Dear Families,
I can’t believe this is my second last BLOG POST of the school year!!  I have thoroughly enjoyed communicating our news and learning with you all (my students’ families).  I thank you for being a regular follower and supporting your child’s learning (E.g., by asking them questions about their week) and reading my thoughts.  

It has been a true pleasure writing these posts each week as I get to reflect upon all the neat things we're doing as a class, this brings me immense JOY! 

Character Education & Spirit Assembly:

Today, we celebrated June's character trait of the month – Responsibility!  

Congratulations to our heartfelt Harrison, super Sebastien, and delightful Darcie for demonstrating responsibility more consistently in their behaviour and school work.  Keep doing your best boys and girls over the summer months to be responsible for your belongings, schedule, and helping out around the house.  I’m sure your parents would appreciate this too! 

Thank you TO EVERYONE WHO DRESSED UP FOR OUR SPIRIT DAY TO CELEBRATE CANADA!!  

We're proud Canadians, EH ;)

Poetry Cafe:

I don’t know about you, but I’m still beaming with pride and joy for my student’s outstanding performance at our Poetry Café!  I received many heart-warming remarks from parents, students, and staff about the wonderful presentation!  It was a true reflection of how brilliant the hearts and minds are of my students!

Thank you families for being part of this celebration and providing the nutritious and delicious treats!  I will always remember this experience fondly as I reflect upon our year together.

Class Celebration:

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Robertson (Coleton's Mom) for initiating, organizing, facilitating this special event for us to celebrate all the wonderful achievements this year as a class family!!  

Thank you for the beautiful gift (see picture below) the kids made for me with Coleton's Mom's help!!  I will cherish this always!!  WOW, you truly went above and beyond!  This memory is sealed in my heart, Shannon!!  

A special thank you goes out also to Mrs. Mcdermid, Mrs. Proctor, Mrs. Olsen, and Mrs. Lloyd for your generous contributions to this celebration!  We loved dancing to the sweet tunes, playing with beach balls and frisbees, eating yummy fruit kabobs and freezies - delicious!!!  

The love, respect, and appreciation that I have for you all as Mom's and incredible women goes beyond words.  I admire you ALL greatly and am so grateful I got to know you and work with your amazing sons!!  I count myself as one of the blessed ones to know YOU!  Thank you!!

Today was also a time to give thanks to my spectacular students who contributed to my nomination for the Prime Minister's Award.  Each of YOU helped me achieve this recognition!  Without the kids letter of support, I may not have won.  So, THANK YOU boys and girls for your belief in me as your teacher!!  Your voices were heard!  I will always be here for you throughout your education at Nottawa Elementary!  I HONOUR YOU!

Teacher Gifts:

As the school year approaches an end, I would like to request something that is important to me.  Please know, it is coming from a good place and if you have already gotten or made me a teacher gift, I will always receive it with open arms and heart.  

If you were or are planning on providing me with a gift, I ask in lieu of a teacher gift this school year, please consider donating to one of the organizations below that is near and dear to my heart: 

- My Friends House, Home Horizon, Sick Kids, Me to We, or Make a Wish. -

I have shared with my students, the greatest teaching gift I have received is having your child in my class.  It has been a remarkable year and I look forward to watching your child continue to grow throughout their years at Nottawa!!

Adalyn:

Congratulations to Adalyn for winning the draw for our GROWTH MINDSET muskoka chair!!  I hope you enjoy kicking back and relaxing on it during the summer break!  Remember the powerful messages written throughout it ...continue to display these in your thoughts, words, and actions!!

Jeremy:

Today was Jeremy's last day at school as he will be enjoying a week spending quality time with his family canoeing and cottaging!  I just want to send out a heartfelt THANK YOU for the beautiful cards your Mom and YOU wrote to me.  Your messages brought tears of JOY to my eyes.  Enjoy a happy and safe summer!  See you in September, buddy!

Trustee Tribute:

On Wednesday evening, I was honoured with a Trustee Tribute Award from our school board to recognize my achievements in teaching excellence.  

When I share these things, I want you to know, it comes from a place of gratitude to all the amazing supports in my life - my family, friends, students, colleagues, parents, and community.  

I share this with YOU ALL because you make my days as a teacher possible!!  I am able to do what I do in the classroom because of YOU - you continue to inspire me to BE BETTER (as a person) and DO MORE (for my students at Nottawa).  

It's truly been an incredible year for me to be recognized at the National and Simcoe County level this has only fueled me to continue BEING MY BEST SELF for our children!!!  

Mindfulness:

What makes Canada so great?  That's right - DIVERSITY!  We are a country that proudly welcomes and celebrates all cultures!  That's what makes US so unique :)  I am a proud Sikh Canadian and am deeply grateful for our government who openly welcomed my family who immigrated from India in the 70's.  

In class, we regularly talk about the 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:

"Every negative path has a POSITIVE direction!" - Alex

Namaste,

Ms. Gill