Week #27: Mar. 27th - 31st

Dear Families,

Is it really the last day of March?!  I hope you've enjoyed some of the peaks of our sunnier days we've had!  It's definitely welcomed and has put a smile on all the children's (and mine) faces as they run, jump, and PLAY during recesses :)  

Have a lovely weekend, BUT BEWARE and don't get 'fooled' tomorrow ;)

CHARACTER RECOGNITION ASSEMBLY:

On Thursday, we recognized March's character trait of Integrity - “We can always be trusted even when NO ONE IS WATCHING!”  

I have shared with my students how I feel this trait encompasses all our character traits that we have focused on thus far.  

I believe if a person demonstrates integrity, they also possess respect, caring, courage, honesty, optimism, cooperation, inclusiveness, empathy, and responsibility.  

I am comforted in knowing that WE at Nottawa are truly surrounded with many students and staff who consistently model integrity in their actions.

Congratulations to Benner and Isla!  You are being recognized for ALWAYS displaying Integrity in your thoughts, words, and actions.  

I am so very proud of you!  Continue to be your best self in all that you do!  You are exemplary models for this trait!  Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU :-)

MATH:

You will have received your child's math work that they completed in class this week.  I hope you had a chance to celebrate their achievement :)  The focus was a combination of applying skills in division and fractions.   

As always, my expectation is that students utilize the 4-Block Problem Solving Method to fully understand, make a plan, solve, and explain their mathematical thinking :)  They're doing a marvelous job!

An example is posted below for those who wish to see what I'm looking for.  I hope it's helpful :)

We're soon wrapping up this math unit so you will have received a Fraction Review Sheet which your child can work through at home.  Thank you in advance for your ongoing support for your child's academics.

Please note, a Fractions Assessment will take place on Wed. Apr. 5th.

LANGUAGE:

Throughout the school year, I have introduced the kids to many amazing activists and in particular for this week, we did a deep dive in learning about the extraordinary Malala Yousafzai! 

Who is she?  Please ask your child if he or she can share a little bit about her before I share more information below :)  She truly is one of my personal heroes and I look up to her :)  

To help the kids learn more about the life and legacy of this remarkable education activist and human, I shared with the class her award winning book called Malala's Magic Pencil.  I have posted an online version below for you as well to enjoy :)

It is an inspirational picture book about Malala's early life and how she became an activist who believed she could help change the world and stand up for the right to an equal and fair education for young girls.

This book is a great way for younger readers to learn about her and the hardships she overcame as a child.  They can see what it was like in Pakistan for a young girl and the true resilience that she displayed to help her overcome the many challenges she faced against The Taliban. 

Please note, this book has just enough specific details so that it remains appropriate for younger ones, and is still intriguing for older readers who will surely want explore more about what happened to Malala after reading it. 

I'm really in awe of how well written the book is and I hope this story leaves you feeling the same afterwards.

Malala continues to do everything she can to break down barriers for girls to have access to education!

For more information about Malala, please visit her website: https://malala.org/ 

After listening to the story, I presented a writing activity where students were asked to think like an activist and write about a cause that they're passionate about that can help change the world.

Their responses are heart soaring as many of the topics relate to the discussions we've had this school year involving Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Climate Change, etc ...  

In class, students had the opportunity to share their writing to help inspire each other and to ensure all our voices were heard. Check us out below in our collaborative efforts :-)

I truly believe each and every student in my class has the ability to help change the world and it all starts with the willingness to TRY.  

These completed sheets will soon come home in the agenda next week, stay tuned!   

ARIE & BENNER:

It is with great pride that I share Arie and Benner's extraordinary achievement at their hockey tournament last weekend.    

These boys' passion and dedication to their team is amazing!  Not only are they gaining valuable technical skills for the game, but more importantly, they're building upon their magnificent character - consistently demonstrating SPORTSPERSONSHIP for their teammates and opponents!!  

 

Way to go boys, you make my heart soar with joy on and off the ice!!  Best of luck tonight as you play a friendly 3-3 tourney this weekend :-)

Thank you to Mrs. Leal & Mrs. Vandermeer for sharing these photographs for you all to rejoice in too!

CRUZ, ISLA, MAE, & ANNA:

As the boys shared about their hockey tournament, Anna, Isla, and Cruz did too!!  Anna came to school on Monday with her medal so bright eyed and proud!  

It's amazing to see so many girls participating in hockey!  When I was a kid, we didn't have this, instead it was ringette (which I got cut from, lol) and I desperately wanted to play with a hockey still and puck.  

Sports have become much more inclusive as the opportunities for our youngsters are equitable, I love this!! 

LILY:

On Tuesday evening, I received the following email from Lily's Mom.  

"Hi Ms. Gill,

I made a starry night painting at Moonstone School. The starry night picture is in the calming room at Nottawa.

 

Here are some horse pictures now that they are home with us." 

From,

Lily 

This brought such joy to my heart because I truly feel connected with my students even long after they've left my class.  It is important to me to continue my rapport with the children and to help they feel valued within my classroom walls and beyond.

Thank you Lily for thinking of our school and that peace that it brought to your mind, body, and spirit.  Nottawa is a place which works hard at fostering nurturing and safe space for everyone to feel seen, heard, and understood.

I'm so happy our Lily continues to feel this even from afar.  We HONOUR and MISS YOU!! 

Please now enjoy the photos sent from Mrs. Scicluna of Lily soaring and growing in her new environment!!  She's loving her farm life :-)

GROWTH MINDSET:

Thank you Kieran for sharing this week's mindset message!  I love this :-)  

This links beautifully to our in class mentality of shifting our thinking from a 'ME >>> WE.'

Stronger people stand up for everyone!  For them, the right is right, and the wrong is wrong. They would not hesitate even a single time to speak up for something that is incorrect or is not meant to happen. 

They are bold enough to go beyond their conventional ways and stand up.  They support all that’s right and say a “No” for something that is wrong!  They do not fear anyone, and that’s possibly the best thing about them. 

Stronger people use their voice to help bring POSITIVE CHANGE to and for everyone around them.

Respectfully Yours,

Ms. Gill