Week #38: June 10th - 14th

Dear Families,

Wowie, we're nearing the end of the school year, and I can't believe that next week will be our final full week in the classroom.  I'm sure going to miss the sweet smiles of my students!  I mean, see for yourself, aren't they adorable!?

Selfie time at our sweet spot!

Check us out below for more smiles from our nature walk today :-)  It was a stunning, sunny day!

We love school so much!

Buddies

The world's smallest strawberry?!

"Hey Ms. Gill, I found one too!"

Taking notice of our surroundings.  Way to go boys!

I have thoroughly enjoyed communicating our learning achievements with you all (my students’ families).  I thank you (parents) for being a consistent follower/reader and supporting your child’s learning (E.g., by asking them questions about their week, celebrating work that comes home, etc...) and reading my thoughts.  

Thank you Libby & Kaelynn for picking some flowers for me :)

It has been a true pleasure writing these posts each week as I get to reflect upon all the meaningful activities we're doing as a class family, this brings me so much JOY! 

SPIRIT DAY:

To be honest, I wasn't sure how today's spirit day theme was going to go.  But boy o' boy did the children come up with so many creative ways to store their items in ANYTHING other than a backpack. 

James and his Dad hand made this box.  My fave colour too - green!

Nice one Lucy, a guitar case ;)

Well, isn't this the cutest lil' shopping cart!

Thank you as always parents for helping your child(ren) prepare for and participate in our various spirit days we've had all year!  #Nottawa'sGotSpirit 

Look at all the participants, looooooove it!
No backpacks in sight, HAHA!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY:

Happy Father’s Day on Sunday to all the wonderful Dads out there!  I have immense respect for all my students father's as each of them is unconditionally loving and supporting their child(ren) in all their endeavours!  

Michael & Margot working hard on their Father's Day letter of gratitude!

Listening to your child speak and write about all the ways Dad cares for the family brings me happiness :)  Your role is vital and I thank you for raising your child(ren) with such love and care.

I hope you enjoy quality time together as a family.  Your child is so excited to give Dad the personalized card and letter that they created.

Each student worked so hard on this at home and at school.  I am so proud of their final products and I am confident you will be too :)

So kick back and relax Dads, you deserve it!

CHARACTER RECOGNITION:

On Wednesday, we had our final character education assembly.  It was an opportunity to recognize all the amazing achievements of our students!  

In particular, we honoured our recipients for demonstrating RESPECT & RESPONSIBILITY in their thoughts, words, and actions.

Congratulations to Elle, Finn, Benton, Malcolm, Margot, and Isla for being recognized for your outstanding character!

I encourage all my students to continue to practice respect and responsibility in all interactions.  These values foster trust, strengthen relationships, and contribute to a positive and productive community, creating a foundation for mutual understanding and success.

MR. MORIN:

It is with mixed emotions that I write this message.  By now, you will have heard that our beloved music teacher Mr. Morin will no longer be with us at Nottawa.  

He has made the tough decision to make a change and teach at Cameron St. Public School for his final few years left of teaching before he retires.

Thank you to all the staff and students who wore CAMO in Mr. Morin's honour.
He was so touched by this :)

Mr. Morin and I have worked together at Nottawa for 8 school years and each year, our professional and personal (friendship) connection has flourished.  

To me, Mr. Morin is one of the most loyal and dependable people in our building!  He has helped me on numerous occasions with my car, setting up speaker systems for my special presentations, and being a confidant whom I can turn to for advice.

I respect and admire you, Mr. Morin.  I will miss you SO MUCH.

On behalf of the Nottawa school community, we wish you all the best Mr. Morin as you transition to your new school!

Your incredible aptitude for being an effective music teacher and your ability to connect with kids have left a lasting impression on all of us. 

We fondly remember the countless hours of dedication you put into every music program, enriching our lives with your passion and talent. 

Your new school is incredibly fortunate to have you. You'll be greatly missed, but your legacy here will continue to inspire :) 

At the assembly, the staff sang a song to show Mr. Morin how much he means to all of us.

Thank you to Mrs. O for creating the lyrics to our farewell song.  I have posted the lyrics below for you to see.  It was sweeeeeeeeet and captures him perfectly ;)

POETRY CAFE:

There's lots of excitement being felt about this, so once again a friendly reminder, our Poetry Café will take place on Thursday June 20th at 2:15PM in the school library.

We are inviting families, friends, and special guests into our learning community for this very special celebration!

We will have a sign in system organized outside of the library, so please ensure you sign in and then make your way into our library.  Your child will be eager to see you!  

We appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day to join and celebrate with us.  Please have your child dress up in a black shirt and bottoms (or dark colours).  Thank you for your support in this.

Last call, if you haven't already done so, please ensure you return your R.S.V.P. back to school by June 18th so I know approximate numbers to set up enough chairs and tables for this special event :)  Thank you!

MATH:

Our next unit in math is focusing on Data.  I have posted a digital workbook on Google Classroom that I encourage students and parents to access to follow along with the teachings and reinforce the concepts at home too :)

Below I have shared the specific expectations for this :)

We are learning to:

• describe the difference between qualitative and quantitative data, and determine when each is needed to answer a question 

• collect, organize, and compare data from primary and secondary sources using frequency tables and stem and leaf plots

• select a graph that will best display the data and justify the choice of graph 

• create infographics to tell a story about the data to a particular audience, using appropriate representations and relevant information 

• determine the mean, median, and mode for a set of data and explain what each measure tells us about the data 

• analyze data by asking questions and drawing conclusions in order to make convincing arguments and informed decisions 

This week, we learned about Stem & Leaf Plots.  Please listen to the instructional video and then have your child complete slide #41 and #42 from their digital workbook.  Thank you :)

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH:

As part of National Indigenous Awareness Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), today we will learn about and watch another short video to highlight the history and strength of our First Nations People. 

#nottawahonoursyou 

Heather McIntyre is an Indigenous woman who has lived in Collingwood with her grown family for over 35 years. Heather's grandmother Bertha was an Annishenabe woman originating from Georgian Island near Sutton and set out to build family life in rural Ontario.

As a proud member now of The Chippewa's of Georgina Island, Heather has dedicated her life's mission to support individuals who are in crisis or who find themselves stuck in wounded fragments of their life without a voice, the purpose or direction to fully embrace a positive Wellness Story.

Thank you Heather McIntyre for sharing your personal message of self-reflection and resiliency. 

Here at Nottawa, we continue to demonstrate our dedication to learning about our history and the present lives of our extraordinary Indigenous peoples in Canada.

It is important to us to show that we are in the spirit of RECONCILIATION AND RESPECT.

MARGOT:

Margot arrived to school on Monday and said, "Ms. Gill, I know you don't want a end of year gift, but I saw this book and thought you'd like it and can even share it with your future classes.  It's written in a poetry form just like what we're learning in writing."

I honour YOU, Margot.  Thank you for the book!

Oh my goodness, upon receiving and reading this book to the class, it brings me immense joy and solace (comfort) in knowing that my students truly value our classroom teachings :) 

Thank you Margot (and family) for thinking of me and purchasing this outstanding New York Times bestselling author Cleo Wade's book "May You Love and Be Loved."  

I will cherish your act of kindness and generosity always!  I promise to share this book with my future students whom will surely benefit from the author's meaningful message - 

"May you know FEAR, but not be driven by it.

May you know JOY and follow it everywhere.

May you know LIGHT and SHINE it every chance you get."

MARGOT & BENTON:

Thank you Benton and Margot for sharing more tabs for kids in our 5 gallon jug.  Every time these two have contributed to this initiative, they do so in their quiet and humble manner - I greatly admire this quality in Benton and Margot!  

You're both change-makers and I can't wait to see how you're going to help change this world for the better!  

QUOTE:

I love this quote below!  In Health class, we often talk about our social, emotional, and mental well-being so we took some time to dissect the meaning of this message :)

This quote highlights the importance of self-confidence and self-reliance. 

A bird sitting on a tree isn't afraid of the branch breaking because its trust is in its own wings, not the branch.  This symbolizes that we should trust in our own abilities rather than external circumstances or supports. 

By believing in ourselves and our capabilities, we can overcome fears and uncertainties, no matter how unstable our surroundings may seem.  It encourages us to build inner strength and resilience to navigate life's challenges.

I urge all my students to BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES and to never give up on their hopes and dreams!

MINDFULNESS:

Speaking of our great country, what makes Canada so great?  That's right - DIVERSITY!  

We are a country that proudly welcomes and celebrates all cultures, faiths, and ethnicities!  In my mind and heart, that's what makes US so special :)  

I am a proud Sikh Canadian and am deeply grateful for our government who openly welcomed my parents who immigrated from India in the 1979.  

In class, we regularly talk about the similarities & differences we see in others and to always embrace and acknowledge these with open minds and hearts.  ACCEPT OTHERS AS THEY ARE.  

We are ALL DIFFERENT and that's OK :)  

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this video honouring our GREAT COUNTRY! 

GROWTH MINDSET:

Thank you Danika for this week's mindset message!

"Find you own way.  You don't have to follow the crowd." - Danika

For me, this quote encourages individuality and self-discovery.  It means that you should find your unique path in life rather than conforming to what everyone else is doing. 

Following the crowd might "feel safe," but it often leads to less personal fulfillment and authenticity. 

By finding your own way, you embrace your true self, make decisions based on your values and desires, and ultimately lead a more meaningful life on your terms :) 

Remember everyone, always be true to yourself!

Respectfully,

Ms. P. Gill