First Week of School - SUPERB START-UP!

Dear Families,

Happy June everyone!  Yes, you read that correctly, it is JUNE!  We’ve entered our final month of school.  Where’d the year go?!  I suppose it zips by when you’re surrounded with amazing students every day who make you smile, laugh, and rejoice!  I have enjoyed every moment creating meaningful memories with our class.  

As we enjoy the final few weeks of school, I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all my families (the parents) who have consistently supported their child in my teaching and providing at home support with all homework and assignments.  This means a lot to me :)  

Together, we have made a significant difference in your child's academic, social, and behavioural needs!  As always, I am delighted by all my students progress and reaching their potential!  

You will have received this month's kindness calendar.  Enjoy participating in the variety of kind acts suggested.  It always brings a smile to my face and heart upon hearing my students following through on these especially when no one is watching :)  "Be KIND all the time!"

Character Trait:

This month's character trait is Responsibility - “We are accountable for our actions and we follow through on our commitments.”

 

Responsibility means being dependable, making good choices, and taking accountability for your actions.  A responsible citizen looks out for the well being of others and understands we all have a part to play in making the world a better place.  

Now, let's do OUR part to be responsible in our thoughts, words, and actions boys and girls!!  The only person we are in control of is ourselves so it is important to always be accountable for your choices, practice self-control, finish what you begin, and do your best and keep trying!

Below, I have posted a video by a SCDSB educator named Mr. Saad who explains what this trait encompasses.  Please view it with your child and discuss its importance and how it can help us make good choices in our daily life.  

Important Message:

I am writing this message because your child's safety and well-being is of utmost importance to me and our staff at Nottawa.  

As we enter the final weeks of school, please review with your child the importance of following school rules at all times (they are familiar with this) and to always check in with an adult when exiting the classroom and/or school.

It is important that children remain on school grounds for the duration of the day to ensure they are safe and an adult is nearby to assist if need be.

Leaving the property unannounced and without permission may cause harm and we do not want this.  I have spoken with the children about safety measures and I appreciate you doing so as well.  Thank you.

EQAO:

As shared in a previous post, students will be writing their EQAO assessment beginning next week Mon. Jun. 6th - 10th.  It is imperative that your child be present for these dates.  

I promise to make the 'testing' environment calm and comfortable for your child just as I would and do on a daily basis :)  

The assessment is laid out in a friendly and very manageable online platform.  There are 4 Language Sessions & 4 Math Stages.  Your child has completed a sample assessment with me in class so they are very familiar with the format and there were no issues :)   

Each day, students will complete 1 language session (30 - 35 minutes) and 1 math stage (30 -35 minutes).  This adds up to approximately 1 hour at day.  Some may require even less time depending on their knowledge and understanding of concepts taught.  

Please note, in my regular teaching, students spend a significant longer period of time for my language and math lessons and work (60 - 100 minutes for each subject).  So the kids will be a-ok and are used to putting forth their personal best :-)

Below, I have shared the tentative schedule.  This being said, we will be flexible as student needs may arise and change is required.  

Mon. Jun. 6th 11:30 – 12:30 P.M	Tues. Jun. 7th          N/A	Wed. Jun. 8th 9:30 – 10:30 A.M	Thurs. Jun. 9th 9:30 – 10:30 A.M	Fri. Jun. 10th 9:30 – 10:30 A.M
Language Session 1	NO EQAO	Language Session 2	Language Session 3	Language Session 4
Math Stage 1	NO EQAO	Math Stage 2	Math Stage 3	Math Stage 4

National Indigenous History Month:

I'm so excited and passionate to share about this!!  June is National Indigenous History Month. This month provides the opportunity to learn more about First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, knowledge, worldviews and culture.

For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3fyEgt0.

National Indigenous History Month has been observed every June in Canada for the last 12+ years.  The celebration and recognition of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples' history, culture and contributions to Canada happens during this month as we commemorate their Canadian history.

Throughout the month, the assembly of First Nations will highlight some historic events and people who have contributed to our shared history and to the development of Canada.  #IHM2022

Below, you will find a short video which shares the strength of Asha Frost who is an Anishinaabe (Ojibway) Medicine Woman, Healer and Spiritual Mentor. She is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation.

As a Soul Seer and Visionary, Asha believes that we can all reclaim our roots and deepest medicines. Asha has facilitated healing with thousands of people through the use of Indigenous Based Ceremony, teachings and sacred circle.

As a teacher and leader, her purpose is to help women connect to the magic of spirit within their lives so they can root down and be of service to the world. @asha.frost

Thank you Asha Frost for sharing your personal message of self-reflection and resiliency.

Throughout the month of June, our class will continue learning about the history and present lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada. I encourage you to do the same :)

Pride Month:

June is Pride Month! During this month, we are dedicated to the uplifting of LGBTQ voices, culture, diversity, and demonstrating our overall support for the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

On June 1st, the Simcoe County District School Board raised a Progressive Pride flag (above) at the Education Centre, and will keep it raised until June 30th to acknowledge Pride month, YAY!

Pride presents an opportunity for us all to listen, learn, and to show support for LGBTQ+ and uplifting the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.

Pride is a joyful celebration and a serious political reminder that LGBTQ+ people are here and deserve the same rights as everyone else.

Did you know the word "Pride" was actually originally an acronym that stood for Personal Rights in Defense and Education, an organization started in 1966 to fight for equal rights for LGBTQ+ people?  

Pride is also defined as the "consciousness of one's own dignity."  In other words, we use the word Pride to both honor an influential organization and to be proud of who we are. 

As an educator, I believe children learn from what they see and hear.  When kids are open to the experience of Pride, they can shape their feelings and how they grow up, including their feelings about diversity and inclusion and it carries through their whole life.

Please watch the video below for more information to learn about the History of Pride.  It is informative and child friendly.  

Why is Pride important?  It creates a space where LGBTQ+ people can be out, safe, welcomed, affirmed, and celebrated.  They can feel connected and feel a sense of community and not feel alone. 

What's more, Pride creates visibility to the rest of the world about the size and power and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community.

We all deserve to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance NO MATTER our gender or how we identify or who we choose to love.  In class, we have created a safe space for EVERYONE TO BE WHO THEY ARE :-)

Year End Gift:

With only a few weeks left of school, I would like to request something that is important to me.

If you are planning on providing me with a year end gift, I ask in lieu of this to please consider donating to WATER FIRST https://waterfirst.ngo/donate/ which supports a solution that helps Indigenous communities address water challenges.

Sustainable access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities continues to be a pressing issue in Canada.  

Nobody understands the evolving challenges and needs more than the people who live there. Drinking water challenges are complex: in some communities, local concerns may be around infrastructure, for others, source water contamination.  

Numerous communities have challenges recruiting and training young Indigenous adults to join the drinking water field.  

Water First is guided by the Indigenous youth and young adults who participate in our programs, our Indigenous staff and board members, local Indigenous community partners, and by members of our Indigenous Advisory Council. 

Water Firsts collaborations are built on respect and meaningful partnerships, with Indigenous youth and community partners at the heart of our work. 

Thank you for your time and consideration :) 

Language:

In writing, our new learning goal will focus on Poetry.  Students will be exposed to and learn about various types of poetry.  

For this unit of study, our Learning Goal & Success Criteria is the following:

Learning Goal:

We are learning to read, listen to, and write our own poetry using descriptive words to help our reader visualize and create a deeper meaning from our writing.

Success Criteria:

1. I can choose a topic for my poem that is meaningful to me.

2. I can use rich, descriptive (adjectives) word choice when I write.

3. I can include voice and expression in my writing.

4. I can help my reader create mental imagery (visualize) as they read my poem.

5. I can think with my head and heart to create a meaningful poem.

POETRY IS ... "Powerful Thoughts in Tiny Packages!"

Have your child visit the link below to continue learning about the different types of poetry we will be exploring!  We will be taking a closer look at this site next week as we dive further into our lessons.

http://mrswarnerarlington.weebly.com/poetry.html

After exploring, ask your child to try out this poem at home over the weekend.  

Click image to enlarge it :)

Evie:

Thank you Evie for going to the local library and seeking out a Poetry book and bringing it to school.  The helpful tips in it will surely teach and inspire us when we write our poems soon!!  

Thank you for taking the time to reinforce your school learning in your every day life!  You're such a bright light :-)

Math:

This week in math, we enjoyed learning how to play a new probability game, the kids LOVED THIS!  You'll be able to tell by their focus and fun they're having in the images below :-)

I have made a copy of the game for you to try out at home too to help reinforce this math concept.  Please have your child explain the rules to the game and give it a try!  

As you play, encourage your child to share with you which numbers are more likely, less likely, equally as likely, impossible, certain and to EXPLAIN TO YOU WHY.  Using probability vocabulary and providing reasoning is part of the expectations for this unit.  

Celebratory T-Shirt:

As an end of the year celebration, I would like to create a celebratory t-shirt with your child for graduating grade 3 :)  It will be our very own keepsake that we can wear with pride.

In my eyes and heart, it's been a very effective year in which many students have grown in their academics, peer relationships, and behaviour.  

Watching your child display the BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES for and with me has been remarkable.  There is always work to do to improve upon our skills, and I promise to continue to do my part to support your child.  

Please have your child bring in an old or new blank white t-shirt.  We will be using it to design and create our very own GRADE 3 ROCKS 2022!

All t-shirts are encouraged to be at school by Mon. Jun. 13th.  

Talent Show:

After two years of having a virtual talent show, we are finally back to in person to celebrate the many talents of Nottawa's students!  

It is very exciting and the kids are looking forward to preparing for this event.

Below, I have posted the schedule of meetings and practices for the talent show for your child's reference if he or she is participating.  It is important to keep track of this so you may wish to write it down in the agenda or another place at home.

Bake Sale & Wishing Well Contributions:

What a wonderful Wednesday we had here at Nottawa!!  The whole school was buzzing with excitement to make their contributions for the bake sale supporting the Y.M.C.A. and The Living Wish Foundation by placing a coin in our very own Nottawa Wishing Well.  

Big shout out and thank you to the Lloyd family (Tessa & Parker's parents) for building the well which is now displayed in our rotunda (main area of the school).  

Before we began our donating, Sonja (grade 6) engaged the students by sharing the meaning and message behind the Living Wish Foundation.  Her thoughtful and thorough delivery was helpful to get our hearts and minds filled with knowledge and understanding for this meaningful cause.

I am so proud of Sonja as she was a former student of mine (2018/2019) and to see her shine makes my heart soar with JOY!!!  Way to go :-)

At the end of the day, Mrs. Beattie totaled the amount for the bake sale and wishing well donations and it came to $1,400+!  Wowie, amazing!!  #NighthawkProud  #NottawaRocks

Together we are making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.  Check us out below :-)  

Mrs. Coleman's class' bakery theme honoured PRIDE MONTH

Fundraiser:

Do you want the night off from cooking next Wed. for a great cause?  If you said yes, then please consider ordering from Domino's and $5.00 from your order will be directly donated to our school!!

A lot of the amazing technology that we have here is because of your (parents) generosity.  We thank you as teachers and students are given more opportunities to build and grow their skills.  

Emily:

Thank you for brightening our classroom with a bunch of 'lily of the valley' flowers.  They're so sweet and beautiful!!  Your kindness and thought is valued :-)

Reeghan:

The TABS FOR WHEELCHAIRS keep coming in!!  YaHoo!  Yesterday, Reeghan brought 100+ tabs and we're ever so grateful for her contributions :)  Your sweet smile says it all, you're making a positive impact in the lives of those who may require a wheelchair for accessibility.  Meegwich, Reeghan :)

Mindfulness:

With your family, I urge you to please closely watch and discuss this based on true events powerful short animated film below.  It brought tears to my eyes.  We watched the video in class :)  Your child's empathetic ways was heart warming to see.

  

My Shadow is Pink is about a young boy, born with a pink shadow that loves princess, dresses & "things not for boys".

This is a story of daring to be different, and having the courage to be true to yourself.

You are LOVED.  Exactly as YOU ARE.

Growth Mindset:

"Don't make a taller fence, but rise to build a better bridge." - Kinley

You are the change we wish to see in the world, Kinley.  
Your peers and I look up to you.
KEEP BEING YOU :-)

From my heart to yours - Meegwich,

Ms. Gill