WINTER 2006

Here is our January Newsletter. It looks a bit wonky because it was copied from our microsoft word publishing program!
Enjoy!

British Columbia Primary Teachers' Association Primary Teachers Working for YOU! The BCPTA is an association of primary teachers from around the province and even the world. We are committed to improving primary teaching practice, benefiting all students in British Columbia.
Chilliwack Primary Teacher’s Association Executive
PresidentAlison Greenhough Past PresidentAngela Woods Vice PresidentCarman Hartmen Treasurer Diane Mainer SecretaryAmy Hugh
Members-at-Large:Marg Audet Karen Fugger Kathy Griffen Trish Hands Lynda Patrick Julie Sharman Irene Tisdale Tara Toop
After a rather unique first term we are already deep into our second termand I can’t believe that I am having to start thinking about my term tworeporting! I was feeling kind of numb regarding Primary issues for thisnewsletter. I think I was still in the Opost walkout fog as well as asugar haze from the holidays! However, I am happy to say that after lessthan an hour looking at the BCPTA web site(http://www.bctf.ca/psas/BCPTA/Articles.htm-- with links to some greatarticles regarding play, learning and assessment) my interest in my J-O-Bwas once again sparked. And I am feeling like I am a working professionalwith some choices in the way my day (week, month, year) with my studentswill go. It doesn’t take a lot to get beaten down by the drudgery of theeveryday tasks of the primary teacher (book orders, photocopying, cleaningthe paint centre etc.) but it does take a concerted effort on one’s part tostay motivated and feel that we as primary teachers have a very importantrole to play in the helping create the civilization of the future! I knowit sounds grandiose but a bit of naivete and big ideas go along way tohelping one feel and see the everyday importance of ourselves and ourstudents. So stay connected with your primary colleagues, check out somenew web sites, go out to a workshop and enjoy the time thinking aboutsomething new. Both you and your students will be happy that you did!
For great links and super teacher generated resources check out:
The Starfall learn-to-read website is offered free as a public service.
http://www.starfall.com/
Junie B. Jones Website
http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/junieb/
Eric Carle Website
http://www.eric-carle.com/
Winter Pages
http://www.fvsd.ab.ca/stm/winter_sites.htm
http://www.theteacherscorner.net/
My heart is singing for joy this morning. A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil's mind, and behold, all things are changed. -- Anne Sullivan
Event
Date
Remember to watch for February 17th Pro-D Workshops in the district as Spread Your Wings will not be offered this year.
Pat Moret &
Angela Woods
Creating inclusion in the classroom ~ Ideas for helping your special needs student to
participate in authentic social interactions. Bring your TA for free!
Wednesday,
January 25th
Evans Elementary
@3:45
pre-register by Friday, Jan 20th
Fraser Valley Chapter of the International Reading Association is hosting a workshop on Reading Comprehension at Promontory Elementary.
Wednesday,
February 1st
Promontory Elementary
3:45 - 5:00
Dinner Workshop
Featuring
Janice Novakowski
$20 members / $30 nonmembers
March 29th
Evans
Elementary
@ 3:45

YES! We are back for another exciting year of coffee with colleagues. This is a monthly event that takes place at Java Hut and allows teachers to unwind, inspire, and chat about anything that’s happening in the primary setting. Need more info about future coffee talks? Call Carmen at Little Mountain 604 792 0681. PS ~ Java Hut is a big place, and all primary teachers are always welcomed.
Hey Where’s Mine?Have you received your new BCPTA journal? To check to see if your membership and/or address is current check out their web site -- http://www.bctf.bc.ca/BCPTA/ index.html or e-mail the BCPTA journal editor, Glen Gough at gstgough@northwestel.net
Heart Shaped Bookworm
Discuss your student’s favorite books. Cut out 8-12 small heart shapes. Fold the heart in half. Overlap the heart and glue them together so that the fold of the hearts become the spine of the worm. Have the student’s type or print the name of their favorite book to read and place it underneath the worm on display.

Heart in Hand Valentine Trace the child’s hand (finger’s together) on construction paper. Create a sleeve cuff and a red heart to place on palm of hand. Add buttons and pieces of lace to decorate the cuff. Write a message on the back of the hand to give to their parent.
Many Provincial Specialist Associations are holding their annual Workshopson February 17, 2006.For more details: http://pdonline.bctf.ca/conferences/ PD-Calendar.html