items such as candles, decorations, jewelry, hats, scarves, books, toys, puzzles, mugs, kitchen gadgets, bath products, and wrapping supplies. 

Donations accepted in the front foyer until December 13th.

Parent volunteers are also needed for gift-wrapping on December 17th (morning & afternoon).  Sign up here

Thank you for helping us spread Christmas joy by supporting our Advent initiative!

Our Learning

Math:

We are beginning our unit about addition and subtraction. In Grade 2, we will begin by ensuring the students understand the meanings of addition and subtraction. Addition is the process of putting numbers together to find a sum. Subtraction is the process of finding how much is left or how much more is needed. We will then work on recalling and demonstrating our understanding of addition facts for numbers up to 20, and their related subtractions facts. We will practise using a variety of strategies such as using doubles, doubles plus one, doubles minus one, making ten, counting, etc. Here are some ways to show our strategies for adding smaller numbers:

Link to Grade 2 Parent Summary Letter about The Meanings of Addition and Subtraction here 

Link to Grade 2 Parent Summary Letter about Using Doubles to Add  here

Link to Grade 2 Parent Summary Letter about Making Ten here

In Grade 3, we will begin by reviewing strategies for adding and subtracting numbers less than 100 (e.g., using a number line, hundred chart, manipulatives such as counters or ten-frames, drawing objects, and using mental strategies). Later on, we will learn how to add and subtract larger numbers. We will also begin to work on solving word problems that involve addition and subtraction. We will focus on how to communicate and show our thinking (How did we determine our answer? What strategy did we use? How can we explain our strategy?). We will also learn the steps to solving a problem, including writing the final answer in a complete sentence when solving a word problem. Please have your child practise adding and subtracting at home, with an important focus on encouraging your child to explain his/her thinking. Many students find this very challenging. 

Link to Grade 3 Parent Summary Letter about Addition and Subtraction Strategies for Numbers Less Than 100 here 

Supporting Your Child in Math:

By Grade 2, students should be solidifying their memorization of doubles addition facts to the sum of 20 (e.g., 4+4, 5+5, 6+6, 7+7, 8+8, 9+9, 10+10), as well as the related doubles subtraction sentences (e.g., 8-4=4, 10-5=5, 16-8=8, etc.). Please help your child review these skills to ensure they achieve this expectation.

Language:

In Writing in both Grade 2 and 3, we will continue to practise different types of descriptive writing, using adjectives and interesting vocabulary to paint a picture when describing something or someone. In Reading, we will work on visualizing to help us comprehend what we read.

Our next UFLI phonics lesson is about the long u vowel sound as in the word use. The long vowel sound is the same as the vowel's name, u. 

The vowel u says its own name, u, when there is a silent E at the end of a word, like in the words cube, mute, and cute and also words such as flute, rule, tube, duke, and tune. The E at the end of the word does not make a sound so we say it is "silent" ("silent E" or "bossy E"). 

This week's new heart words are: one, once

Please have your child practise the heart words we have learned so far in class: the, I, a, said, to, do, of, see, he, be, me, from, you, what, have, look, book, are, was, your, want, go, no, so, goes, says, they, their, were, talk, walk, could, should, would, or, for, who, by, my, *one, *once.

New Homework: Reading Practice Folder

Beginning this week, your child will bring home a Reading Practice Folder. This folder will contain the phonics homework practice sheets that they have been bringing home since September. They will be kept on the right side of the folder. The Grade 3 students also have an additional decodable text reading practice sheet in it. The folder will also contain an additional book for your child to read with you. Please refer to the suggested questions for you to discuss with your child after reading the story together. The folder will be due back at school each Monday. Thank you for supporting your child with their reading practice. 

Visual Arts:

We will continue our exploration of warm and cool colours and the feelings which can portrayed by the use of certain colours when creating works of art. We will also learn about different types of lines and how they can be used when creating art.

Health:

Over the next few weeks, we will continue our discussions about healthy eating and the students will "create" a balanced meal.

Important Dates:

Sunday, Nov. 30 - First Sunday of Advent

Tuesday, Dec. 2 - Photo Retakes

Thursday, Dec. 4 - Library books due

Thursday, Dec. 4 - Magic show (K-6)

Friday, Dec. 5 - P.D. Day