End of School News

June

NEWS

“I hope your dreams take you... to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known.�

This is our favorite and our most dreaded day all wrapped into one! It’s the day that our hearts swell with pride for all you’ve accomplished. We are so proud of the hard work you’ve done and we know you are ready to move on to new, bigger challenges! It’s also the day we realize we may not see some of you as often as we’d like to.

There are many of you here that I watched come through our doors as a baby because you had a brother or sister here. Others we met as young toddlers! A couple of you came into our lives a little more recently but each of you has made a permanent place in our hearts and minds. We will always remember the special little things that make you unique. Often, over the coming years, we will see or hear something that reminds us of you and we will send you our love in our quiet prayers. If you happen to come for a visit, you will be greeted by big hugs, familiar faces and floods of happy memories!

Maria Montessori stated “The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, “The children are now working as if I did not exist.” In our classrooms we want the children’s focus to be totally on their own educational experience. These students are now prepared to go out into the world to continue this quest.

That’s the unselfish me. The selfish part wishes I could hold onto you forever!

Parents, we can’t thank you enough for allowing us to be part of your family. Please know that you will always and forever be part of our family here at St. James.

I wish you each love, peace and happiness. Happy graduation!

Loree Birkenback head of school

From Ms. Julia and Ms. Tamara I would like to read a quote by one of my favorite authors Dr. Seuss from the book “ Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to great Places!

You’re off and away!

Your have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself Any direction you choose.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go.

I want to thank all of the families in P3 for a terrific year. It was a special year as both Ms. Tamara and I were new to the classroom.

We have loved getting to know each of the children and growing together as a community. It was a privilege to guide the kindergartners through their third and fin a l yea r i n t h e Prima ry Classroom.

From Ms. Elizabeth and Ms. Ashley Matthew, chapter 19, vs. 13-15 “Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.”

A large part of Maria Montessori’s philosophy centers around the goodness of a child’s soul. She believed that spirituality is innate in chldren and that they have a desire to respect others and treat them with love and kindness and that their environment should encourage and support this natural inclination. St. James is safe, peaceful, Christian environment for children. The primary classroom functions as a family. The graduating kindergarten students have taken on the responsiblity of leading Chapel services by being crucifers, banner holders, bell ringers, and prayer leaders. They have assisted the younger children by giving lessons, tying shoes, and being good friends.

They have set a positive example by demonstrating strong character and peaceful conflict resolution.

John, chapter 14, verse 27A “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”

Have a safe, wonderful summer!

From Mrs. Barrineau and Ms Ana

Thank you for sharing your children with us for another school year. We had a few changes in our classroom with assistant teachers but the students remained poised, flexible and calm throughout it all. Our school day started with, “Good Morning Mrs. Barrineau, Good Morning Ms. Stacey,.............Good Morning Mrs. Barrineau, Good Morning, Ms. Arti,................Good Morning Mrs. Barrineau, Good Morning Mrs. Deitz,......................Good Morning Mrs. Barrineau, Good Morning Ms. Jillian,.......................

Good Morning Mrs. Barrineau, Good Morning Ms. Ana,.................

Good Morning Mrs. Barrineau, Good Morning Ms. Ana........and so it continues. I will repeat, your children were absolutely the best throughout. They entered with the greeting then went about the day. It was wonderful to watch. Ms. Ana came in with a calm steady presence and it was just what we needed.

We are thankful that she walked through the door of our classroom and will remain with us next year. Thank you Ms. Ana!

Now, our heartfelt sentiment as you go on your way.

I’ve worked with your flower, and helped it to grow.

I’m returning it now, but I want you to know.

This flower is precious, as dear as can be.

Love it, take care of it, and you will see, A bright new bloom, with every day.

It grew and blossomed in such a wonderful way.

In September, just a bud, January, a bloom: now a lovely blossom I’m returning in June.

Remember, this flower, as dear as can be, though rightfully yours, part will always belong to me!

ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY THE SUMMERTIME! Author Unknown - Mrs. Barrineau and Mss. Ana

From Ms. Bailey and Ms. Gavin The five children graduating from our class today have all been with us for the entire three year cycle. They arrived at three years old and have all grown both in confidence and abilities.

Maria Montessori wrote that self-esteem is built upon feeling successful, developing a sense of independence. “Help me to do it myself�. Our goal in the classroom is to help the children become independent learners and cooperative members of the classroom community. I truly believe that with the constant support of the families of these children, together we have succeeded in meeting these lofty goals.

At age 3, these children were tracing Sandpaper Letters. Now they are all writing Words, Sentences and Stories on paper, Spelling and Reading.

They began counting by touching the Number Rods.

Now they are all doing Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division using the Golden Beads,the Stamp Game, Strip Boards, Bead Bars and the Bead Boards. They are writing their problems on paper. All of these children have grown in skills and abilities, but especially, and most importantly, in confidence, self-esteem and character.

From Ms. Coral and Ms. Martha

It has been an eventful year as lead teacher! I have learned so much about myself as well as the children in my classroom. As I was saying goodbye to your precious children, I found myself in tears. I wish much luck to those of you moving onto primary and I know the children moving onto other schools will be excellent leaders! I hope everyone has a wonderful summer!!

- Ms. Coral Thank you for this great year at St. James! It was such a joy to be able to for all of your precious children. To all of those moving on to primary and other schools, good luck; to all the rest of you that will be coming back, see you soon! Have a great summer!

-Ms. Martha

From Mrs. Anna and Mrs. Rhiannon The Toddler Lamb class has worked really hard this year. One of them learned to walk and now runs. Two others learned some new words and in English. We learned how to count to 31 and we learned our letter sounds, colors and that Francis does not like loud noises. We learned how to wash our hands, brush our hair and most importantly brush our teeth. This year seems to have just flown by, so we must have been having way more fun than should be allowed. Our room mom’s made sure that our parties were amazing and “All” of our parents made Mrs. Rhiannon and myself feel so special “All” year. Our love and prayers will be always with our little lambs as they return in the Fall whether it be back in our toddler class or moving up to the primary classes and even moving on to new schools and adventures.

Take care, be safe and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”!

Hugs

Crossing The Bridge

From Ms. Lindsay, Ms. Eva, and Ms. Joli

We are so sad to say that school is over. This is always such a bitter sweet time of year because, while we are all excited for summer, we get so sad to see our children go!!! This has truly been such an amazing school year. We have been so blessed to have such an amazing and strong MDO support group. For those of you who are moving up to primary, congrats and we wish you the best of luck as an OFFICIAL primary student. And, to those of you who are not returning to us next year, you will be so missed!!! And, any of you are more than welcome to stop by and say hello whenever you would like!!

The children have grown so much this year. They have done so well with our Montessori “transition” this year. These children have taught us so much.

We have bonded with every family in the MDO program this year and want to thank everyone for all their support and assistance that we have received this year. A very very very special thanks to our room mom, Ms. Brenda Bailey!!!!!! You are an awesome room mom and we are going to miss you sooo much!!! Thank you for everything you did for us this year. We love you!!!

Now, everyone stay cool and have so much fun this summer!!! And don’t forget to wear LOTS and LOTS of sunscreen!!!

God Bless You All