First Week of School - SUPERB START-UP!

Dear Families,

Is spring finally here!?  Sure felt like it all this week with the HOT temps and sensational sunshine :)  We made the most of it by going for a nature walk and having some fun by the tree fort.  The kids love spending time here, their smiles say it all!  It's truly a special space to be :-)

Students are also enjoying their time outdoors at break times skipping, playing basketball, wall ball, tag, and much more!    

I'm a sports enthusiast so I'm loving seeing all the kids at Nottawa being active to nourish not only their physical body, but also their mental well-being too :-)

It is vital for us all to continue boosting our mental health by engaging in activities that we enjoy such as hiking, going to the gym, meditating, and the list goes on :-)  

From my experience, these daily actions (meditating by sunsets, hiking at Loree forest, going to the gym) have helped me tremendously as an educator so I have the mindset and energy to put in my 110% effort for my students each and every day.  I am fortunate to have the opportunities that I do.

Meditating

Hiking

Exercising

The kids know I have high expectations, but I also have those for myself too to help ensure that I AM and GIVE the best version of myself to your child :)

Twin Day:

There was quite the buzz between students and staff to coordinate matching outfits for today's spirit day.  Check out our twinsies from around the school!  

Bucket Filling Week:

Thank you to Mrs. Garvan's grade 7's (Leadership Team) for organizing this week's Bucket Filling initiatives!!  

The kids had an absolute blast collaborating and playing with Ms. Laidlaw's grade 5 class on Wed. and doing another community cleanup on Fri. with Mrs. Newman's class :)  We sure know how to fill the environment's bucket and have smiles all around doing it!  

Passion Project Presentations:

It brings me immense joy to write this :) All presenter's this week did an outstanding job!  I am very pleased because I noticed that students are using given teacher/peer feedback and making necessary adjustments to meet the success criteria to improve their achievements in public speaking!  

My hope is that students will take this learning/experience and apply it next year when they have to present speeches.  Everything that I teach, I do to meet the grade 3 expectations, however, I am also preparing the children for the next grade level to set them up for future success :)

Below are some of the Passion Project presenters this week!  Thanks for all your hard work boys and girls :-)

At this time, I would like to acknowledge parents for taking the time to support and record your child's inspirational video.  They turned out AMAZING and brought a huge smile to my face.  Your child essentially created a mini TedTalk :)

These videos were so inspirational for our class that I have decided to share them on our morning announcements throughout the rest of the school year so ALL children at Nottawa can be motivated by your child's thoughts, words, and actions!!  The kids are aware of this and I have every confidence, they will beam with pride when their video is featured :)

Data Assessment:

Earlier this week, students brought home review sheets to help prepare for our upcoming math assessment on Tuesday May 17th.  We have been working hard in class on graphing and interpreting our findings.  

I am so pleased with how far we've come with our knowledge and understanding in calculating the MEAN, MEDIAN, MODE, and RANGE in a data set.  

Thank you (parents) in advance for your support in helping your child prepare for next week's assessment.  Please know, it doesn't go unnoticed and I appreciate students who provide evidence of their completed math review questions.  This demonstrates tremendous hard work which will serve your child well as they move forward to the junior division in the fall.

Social Studies:

In social studies, students are learning about landforms and mapping with Mrs. Johnson.  Today, they had the opportunity to create Land Use Maps using Lego.  

As you can see from the images below, they had an absolute blast doing this!  

Thank you Mrs. Johnson for making science and social studies such an engaging, purposeful, and FUN way for the kids to learn.  They always come back from you happy and full or new found knowledge :)

Art:

I hope you enjoyed the Black History inspired art that came home with your child :) Several students were so excited to show you this.  I am amazed at their creativity, imagination, and vision as they create brilliant works of art. 

Speaking of which, we worked on another art project this week.  As shared in last week's post, we learned all about and were inspired by an Indigenous artist named Norval Morrisseau.  

I did a mini lesson about the life and legacy of Morrisseau and then we took the time to make our very own Copper Thunderbird.  Please ask your child what the Thunderbird represents (HINT:  power and strength).  It is believed this good energy can be transferred into your home once hung up :)

Our completed Thunderbird's are turning out amazingly well!  Check out the photo below of some students completed creations.  Aren't they gorgeous!?  I love them ALL :-)

Stay tuned, these pieces will come home soon once I've laminated them as I'm positive they'll be a keeper for you and your family.   

Magic of Children's Art:

After two years due to Covid-19, the Magic of Children's Art Show is back to in person events!!  YAHOO :-)  This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to celebrate children in the arts :) 

Did you know it is Canada's largest art show?!  YES, it is!  It will showcase over 1,000+ art pieces made by kids in the Southern Georgian Bay area.  Outstanding :-)

Your child brought home a flyer (invite) with specific details.  I've also posted it below for your reference.  

Most children in the class participated in the 1 day guided virtual art lesson held by Shandelle (see below) an Magic of the Arts teacher.  

Shandelle leading a virtual art lesson for our class

We completed a water colour painting inspired by the great Emily Carr.  They turned out fabulous and you have the chance to check it out too!!  

These works of art are now displayed for viewing pleasure at the library (see image below of your child's art work).  I encourage you to check it out in person if you're in town :)    

Thank you to Evie's Mom for being a hard working member in putting this art show on!!  It was Mrs. Bolton who encouraged our school to participate and we're so happy we did :-)  

On display will be the art from Mrs. Week's grade 5/6, Mrs. Coleman's grade 6/7's, Mrs. Newman's grade 2/3, and our class'!  

McHappy Day:

Thank you to all the families who supported the Ronald McDonald House Charities on Wed.!  On McHappy Day, a percentage of all proceeds made that day are donated to help Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which provides a home away from home for families with sick children.

Your support means that families can stay together, close to their sick child in hospital.  When families stay together, sick children get stronger. #KeepingFamiliesClose #McHappyDay

A Friendly Reminder:

The warmer weather has arrived, YAY!  As a result, here's a friendly reminder to please have your child wear sunscreen, a hat, and to bring a reusable water bottle daily to help them feel comfortable and be safe from the blistering sun.

The kids love running, jumping, and playing during recesses and we appreciate your support in preparing your child for these hotter days so that they're protected and comfortable :)

Also, our principal has asked that I remind students and families about the dress code.  Please see below and review with your child.

Georgia:

Thank you to Georgia and family for yet again donating so MANY TABS for our wheelchair campaign.  WOWIE, your donations are appreciated!  

Georgia's always eager and enthusiastic to place these into our overflowing baggy.  It's very thoughtfully and lovingly done as you can see from the image below :-)  

In the words of Greta Thunberg, "No one is too small to make a difference!"  

Mindset Matters:

Thank you Elliott for sharing this motivational video as part of your Passion Project Presentation.  Its message helps us reset our mindset when we feel a sense of fear.  

As we've discussed in class, we all have a choice when faced with our fear(s).  "Face everything and RUN or Face everything and RISE."  It's up to us.  It begins with a TRY!  

This video is to anyone who feels left out or afraid of trying their best for fear of failure. The magic you’re looking for is in the WILL of trying and not giving up!

Thanks again Elliott for sharing this mindset message with our class family :-)

#TomBradyMentality #Motivation #MotivationalVideo #Inspiration #SelfImprovement

Growth Mindset:

"Let your LIGHT SHINE.  Be the star in the sky, ALWAYS BRIGHT!" - Rose

Meegwich,

Ms. Gill