August 2008

Dear Students of Grade Six,

            We trust that you are enjoying your summer vacation and all the opportunities that God gives us to enjoy his creation in this season.  Most of you know us, Mr. Cook and Mrs. Kroezen, and we will be your teachers this coming school year.

            I (Mr. Cook) have had an enjoyable, busy summer. I’ve been to the cottage and camping, visiting family and friends, working on my house, taking some workshops, working at school, and enjoying my family.

I (Mrs. Kroezen) have enjoyed my very restful summer. I enjoyed visiting with friends, and my family took a short camping trip to Point Farms Provincial Park near Goderich, Ontario. I also read many books on varying topics, but mostly fiction. It was a good summer.

              This letter is to let you know some of the things to expect when you begin Grade Six in September.  Mr. Cook will be your teacher most of the time (about 60%) for math, Bible, science, health, art, and phys. ed., but you will have Mrs. Kroezen (about 35%) for  music, French, socials, literature, creative writing, spelling, and grammar. Mr. Vandonkersgoed will teach current events.

In Bible, we will learn about the faithfulness of God to his people by studying the The House of Israel. In social studies and science we will learn about different features of God’s creation, both natural and cultural, when we study Canada and Its Trading Partners, Ancient Trading Communities, Canada – Reaching Beyond Its Borders, Electricity and Magnetism, Properties of Matter, Plants, and Health.

            It won’t be long and you will be shopping for supplies to get ready for the new school year.  Here is a list of the things you will need to bring for the first week of class:

            pencil crayons, pencils, sharpener, pencil case

            coloured markers for art

            pens (blue or black ink only)

            erasers ( no white out)

            highlighter, scissors, glue stick, metric ruler

            one binder – 2 inch, 5 or 6 dividers, and lined loose leaf paper

            indoor shoes – should be athletic shoes for use in gym as well as in the classroom

            phys. ed. clothes ( GDCS shirts available from the office)

            box of Kleenex

            In Grade 6, we place an emphasis on personal responsibility for students. You can be independent and self-reliant and not need parents or teachers to keep you on top of things.  Each student will be given an agenda to track homework and assignments. Due dates are firm, instructions must be followed, and good work habits are expected. 

            We’re looking forward to a great year together as we use and develop our gifts, and demonstrate sharing, caring, and friendship in building community together.  Above all, we hope that you will gain a more secure sense of whom God has made you to be, and what your place is in His creation.  We wish you a blessed last few weeks of summer. See you in September!

                                                            Sincerely,

                                                                        Mr. G. Cook and Mrs. J. Kroezen

Grade 6 Teachers