First Week of School - SUPERB START-UP!

Dear Families,

Oh what a day!  Another glorious one filled with snow and smiles :-)  Your child and I are so happy to be in class making the most of our academic, social, and emotional learning!  Coming to school each and every day is like winning the jackpot, I cherish my time with your child - TRULY!

It was a very meaningful week as we celebrated International Women's Day, cozy comfy clothes day, a fabulous virtual art lesson by the Magic of Children's Art Program, and structure building and researching with Mrs. Johnson!  It's a thorough blog post, but you'll definitely want to check it all out :-)

A friendly reminder that the clocks spring forward on Sunday!  I've forgotten in the past and that made for a speedy commute to school on a Monday morning (HAHA)!

Spirit Day:

Leaping into the March Break, the Leadership team thought what better way to get into the vacation spirit than by kicking back and relaxing in our comfiest attire!!

One of my most favourite things to wear are joggers n' a hoodie so that's exactly what I wore and it was great!  The kids looked so cozy too!!  Thank you parents for assisting in this spirit day as always! 

Anniversary of the Pandemic:

Can you believe it's been two whole years since the pandemic began?  However, there are significant changes that will be in place beginning March 21st.  Please read on further below as I've listed all the changes that pertain to school.

I just want to take this opportunity to reflect upon and extend a heartfelt gratitude to ALL the Frontline Workers who have been there for the public and supported us every single day since the pandemic began.

From this class alone, I can think of many of my students Moms and Dads who have been and continue to be on the frontlines!!  

In my eyes and heart, YOU are heroic and selfless putting your own safety at risk for others.  Your empathetic and compassionate ways will never be forgotten.  I thank you dearly and deeply.

 

Two years ago, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic marking the start of one of the most challenging chapters in modern health history.  Ontario has tragically lost MANY lives to this virus.  My deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, colleagues, and all of those impacted by these tragic losses of life.

Over the past two years, I recognize the extraordinary burden this has placed on individuals, families, and businesses across Ontario.  The uncertainty created by this pandemic has had a devastating impact on our collective mental health, especially that of young people (students) who have been forced to put their lives on hold, and seniors who have had to isolate themselves from friends and family.

Though we may have experienced some of the darkest moments the past two years, this crisis has also been met with incredible acts of kindness, compassion and generosity.  Such as, my students and YOU (parents) continuing to be supportive, loving, and understanding as educators try to navigate in-class and distance (virtual) learning the best we can.  It is because of you that I have had a very positive experience and continue to do so each and every day. 

Thank you for being such supportive and nurturing parents :)  I've landed the jackpot in terms of families who've believed in me from the very beginning.  Your gift of empathy and understanding means a lot to me.  

I promise to always ensure your child feels safe and supported for the remainder of the school year.  My students' mental and emotional well-being continues to be my number one priority during the school day.  

Hugging:

I was sent this message from my friend's Dad whom I affectionately refer to as 'Pa.'  I thought it provided some useful information so I wanted to extend it onto you as well :)  I hope this is ok!

Why do we need to cuddle up more?  Well, hugging provides so many benefits for our health, happiness, and social, emotional, and mental well being :)

·        It helps the body's immune system.

·        It cures depression.

·        It reduces stress.

·        It's rejuvenating.

·        It has no unpleasant side effects.  

·        It is all natural - contains no chemicals, artificial ingredients, pesticides, nor   preservatives!

·        There are no parts to break down, no monthly payments, non-taxable, non-polluting, and best of all it's fully returnable ;)

Just a friendly and fun reminder for us all.  I love hugging :)

COVID-19 Public Health & Safety Update:

By now, you will have received a message from Mrs. Mortimer via school messenger which was sent out yesterday regarding an update from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.  

For those of you that did not have an opportunity to read it, no worries at all, I understand, you have a lot to juggle with your personal and professional responsibilities that is why I have shared it below :)

"On March 9, the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) announced that the majority of COVID19 public health and safety measures will be lifted in response to the evolving health environment in Ontario. 

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) continues to work closely with, and take our direction from the CMOH, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) and the Ministry of Education on all matters related to COVID-19. 

SCDSB staff have received and reviewed updated direction from the Ministry of Education regarding COVID-19 health and safety protocols in schools and have consulted with the SMDHU on this direction."

The following is a summary of the health and safety measures that will be lifted effective March 21, 2022: 

Masks:

• Students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, staff and visitors will no longer be required to wear masks in schools, school board offices and on student transportation. 

• SCDSB schools will continue to be mask-friendly environments. Masks will remain available to students and staff who choose to continue to wear them while in schools. 

• Please encourage your child(ren) to be respectful and understanding of everyone’s choice with respect to masking so that SCDSB schools remain the safe, inclusive and welcoming teaching and learning environments they are meant to be for all. 

• Co-horting and physical distancing measures will be lifted in schools. Students will be permitted to play and learn together across cohorts, classes and grades, both indoors and outdoors and during lunch and recess. 

• Assigned seats and co-horting will no longer be required on student transportation. 

The following are current health and safety protocols that will remain in place in SCDSB schools and facilities: 

• COVID-19 self-assessment screening daily by both students and staff. Please note, the screening tool has been updated and is available on the Government of Ontario website. 

• Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting at least twice daily of frequently touched surfaces and shared resources. 

• Promotion of and training on proper hand hygiene including instruction on hand washing, sanitizing and respiratory etiquette. Hand sanitizer will be provided in each classroom for student and staff use. 

• Standalone high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter units will remain in place in all learning spaces without mechanical ventilation. HEPA filter units will also remain in place in all Kindergarten classrooms. 

• Rapid antigen test (RAT) kits will continue to be available to symptomatic students and staff. 

As a reminder, March Break is March 14 to 18, 2022. If you are planning to travel, please be aware of the current federal travel requirements. Upon return from international travel, students and staff will be required to wear a mask for 14 days while in schools, school board offices, on student transportation and when in public spaces. 

We want to assure you that the health and well-being of our students and staff remains a top priority. Recognizing that each individual is experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic differently and may have a range of emotions and reactions to these changes, the SCDSB will ensure continued access to mental health and well-being resources through the SCDSB website. 

We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. We look forward to welcoming students back to a more "normal" learning environment following the March Break. 

For ongoing updates, visit the COVID-19 page on our website, or follow us on social media (Twitter: @SCDSB_Schools or Facebook: www.facebook.com/SCDSB)

International Women's Day:

International Women's Day – celebrated annually on March 8 – is a day that commemorates the social, political and economic achievements of women and girls.

Thank you Emily for donating this book for our classroom library!

Women in different parts of the world use this day to come together to celebrate one another and rally for equal treatment and representation.

Imagine a gender equal world?  A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.  

A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive.  A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together, we can forge women's equality :) 

Collectively, we can all #BreakTheBias

Celebrate women's achievement.  Raise awareness against bias.  Take action for equality!!!

A Video Message from Ms. Gill:

I am both humbled and honoured to share that I was asked to speak for #IWD2021. To be part of this experience and represent Simcoe County is something I will always cherish. Please click on the link below to view my message.

Ms. Gill's IWD2021 Message

I believe in all young people and encourage YOU to advocate for yourself and others.

USE YOUR VOICE to challenge BIAS, STEREOTYPES, and DISCRIMINATION. By speaking up, WE can bring POSITIVE CHANGE.

To all the young girls and women in my life and beyond ...

"You are LOVED. You are WORTHY. You are ACCEPTED. You are ENOUGH. You have a VOICE." Keep using your VOICE to challenge and make a difference!!

Writing:

Students completed an activity to help honour International Women's Day and empower young girls and women.  In doing so, we talked about the most important woman in our lives - our Moms.

We took time to think of various adjectives to describe our Moms and this is what we came up with (see photo below).  I couldn't agree more!!

After this brainstorming, students used the following sheet (see below) to write a message of gratitude to show appreciation and love for our Moms.

As I read through some entries, I was in awe of the heartfelt thoughts and words.  It brought tears to my eyes.  Your child absolutely adores and values you!! 

Below, you will find a collection of photos of the kids working hard on their writing for you :) I think this will give you a greater sense of the outpouring of love that went into this activity. 

I have every confidence that you enjoyed the message that came home from your child's heart to yours.  I heard from a few students today that their Moms eyes filled with tears of joy as they read the message.  So sweet :-) 

Being a mother is a very rewarding, yet challenging job.  I only know because my Ma tells me so ;)  I hope these pieces of writing / artwork help reinforce and bring you comfort in knowing that you're doing an extraordinary job raising your child(ren)!!  Yes, YOU ARE :-)  I see it every day through your child's presence in our classroom.  

Super Moms, we are truly grateful for everything that you do for the family and our greater community!!  I honour each and every one of YOU.

Math:

Today, I sent home a Fraction Review Sheet which your child can work through during the break.  Our assessment for this unit will take place on Mar. 23rd.

With several absences today due to the upcoming Break, I have posted photographs of the review sheets for those students who were away today so you have a copy of it as well.  I hope this is helpful :)

4-Block Problem Solving:

You will have received your child's math work that they completed in class this week.  I hope you had a chance to celebrate their achievement :)  The focus was a combination of applying skills in division and fractions.   

Students solved an 'Apple Picking' math problem (photo below). 

As always, my expectation is that students utilize the 4-Block Problem Solving Method to fully understand, make a plan, solve, and explain their mathematical thinking :)  They're doing a marvelous job!

An example is posted below for those who wish to see what I'm looking for.  I hope it's helpful :)

Magic of Children's Art:

Did you know that the Magic of Children's Art is the largest children's art show that goes on display in our Collingwood Library?  Yes!

Their mission is to inspire and encourage children across the Collingwood and Clearview regions to create, exhibit and celebrate art!

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of having a Virtual Art Lesson by one of the art teachers named Shandelle.  She was a very talented, passionate, and eloquent teacher whom the students and I connected well with.

Shandelle took the time to interact and speak with various kids (pictures posted below) to admire their art work and inspiration for their colour choices and designs.  Her compassionate manner was appreciated.  

Artist Appreciation:

Shandelle introduced us to the great Emily Carr, a painter and writer who is regarded as a major Canadian artist for her paintings of western coast Indigenous people and the landscape.

This lit us up because our class has been learning all about our Indigenous brothers and sisters since the beginning of the school year, and now we had an opportunity to paint a landscape inspired by First Nation, Inuit, and Metis people, YAHOO!!

Emily Carr helped change the world using the formal approach of modernism.  Carr drew on the legacy of our indigenous creators from the coastal area to build a personal language that reflected her powerful vision. Along with the Group of Seven, she spearheaded Canada's first modern art movement.  How amazing!!

After learning about Carr's impact, Shandelle did a guided water colour art lesson and students painted a beautiful landscape using Emily Carr's techniques.  Here we are in art action which the kids LOVED!!  I even overheard Georgia say to Elliott, "This is SO MUCH FUN!!"

Now, you may be wondering ... will I get to see my child's painting in person?  The answer to this is not quite YET.  I will be keeping these at school, and it is our hope that they will be displayed at the Collingwood Public Library for the Magic of Children's Art Show in the spring time.  

The Magic of Children's Art Show was an annual (in-person) event prior to the pandemic. Hopefully, it will return and you can see your child's artwork displayed!! I will keep you posted on this. All art will come home prior to the end of the year for you to keep :)

Science:

In science with Mrs. Johnson, students have been learning about Strong & Stable Structures.  For example, they are learning about various bridges such as the beam, arch, cantilever and suspension.  

As part of their learning task, they had the opportunity to work in groups to build a suspension bridge.  Thank you to Mrs. Johnson for sharing the following photos with me.  

As you can see, the kids' smiles say it all, they had a very meaningful and fun time working with their hands to build these.  I'm so proud of my lil' scientists!

Finley:

In class, we often talk about the term resilience.  This week, we learned another important word called GRIT which I will explain why below.  

What is grit?  I believe it relates to resilience because a person who demonstrates or has grit is willing to persevere when faced with a challenge.   

The reason this term was learned is because of Finley :)  Last weekend, he received a 3rd place medal based on his ranking for his race season.  Not only was this a significant achievement, Finley also received a GRIT AWARD based on his character that he has consistently shown with his ski group.

Excellent work, Finley!!  To say I'm proud of you is an understatement.  By showing GRIT, you've displayed your ongoing optimistic mindset and ability to always persevere through challenges to meet your goals.  I encourage you to please keep this up on and off the ski hill :-)  I have every confidence you will, buddy!!

Emily:

Here is another heart soaring moment that I would like to share with you all.  In class, I do my best to explicitly model and teach the importance of "BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE ... even when NO ONE IS WATCHING!"  

Character education is a daily emphasis in our class community and I am so excited to share that my students are not only listening to these thoughts and words, but they are putting them into their ACTIONS as well.  For me, this is the essence of education!!  

Earlier this week, Emily found $15.00 out on the yard and as soon as she came in from recess, she said, "Ms. Gill, I found this money.  I hope it gets back to the person who lost it."

Oh my goodness, way to go Emily! As a way to acknowledge her honest actions, I featured Emily’s kindness on the morning announcement slide deck for the school to appreciate as well because her actions are something that we should ALL strive to do.  

By sharing this extraordinary experience school-wide, we also hoped the owner of the money would come forward, and that’s what happened too!

After viewing the announcements, a grade 6 student eagerly came running to our portable and said, “Ms. Gill, that was my $15.00.” 

I had Emily meet Nash and we handed him his money and he graciously thanked her 🙏🏾 I sense this meant a lot to Emily as well because she really wanted the money returned to its rightful owner 😊

For me, this is the essence of education, highlighting moments of our students’ character to shine, Shine, SHINE✨🤎✨  So proud of you, Emily!! 

I later found out that Emily was inspired by this video (see below) that I had shared in January to help reinforce that month's character trait of HONESTY. How amazing is this?!

The video highlights another example of a kid who has true character just like Emily :-)

Mindfulness:

As we enter the March Break, I encourage you to try to make it an intention to practice sitting still, silent, and smiling with your child(ren) using this purposeful 1 minute meditation tool (see video below).  We use it in class every day to help us get into the present moment (being mindful).  

You will soon realize just how relaxed, calm and focused you are.  This mindfulness practice may just be 1 minute, but it's impact will remain with you for the duration of the day :)  Give it a try.

Growth Mindset:

May Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut.  She became the first black woman to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist abroad the Space Shuttle Endeavour.  

Her words are very meaningful and true!  Mrs. Jemison is truly an inspiring and remarkable black woman :)

Meegwich,

Ms. Gill