Week #14: Dec. 2nd - 6th
What an exciting week we’ve had in our classroom, complete with a surprise snow day yesterday and then one again today!
While inclement weather gave some students unexpected days at home, it is a great opportunity for them to stay connected to their learning.
On "snow days" when buses are canceled, I encourage families to remind their child(ren) to access Google Classroom, where they can work on assignments such as ReadWorks, Mystery Science, Knowledgehook, writing letters to members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and Word Study.
These days are perfect for catching up on tasks or even getting ahead, and they help students stay engaged and on track with their learning :)
Parents, thank you as always for your ongoing support 🙌🏾
WINTER SAFETY & ENJOYMENT IN THE SNOW:
As the winter season brings us snowy days, we are excited for the children to enjoy all the wonderful outdoor activities that this time of year offers. However, it is crucial to ensure that everyone stays safe while having fun.
As a school community, we want to remind all students and families that throwing snowballs, pushing, shoving, or engaging in any form of aggressive play in the snow is not permitted.
These actions can lead to injuries or hurt feelings, and our primary goal is to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Instead, we encourage the children to participate in constructive and enjoyable activities such as:
- Building snowmen or snow forts
- Creating beautiful snow angels
- Playing games that involve teamwork and cooperation
- Exploring their creativity with safe and friendly snow activities
We believe winter is a fantastic opportunity for the children to bond, explore, and learn how to enjoy the snow responsibly.
If a child is involved in any form of rough play or behaviour that compromises safety, parents will be notified directly.
Our hope is to work together to guide the children toward making positive choices and fostering a respectful environment.
Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring that our school remains a safe and fun place for everyone.
Let’s work together to help the children make the most of this winter season ⛄️
This week, I sent home a note today (photos below), but I also wanted to take a moment to share this message here on my blog. As the holidays approach, I know some families may be considering a gift for their child's teacher(s).
For me, the greatest gift has been the opportunity to teach, learn, and grow alongside your child this school year. Truly, it has been such a privilege!
This holiday season, in lieu of purchasing a gift for me, I would be deeply grateful if you would consider making a donation to SickKids. This cause is very close to my heart and is important to many families here at Nottawa.
While many of us will be fortunate to spend the holidays with our loved ones, there are others who will be unable to do so because of illness.
The holiday season is a time of giving, and what better way to spread kindness than by helping other families in need?
I believe that empathy—thinking about the feelings of others—is one of life’s greatest gifts. Thank you for your time, energy, and thoughtfulness in considering how we can help those who need it the most.
If you’d like to donate, please visit → SickKids Foundation
Thank you again for your support and kindness 🙏🏾
It brings tears to my eyes as I write this. Thank you to all the staff, students, and parents who have so generously brought in an incredible number of donations this week for our 'Giving Tree' in the rotunda near the office.
This is one of the many reasons I am so proud to be a Nighthawk! As a school family, we continue to show care and compassion by thinking about the needs of others.
Your generosity and giving spirit are truly inspiring! Thank you for being YOU. Each of you is a change-maker, making a real difference in the lives of others :)
As the photos show, leading by example leaves a lasting impact on our children. They are learning firsthand what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like to be genuine givers for those who need it most.
This, to me, is the heart of humanity, and it makes my heart soar with joy 🤩
As part of our Procedural Writing unit, we’ll be creating edible Christmas trees in class and writing about the process!
I will provide most of the materials, but students are welcome to bring in some tasty toppings, such as sprinkles, gummies, or other small treats, to decorate their trees. I know they’re going to have so much fun with this activity!
Please send any toppings with your child in a labelled zip-lock bag by Wednesday, December 11th.
As always, thank you for your time and support in helping make these school activities so enjoyable and memorable for your child 🎄
LEARNING BUDDIES:
On Monday, my students had a wonderful Learning Buddy experience supporting the Kindergarteners with their holiday ornament project. Together, we helped them create adorable reindeer ornaments for their families 🎅
The activity was a great opportunity to practice cooperation and collaboration. My students worked closely with their buddies, guiding them through the steps and ensuring everyone felt supported.
I am so proud of them for showing extra patience, especially during the tricky parts where the googly eyes and noses needed to be attached with a hot glue gun.
It was heartwarming to see the care and teamwork that went into making these special ornaments. Our next learning buddy experience will be next year ;) on Mon. Jan. 13th 🤗
MYSTERY SCIENCE:
I would to take this opportunity to recognize those students for their ongoing dedication in completing their weekly Mystery Science activities - Harlow, Leyah, Avery, Charlotte C., Finley L., Finley V., Chase, Keenan, Alex, Adalina, Rhys, Teagan, and Corbin ❤️
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| Sorry to have missed the other children, this was taken on the snow day ❄️ |
It has been a joy to review their work, and it is hoped that the topics have been both interesting and insightful, helping them gain valuable knowledge and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Their hard work and commitment are greatly appreciated.
For the students who have not consistently completed theses assignments, they are encouraged to take initiative of our Lunch & Learn, use class work periods effectively, and develop a plan at home to stay on track.
Building strong learning skills and work habits is essential for both academic success and future responsibilities in the workforce.
I am confident in each one of my student’s ability to rise to the challenge and I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success 🤓
MATH:
Next week, your child will receive a Block 1 Check In to help assess their knowledge/understanding, thinking, and application skills with math concepts that we have covered from September to the present (e.g., adding/subtracting, whole numbers & decimals, fractions, linear measurement, time).
Thank you so much to James for the colourful Grinch drawing he made for me! It’s absolutely fantastic, and I can see how much effort and creativity he put into it 🎨
Aww, this artwork really brightened my day and brought a big smile to my face!
I’ll treasure it as a reminder of your talent and thoughtfulness. Keep up the amazing work, James! I can’t wait to see what you create next :)
HARLOW:
Thank you, Harlow and family, for contributing another batch of tabs to our wheelchair initiative—it truly means so much to us!
We’ve now officially filled more than half of the 5-gallon water bottle—what an achievement!
Even more exciting is that students from other classes are starting to ask, “Are you still collecting those tabs? I can bring some in next week!” It’s wonderful to see this initiative inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.
INTERMEDIATE GIRLS BASKETBALL 🏀:
I would like to take this opportunity to share an exciting personal experience and acknowledging some of the older students that I’ve taught when they were in grade 3 😉
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| Nighthawk Alumni in grade 9 whom I taught and coached! They made my day to come by and say hi 👋🏾 |
Coaching the intermediate girls basketball team this season with Mr. Skillings has been an incredible experience! Alongside teaching, coaching young athletes is one of my greatest passions, and this team has reminded me why 🥰
Despite a tough regular season with some challenging losses, the team’s hard work and determination paid off. At the Area Tournament at CCI earlier this week, these girls came together to win 1st place in Pool A!
What stood out most was their extraordinary character. This was the most coachable group I’ve worked with in a long time—always open to feedback, supporting one another, and showing resilience. I loved it!
I’m so proud of their progress both on and off the court. Way to go, team!
When we work hard, we show determination and perseverance, which helps us grow, improve, and reach our goals.
Being kind means treating others with respect, empathy, and understanding. This is something we strive for in our class family every day!
It encourages us to believe in the good that comes from giving our best and lifting others up along the way.
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