First Week of School - SUPERB START-UP!

Dear Families,

Wowie, we're nearing the end of the school year, and I can't believe that next week will be our final full week in the classroom.    

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! 

Father's Day:

Happy Father’s Day on Sunday to all the wonderful Dads out there!  I have immense respect for all my students father's as each of them is unconditionally supporting their child(ren) in all their endeavours.  

Listening to your child speak of all the ways Dad cares for the family brings me happiness :)  Your role is vital and I thank you for raising your child(ren) with such love and care.

I hope you enjoy quality time together as a family.  Your child is so excited to give Dad the personalized card and letter that they created.  Each student worked so hard on this during the past week (see photos below).  I am so proud of their final products and I am confident you will be too :)

So kick back and relax Dads, you deserve it!!!

Bowls for Beds:

Bowls for Beds has become a leading event for educating kids to become advocates for those that are most vulnerable.

My students have had the chance to learn and understand the importance of helping their community, to remove the stigma that comes with homelessness, and to learn to identify ways to help.

By purchasing your child's bowl, you have lovingly supported Home Horizon and The Barbara Weider House to help youth find services that fit their individual needs.

Thank you for being the change we wish to see in the world!! I truly appreciate Nottawa's families support in this meaningful organization.

Please enjoy your child's purchased bowl that came home and the PomPom 1 FREE SCOOP OF ICE CREAM! This is an appreciation for your contributions. Thank you, thank you!!

I hope that through the experience of art and conversation, our local children will continue to grow with the knowledge and compassion for those in need of help, understanding, love, and support.

Supporting Ukraine:

A big thank you to the members of the leadership team in Mrs. Garvan's grade 7 class who planned and organized a fundraiser on Friday to support the Ukrainian people who have lost their homes and belongings due to the war in the country are in.

All donations will go to the Red Cross Foundation where it will be sent to the people of Ukraine who need help.

As Nighthawks, we are committed to continuing to show our respect and support towards the country, and people of Ukraine. I am so proud to be part of a school community like ours who does their best to always think about the feelings of others because we truly are UNITED AS A HUMAN FAMILY!!

Below, you will find one of my favourite poets Dr. Maya Angelou share her amazing poem titled "Human Family."

It speaks about the similarities and differences between people.  It describes how we are all so different, and how we are so much alike.  This is a very important lesson for all of us to know that we are all unique and special just the way we are!!  #embraceeachother  #stayunited  #weareone  

National Indigenous History Month:

As part of National Indigenous Awareness Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), today we will learn about and watch another short video to highlight the history and strength of First Nations People.  

#nottawahonoursyou 

Heather McIntyre is an Indigenous woman who has lived in Collingwood with her grown family for over 35 years. Heather's grandmother Bertha was an Annishenabe woman originating from Georgian Island near Sutton and set out to build family life in rural Ontario.

As a proud member now of The Chippewa's of Georgina Island, Heather has dedicated her life's mission to support individuals who are in crisis or who find themselves stuck in wounded fragments of their life without a voice, the purpose or direction to fully embrace a positive Wellness Story.

Thank you Heather McIntyre for sharing your personal message of self-reflection and resiliency. 

Here at Nottawa, we continue to demonstrate our dedication to learning about our history and the present lives of our extraordinary Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is important to us to show that we are in the spirit of RECONCILIATION AND RESPECT.

Tessa:

Thank you Tessa and family for donating a Pride Flag to put into our classroom to demonstrate our care and compassion for the LGBTQ+2 community.  

Upon seeing this, it brought such joy to my heart!  This year, we have made it our mission to focus our minds and hearts on EQUITY, INCLUSION, and DIVERSITY.  We are a class family who embraces ALL for who they are and making everyone feel like THEY MATTER. 

Evie:

Check out Evie's lovely tank top message - "Love Proudly!"  Yes indeed, that's it!  Thank you Evie for always spreading positive and inclusive vibes in our classroom.  

Thank you also for sharing yet another poem that captured your attention by Gabriella Montez titled "Honesty."  Evie sweetly and solemnly took the time to say it aloud for her peers and I :)  Click on the image below to enlarge its words.  

Magic of Children's Art Show:

Your child's beautiful Emily Carr inspired art has arrived from the Collingwood Library.  You will notice that your child's artwork received very specific feedback from the teachers who organized this art show, how thoughtful!!

You can know admire and post this bright piece in a special place in your home :-)  Thank you to all my students who participated in this very special event celebrating children in the Arts!

Growth Mindset:

Thank you Finley for sharing this mindset message with our class family!!  We are unique and special in our own way and that's truly terrific!

"Go boldly and honestly in the direction of your dreams. Love the fact that you're UNIQUE!" 

Thank you for also being a positive role model for your peers and me.  YOU are someone who is determined to achieve all your hopes and goals!  I have every confidence you will, and in the process, keep being wonderful YOU!  We all think you're AMAZING too!

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!  

Meegwich,

Ms. Gill