Week #22: Feb. 13th - 17th

Dear Families,

Today was another inclement weather day.  I hope your child was able to successfully access Google Classroom and work through the asynchronous language and math tasks that I posted :)  Please note, the work directly relates to what we're doing in class and helps reinforce learned concepts.  

Students who engage in asynchronous learning are demonstrating their true dedication and responsibility for their education beyond the classroom which is oh so appreciated!  

Please know, this hard work does not go unnoticed and contributes towards your child's learning skills and work habits achievement which is located at the front page of the report card.  

As always, I am proud of my students efforts they put in and out of the classroom :)

Wishing you all an enjoyable Family Day LONG Weekend!  I hope with having the ‘extra’ day off on Monday you will have the opportunity to spend quality time with all your loved ones.  

For me, I do my best to appreciate and value my time with those I care about like my Ma (Mom) and brother (see below).  

Growing up, I came from a small, but mighty family consisting of my older brother Anil and my Ma Shiva.  Ma is a single parent who raised us (bro & I) to be empathetic, respectful, and hardworking.

I am who I am today because of all the sacrifices my Ma made for me so I could pursue and achieve all my dreams.  She immigrated from Punjab, India in 1979 not knowing anyone, the language, culture, etc ...   

Through her dedication and determination to give the best life and opportunities for her kids, she did EVERYTHING to provide for us.  She's a lady of many hats who has worked in factories, TD Bank, bus driver, PSW, motel business owner for 14 years, yoga & meditation instructor, and probably other lines of work I'm unaware of.  Gosh Ma's sooo versatile ;)  

I am in awe of her perseverance and resilience!  She could have given up as she faced many hardships in her personal and professional life, but she carried on gracefully and with pride that she is the mother of my brother and I :)  I aspire to be like her!!

As dedicated parents, you can surely relate and know what it means to love and nurture your child(ren) unconditionally so that they too can live a fulfilling life and be who they are!

For me, the true essence of Family Day is extending our gratitude to our parent(s) who are the ONES who make our lives bright & beautiful.  

Thank you to all the Moms and Dads of my students for everything (and more) you do each and every day!  We (your children) cherish YOU!!

VALENTINES DAY:

On February 14th, we celebrated Valentine’s Day with our class family along with the rest of the primary division at Georgian Bowl!  

Thank you for dressing up in reds, pinks, flowers, hearts, and more to show your loving spirit!

Thank you families who took the time and energy out of your busy schedules to purchase cards, gift bags, and yummy treats for all of US to enjoy!  I was deeply touched by the gifts I received too, it meant a lot to me!  I will cherish them!

Check out the photos below from our bowling extravaganza!!  These images warm my heart :)

Can you tell HOW much FUN we truly had!?  It was an absolute blast!  Thank you to the primary division for organizing this event for the children, it was a memorable experience :) 

It was heart-warming to watch your child give and receive Valentines with such love, grace, and gratitude.

GRATITUDE:
I am so moved by my students sharing their love and kindness with me each day they arrive with an open heart and open mind.  We have had such a meaningful start to the new year together!  

Like many celebrations throughout the year (e.g., Thanksgiving, Earth Day), I have shared with my students that Valentines Day is something that we must acknowledge and celebrate every day.  

Valentines Day is an opportunity to share our LOVE and what is love?  To me, it's ACCEPTANCE, acceptance of others for who they truly are without prejudice, judgement or negativity.  

Yes my friends, the time is always right to do what is RIGHT in our thoughts, words, and actions.

REPORT CARDS:

Speaking of report cards, if your child was not in attendance today, that's a-ok, he or she will receive the report card on Tuesday.

For those who were at school today, your child will have brought home his or her Term 1 report card.  I thoroughly enjoy writing these as it gives me the opportunity to mindfully reflect and think about all the amazing achievements your child has attained!  

We all have next steps, including ME, and I have stressed to the children that it is important to remember to celebrate ALL their achievements - 'What I know' and 'What I don't know ... YET!'

MID-YEAR SELF ASSESSMENT:

So, I completed my assessment of my students, but I also wanted to give your child the opportunity to share their 'voice' and let you know how they think they're doing.  

It was a meaningful process as your child wrote down their own thoughts about what they'd like YOU TO KNOW about their learning thus far this school year :)

Goal setting is such a significant and important aspect of learning.  

I hope you enjoy reading through this and offering your feedback to your child.  

Can you believe there's only one more term left, I can't believe I'm writing this!!  Time flies when you're with such passionate, hard working, and a respectful group of children.  I truly am the blessed one :)

MATH:

We have been working hard on solidifying our skills in multiplication and division.  I really appreciate the families who are taking extra time to spend with your child at home going over math concepts, it's making a difference!!  Thank you so much :-)

We will be wrapping up this unit next week and a review sheet will be sent home next week to practice for the upcoming multiplication & division assessment on Wed. Mar. 1st

I have posted photos of these sheets below for your reference and you may wish to have your child access these over the weekend to practice some of the questions to get a start on this.  

BLACK HISTORY BIOGRAPHY:

The children are hard at work on their Black History Biography for a chosen Black Activist.  All information is posted on Google Classroom, so please have your child show you the criteria and expectations for this assignment.  It is due March 3rd.  

Molly (Ruby Bridges), Mae (Venus Williams), and Ellis (Jackie Robinson) collecting information for their chosen Activist :)

The video below helps reinforce the importance of Black History Month being a time to honour and highlight the legacy and contributions of Black leaders from past to present while demonstrating the Dallas Mavericks’ (NBA team) commitment to building a more just, equal and inclusive future.

The video below is a wonderful one about finding the courage to share your story, it can connect you to others — even when you feel all alone. #equity #diversity #inclusion #weareone

CHARACTER RECOGNITION ASSEMBLY:

Mrs. Wallace's grade 3/4 class will be leading this month's Inclusiveness assembly on Thurs. Feb. 23rd at 9:30AM.  All families are welcome to attend!  

Please note, I have notified those parents whose child will be receiving a character recognition award so you may wish to particularly attend to see your deserving child receive his or her certificate :)

Check out the video below of Mr. Saad hosting the game show for everybody, everywhere!

It's time for "IS IT INCLUSIVE" where a lucky studio audience member will decide if the scenarios are inclusive... or not! Enjoy :)

PINK SHIRT DAY:

The 2023 Pink Shirt Day design was inspired by moments of kindness, empathy and understanding that can mean so much to children impacted by bullying.

For bullied kids, it can be hard to know where to turn, but a helping and supportive hand can make a world of difference!

Remember that whether it's sending a check-in text, calling out bullying behaviour when you see it, or simply offering your support, there are so many ways we can all help and connect with people being bullied.

On Wed. Feb. 22nd wear PINK! Let's Lift Each Other Up this Pink Shirt Day, and all year round!

OPHEA HEALTHY SCHOOLS CERTIFICATION:

Healthy Schools Certification gives our school the tools to promote and enhance the health and well-being of students, school staff, and the broader school community. 

Now is the time to prioritize health, collaboration, and connection in your school community! 

Healthy Schools Certification is guided by the following goals: 

● To support schools that want to enhance the health and well-being of their students and staff 

● To increase student engagement and leadership opportunities to support health and well-being at school 

● To increase adult engagement in prioritizing health and well-being at school 

● To strengthen community engagement and partnerships Last year our school earned a Silver Certification. 

This year, to better understand our school community’s needs, we are requesting your support in completing a survey as part of our certification process. 

Please take a few minutes to complete it (click the blue word that says survey).  Your voice matters and we are grateful to be surrounded with families like YOU who support instilling healthy minds, bodies, and spirits in our children!

PRIMARY WINTER OLYMPICS:

Exciting news!!  On Fri. Feb. 24th, the primary division will be having a play day to participate in a variety of winter games!! 

Please ensure your child is dressed for the weather as we'll be spending the day (10:00AM - 3:00PM) outdoors.  Packing an extra pair of socks, hat, mitts may be a good idea so your child's cozy and comfortable throughout the day.  Also, so we don't have to make a phone call to you and interrupt your responsibilities ;)  Thank you for your ongoing support!

Thank you to our Leadership Team and Mrs. Garvan for organizing this day of fun!!  Stay tuned for how it all turned out in next week's update!  I'll be sure to post lots of photos :)

MINDFULNESS:

The NBA celebrates Black History Month.  Please listen and enjoy Doc Rivers thoughts paying tribute to the NBA's first black coach - Bill Russell.  

One of the most powerful words from this video for me was:  "Red didn't look at him as a black man, but as a man who could coach!" 

I believe we have come a long way from the injustices of the past.  Today, most people see others not by the colour of our skin, but by the content of their character.  May we continue moving forward in this positive direction and ensure we keep it this way for eternity!!

GROWTH MINDSET:

Thank you Ellis for sharing this week's mindset message!  How very true :-)  

In class, we've talked about how this quote doesn't solely relate to sports, but more so about having the courage to try something out of your comfort zone (new) and having the hope, faith, and belief that YOU CAN DO IT!!  #neverstopbelieving

From my heart to yours ... MEEGWICH,

Ms. Gill