Week #6: Oct. 7th - 11th

Dear Families,

Thinking of you all and wishing you a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving long weekend with your loved ones!  I trust you will all be surrounded with love and make the most of your family's traditions.  

In class, I look forward to hearing about your family's 'Thankful Stone' sharing experience.  Students were extremely excited to bring home their 'Thankful Bags' and share the contents that are placed inside with you!  

Many of you will also cherish your child’s Letter of Gratitude.  I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as your child enjoyed writing it this week!  The kids worked extremely hard and I know you'll appreciate this dearly :)

As I conferenced with students to offer feedback, I was so touched by their thoughts, words, and actions in their heartfelt message to you!  It brought such JOY TO MY HEART!  

From these letters, it's evidence that you're (parents) all raising gracious, caring and compassionate children :-)  

GRATITUDE PLACEMAT:

Your child has also created a placement which is intended for you and your family to write down your thoughts and words about what you're grateful for.  

You will notice that your child has completed his or hers already in class to help guide the rest of the family in this friendly and meaningful task.  Enjoy the process and I hope you can keep this activity going for years to come :-)

When I was a child, this was a tradition that I used to do :)  I look back on it now and am ever so grateful as it's helped shape me into the person I am today - always striving to be POSITIVE and GRATEFUL for my life.

GRATITUDE:

We have been doing A LOT of meaningful thinking, learning and reflecting about the word and importance of GRATITUDE.  Ask your child what this term means :)  

We have also learned a variety of ways to say thank you in different languages.  In class, we are looking for ways to honour and celebrate different cultures, faiths, and religions.  

I am a proud Sikh-Canadian (East Indian, Punjabi) and perhaps your child's shared with you that I have been teaching them about my cultural practices and language :)  

In your child's thankful bag, you will find he or she has written various ways to say THANK YOU from different cultural backgrounds.  

Throughout the school year, there will be a regular emphasis on expressing an 'ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE" in our thoughts, words, and actions!

Also inside your child's thankful bag, you will find a bright pink note about the science behind gratitude and how it empowers our brain!  Please take a moment to go over this with your child :) 

In this gratitude note, you'll find that SEROTONIN which is known as the 'HAPPY HORMONE' because it contributes to a feeling of happiness and well-being.

Below, I have posted an episode by Reading Rainbow featuring Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp.

It is a story celebrating the precious gift of the natural world and the resources of the Earth. Students learned all about appreciating and valuing nature and all that Mother Earth provides for us. 

Please give this story a listen :)

There is science research behind gratitude and how it helps our brains.  The research tells us that gratitude is awesome for our health and well-being!  

YES, gratitude actually changes our brains :) Practicing gratitude increases neuron density and leads to higher emotional intelligence so we actually get smarter.  Gratitude is like a secret sauce for happiness :)

Being in a state of gratitude feels GOOD and it increases:

• optimism
• caring, cooperation and friendship
• motivation to work hard at school
• happiness
• calm and ready to learn!

LOOK AT ALL THOSE CHARACTER TRAITS!

STONE SOUP CELEBRATION:

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to ALL the families who took time out of their work days to join us in our "Stone Soup" Celebration.  It was a huge success!

Many of you shared with me how very excited your child was to participate in this and to have you there meant the world to all of us.  

When I totaled up the RSVP's to set out the chairs for you, I accounted for 30+ guests!  Your compassion and support was felt! 

Below, I will also post the many photos of  us creating the soup :)  It turned out well and it is because of all the love that went into it from your child's contribution in washing, peeling, and cutting the veggies to place in our crock pots!

As a teacher, I strongly believe in parent-child-teacher working closely together as a team to help our children rise to their highest potential!  I can say with confidence, the students certainly put in their "level 4 personal best" and performed exceptionally well! 

I am extremely proud of all my students' efforts, they've lit up my heart!  At the conclusion of our Stone Soup presentation, I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with many of my students' families as well, what a wonderful opportunity to do so! 

I have every confidence we are going to continue having a year filled with purpose, passion, and productivity!  This is the greatest gift I have received, having your child in my class :) 

KENNEDY FAMILY:

Thank you so much to the Kennedy family for their generous contribution of apples for our Stone Soup celebration. 

Your thoughtfulness and kindness truly shine through, and we are grateful for your support. It means a lot to us to know that you are thinking about our class family.

Your good hearts help create a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyone involved.  We appreciate your willingness to share, and we enjoyed celebrating together with the delicious apples you provided 🍎 

FOOD BANK DONATIONS:

It is with tremendous gratitude that I extend my love and hugs to all the families who were able to contribute to our class' food drive for the Collingwood Food Bank.  In total, we have 30+ items to donate!!  AMAZING :-)

It brings tears to my eyes when I think about your

GENEROSITY and EMPATHETIC WAYS! 

Together we CAN, WILL, and ARE making a SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE in the lives of those who need it the most.

I am looking forward to taking our donations to the Food Bank this weekend :)  

From my heart to yours --> Merci, Gracias, Obrigado!

CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS:

I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to all the cross-country runners from our school.  The kids determination, grit, and unwavering dedication have been truly inspiring. 

Students represented our school family with pride and dignity, showing what it means to give your all, regardless of the challenges. 

Many pushed their limits and showed incredible perseverance, and we couldn't be prouder of your efforts. 

A special shout out to Avery & Charlotte C. for advancing to the next race - your hard work has paid off, and we’ll be cheering you both on every step of the way!

MRS. KUTCY, MRS. SHAW, & MRS. WEEKS:

A huge thank you to our incredible cross-country coaches, Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Kutcy, and Mrs. Weeks! 

Your dedication, passion, and sweet spirits have made all the difference for our runners :) 

Organizing over 70 students is no easy task, yet you’ve done it with grace, ensuring each participant is safe, supported, and enjoying every step of the journey in a sport that isn't always considered "fun."

Your time, energy, and effort are deeply appreciated, and you represent our school family with such heart. 

Your respect and care for every student you teach, coach, and interact with are inspiring!  Thank you for all that you do—you make a lasting impact!

CHARLOTTE C:

Congratulations to Charlotte C. for placing 1st overall in her age category! 

Charlotte’s athleticism, endurance, and stamina are remarkable, but for me, what truly sets her apart is her humility.  She is always gracious, humble, and kind—quick to congratulate and uplift her opponents. 

Charlotte exemplifies what it means to be a true role model, demonstrating sportsmanship not just in victory, but also in defeat.  Her actions reflect the values of respect and kindness, and we are so proud of the way she represented our school.  Well done, Charlotte, for being a champion in every sense of the word!

I am so proud of your achievement and demonstrating true Nighthawk Character in your thoughts, words, and actions.  Keep up the great work!

ISLA & TAYLOR:

A heartfelt thank you to Isla and Taylor for their generous donation of a big Ziplock bag full of tabs! 

These girls quietly and gently contributed with such pride, embodying the true spirit of kindness and compassion. 

Their thoughtful actions make a real difference in supporting the initiative for accessibility equipment. 

Isla and Taylor’s care for others shine through in everything they do, and I’m so proud of their generous hearts! 

Thank you, girls, for your amazing contribution—you've set a wonderful example for us all!  Keep spreading kindness in your quiet, powerful way.

JACOB:

I am so touched by the kindness and dedication of my former student, Jacob, who came to me earlier this week and donated 1,006 tabs for kids—all collected on his own. 

He carefully removed each tab, understanding the importance of this initiative and how it helps provide accessibility equipment to those in need. 

Despite moving to another class on TURNAROUND DAY, Jacob still made it his mission to make a difference.  His generosity and heart for others are truly inspiring.  

Living is giving, and Jacob, you are a shining example of this!  Keep making the world a better place. Thank you, Jacob!

MINDFULNESS:

What are you grateful for and why?  Instead of counting "sheep" before going to bed, TRY to count all your "blessings" you have in your life :)  Increase that serotonin!

You'll be amazed at how many things you're blessed with!  It is my belief that reflecting upon things we're grateful for will help and can improve your sleep and fully energize your body for the next day.  Give it a TRY!

GROWTH MINDSET:

I believe our willingness to give and our thoughtful gestures show the true meaning of kindness.  

May you all be wrapped with kindness and thoughtfulness this Thanksgiving and beyond :)

From my heart to yours ... MEEGWICH

Ms. Gill