Veterans Week & Student-Led Conferences

Dear Families,

As I write this blog update, my heart's bursting with JOY!!  The highlight of my week was virtually meeting with ALL my students' parents!  I wish so badly that it could have been face to face, but alas, that's ok, we surely made the most of our Google Meet experience, didn't we?!  LOVED IT :-)

Thank you (parents) for taking the time to attend, celebrate, and enjoy all your child's academic, social, and emotional achievements thus far in the school year!  

The conferences are one of my most favourite times of the year as I get to connect with families!!  You (parents) are making such a significant difference in how and what I teach on a daily basis.  I am in awe of the remarkable children you're raising who I have every confidence will take care of our future and the planet.

During the student-led conferences via Google Meet, I was extremely proud of all my learners as they clearly, confidently, and calmly led his or her conference by sharing their self-assessment (Progress Report), personal goals, message of peace, and their art activity “Behind the Mask.”  It was your child’s chance to shine and they certainly lit up our hearts and minds!! 

As you could sense, your child worked exceptionally hard in class to prepare for this special experience.  They practiced with their peers in a mock conference to get diligently prepared :)  Check us out below practicing for the Meet!!

Throughout the conferences, I experienced some heart-warming moments with parents and I really appreciate and value all your positive and constructive feedback.  I will use it to continue to provide my best as an educator for your child's academic, social, emotional, and behavioural needs.  

Meeting the strengths and needs of my students is of utmost importance to me!  I will always work hard to ensure they receive a compassionate, caring, and safe environment to learn in.

Again, thank you for your continued support, cooperation, and understanding in all the expectations that are set out for your child in grade 3. 

If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school or via email pgill@scdsb.on.ca 

I am happy and ALWAYS here to help :)

Mindful Nature Walk:

Haven't we had the most glorious week with sunny skies and warm temperatures!?  It's been fabulous :-)  We capitalized on this and got outside to explore the forest behind our school.  Our smiles says it all! 

I love taking the class on nature walks as it gives us an opportunity to seize the day, savour the moment, breathe in the fresh air, and BE PRESENT AS ONE.

Indigenous Veterans Day Nov. 8th 2021:

Did you know the First Nations, Inuit and Metis of Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country?  

The rate of Indigenous participation in Canada's military efforts over the years has been impressive! These determined volunteers were often forced to overcome many challenges to serve in uniform, from learning a new language and adapting to cultural differences, to having to travel great distances from their remote communities just to enlist.

Many Indigenous people brought valuable skills with them when they joined the military.  Patience, and marksmanship were well-honed traits for those who had come from communities where hunting was a cornerstone of daily life. 

These attributes helped many of these soldiers become successful snipers (military sharpshooters) and reconnaissance scouts (people who gathered information on enemy positions).  

Indigenous soldiers earned at least 50 decorations for bravery during the war. 

On November 8th, Canadians proudly marked Indigenous Veterans Day! It is a day to commemorate the unique contributions and sacrifices that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have made serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. From the First World War to the Korean War, and still very much today, Indigenous peoples have volunteered their diverse talents and skills, with more than 12,000 Indigenous women and men answering the call of duty to serve Canada with pride and honour.

#CanadaRemembers #IndigenousVeteransDay

Remembrance Day Virtual Assembly:

On Thursday morning, all staff and students participated in a Google Meet for our virtual Remembrance Day assembly to honour and express our gratitude to all those who have, are, and will continue to serve our country. 

It was wonderful seeing so many classes participate and contribute to this assembly by saying a poem, sharing art, or singing a song.  

Our class family performed the song "Just One Candle."  I was so, SO proud of their presentation!  When we watched ourselves on the Google Meet, I could sense the pride in our classroom. 

EXCITING NEWS!!  You can watch your child's full performance by going to our Google Classroom where I have posted a video there for you to enjoy :-)  I know it'll make your heart smile too!

Cooper:

At the conclusion of this virtual assembly, we had a special presentation by our very own Cooper who took some time to share about and honour his great grandfather who served in WWII.  

As you can see, Cooper dressed from head to toe in camo to show his respect for ALL our armed forces members who serve and protect our land.

Cooper shared with the class all about his amazing great Poppa and his enormous contributions during WWII.  

Here is some information about Cooper's great Poppa who is almost 97 years old!

- Great Poppa was a sniper in World War 2 as part of the Black Watch Regiment

- He fought in France, Germany, and Holland

- A sniper is a highly trained soldier who has a scout as his helper

- He uses a special rifle with a scope to be able to see targets very far away

- The sniper needs to have good eyesight

- Great Poppa and his scout check things out ahead and bring information back to the troops whether it is safe to move on

- He was a front line worker in the war

WOW, we are all very proud of your great Poppa's courage being out there alone and his ability to live in the terrible conditions of rain, snow, mud that the soldiers faced for years.  What an inspiring and courageous person he is!

I was so touched as Cooper shared the importance of recognizing and expressing our utmost gratitude to the past, present, and future veterans who serve our country.  We were all so interested and engaged during this presentation!  Check us out below :)

At the conclusion of Cooper's presentation, some students took time to express their utmost gratitude to Great Poppa by bowing their heads for his courageous service so we can now all live with peace, freedom, and harmony.  

#weremember  

#strongandfree  

#Coopersgreatpoppa

Thank you so much Cooper for this special presentation, it brought tears to my eyes seeing how solemn and empathetic you were throughout this day of remembrance.  It was so moving to hear the stories and experiences of your incredible family member.  It sparked some very meaningful discussions in class and helped inspire us further to NEVER FORGET the sacrifices our veterans made for us.  

Remembrance Day Writing & Art:

This week, I had the students think, brainstorm, and write about what Remembrance Day means to them and how we can bring peace to our home, school, and community.  The goal of this exercise is to promote love, kindness, and respect towards ourselves and peers, and in doing so, it will help create an environment that is peaceful and enjoyable for all!

I shared the picture book "Change Sings" to help get my students inspired to write about ways to make a difference for our country.  

It's a MEANINGFUL BOOK and I thank Clara for sharing it with me!  She knows me well and thought it'd be something I would enjoy reading to the class.  I sure did!!  There were many key learnings from this read aloud that we certainly can instill in our own life.

Your child had the opportunity to present his or her writing at the student-led conference this week.  I could feel from parents reactions that they were so proud of their child's message and what they plan to do to make our planet the most peaceful and best it can be!!

Grammar Rule #3:

This week, our focus in grammar has been on CONJUNCTIONS!  

In class, we worked in pairs to build sentences which included the words and, or, but (which are joining words).  Your child's grammar sheets have come home, please take some time to review this.  Many thanks!   

Water Bottles & Boomerang Lunch: 

A message from our principal Mrs. Mortimer.  As a school, we are requesting that all students please remember to pack and bring their reusable water bottle daily to help reduce the use of plastic water bottles.  The office has gone through almost three cases since last week on single use bottles.  This is not sustainable or environmentally friendly. 

Thank you for your support and understanding in this.

Additionally, our school is also encouraging students to pack litter less or to 'Boomerang lunches.'  If it is feasible and ok to do so, we ask that students please take home all material from their lunches (e.g., wrappers, containers, peels, etc,...).  The custodial staff is working towards trying to reduce garbage at school.  Again, thank you for your cooperation in this initiative.

A litter less lunch :)

Social Media Platform for Nottawa ES:

Parents, our school is asking for your feedback on which platform you would access most often to help us in selecting a platform to create a social media presence for our amazing school - Nottawa ES.

Please use the link below which will direct you to a Google Form to answer 3 quick and easy multiple choice questions. This will take no more than 5 minutes of your time, I promise :-)

Thank you for your energy and feedback. "We all have a voice, it needs to be heard!"

 

https://forms.gle/t9tVsWF6ZygDuaNd7

Finley:

Thank you Finley and family for purchasing and gifting me this sweet book of inspiring quotes written by many civil rights activists, poets, musicians, TV personalities, etc ...

When Finley presented this to me, he said, "Ms. Gill, I thought you'd really like this book of sayings as they ALL focus on growth mindset and that's important to you."  Awww, so, SO TRUE!  I truly value people's thoughts and words, especially if they are put into ACTION to help make our world BRIGHTER & BETTER for one and all to enjoy harmoniously.  

I'll always cherish this book of inspiration :)  Meegwich, Finn!  

Evelyn:

My students know me inside and out, how blessed am I?!  Here's another example :)  Evelyn enthusiastically came to school earlier this week and shared, "Ms. Gill, I think you'd really like this song from Zootopia called "Try Everything."

So, I gave it a listen with the class and it made me emotional as the lyrics and message to the song are essentially what I've been teaching, instilling, and mentoring for our class!  Such as valuing MISTAKES, being empowered by the concept of F.A.I.L. (first attempt in learning), continuing to TRY LIKE TERRY (Fox), never giving up, and always believing in yourself.  

It's a very catchy and upbeat song and one that we've enjoyed singing along to and rejoicing in its powerful lyrics!!  Give it a listen and see for yourself :)  It's going to be part of our class anthem!  Stay tuned parents, you'll get to see a video of us performing this song in the coming weeks :)  

Thank you Evelyn for sharing this song with all of us, I LOVE IT!!!

Growth Mindset:

"Instead of - Plan A didn't work; try thinking - THERE'S ALWAYS PLAN B!"

Mindfulness:

Please take a moment to watch a heartfelt and powerful video titled: “We Remember.”  It brought tears (of gratitude) to my eyes.  

After listening to the song with your child, you may wish to discuss the images that you saw and think of ways we can continue to create a more peaceful world.  Use evidence from the video (be specific) to support your ideas.  

From my heart to yours - MEEGWICH,

Ms. Gill