Week #28: Apr. 3rd - 6th

Dear Families,

Here we are at the end of our first week of April!  With the warmer temps, the children and I are seeking out more opportunities to be outdoors to seize and savour our beautiful surroundings.  

We love our nature walks!

I would like to wish you all a happy, healthy, and safe Easter long weekend with your family!  As many are aware, it is Good Friday tomorrow (no school) and Easter Monday (no school), so students will be back to school on Tuesday!    

I look forward to reuniting with my students and hearing about all the wonderful experiences they got up to! 

CHARACTER TRAIT:

This month's character trait is "Optimism" - We believe we can DO IT!  

I believe in the power of optimism. But does positive thinking really have any power? Check out the video to see for yourself. #ThisIsOptimism

I encourage you to harness the power of optimism with your own life! Being in a state of optimism is remarkable!  

So come one, COME ALL, join US in the POWER OF OPTIMISM!  It can change your life for the better ... FOR GOOD!!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PINK:

The International Day of Pink is a worldwide anti-bullying and anti-homophobia event held annually during the second week of April.  

Though similar to Pink Shirt Day in that it also seeks to end all bullying, the Day of Pink is more specifically aimed towards anti-LGBTQ+2 bullying.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

"Discrimination takes many shapes, whether it’s based on race, age, disabilities, gender or sexuality. The 2SLGBTQIA+ community is no stranger to the bullying and violence that stems from hateful beliefs.

While progress has been made towards removing these social barriers from our society, unfortunately discrimination still persists.

So every year, on the second Wednesday of April, we urge people around the world to put on a pink shirt and stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to continue fighting for equality and acceptance."

Please have your child wear pink on Wed. Apr. 12th 2023 to show our solidarity and support in creating a more inclusive and diverse world!  I really appreciate it :)

Noah, Ben, Carter, and Owen (Class of 2020/2021)

ACTIVITY FOR ANTI-BULLYING:
In our class, I shared an activity to help us create an awareness to the harmful effects of how deeply affected one can be when they are verbally discriminated against and/or bullied.  

First, I drew a heart on a piece of paper.  Next, we observed the 'Heart' and talked about how it was feeling.  Many replied, “Happy, loved, respected.”  Then, I showed them a crumpled up paper and placed it in front of us.  Finally, we opened up the heart to see what it looked like.  

Following this observation, we had a powerful discussion around when you hurt someone's heart (feelings), you create "wrinkles or scars that remain with that person that are difficult to heal and bring back to its original happy state." 

We also discussed the term "Bystander" and what it means.  A bystander(s) is a person or group of people who see bullying happening yet don't do anything to help.  In other words, they witness the bullying and walk away which ultimately continues and promotes this unkind cycle.

My class is a caring and compassionate community of learners and it is my hope we will continue to be the change to help encourage each other as well as other students in our school about the importance of NO PUT DOWNS!  

Coleton, Cayden, Connor, Ryan (Class of 2018/2019)

As a class family, we each wrote our pledge to help End Bullying!! 

This school year, we have talked extensively about the importance of always putting our thoughts into our words, and our words into OUR ACTIONS.  For it is in OUR actions which can ultimately help put a stop to bullying!!

MATH:

This week, we wrapped up our Fractions Unit and are moving onto Algebra & Coding.  

A math note will come home with your child in his or her agenda next week, but I've also posted it below for you to have a sneak peek :)

Check out this coding video below so you and your child can get the basics before we dive into this interactive and fun unit at school!

Thank you parents for all the support you provided to help prepare your child for their Fractions assessment.  It's a tricky concept, but we're getting the hang of it!  I will work hard to mark these assessments and they will be returned in the coming days :)

KAIA & JONAS:

Thank you to Jonas and Kaia who proudly came to school on Tuesday to share their completed math review questions to help them prepare for their fractions assessment.  

This demonstrates excellence in responsibility, independent work, organization, and initiative!!

Your dedication to your academics (school work) beyond the classroom is inspiring for your peers and I :)  Keep up the hard work you two!!

SPIRIT DAY:

On Fri. Apr. 14th, we will have a school-wide spirit day, YAY!  We encourage all staff and students to wear their favourite team or player's jersey or wear your own!! 

Many of my students and families know I'm quite the sports enthusiast so I'm really looking forward to this one next week!  I'll definitely be sporting my Raptors attire ;)

MINDFULNESS:

What does Easter mean to you?  In class, we regularly emphasize the importance of family and valuing their energy and effort that goes into nurturing us each and every day!  

For us, the greatest gift on any special holiday or celebration is to spend quality time with family and offer our sincere gratitude.  

My wish for you this Easter is spending quality time with your family and BEING GRATEFUL for what you have ... health, happiness, and a home to create special memories with loved ones.  

2020-2022 has been extremely difficult for many being separated from relatives due to the pandemic.  So this Easter, I encourage you to make it one to remember by sharing your gratitude(s) with each other because you will soon realize, despite all the challenges that have come our way, we have SO MUCH to be grateful for :) 

GROWTH MINDSET:

Thank you Ellis for sharing this week's mindset message!  Last month, Ellis completed his magnificent Black History Biography on this extraordinary activist and I am certain he was inspired to share this quote!  It's a beauty!!

Respectfully Yours,

Ms. Gill