Week #15: Dec. 12th- 16th

Dear Families,

It’s been a very busy, yet productive week of rehearsals in preparation for our Holiday Concert and upcoming Empathy Assembly!  Students have been working hard on their public speaking and performing skills.  I am very proud of their efforts!

Thank you to all the staff and students for participating in our Festive Attire Day!  Everyone looked great and it certainly is getting us more and more into the holiday spirit!!!  Check us out below :-)

HOLIDAY CONCERT:

Thank you to all the staff, students, and families for attending and sharing your enthusiasm and energy  during our WONDERFUL performances (day and evening show).  

It has been 2 years since we were able to have an in person event with families so everyone was extra excited!!  It was a true joy seeing Kindergarten to Grade 3 students perform with such enthusiasm, poise, and spirit!

If you were in attendance, you will agree that the kids in the class did an amazing job to what was a very detailed and challenging instrumental and dance routine.  Many children clearly practiced numerous times at home and I could tell as they NAILED IT!!    

I was also smiling cheek to cheek as the kids performed an Indian song and dance.  A tribute to my culture and heritage.  I showed my Ma the video and she LOVED IT TOO!!  It is important to honour all faiths and celebrations and that's exactly what we do here at Nottawa Elementary and I couldn't be more proud :-)

BENNER & MOLLY:

Thank you to Benner's Dad and Molly's Dad for recording and sharing their videos from the Holiday Concert :)  I appreciate you taking the time to email me.

For those family members who were unable to attend, I have posted the 2 videos on Google Classroom for you to check out.  The kids did a stellar job!!

EDIBLE CHRISTMAS TREES:

It was an exciting day in our classroom!  Everyone was looking forward to finally creating his or her own edible Christmas tree with delicious icing and toppings!  

Students worked collaboratively with a partner and enjoyed spreading the icing on their trees and then decorating it with gummies, sprinkles, cookies, etc ... Check us out!

They TURNED OUT GREAT and some kids chose to eat them at the end of the day; my apologies in advance if your child came home buzzing (hyper), hehe.

Thank you parents for your continued generosity in providing numerous delicious toppings for your child to use and build their sweeeeet trees!  They appreciated this too! 

BENNER:

Thank you to Benner and family for providing extra candies for students to use for their edible trees.  Your generosity and thoughtfulness is valued beyond measure!  

That's empathy at its finest, 'Thinking about the feelings of others!'  Thank you Leal Crew :-)

HOLIDAY HAPPY MAIL & GOOGLE MEET WITH SUNSET MANOR RESIDENTS:

This seems to be an ongoing feeling I have, but I would like to share once again just how PROUD I am of my students empathetic ways!!  

This week, we had a Zoom Call with some of Sunset Manor's residents :)  It was fantastic!!

Mr. Fleming PSW from Sunset Manor with his elder friends

Elders reading and receiving our handmade holiday cards

I am delighted to share that your child's hard work and LOVE that went into their handmade holiday card for an elder at Sunset Manor was well received!  We all now know how much the elders appreciated them!!   My students are truly demonstrating EMPATHY in his or her thoughts, words, and actions.    

The kids enjoyed seeing the smiles on the seniors faces as they opened and read them :)  Check it out below!

Benner interacting with his senior who received his card

Mae enjoying seeing her elder read her handmade card :)

Jonas taking an opportunity to interact with Will the elder who got his card :)

It truly brightened the seniors spirits this holiday season especially since many of them have been in some form of lockdown since March 2020 due to COVID-19.  This act of kindness has truly filled their cup :) 

It was such a memorable moment and one that brought tears to my eyes as I sat back and watched my students gently and lovingly greet the elders.    

Singing some songs for Sunset Manor Residents via Zoom

The seniors also really LOVED SEEING THE KIDS perform some songs too :)  

If we can make a difference in the hearts and minds of others especially those in need of our energy and time (such as seniors), we're happy to continue to spread our love and joy!!  To me, this is the true spirit of Christmas. 

BUSINESS FAIR:

The grade 8’s have been working hard on their business plans and they will execute their Business Fair next week on Wed. Dec. 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

The kids are buzzing with excitement to experience this one of a kind event!

If you wish to send in money so your child can purchase some items, please do so and place money into a zip lock baggy with his or her name clearly labelled on it!  

Please note, I will certainly do my best to keep track of money, but the school is not responsible for any lost money or damaged items.  Thank you. 

FINAL SPIRIT DAY OF 2022:
Next Friday (23rd), the last day before the Holiday Break, our Leadership Team has organized a movie day for all students!!  The primary students will get to enjoy a movie during period 1 & 2 in the gym.  

Your child is encouraged to wear his or her comfy and cozy clothing (see below)!  They may wish to also bring in their favourite stuffy (e.g., teddy bear), blankie, and pillow so they’re comfortable during the movie!  This'll surely be a fun way to kick off the holidays!!  YahooOooOO!

GRAMMAR RULE #8:

This week's grammar rule focused on PRONOUNS!  Please ask your child about the various pronouns used to replace one or more nouns :-)  

By utilizing this rule, students writing will improve so they do not sound repetitive.  

In class, we continue to work diligently on our weekly grammar tasks.  Everyone's effectively working in their THINK, PAIR, SHARE groupings to solidify their skills :-)  I love SEEING THIS!!  "Together Everybody Achieves MORE!"

BENNER & ARIE:

Congratulations to Benner and Arie who came in 1st place in their Silver Stick Tournament last weekend!  The boys proudly came to school wearing their matching new shirts and I just had to capture this moment! 

Being a sports enthusiast myself, I love seeing my students participate in extra-curricular activities like hockey to build upon their skills especially in the area of being a 'good sport.'  

Both Benner and Arie consistently display such sportspersonship like behaviour.  They always set a positive example in their thoughts, words, and actions on and off the ice.  

They truly know the meaning of "Sometimes we WIN, sometimes we LEARN!"  Way to go boys, I am honoured to be your grade 3 teacher :)

MINDFULNESS:

I am so proud of all the boys and girls in the primary division for participating in our Holiday Concert with their personal best!  It was a day to remember :)  

Parents, thank you for your positive feedback, it means a lot to the staff!  It is a true joy to be able to hold these special events again in person.  

The magic of Nottawa can be truly felt when our families get together in one space to celebrate and honour the amazing talents of our children!  Way to go, Nighthawks :)

GROWTH MINDSET:

Thank you to Libby for providing this week's mindset message!  It's a great one!!!

"Be like a TREE - strong, powerful, and RESILIENT!"

From my heart to yours - MEEGWICH,

Ms. Gill