Week #5: Sept. 30th - Oct. 4th

Dear Families,

Hasn't the month of September been absolutely sensational and stunning weather-wise!?  The children and I have been enjoying as much outdoor learning time as we can - we're lovin' it and hope you have been too :-)

OCTOBER KINDNESS CALENDAR CHALLENGE:

On Tuesday, I sent home this month's kindness calendar challenge (see photo below) in your child's agenda bag. I hope you received it and will keep it on the fridge or another place that's suitable for your family :)

Each month, I will make an effort to share a Kindness Calendar Challenge because I believe it is a wonderful way to inspire children to actively spread kindness.

Each day offers a small but meaningful task, encouraging them to make kindness a habit. Whether it’s helping a friend, giving compliments, or sharing a smile, these simple actions can have a big impact.

By participating, children learn that kindness isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about thoughtful everyday moments.

After all, if we can be anything in this world, BE KIND. Let’s empower our kids to embrace compassion and kindness, creating ripples of positivity wherever they go!

LEARNING BUDDIES:

Our class family is thrilled to be learning buddies with Mrs. Shaw & Mrs. Entwistle's kindergarten class!

Through this partnership, we’ll connect meaningfully with younger students, participating in a variety of activities like wellness walks in nature and reading together to spark their curiosity and love of books.

These experiences will not only help the kindergartners grow, but also give us a chance to develop important leadership, empathy, and compassion skills that we can carry with ourselves beyond school and into our daily lives :-)

We’re excited to support our kindies buddies and learn alongside them, making this a fun and enriching journey for everyone involved!

Check us out for more images below as we connected on Monday and went for a wellness walk. I bet from these images you too will feel the care, compassion, and community that has already flourished amongst your child and his or her buddy:

FIELD TRIP:

On behalf of Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Wallace, Ms. West, and myself - I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible parent volunteers for supporting us during today’s field trip to the Wild Robot.

Your energy, effort, and patience with the students made a significant impact. Many parents took time off from their busy work schedules to help, and it didn’t go unnoticed.

Here at Nottawa, we believe in T.E.A.M. – Together Everybody Achieves More – and today was a perfect example of that.

Check out our smiles, we had an absolute at the Galaxy 😃

We thank you volunteers for making this experience smooth and a safe one for us, and for being such an essential part of our school community.

FIRST NATION, INUIT, & METIS PEOPLE:

September 30th is the day kids and adults across Canada are encouraged to wear orange, as a way to honour & remember Indigenous residential school survivors and those who never made it home. 

It also serves as a reminder that every child in Canada matters — including Indigenous kids, who have a history of being mistreated. 

Orange Shirt Day is taking on a new and important role in reconciliation, which is the process of healing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. 

CBC Kids News asked a group of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to share their thoughts on Sept. 30 and why it’s meaningful to them. 

Watch this informative video below to hear from these remarkable Indigenous change-makers! 

I really appreciate all the staff, students, and parents who wore an orange shirt today to remember and honour our First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children who attended residential schools from the 1870's - 1990's.  

As many may be aware by now, Truth & Reconciliation Day is very near and dear to my heart.  I believe it must not solely be recognized on the 30th of September, but everyday!

In our THOUGHTS, WORDS, and ACTIONS - we will demonstrate that EVERY CHILD MATTERS, now and ALWAYS!

Since the beginning of school, our class has done a lot of thinking and learning about the survivors and non-survivors of the residential school experience.  

It brings me immense joy seeing my students demonstrating such empathy (thinking about the feelings of others) towards all First Nations, Inuit, and Metis men and women who attended residential schools.  This truly demonstrates true character and I'm so proud of my students!

We have discussed that we cannot change the past, but it is UP TO US to make a BETTER and BRIGHTER PRESENT AND FUTURE.  

To help achieve this goal of ours, we have an anchor chart posted in our classroom about ways that WE can move towards RECONCILIATION. 

We promise to keep listening, reflecting, and making our efforts to reconcile (heal & make peace) with our Indigeneous brothers and sisters.

Check out this link -->  Medicine Wheel Publishing for more resources to learn the meaning behind the phrase, ‘Every Child Matters.’

Orange Shirt Day founder, Phyllis Webstad, offers insights into this heartfelt movement.  Every Child Matters honours the history and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island and moves us all forward on a path toward Truth and Reconciliation.

Phyllis is well respected for her work, her courage and for striving to heal our communities and Nation through speaking her truth.

Here at Nottawa, WE CARE about what HAPPENED to the First People of Canada.  It is OUR MISSION to continue to LEARN & GROW from the past to help create a better and brighter present and future!  

Together, we CAN make a DIFFERENCE!

READING:

Throughout the week, we've been listening to the stories by various Indigenous authors about First Nations and Indigenous children's experiences at residential schools.  

When I've been sharing the books, songs, and video recordings, students are fully engaged, attentive, and truly expressed their empathy as they think about the feelings of all the Indigenous boys and girls affected by attending residential schools. 

In the link below, Chief Robert Joseph shares his experience as a residential school survivor and the importance of truth and reconciliation in Canada.

Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and reconciliation in Canada

After viewing the video in class, I was so moved by my students curiosity, questions, responses, and learning to be truly grateful to be in our school that is safe and fosters equality and love.

WRITING:

After several oral discussions, students were given the opportunity to think about and reflect upon the following questions:

• What does wearing an Orange Shirt mean to you?  
• Why do we have a Truth & Reconciliation Day?
• What does Phyllis Webstad's message "Every Child Matters" mean to you?

Students used the template below to record their responses.  We worked hard on this in class and our writing thus far is filled with empathy, honour, and respect for our Indigenous Peoples.  

Check us out below as we respectfully and lovingly recorded our thoughts, feelings, and emotions :)

Please note, your child's Truth & Reconciliation Day writing will come home in the next while for you to read, learn from, and admire, stay tuned!

ART PART 1:

As part two to honouring The Day of Truth & Reconciliation, each student also has started their own logo for an orange shirt day design using a specific criteria:

• You must create an original design
• The t-shirt must be mostly orange
• The message "Every Child Matters" must be present

We will continue working on these next week and I'm excited to see your child's finalized DESIGN & LOGO!

ART PART 2:

To help honour and celebrate the Ojibwe culture and heritage, we made dreamcatchers in art class.  But before we started this task, we took the time to learn and discuss its important Indigenous significance in the video below :)  

In Ojibwe culture, dreamcatchers hold deep spiritual significance.  Traditionally crafted from willow hoops and sinew, they are believed to protect sleepers, especially children, from negative dreams.

According to Ojibwe legend, the web-like design allows good dreams to pass through while trapping nightmares, which dissipate with the morning sun.  Dreamcatchers are often hung above cradles or sleeping areas, acting as symbols of protection, balance, and harmony. 

Beyond their function as dream filters, they embody the interconnectedness of life, weaving together nature, spirit, and dreams in a way that honors Ojibwe values of unity and care for loved ones.

Thank you Teagan and Isla for bringing in your very own dreamcatchers from home to share with the class.  It symbolizes 3 P's that we learned in class - PROTECTION, POSITIVITY, & PEACE :) 

As we made our dreamcatchers, I played Indigenous music in the background and we calmly and respectfully began our mini-art project.

Please check out some of the kids holding their dreamcatchers, they turned out well :)  

I hope your child is able to hang his or her dreamcatcher in a special place to embrace bringing in ALL the positive energy around them and releasing the negativity. 

7 GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS:

To extend upon our learning and honouring The National Truth & Reconciliation Day, I taught the children about The teachings of the Seven Grandfathers (see below).

This is also an important part of Ojibwe culture, and is used as a guide to help people develop their character.

The Seven Grandfathers sent messengers/spirits to Earth to deliver important life lessons (teachings) to help people live a happy and healthy life.

Each teaching is associated with an animal.  In Indigenous culture, animals are seen as sacred messengers to help people learn and grow into good citizens for this Earth.

Please note, your child has brought a personalized (decorated) copy of the information below so that you as a family can have a closer look at the teachings and perhaps keep it in a special place to refer to it in the future :)

1. Humility – Dbaadendiziwin

Humility is represented by the wolf. Humility is to know that you are a sacred part of creation. Live life selflessly and not selfishly. Respect your place and carry your pride with others and praise the accomplishments of all. 

2. Bravery – Aakwa’ode’ewin

Bravery is represented by the bear. The mother bear has the courage and strength to face her fears and challenges while protecting her young. Find your inner strength to face the difficulties of life and the courage to be yourself. Defend what you believe in and what is right for your community, family, and self. Make positive choices. Face your F.E.A.R.S. “Face Everything and RISE.”

3. Honesty – Gwekwaadziwin

Honesty is represented by the raven. It understands who they are and reminds us to be ourselves and not someone we are not. Raven accepts itself and uses its gift to survive and thrive. So must YOU. To walk through life with integrity is to know honesty. Be honest with yourself. Recognize and accept who you are. 

4. Wisdom – Nbwaakaawin

The beaver represents wisdom because he uses his natural gift wisely for his survival. The beaver also alters his environment in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way for the benefit of his family. Recognize your differences and those of others in a kind and respectful way. Listen with clarity and a sound mind.  Allow yourself to learn and live by your wisdom.

 5. Truth – Debwewin

Truth is represented by the turtle as he was here during the creation of Earth and carries the teachings of life on his back. The turtle lives life in a slow and meticulous manner because he understands the importance of both the journey and the destination. Apply faith and trust in yourself. Show honour and sincerity in all that you say and do. 

Be true to yourself and all other things. 

6. Respect – Mnaadendimowin

Respect is represented by the buffalo. The buffalo gives every part of his being to sustain the human way of living, not because he is of less value, but because he respects the balance and needs of others. To honour all creation is to have respect. Live honourably in your thoughts, words, and actions towards all things. Share and give away what you do not need. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.  Do not be hurtful to yourself or others. 

7. Love – Zaagidwin

The eagle represents love because he has the strength to carry all the teachings. The eagle has the ability to fly highest and closest to the creator and also has the sight to see all the ways of being from great distances. To know love is to know peace.  Love yourself truly. Then you will be at peace with yourself and the Creator.

🪶 🟧 TRUTH & RECONCILIATION DAY - THE BUFFALO (respect) MEDITATION:

Join in this 15 - 20 minute guided meditation about Respect inspired by the Grandfather Teaching of the Buffalo.

In the spirit of respect, authenticity, and honour the meditation in the video below has been written in collaboration with Matthew Blais of Chapleau First Nation. We thank him for his guidance and teachings and for his leadership of First Nations Inclusive Education at his school in Bluewater District School Board. This meditation is not meant to be a replacement for the depth and richness of these teachings as told through stories of First Nations Elders.

🪶 Check out Chase and Sofia mindfully meditating for Truth & Reconciliation Day 🧡

This meditation was streamed live on September 30th from the traditional land of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which is represented by the communities of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. We encourage you to use this meditation to inspire reflection, conversation and deeper learning about Truth & Reconciliation, as we work to heal the relationship between the indigenous and non-indigenous citizens of Canada.

Thank you for your open mind, heart, and active participation :)

STONE SOUP:
This week, I sent home a Stone Soup Invitation.  The kids and I are very excited for this classroom community building celebration!

If you are working and are unable to come, please know that grandparents / aunts / uncles and/or other loved ones are more than welcome to attend Stone Soup on your (parents) behalf.  

Please ensure that you send in your R.S.V.P. at your earliest convenience.  Thank you to those parents who have already :)

This is very important and helpful as I prepare the children's speaking parts, seating arrangement, and finally to ensure that I have the required amount of items to enjoy our soup!

Additionally, if you know for certain that your child WILL NOT be present for this special presentation, please let me know ASAP with a note in the agenda.  

I realize the Thanksgiving Long Weekend is approaching and some families may wish to take the day to travel.  However, I do highly encourage your child's participation as Stone Soup is an event he or she and YOU won't want to miss. 

Now, if you wish to pick up your child earlier on Fri. Oct. 11th, you may do so, they will be freed up by 1:20PM :-)

Below are some images from last year to help you get a visual of what the experience looks like :)  It truly was a heart soaring afternoon :-)

I will be sure to capture images of this year's Stone Soup too.  I have a very reliable family friend who always helps me out with this.

On the day of the event, I request that your child please dress in a black top and bottoms.  I will provide a coloured bandana to top off our 'look' ;)  

We're striving to look, sound, and feel like a community of learners :)

VEGETABLES NEEDED TO MAKE STONE SOUP:

In the chart below, you will find your child's name and please think about a vegetable he or she can volunteer to bring in and I will add to the list :)

We started a list in class so that we have a variety of vegetables to go into our soup creation :-)  

Leyah: onion 🧅	Ms. Gill spinach, garlic 🧄	Sofia:   carrot 🥕	Rhys: tomato 🍅	Taylor: TBD 🤔
Harlow: TBD 🤔	Corbin: potato 🥔	Finley L. carrot 🥕	Charlotte S: yellow pepper 🫑	Raiden: broccoli 🥦
Alex: beans 🫘	MJ: cauliflower	James: veggie broth 🥗	Isla: TBD 🤔	Adalina: TBD 🤔
Keenan: orange pepper 🫑	Seth: carrot 🥕	Chase: TBD 🤔	Finley V: carrot 🥕
Avery: potato 🥔	Teagan mushroom 🍄‍🟫	Jackson: jalapeno 🌶️	Brylee: TBD 🤔

I request that all veggies be placed in a sealed zip-lock baggy and come to school on Tues. Oct. 8th.  On this day, your child may also bring in a peeler to school as we will require this to do some peeling when we're preparing the soup.

As you can see, I've shared some images from my former students from previous years preparing their vegetables for Stone Soup.  We LOVED it and I am optimistic by seeing these images, your child will be super duper pumped to have this experience next week too!

Thank you to all the students who are interested in contributing to our soup building.  Please know, your donations of vegetables are appreciated!

LIVING IS GIVING:

“The secret to living is giving.  Be part of something that’s bigger than yourself.” - Tony Robbins

To feed your spirit, remember this: The secret to living is giving.  No matter how busy we get, I truly believe, we always have time to offer our support to people in need of our help.

Let’s NOT miss the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others!  "Humanity’s life matters – and if we align ourselves to be congruent with the truth that we’re here not just to “get,” but to give, then other people will feel our authenticity and make our community better and brighter for one and all!"

When we give back to other people and our community, it reminds us what we’re made for.  Focusing on the needs of others has a way of motivating us to do more than we thought possible.  We feel the benefits immediately. We become more productive.  We find creative solutions to problems.  We find strength when we’re exhausted.  When we contribute to our community, we become part of something that is bigger than ourselves.

This school year, it is our class family's mission to think about the feelings of others and GIVE BACK to a variety of charities and organizations:  

• Tabs for Kids (making wheelchairs & accessibility items for kids)

• Terry Fox Foundation (Cancer Research)

• Collingwood Food Bank (Thanksgiving Food Drive)

• My Friends’ House (Safe Haven for abused women and their children)

• Sick Kids/Ronald McDonald House (Safe place for families to stay when their sick child is getting treatment)

• Home Horizon (Transforming the lives of youth at risk of homelessness)

• Water First (Canada's leading charitable organization working with Indigenous communities to resolve local water challenges)

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE:  Beginning next week, if you wish, please send in a canned food & non-perishable food item with your child by FRIDAY OCTOBER 11th.

I will deliver all donations to the Collingwood Food Bank over the Thanksgiving Long Weekend. Thank you in advance for your contributions :)

HOMEWORK - "REINFORCING LEARNED CONCEPTS AT HOME:

Beginning October 15th (after the Thanksgiving Long Weekend), your child will be assigned homework WORD STUDY, KNOWLEDGEHOOK (math program), and READ WORKS (reading comprehension).

Please know the purpose of this is for your child to not only practice learned concepts at home, but also to gain valuable learning skills and work habits such as: 

• responsibility 
• initiative 
• organization
• independent work 
• collaboration 
• self-regulation.  

I believe working on these skills at a young age will serve your child well and prepare them as they head into higher grades in their academic journey :)  

I have prepared a parent note for my homework expectations.  It will come home with your child in his or her agenda.  Stay tuned!

BOOK EXCHANGE:

Once a week on Day 5's, students will have an opportunity to sign out a book from Mrs. Johnson.  I will do a mini-lesson around “Making Good Reading Choices.”  

Throughout my years of teaching, I notice that many students lean towards choosing books of interest, which is a GREAT thing, but I also want them to be mindful of choosing a “’JUST RIGHT” book 📚 

For example, a “just right” book:  perfect choice for grade level, some difficult words, but you can learn them, read for enjoyment, become a better reader, and read it fluently (sounds like talking).  

Here's a chart to help us make the right choices.  Check it out below!  

When your child comes home with his or her library book, it is my hope, it will be one that isn’t too easy, isn’t too challenging, but … JUST RIGHT!

CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS:

I am so proud of the children from our class for their amazing effort in Nottawa's Fun Run!

Our cross-country runners truly impressed with their stamina, strides, and smiles. Running 2KM (2,000M) takes incredible determination and perseverance, and every runner gave their personal best, no matter the challenge 🏃‍♂️

Terry Fox would be proud of the “COMMIT DON’T QUIT” attitude that each of my students showed 🏃‍♀️

What made the event even more special was how our class cheered on all the Grade 4 runners. It was incredible to see them not only support our participants, but also encourage runners from other schools in the area. AMAZING! #NighthawkPride #NeverGiveUp

Way to go, boys and girls—you’ve inspired us all with your passion and positive spirit. Keep up the hard work!

TABS FOR KIDS:

My students' contributions to thinking about the feelings of others continues.  Thank you Finley L. & Leyah for bringing in Tabs for Kids this week!

Your dedication to helping children with accessibility needs is valued and appreciated beyond measure.  Thank you girls for being YOU!

ISLA:

Isla made a wonderful connection to our learning about taking care of our mental health and well-being!

Since the beginning of the school year, there has been a daily emphasis on teaching and learning about ways to calm our minds and bodies, especially when dealing with big emotions like worry, stress, or anxiety.

In class, I've been sharing strategies to help soothe our amygdala (the emotions region of our brain). Upon listening to this, Isla brought in her very own glitter jar (as seen in the first video) and Hoberman's Sphere (second video) after watching two videos we introduced during the first week of school.

Way to go, Isla! I’m so proud of you for taking your school learning and applying it at home.

In this first powerful short film, please watch and hear from elementary school students learning to use mindfulness to navigate their complex feelings. We do daily deep belly breathing in class each day :)

Now check this out, here's some ways to help get rid of your belly flutters, stress, and anxiety with short in breaths and long out breaths. Give it a try :-)

CUSTODIAN APPRECIATION DAY:

Yesterday, our whole school took time to show our appreciation, love, and support for Mr. Shawn and Mr. Brad, our hard working custodians whom we cherish and respect. 

Ask your child about this heartfelt experience 🥰

In our class, I emphasize that custodian appreciation must be acknowledged each and everyday as we make an effort to keep our classroom neat, tidy, and organized 🧹 

After all, it is not their responsibility to “clean up after us,” but to ensure our room’s properly sanitized and swept. I can say with confidence, they do and with such a caring heart 🩵

Below, you will find some heart warming images I captured of the children high fiving Mr. Shawn and Mr. Brad.  It made their afternoon 🌟 Check out their sweet smiles 😃

Here at Nottawa, we build each other up and maintain our gratefulness for each other! 

Thank you to everyone who made our custodians feel SEEN, HEARD, and VALUED! 

#Nighthawkpride #gratitude

MINDFULNESS:

As we move forward and to demonstrate our respect & reconciliation, our class will continue to learn more about the culture, heritage, traditions, languages of our First Nation, Metis, and Inuit people.

Orange Shirt Day marks its 11th anniversary this year.

I'm excited to share Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Webstad answering kids’ questions about the history of the commemorative day and residential schools. It was recorded on Sept. 25th, 2023.

This interview brought tears to my eyes as it was emotional, heartfelt, and gave me hope for our future. We're in good hands with our children who will continue to promote the importance of Every Child Matter

I urge you to please watch the interview with your child :)

Now that you've watched the video, I encourage you now to please think about ways that you as a family will RECONCILE with Indigenous people in your thoughts, words, and actions.  

What will you do?

GROWTH MINDSET:

"Every Child Matters!  You are BRAVE.  You are STRONG.  You are VALUED.

From my heart to yours meegwich,

Ms. P. Gill

Leyah:

onion 🧅

Ms. Gill

spinach, garlic 🧄

Sofia:  

carrot 🥕

Rhys:

tomato 🍅

Taylor:

TBD 🤔

Harlow:

TBD 🤔

Corbin:

potato 🥔

Finley L.

carrot 🥕

Charlotte S:

yellow pepper 🫑

Raiden:

broccoli 🥦

Alex:

beans 🫘

MJ:

cauliflower 

James:

veggie broth 🥗

Isla:

TBD 🤔

Adalina:

TBD 🤔

Keenan:

orange pepper 🫑

Seth:

carrot 🥕

Chase:

TBD 🤔

Finley V:

carrot 🥕

Avery:

potato 🥔

Teagan

mushroom 🍄‍🟫

Jackson:

jalapeno 🌶️

Brylee:

TBD 🤔