Monday, December 6, 2010

DECEMBER 7, 2010

December 7, 2010

Dear Parents/Guardians,
This will be the last newsletter from Core English for 2010. I want to thank everyone for their tremendous support and help in delivering the program. I look forward to the New Year and all the learning that will be taking place for both students, staff, and parents. I have collected all the folders, so everyone will be pleased to know there will not be any homework assigned again until after the holiday. I know the students have worked extremely hard throughout the term and they need to take some time to reconnect with family and friends through quality time together.

Thanks for making the Core English food drive an outstanding success. We collected over 100 food items which translates into almost one item for each student in the classes. Amazing work students and parents!

This week the students shared inforamtion about their home traditions and customs through the holidays. I shared with the students a book called 'The Mummer's Song' by Bud Davidge and Ian Wallace. It discusses a tradition called 'Mummering' that was popular in rural Newfoundland and dates back to the early 1800's. It occurs between December 26 until January 6 when people visit their neighbourhood homes dressed in outlandish disguises. Its a guessing game for fun loving souls. Once you guess who is under the costume, the disguise comes off. Although mummering became less widespread with changes in culture, in recent years it has made a comeback with the song by Bud Davidge. I know my family enjoys dressing up and taking part in this fun tradition with family and friends. Who knows...it may very well show up as part of our Christmas Concert on December 15th.

Have a safe and restful holiday and I look forward to seeing everyone again in the New Year!