Dear Families,
It’s been a very busy, yet productive week of rehearsals in preparation for our Holiday Concert and upcoming Empathy Assembly!  Students have been working hard on their public speaking and performing skills.  I am very proud of their efforts!




Holiday Concert:
Thank you to all the staff, students, and families for attending and sharing your smiles during our heartfelt performances (day and evening show).  It was a true joy seeing Kindergarten to Grade 4 students perform with such enthusiasm, poise, and spirit!  






A special thank you to Mr. Morin our music teacher for organizing and teaching my students “Jingle Bells” on the recorder and singing "It’s Beginning to Look A lot like Christmas."  My class is certainly surrounded with beautiful musicians and singers!!


Addy & Parker:
A special thank you to Addy and Parker for their amazing work on being the MC’s for this year’s concert!  It was a big responsibility and they stepped up to the occasion.  You both represented our class family and the primary division so well!!  I am extremely proud of YOU!!





Donations:
Thank you to all the Nottawa families who have already donated items for our food and toy drive thus far. Keep those donations coming into next week!  Thank you to the families of Sonja, Addy, Jimi, Becca, Ryan, and Connor for your contributions today!  

Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of others. This is a true example of Empathy, thinking about the feelings of others!  






Guided Meditation:
Thank you to all the families who were able to attend our first guided meditation night.  There was a wonderful turnout!  A special thank you goes out to our hard working parent council members who made this event possible!  





My Mom really enjoyed her experience at this session and looks forward to leading more in the future! 


Empathy Assembly:
Next Thursday at 9:15 AM, we will be celebrating this month's character trait - Empathy!  A reminder that our class will be leading this assembly by performing two songs and a slideshow presentation.  You’re not going to want to miss this special event!  You are welcome to attend and show your support by coming to our gym at 9:15 A.M.  

Image result for empathy images


For the assembly, I am encouraging students to dress up by wearing black bottoms (pants, jeans, tights) and a black top.  If your child does not own black clothing, that’s ok, dark clothing will suffice.  I will provide each student with a colourful bandana to complete their outfit!


Santa Leads the Way to Empathy:
Who better than Santa to understand the feelings and needs of others!!  As shared above, this month the character trait is Empathy. To help reinforce this trait, we are asking our Nottawa students to think about others, especially the people who may be visiting My Friends' House (Womens’ Shelter) this holiday season.

Image result for my friends house collingwood

Exciting NEWS!!  Santa will be visiting our school on Thurs. Dec. 20th from 12:00 – 1:00 PM.



We are asking students to bring in 1 donation for My Friends’ House from the wish list that was sent home in the agenda.  All donations are welcome to come to school next Thursday when Santa's here!



All items must be new and unused. Children who support “My Friends’ House” will get the opportunity to give their donation to Santa on Dec. 20th  


Business Fair:
The grade 8’s have been working hard on their business plans and they will execute their Business Fair next week on Tues. Dec. 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Our class will be attending this event! 


If you wish to send in money so your child can purchase some items, please do so and place money into a zip lock baggy with his or her name clearly labelled on it!  I will certainly do my best to keep track of money, but the school is not responsible for any lost money or damaged items.  Thank you. 

Food Programs January - March 2019:

  • Pizza Days will now be on Tuesdays!  Pizza for $1.00 will be available on Wednesdays!
  • New Program!  Hot Pasta Lunches will be on Thursdays!
  • Popcorn Sales will be on Fridays!

Nottawa's Christmas Post Office:
Mrs. Johnson has once again set up our Nottawa Christmas Post Office in the library!  Doesn’t it look great!?  Thank you for doing this for our whole school to enjoy!




Students have been given the opportunity to think of someone at the school to write a letter to.  They’re having fun doing this!  Some have even received a letter from a sibling, peer, or friend and to see their reaction when receiving their note is such a JOY!  We will continue with this letter writing until the Holidays!




Making Edible Christmas Trees:
As part of Procedural writing, we will be making edible Christmas trees in class and we will be writing about it!  I will be providing most of the materials for this process, but if you would like, you may wish to have your child bring in some delicious toppings such as sprinkles, gummies, and other tiny sweets to put on their trees.  I know they're going to LOVE IT!  Please send in toppings in a zip lock baggy with your child on Fri. Dec. 21st



PJ Movie Day:
Next Friday, the last day before the Holiday Break, our Leadership Team has organized a PJ movie day for all students!!  Your child is encouraged to wear his or her comfy, cozy PJ's!  They may wish to also bring in their favourite stuffy (e.g., teddy bear), blankie, and pillow so they’re comfortable during the movie!  What a fun way to kick off the holidays!!




Teacher Gift:
As the holidays approach, I know many families are thinking of gifts to give to the teacher.  I’ve spoken to my students about this today, in lieu of buying a gift for me this holiday season, I would really appreciate if you could please consider donating an item for My Friends’ House and your child can then give it to Santa next week J  It is a cause that is near and dear to my heart.  It is the season of giving, and what better way than to help women and children in need :)  Thank you so much! 

If you have already purchased a gift for me, please know, I will graciously receive it and know how much it means to me.  Your acts of kindness are always cherished!!

Mindfulness:

I am so proud of all the boys and girls in the primary division for participating in our Holiday Concert with their personal best!  It was a day to remember :)  Parents, thank you for your positive feedback, it means a lot to the staff!


Growth Mindset:

“If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change!” – Shasta


Namaste,

Ms. Gill


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