Week #36: May 28th - May 31st
Dear Families,
Happy ALMOST June everyone! We’ve entered our final month of school. Where’d the year go?!
I suppose it zips by when you’re surrounded with amazing students every day who make you smile, laugh, and rejoice! I truly have seized and savoured every moment creating meaningful creating meaningful memories with our class family.
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| Nice poses guys! |
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| How amazing is this! Malcolm's featured on the Plunge wall! |
As we enter the final few weeks of school, I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all my families (parents & grandparents) who have consistently supported their child in all my teaching by providing at home support with homework and assignments. This means a lot to me :)
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| My precious group for the day :) |
Together, we have made a significant difference in your child's academic, social, emotional and behavioural strengths & needs! As always, I am delighted by all my students progress and reaching their potential :)
By now, you will have received this month's kindness calendar. Please take moments throughout the month to participate in the variety of kind acts suggested.
It always brings a smile to my face and heart upon hearing my students following through on these especially when no one is watching :)
Our motto is --> "Be KIND all the time!"
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| June Kindness Calendar! Your child will bring this home next week. |
BLUE MOUNTAIN TRIP:
What a beautiful day we had for such an ADVENTUROUS DAY of outdoor learning and exploring :-) The smiles say it all!
A big thank you to our parent volunteers (Molly's Dad, Margot's Mom, Kieran's Mom, and Isla's Mom) for coming along to support us throughout our day to experience all the fun activities at Blue!
Your time, energy, and efforts are appreciated! Thank you for showing and sharing your compassion and care for the kids :)
We couldn't have asked for a better day! The pictures speak volumes as to how much FUN we truly had! Check it out!
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| We ate on the top deck, beauty views :) |
400M & 800M RACE:
Congratulations to our track athletes Benton, Finn, Ayden, Isla, Cara, Mae, and Margot for receiving a ribbon(s) for their wonderful achievement in the 400m and 800m races!
I am so very proud of these students effort, determination, and never give up attitude in the face of a challenge.
They all did their personal best and I have every confidence when they're intermediate students, they'll rock the 1,600m race too! Way to go!
NOTTAWA TRACK & FIELD MEET:
Very important! Our school track meet is taking place on Monday June 3rd. Please ensure your child is dressed accordingly with shorts, a t-shirt, light sweater, running shoes, water bottle, snacks, and a healthy lunch to energize their mind and body!
As always, we encourage full participation as track & field is part of the physical education expectations being taught this term.
I look forward to seeing the children compete and putting forth their best!
ANNA:
Anna came to school on Monday morning and shared, "Ms. Gill, I was eating my cereal and I saw this and thought you'd like it because we are doing track and field." How amazing, great connection Anna!
We had a discussion about the importance of always trying and to never shy away from a challenge.
Thank you for encouraging and motivating us all as we soon compete in our very first track & field meet!
FUN FAIR BASKET ITEMS:
A big thank you to all the families who donated an item(s) for our SPORTS THEMED BASKET which will be auctioned off at this year's Fun Fair on Jun. 13th.
As a school, we really appreciate your contributions, time, and efforts. The cost of living these days has appreciated so much so we dearly value your donation
Thank you so much for supporting our school's FUN FAIR, it's going to be an amazing evening!
ACCESSIBILITY WEEK:
Thank you to all the students and parents for supporting their child in wearing a red shirt on Wednesday to show their support for individuals with accessibility needs. This demonstrates your care and compassion for others!
In class we regularly discuss the importance of acceptance and making efforts to support others. After all, "Family is not about blood, it is about who is willing to hold your hand when you need it the most."
CHARACTER ATTRIBUTE:
In June, there will be an emphasis on the character attribute of Responsibility - “We are accountable for our actions and we follow through on our commitments.”
Responsibility means being dependable, making good choices, and taking accountability for your actions. A responsible citizen looks out for the well being of others and understands we all have a part to play in making the world a better place.
Now, it's up to us all to do OUR part to be responsible in our thoughts, words, and actions!! The only person we are in control of is ourselves so it is important to always be accountable for your choices, practice self-control, finish what you begin, and do your best and keep trying!
Below, I have posted a video by our very own SCDSB educator named Mr. Saad who explains what this trait encompasses. Please view it with your child and discuss its importance and how it can help us make good choices in our daily life.
MALCOLM:
Speaking of character, Malcolm has been hard at work on a topic that's important to him - The Climate Crisis. He researched, created a slideshow, and presented important information about this topic.
Thank you Malcolm for going above and beyond to continue to soar and grow your brain power! Your dedication to your education is awe-inspiring, keep up the efforts!
AYDEN & ISLA:
Another character moment to share! Thank you Ayden and Isla for your contributions for our tabs for kids. Your thoughtfulness in providing tabs for this initiative since grade 3 is appreciated!
THE GERIER GIRLS:
Speaking of tabs for kids, check this out! My former students Ainsley, Kaia, and Brynn have been collecting tabs since they were in my class in grade 3 and today their Dad wheeled thousands of tabs to our portable. Oh my goodness, AMAZING!
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| You rock Ainsley! Please thank your sisters for me too :) |
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| I needed a little help carrying these into my car, thank you Harlow, Libby, and Kaelynn |
This brings me sheer joy as we as a Nottawa family are helping individuals with accessibility needs.
I can't wait to bring the tabs to the organization, they're going to love it too! Thank you girls :)
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH:
You are LOVED EXACTLY AS YOU ARE.
I'm so excited and passionate to share about this!! June is National Indigenous History Month.
This month provides the opportunity to learn more about First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, knowledge, worldviews and culture.
National Indigenous History Month has been observed every June in Canada for the last 13+ years. The celebration and recognition of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples' history, culture and contributions to Canada happens during this month as we commemorate their Canadian history.
Throughout the month, the assembly of First Nations will highlight some historic events and people who have contributed to our shared history and to the development of Canada. #IHM2023
Below, you will find a short video which shares the strength of Asha Frost who is an Anishinaabe (Ojibway) Medicine Woman, Healer and Spiritual Mentor. She is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation.
As a Soul Seer and Visionary, Asha believes that we can all reclaim our roots and deepest medicines. Asha has facilitated healing with thousands of people through the use of Indigenous Based Ceremony, teachings and sacred circle.
As a teacher and leader, her purpose is to help women connect to the magic of spirit within their lives so they can root down and be of service to the world. @asha.frost
Thank you Asha Frost for sharing your personal message of self-reflection and resiliency.
Throughout the month of June, our class will continue learning about the history and present lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada and in our local community. I encourage you to do the same :)
TEACHER GIFT:
As the year end approaches, there may be families who are thinking of gifts to give to their child's teacher(s). For me, the greatest gift I have received is teaching, learning, and growing with your child this school year. I truly and humbly mean this!
As shared above, June is National Indigenous History Month. This month provides the opportunity to learn more about First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, knowledge, worldviews and culture.
In lieu of buying a year end gift for me and to help honour our Indigenous Peoples, please consider donating to Water First. It is a cause that is near and dear to my heart which helps Indigenous communities address water challenges.
In our community, we are all blessed with sustainable access to safe and clean water, however, many Indigenous communities are not.
LIVING IS GIVING and what better way than to help our Indigenous people who are direly in need. “No one is too small to make a difference!”
I believe EMPATHY is one of life’s greatest traits - thinking about the feelings of others! Thank you for your time, energy, efforts, and consideration. :)
From my heart to yours … MEEGWICH
To donate, please visit →
https://waterfirst.ngo/donate/
Sustainable access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities continues to be a pressing issue in Canada.
Nobody understands the evolving challenges and needs more than the people who live there. Drinking water challenges are complex: in some communities, local concerns may be around infrastructure, for others, source water contamination.
Numerous communities have challenges recruiting and training young Indigenous adults to join the drinking water field.
Water First is guided by the Indigenous youth and young adults who participate in our programs, our Indigenous staff and board members, local Indigenous community partners, and by members of our Indigenous Advisory Council.
Water Firsts collaborations are built on respect and meaningful partnerships, with Indigenous youth and community partners at the heart of our work.
Thank you for your time and consideration :)
PRIDE MONTH:
June also marks the beginning of Pride Month :) During this month, we are dedicated to the uplifting of LGBTQ+ voices, culture, diversity, and demonstrating our overall support for the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
Please note, in class my teachings surround the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion for ALL HUMANITY no matter the race, age, gender, size, ability, identity, orientation, faith, etc ...
The students and I emphasize that PRIDE = BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE. We must all be treated EQUALLY.
Love truly is ACCEPTANCE and I am grateful to be surrounded by staff, students, and families who are committed to SPREADING LOVE NOT HATE.
With this mindset, I am confident we can and will continue making this bright beautiful world more compassionate, safe, and inclusive for one and all :)
SCDSB SUPPORTS PRIDE MONTH:
On June 1st, the Simcoe County District School Board raised a Progressive Pride flag at the Education Centre, and will keep it raised until June 30th to acknowledge Pride month, YAY!
Please remember, Pride presents an opportunity for us all to listen, learn, and to show support for LGBTQ+ and uplifting their lives.
Did you know the word "Pride" was actually originally an acronym that stood for Personal Rights in Defense and Education, an organization started in 1966 to fight for equal rights for LGBTQ+ people?
Pride is also defined as the "consciousness of one's own dignity." In other words, we use the word Pride to both honour an influential organization and to be proud of who we are.
As an educator, I believe children learn from what they see, hear, and feel. When kids are open to the experience of Pride, they can shape their feelings and how they grow up, including their feelings about diversity and inclusion and it carries through their whole life.
Please watch the video below for more information to learn about the History of Pride. It is informative and child friendly.
We all deserve to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance no matter our gender or how we identify or who we choose to love.
In our class, we have created a safe space for EVERYONE TO BE AND EXPRESS THEMSELVES AS THEY ARE :-)
MINDFULNESS:
With your family, I urge you to please closely watch and discuss this based on true events powerful short animated film below. It brought tears to my eyes.
My Shadow is Pink is about a young boy, born with a pink shadow that loves princess, dresses & "things not for boys".
This is a story of daring to be different, and having the courage to be true to yourself.
GROWTH MINDSET:
Thank you Harlow for this week's mindset message! It's so very true :-)
Our attitude has the capacity to fuel or drain the motivation of those around us. Choose wisely and I encourage one and all to have an attitude of gratitude as your life (and those around you) will be filled with joy!
With respect & love,
Ms. Gill
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