Week #36: May 29th - Jun. 1st

Dear Families,

Happy June everyone!  Yes, you read that correctly, it's JUNE!  We’ve entered our final month of school.  Where’d the year go?!  

I suppose it zips by when you’re surrounded with amazing students every day who make you smile, laugh, and rejoice!  I truly have seized and savoured every moment creating meaningful memories with our class family.  

As we enter the final few weeks of school, I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all my families (parents & grandparents) who have consistently supported their child in all my teaching by providing at home support with homework and assignments.  This means a lot to me :)  

Way to go Logan!  Proud of your efforts in completing your daily homework :)

Together, we have made a significant difference in your child's academic, social, emotional and behavioural strengths & needs!  As always, I am delighted by all my students progress and reaching their potential :)

By now, you will have received this month's kindness calendar.  Please take moments throughout the month to participate in the variety of kind acts suggested.  

It always brings a smile to my face and heart upon hearing my students following through on these especially when no one is watching :)  

Our motto is --> "Be KIND all the time!"

CHARACTER TRAIT:

This month's character trait is Responsibility - “We are accountable for our actions and we follow through on our commitments.”

 

Responsibility means being dependable, making good choices, and taking accountability for your actions.  A responsible citizen looks out for the well being of others and understands we all have a part to play in making the world a better place.  

Now, it's up to us all to do OUR part to be responsible in our thoughts, words, and actions!!  The only person we are in control of is ourselves so it is important to always be accountable for your choices, practice self-control, finish what you begin, and do your best and keep trying!

Below, I have posted a video by our very own SCDSB educator named Mr. Saad who explains what this trait encompasses.  Please view it with your child and discuss its importance and how it can help us make good choices in our daily life.  

EQAO:

As shared in a previous post, students will be writing their EQAO assessment beginning next week!  

I promise to make the 'testing' environment calm and comfortable for your child just as I would and do on a daily basis :)  

The assessment is laid out in a friendly and very manageable online platform.  There are 4 Language Sessions & 4 Math Stages.  

Please note, to support your child, I have regularly integrated EQAO-style questions and practice exercises into our classroom routine. The familiarity with the question types and format of the test has helped students build their confidence and readiness for assessments. 

Your child has completed an EQAO sample test with me in class so they are very familiar with the format and there were no issues :)   

Each day, students will complete 1 language session (30 - 35 minutes) and 1 math stage (30 -35 minutes).  This adds up to approximately 1 hour a day.  

Some may require even less time depending on their knowledge/understanding, thinking/application, and communication skills of concepts taught.  

Please note, in my regular teaching, students spend a significant longer period of time for my language and math lessons and work (60 - 100 minutes for each subject).  So the kids will be a-ok and are used to putting forth their personal best :-)

The Testing Dates:

1. Wednesday, June 7, 2023 

2. Thursday, June 8, 2023

3. Friday, June 9, 2023

4. Monday, June 12, 2023 

5. Tuesday, June 13, 2023 (Make-up day for any missed tests)

I kindly request your cooperation in ensuring that your child attends school on time on these days as we will begin in the morning.

Testing will take place during periods 1-3 (10:00 - 11:00AM & 11:50 - 12:45PM). Periods 4-6 will follow our regular schedule. 

HERE ARE SOME RECOMMENATIONS OF WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD AT HOME:

1. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Remind your child that the EQAO assessment provides an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills. Encourage them to approach the tests with confidence, emphasizing that their best effort is what truly matters :)

2. Offer Emotional Support: If your child expresses any anxiety or concerns about the EQAO testing, take the time to listen to them. Provide reassurance and remind them that I, along with the school staff, are dedicated to supporting them throughout the process :)

In order to provide you with additional information and insights into the EQAO testing, I have included a video resource for families to watch as well as the sample test (have your child complete the questions) so you may see what the testing specifically looks like :)

Please click on the following links:

What to Expect on EQAO

Sample Test

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your child's education. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out :)

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH:

I'm so excited and passionate to share about this!!  June is National Indigenous History Month.

This month provides the opportunity to learn more about First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, knowledge, worldviews and culture.

National Indigenous History Month Link

National Indigenous History Month has been observed every June in Canada for the last 13+ years.  The celebration and recognition of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples' history, culture and contributions to Canada happens during this month as we commemorate their Canadian history.

Throughout the month, the assembly of First Nations will highlight some historic events and people who have contributed to our shared history and to the development of Canada.  #IHM2023

Below, you will find a short video which shares the strength of Asha Frost who is an Anishinaabe (Ojibway) Medicine Woman, Healer and Spiritual Mentor. She is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation.

As a Soul Seer and Visionary, Asha believes that we can all reclaim our roots and deepest medicines. Asha has facilitated healing with thousands of people through the use of Indigenous Based Ceremony, teachings and sacred circle.

As a teacher and leader, her purpose is to help women connect to the magic of spirit within their lives so they can root down and be of service to the world. @asha.frost

Thank you Asha Frost for sharing your personal message of self-reflection and resiliency.

Throughout the month of June, our class will continue learning about the history and present lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada and in our local community. I encourage you to do the same :)

TEACHER GIFT:

As the year end approaches, there may be families who are thinking of gifts to give to their child's teacher(s).  For me, the greatest gift I have received is teaching, learning, and growing with your child this school year.  I truly and humbly mean this! 

As shared above, June is National Indigenous History Month.  This month provides the opportunity to learn more about First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, knowledge, worldviews and culture. 

In lieu of buying a year end gift for me and to help honour our Indigenous Peoples, please consider donating to Water First.  It is a cause that is near and dear to my heart which helps Indigenous communities address water challenges.  

In our community, we are all blessed with sustainable access to safe and clean water, however, many Indigenous communities are not. 

LIVING IS GIVING and what better way than to help our Indigenous people who are direly in need.  “No one is too small to make a difference!”  

I believe EMPATHY is one of life’s greatest traits - thinking about the feelings of others!  Thank you for your time, energy, efforts, and consideration. :)

From my heart to yours … MEEGWICH

To donate, please visit → 

https://waterfirst.ngo/donate/

***POST PHOTO OF RYKER'S MOM's DONATION

Sustainable access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities continues to be a pressing issue in Canada.  

Nobody understands the evolving challenges and needs more than the people who live there. Drinking water challenges are complex: in some communities, local concerns may be around infrastructure, for others, source water contamination.  

Numerous communities have challenges recruiting and training young Indigenous adults to join the drinking water field.  

Water First is guided by the Indigenous youth and young adults who participate in our programs, our Indigenous staff and board members, local Indigenous community partners, and by members of our Indigenous Advisory Council. 

Water Firsts collaborations are built on respect and meaningful partnerships, with Indigenous youth and community partners at the heart of our work. 

Thank you for your time and consideration :) 

PRIDE MONTH:

June also marks the beginning of Pride Month :) During this month, we are dedicated to the uplifting of LGBTQ voices, culture, diversity, and demonstrating our overall support for the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

Please note, in class my teachings surround the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion for ALL HUMANITY no matter the race, age, gender, size, ability, identity, orientation, faith, etc ...

Thank you Mrs. Coleman for creating our first Pride display case for our school :)
It is very informative, the kids are stopping by intrigued and ready to learn about its importance!

The students and I emphasize that PRIDE = BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE. We must all be treated EQUALLY.

Love truly is ACCEPTANCE and I am grateful to be surrounded by staff, students, and families who are committed to SPREADING LOVE NOT HATE.

With this mindset, I am confident we can and will continue making this bright beautiful world more compassionate, safe, and inclusive for one and all :)

SCDSB SUPPORTS PRIDE MONTH:

On June 1st, the Simcoe County District School Board raised a Progressive Pride flag at the Education Centre, and will keep it raised until June 30th to acknowledge Pride month, YAY!

Please remember, Pride presents an opportunity for us all to listen, learn, and to show support for LGBTQ+ and uplifting their lives.

Did you know the word "Pride" was actually originally an acronym that stood for Personal Rights in Defense and Education, an organization started in 1966 to fight for equal rights for LGBTQ+ people?  

Pride is also defined as the "consciousness of one's own dignity."  In other words, we use the word Pride to both honour an influential organization and to be proud of who we are. 

As an educator, I believe children learn from what they see, hear, and feel.  When kids are open to the experience of Pride, they can shape their feelings and how they grow up, including their feelings about diversity and inclusion and it carries through their whole life.

Please watch the video below for more information to learn about the History of Pride.  It is informative and child friendly. 

We all deserve to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance no matter our gender or how we identify or who we choose to love.  

In our class, we have created a safe space for EVERYONE TO BE AND EXPRESS THEMSELVES AS THEY ARE :-)

BLUE MOUNTAIN TRIP:

What a beautiful day we had for such an ADVENTUROUS DAY of outdoor learning and exploring :-)  The smiles say it all! 

A big thank you to our parent volunteers (Kieran's Mom and Will's Mom) for coming along to support us throughout our day to experience a Gondola Ride, the Woodlot Low Ropes, and a hike at the top of Blue!  

Your time, energy, and efforts are appreciated!  Thank you for showing and sharing your compassion and care for the kids :)

We couldn't have asked for a better day!  The pictures speak volumes as to how much FUN we truly had!  Check it out

Brynn wore mountain earrings to honour Blue, how cute :)

FUN FAIR BASKET ITEMS:

Thank you to all the families (Wallace, Leal, DiFruscia, Rolling, Barr, Geier) who have already donated an item for our SPORTS THEMED BASKET which will be auctioned off at this year's Fun Fair on Jun. 15th.

Thank you for ALL these contributions so far :-)

As a school, we really appreciate your contributions, time, and efforts.  If you are willing and able to donate, there's still time left!  All items may be brought to school with your child by next Fri. Jun. 9th.

Thank you so much for supporting our school's FUN FAIR!

MINDFULNESS:

With your family, I urge you to please closely watch and discuss this based on true events powerful short animated film below.  It brought tears to my eyes. 

  

My Shadow is Pink is about a young boy, born with a pink shadow that loves princess, dresses & "things not for boys".

This is a story of daring to be different, and having the courage to be true to yourself.

You are LOVED EXACTLY AS YOU ARE.

GROWTH MINDSET:

Thank you Molly for this week's mindset message!  As we approach our EQAO testing next week, your message is useful for us to remember to remain calm, cool, and collected :)  

"Breathe in, ENERGIZE.  Breathe out, RELAX."

Respectfully Yours,

Ms. Gill