Dear Families,
We experienced quite the mix of weather this week didn't we!?  First, a warm Monday.  Then, a blast of cold Tuesday, and icy conditions Wednesday!  Please stay safe on the roads everyone and enjoy your weekend with your loved ones :)

Image result for snowy weather cartoon

Math:
This week, we spent time creating survey questions and collecting data from our peers!  After conducting survey's, students were asked to make a bar graph and interpret their findings.  Please ask your child what his or her survey question was and what some of their results were from the table/chart they made in their math journal :)  Check out the kids below in surveying mode!




Language:
Our focus in language for the next while will be on reading and writing about Black History.  In class, I will be sharing stories, videos, and activities to help my students gain an understanding and appreciation for all the American/Canadian men and women who made significant contributions in helping bring about positive change such as EQUAL AND FAIR TREATMENT no matter your race, religion, gender, orientation, size, or ability.  I believe it is an important subject matter to teach our students because it gives them perspective about the past and how it helped shape our current lives.  I've shared with my class that we must extend our gratitude not solely during the month of February, but throughout the year!

Ask your child to share with you why Black History is celebrated in the month of February :) They should be able to tell you by watching the video posted below!


We listened to the story of Ruby Bridges and the students were so empathetic and moved by Ruby's courageous actions to stand up for what she believed in at such a young age - the right to have an education!!  Watch the story with your child and enjoy Ruby's powerful journey :)


Black History Assembly:
It is with great pride and joy that I share with you all that my students and I will be leading the first Black History Assembly at Nottawa!  This is a subject matter that is very near and dear to my heart.

It has been a dream of mine to spread these teachings beyond my classroom walls and make this an annual event at our school!!  As last week's growth mindset said: "If you can dream it, YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT!!"  And, here WE ARE :)

The kids are really excited about this and so am I!!  We will be rehearsing and performing lots in class to prepare for this special performance!  You won't want to miss out on this opportunity to see your child shine!  Mark it down in your calendars now :-)

What: Black History Assembly
Who: Ms. Gill's Class featuring Mrs. O's and Lily Pearce
When: Thurs. Feb. 28th 
Time: 9:15 a.m.

Viola Desmond:
In class, we talked about the significant impact that Viola Desmond made in Canadian history!  She is the first Canadian woman on the face of a banknote for her life changing contributions!  She is featured on Canada's $10.00 bill.  Viola's story reminds all of us, and future generations, that big change can start with small moments of dignity and bravery!!  We can do this too!


Drama:
Everyone was excited about their drama performances!  Thank you Mrs. Johnson for teaching my students about the elements of drama.  Students worked collaboratively in groups to perform a play.  Thank you to everyone that went above and beyond by bringing in special props and costumes to enhance their performance.  It was a JOY to watch you all get into character!!
















Gym:
We're really enjoying all of our TEAM building games in gym class!  It's been amazing to see the progression students are making within their groups to collaborate and cooperate effectively.  Ask your child what this week's game was all about!  They had a blast with this ;)


Character Recognition Assembly:
The Inclusiveness assembly will take place next week on Fri. Feb. 22nd at 1:40 p.m. Mrs. Garvan and Mrs. Hammond will be leading it with their classes.  It is also a spirit day!  Please have your child wear PINK to honour the true message of pink shirt day - "Be kind.  Include Everyone.  No Bullying!!"


Becca:
Thank you Becca for taking initiative and making your very own bar graph about Types of Treats!  I can tell by your data that PIE was a favourite.  YUMMY!!  I value your ability to keep practicing skills you're taught in school at home too!  "Practice makes PROGRESS!"  You're progressing WELL!


Jimi:
Congratulations on your 1st place achievement at your freestyle skiing event last weekend, Jimi!  He shared with me, "Ms. Gill, it's nice to win, but what's more important is having FUN!  And, I did!"  I'm so proud of your results and positive attitude.  Keep it up and stay safe on those hills, buddy :)


Brayden:
On Monday, Brayden's Mom dropped off a dish full of delicious apple crisp for all of us to enjoy!  Thank you for providing this for  us.  We really enjoyed it and appreciate Brayden capping off his procedural writing assignment on a 'sweet' note!


Mindfulness:
Why are the players in the NBA wearing special shirts during the month of February?  What are some of the powerful words written on the t-shirts?  What does EQUALITY mean to you?  Take a moment to think and reflect on this with your family :)


Growth Mindset:
Students are eager to share their own growth mindsets with me which is fantastic and warms my heart!  We have been doing this for quite some time.  Just a friendly reminder, if your child has a quote that he or she would like to share, don't hesitate to have them write it down, bring it back to school, and we can then post it in our classroom for everyone to benefit from!  

I think you can all sense by now, I'm a huge fan of inspirational sayings ...yes, they are words, but if we can put these positive thoughts into our daily actions, we can surely make this planet even better than it already is!  

"Stop having ATTITUDE!
Start having GRATITUDE!" - Addy

Namaste,
Ms. Gill

Comments

Popular posts from this blog