Week #33: May 8th - 12th

Dear Families,

I would like to express my heart-felt thank you to all the Moms of my students who continuously provide their child with the love and nurturing to help them thrive in their Grade 3 school year and beyond!

Your ongoing support for your child and my teachings is cherished.  Thank you for energetically embracing me this year, it has meant the world to me!

I hope you enjoy your Mother’s Day with your family on Sunday and that you're showered with love, you deserve it!!  

The card, letters and artwork that students created for their Moms came from their heart and I know how excited they are to give you this note of appreciation this weekend (see below for evidence)!  

I have every confidence you're going to love it too and be filled with tears of joy :-)  

At this time, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge and extend a very happy mother's day to my very own, my Ma.  As many of you know, she is my personal hero whom I strive to make proud each and everyday.  

Ma and I on her 68th birthday (2023)

Ma's 65th birthday (2020)

My Ma has been the most selfless, supportive, and nurturing parent to my brother (Anil) and I.  We are who we are today because of her unwavering love and support.

My older brother Anil, Ma, and me (a small, but mighty team of 3)

The bond between a mother and her child is truly one of a kind!  I admire, respect, and am inspired by all the mothers out there who consistently demonstrate and share their strength, dedication, and unconditional love for their children.  

My favourite pass time with Ma is making her LOL ;)

I am fortunate that I have been blessed to have a mother who has been the ultimate role model and who has been there for me always.  

Thank you Ma for all that you do, ALL THAT YOU ARE!  I admire and love you!!

4 FINGER AFFIRMATION:

Please check out this virtual field trip video which is designed to be used as part of a three-part lesson to support students’ stress management and coping skills.

We watched this video in class and thoroughly enjoyed the sections which focused on developing "Helpful Thoughts" & The 4 Finger Affirmation.

This school year, we've learned the power of positivity and incorporating this into our daily lives. I truly believe having an optimistic and positive outlook is crucial in maintaining and sustaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit!

Please have your child explain what helpful thoughts are and the 4 finger affirmation. Then I urge you to please give it a try also, we absolutely loved it :)

KINDNESS PRESENTATIONS:

Thank you to all students who presented their Kindness Projects this week.  Your child did an outstanding job and I truly appreciate the time, effort, and hard work that was put forth at home and school to help prepare for this meaningful presentation. 

I am very pleased because I'm noticing students are using given teacher/peer feedback from their last oral presentations (Black History Biography) and making necessary adjustments to meet the success criteria to help improve their achievements in public speaking!  Well done :-)

My hope is that the children will take this learning/experience and apply it next year when they have to present speeches.  Everything that I teach, I do my best to not only meet the grade 3 expectations, but I am also preparing your child for the next grade level to set them up for success!

Great work boys and girls!  Keep being the BEST YOU in your thoughts, words, and actions!

SORA SWEET READS:

From May 15 until August 28, students may access these books using either the SORA app on a tablet or by using the link --> Sora . 

The best part of this collection is that each title is simultaneous use, meaning that there are unlimited copies available so there are no holds on these titles! 

Students simply use their school google login and password to access the library.  I hope that this collection will encourage students to stay engaged in reading even when the weather gets warmer! Happy Reading!  

MATH:

This week's focus in math has continued to be on data.  The question posed to students was the following (see photo below).

Students are not only asked to display the data in a graph, but more importantly to interpret their findings.  An example is posted below for your reference of what I'm looking for.

Next week, we will generate our own survey questions based on a topic of interest, collect data in charts/tables, display it on a graph, and discuss the findings :-)  Stay tuned!

SPIRIT DAY:

Thank you to all the staff & students who dressed up in their NEON & BRIGHT colours today to show school spirit! 

The week's been bright and sunny weather wise so we fit right in with the climate too!

When spirit days come up, I appreciate all parents who take the time to help your child(ren) organize attire for these special days.  I recognize it does take time and effort on your part and I truly cherish this.  Thank you, thank you!

MAGIC OF CHILDREN IN THE ARTS ANNUAL ART SHOW:

A few months back, my class participated in an in class art lesson held by the wonderful Shandelle, an art teacher with the Magic of Children in the Arts.

The Magic of Children in the Arts Program's mission is to inspire and encourage children to create, exhibit and celebrate art!

Click the image below to see the details to attend the reception and gala event this weekend :)

MINDFULNESS:

A must watch Mother's Day message for all my students amazing Moms!!  I thought of you instantly when I came across this.

A Mother's comfort and care is truly immeasurable and as your child's teacher, please know, I see, hear, and feel their love for YOU (Mom) each and every day!  Thank you for being YOU :-)  

GROWTH MINDSET:

Thank you Cruz for this week's mindset message!  It is so true :-)

"If there is no struggle, there is no PROGRESS!" - Cruz

Happy Mother's Day,

Ms. Gill