Week #23: Feb. 21st - Feb. 24th

Dear Families, 

With the exception of an 'inclement weather day' on Thursday, what a meaningful week we've had yet again!  Lots of important and key learning about equity, inclusion, and diversity!  All topics near and dear to my heart :)  

Thank you to all the boys & girls for wearing PINK to stand up for ANTI-BULLYING!

My students are taking such a heartfelt interest in the issues surrounding Anti-Bullying and Black History.  We are learning to apply compassion, understanding and ACCEPTANCE towards one another each and every day.  

In our classroom, it is our goal to continue ensuring that everyone we meet and greet feels SAFE, INCLUDED, VALUED, and ACCEPTED regardless of differences.  

You will have noticed by now that from time to time that your child comes home to share that he/she has either written or received a 'bucket filling' note for/from a peer.  

It is important to me to provide the children with daily opportunities to express their appreciation and gratitude towards each other.

These messages of gratitude are designed for students to acknowledge and express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions for peers, teachers, friends, and family members. 

Thank you boys and girls for taking the time and HEART to express your gratefulness.  It is said when we are in a state of gratitude, our lives will be filled with JOY and it's true :-)

I believe one of life's greatest gifts is to give and receive unconditional love!  "To love and be loved" is the key to the world's problems. 

Please note, our Inclusiveness Recognition Assembly which was postponed yesterday will now be taking place on Monday at 9:30 - 11:00AM.  All families as always are welcome to attend :-)

Additionally, I know the kids may have felt disappointed that our Winter Play Day was cancelled today due to the frigid temps, however, The Leadership Team has rescheduled for next Fri. Mar. 3rd, YAY!  As always, please ensure your child dresses warmly as this is an outdoor event!

Have a blessed weekend with your loved ones and I look forward to resuming our meaningful learning next week!!  

PINK SHIRT DAY:

Anti-Bullying Day is a day when people wear mainly a pink shirt to symbolize a stand against bullying, an idea that was originated in Canada.  It is celebrated on the last Wednesday of February in Canada.

Earlier this week, were you able to discuss with your child why pink shirt day began?  If not, no worries, now's a great opportunity to do so as we discussed this thoroughly in class :)

As many know, this is an issue that is near and dear to my heart.  As your child's teacher, I am doing my best at reinforcing the importance of creating, building upon, and maintaining happy hearts in and out of our classroom. 

Ask your child:  What kind things can you do to make the world a better place?

Our Community of Learners Agreements (which are posted at the front of the class) help guide us every day - Attentive Listening, Mutual Respect, NO PUT DOWNS, Right to Participate, Right to Pass.

We regularly refer to these agreements as a reminder for us all to treat our peers, friends, and family with kindness, dignity, and respect.  I feel this will help in creating a happy, safe, and caring world.

I believe in all my students and their abilities to reach out to do their part in making a positive difference for our today and tomorrows ... together we can help put an END TO BULLYING!

As a class family, we took The Pledge to End Bullying!

We talked about the importance of when we sign a contract, we are making A PROMISE to not break it.  

BY SIGNING THIS PLEDGE YOUR CHILD AGREES TO: 

• Treat others respectfully
• Try to include those who are left out
• Refuse to bully others
• Refuse to watch, laugh or join in when someone is being bullied  
• Tell an adult and ask for help
• Help others who are being bullied

So proud of my former student Bailey (gr. 8) showing his support for Bullying Awareness

I believe in all my students and have every confidence they will do their part in helping PUT AN END TO BULLYING when ever and where ever they see it!  

MOLLY:

Molly's Dad shared with me a message that she wrote in her new notebook (see below).  

Upon receiving and reading it, I smiled because it solidifies what a caring and compassionate young girl Molly is.  I have every confidence she is and will continue to make a difference in this world with this amazing MINDSET MESSAGE!!

Thank you Molly for being "The Change We Wish to See in the World!!"  You're absolutely right Molly, "If we have a caring and loving heart, our lives can and will be filled with JOY!"  Don't ever lose sight of your beautiful thoughts and words :-)  I HONOUR YOU!

BLACK HISTORY ASSEMBLY:

Here is a final friendly reminder about our upcoming Black History Assembly taking place on Feb. 28th at 9:30 a.m.

Our class family will be leading this assembly and has a very special presentation which you don’t want to miss out on!  If you’re able to attend, please do so :) Please note, if busses are cancelled, our assembly will be rescheduled as well. But let's hope for the best!

I ask that your child please wear a black top and blue jeans (or blue tights/blue bottoms) on this day.  I will provide a colourful bandana for students to complete their outfit.  Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.  It is appreciated!  

We are really excited to share our knowledge and understanding about how black Americans and black Canadians have helped us live with growing EQUALITY!  

MATH ASSESSMENT:

Thank you to all the students who are diligently preparing for their upcoming multiplication & division assessment on Wednesday.  I really appreciate the support and know your child will be well prepared!  

GREEN TEAM SCHOOL ACTIVITIES:

Below are 3 activities our Eco Team is planning for March.  More information will be provided for students on our daily announcements as well :)  

I'm so proud to be part of a school culture where enthusiasm and genuine effort is being put towards helping protect, restore, fund for our planet.  The Earth needs us now more than ever!  Let's do our part :)  

Wednesday March 1:  Pack a Waste Free Lunch

A waste-free lunch may include reusable food and drink containers, washable cutlery, and cloth napkins instead of prepackaged foods, single-use plastic baggies, juice boxes and pouches, paper napkins, aluminum foil, and disposable utensils. 

When you go waste-free, you are helping to reduce the environmental impacts caused from the unnecessary transportation, production, and disposal of packaging products.  Take action by tackling the first of the 5 Rs by reducing the amount of waste generated at your school!

Wednesday March 22:  The Great Gulp

In celebration of World Water Day, during the month of March, schools across Canada are invited to take part in The Great Gulp. 

What is a Great Gulp?  It’s when the whole school comes together to take a synchronized drink of tap water from a reusable bottle, glass, or mug, in regions where tap water is safe and accessible.

In this action, raise awareness with your school community about drinking water, access to safe and healthy tap water in Canada, and the importance of reducing single-use plastic waste.

Friday March 24:  Earth Hour Activity

From changing individual behaviour to legislation, Earth Hour has achieved massive environmental impact – but as accelerating climate change and staggering biodiversity loss threaten our planet, we need to spark never-before-had conversations on the loss of nature and the urgent need to protect it.

We are hoping you can set aside one hour today to switch off the lights in your class, and find activities for your class to do that do not require electricity.

MINDFULNESS:

These heritage minute videos like the one below gives students images and words of what some of the changes that have come as a result of the courage and fight by civil rights activists like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Viola Desmond, etc.  

This video focuses on the Underground Railroad in Canada that helped free slaves!

"Free at last!  Free at last!  Thank God Almighty, we're FREE AT LAST!" - Dr. King Jr.

GROWTH MINDSET:

Thank you Benner for providing this week's mindset message!  It is from one of my favourite poets Maya Angelou!  It is indeed oh so true :-)  

Yes my friends, we must always be mindful in our thoughts, words, and actions as they can truly make or break someone's destiny.  Let's be KIND ALL THE TIME!

From my heart to yours ... MEEGWICH,

Ms. Gill