Can you believe we're already entering into the second full week in February!? Time flies when you're consistently learning, soaring, and growing :-)
Learning about Indigenous ways of life with my grade 3’s while the grade 4’s had French with Mme Wylie 💕
I would like to take this moment to acknowledge the many students are doing a GREAT job at engaging in their daily at home learning such as Word Study Homework, Knowledgehook Missions, Readworks, Mystery Science, and other tasks I assign.
This demonstrates your child's excellent dedication and responsibility for their education beyond the classroom walls which is oh so appreciated!
Please know, this hard work does not go unnoticed and contributes towards your child's learning skills and work habits achievement which is located at the front page of the report card. I feel this is a strong indicator for your child's overall qualities as a student.
I am so proud of my students' efforts they put in and out of the classroom :) Keep up the efforts as we enter the final term of the school year, wowza!
REPORT CARDS:
Speaking of report cards, if your child was not in attendance today, that's a-ok, he or she will receive the report card on Tuesday.
How I Get My Letter Grades Note
💙 A gift for your child 🩵
For those who were at school today, your child will have brought home his or her Term 1 report card. I thoroughly enjoy writing these as it gives me the opportunity to mindfully reflect and think about all the amazing achievements your child has attained!
We all have next steps, including ME, and I have stressed to the children that it is important to remember to celebrate ALL their achievements - 'What I know' and 'What I don't know ... YET!'
MID-YEAR SELF ASSESSMENT:
So, I completed my assessment of my students, but I also wanted to give your child the opportunity to share their 'voice' and let you know how they think they're doing.
It is a meaningful process as your child gets the chance to write down their own thoughts about what they'd like YOU TO KNOW about their learning thus far this school year :)
Goal setting is such a significant and important aspect of learning.
Due to the snow day, we did not get to complete this task, but they will soon and bring it home. When it does come to you, I hope you will enjoy reading through this and offering your feedback to your child.
Can you believe there's only one more term left, I can't believe I'm writing this! Time flies when you're with such passionate, hard working, and a respectful group of children. I truly am the blessed one :)
MATH:
We have been working hard on solidifying our skills in multiplication and division. I really appreciate those families who are taking some extra time out of your busy schedules to spend quality time with your child at home going over math concepts, it will make a difference! Thank you so much 🧠✏️
Remember learning how to do long division as a kid? I sure do and lemme tell ya, it wasn't easy for me! I had my Ma sit me down countless evenings to 'get it.' HAHA.
It's a tricky concept for some and the students are requiring more practice with it.
Ask Your Child About This Fun Math Trick! 🧠✏️
In math, we’ve been learning a handy acronym to help us remember the steps of division:
Now, see if your child can solve this one: 96 ÷ 3 = ?
MEDITATION MONDAYS:
Our second week of Meditation Club was nothing short of magical! 🌿✨ With 20 lil’ meditators gathered together, we embraced the power of stillness through a lying-down guided meditation.
As we settled in, we allowed ourselves to feel fully present, peaceful, and recharged, what a beautiful way to start the week! 🧘♂️💛
It’s never too late to join! If your child would like to be part of this calming and uplifting experience, you can sign up on School Cash Online or contact the office. I would be overjoyed to welcome them to our next session on Monday, February 24th.
💡 Please Note: There will be no Meditation Club on Monday, February 17th as we celebrate Family Day. However, I encourage you to keep the mindfulness going at home!
All links to DreamWalkers Meditations are available on Google Classroom—organized and ready for you to explore together.
Looking forward to more moments of mindfulness and connection next time! 🌸💫
Wishing you all an enjoyable Family Day LONG Weekend! I hope with having the ‘extra’ day off on Monday you will have the opportunity to spend quality time with all your loved ones.
For me, I do my best to appreciate and value my time with those I admire and love :)
Growing up, I came from a small, but mighty family consisting of my older brother Anil and my Ma Shiva. Ma is a single parent who raised us (bro & I) to be empathetic, respectful, and hardworking.
I am who I am today because of all the sacrifices my Mamade for me so I could pursue and achieveall my dreams!
She immigrated from Punjab, India in 1979 not knowing anyone, the language, culture, etc ...
Through her dedication and determination to give the best life and opportunities for her kids, she did EVERYTHINGto provide for us.
She's a lady of many hats who has worked in factories, TD Bank, bus driver, PSW, motel business owner for 14 years, yoga & meditation instructor, and probably other lines of work I'm unaware of. Ma's a very versatile lady ;)
I am in awe of her perseverance and resilience - traits that I as an educator try to instill in my students :)
My mother could have given up as she faced many hardships in her personal life, but she carried on gracefully with pride and dignity because she always wanted to provide endlessly for my brother and I (still does to this day). I aspire to be like her!
Ma on her 65th birthday in April 2020
As dedicated parents, you can surely relate and know what it means to love and nurture your child(ren) unconditionally so that they too can live a fulfilling life and be who they are!
For me, the true essence of Family Day is extending our gratitude to our parent(s) who are the ONES who make our lives bright & beautiful.
I have encouraged all my students to let you (parents) know how much they love and admire you this family day. I hope you'll get to sit back, relax, and hug it out with your child(ren) this long weekend.
Thank you to all the Moms and Dads of my students for everything (and more) you do each and every day! I am blessed to teach, learn, and grow with your child!
VALENTINES DAY:
Thank you to ALL the staff & students who showed school spirit by wearing red, white, purple or pink! It was so nice to see everyone get into our celebration to spread the message of LOVE & KINDNESS.
Thank you families who took the time and energy out of your busy schedules to purchase cards, gift bags, and yummy treats for US to enjoy! I was deeply touched by the gifts I received too, it meant a lot to me! I will cherish them!
Kindness is like a BOOMERANG. "No act of kindness however small is wasted." Enjoy this inspiring song and video to get your hearts and minds into the spirit of giving :)
Valentines Day (and everyday) is an opportunity to express our love and gratitude for one another. We've certainly learned from Martin Luther King Jr.'s BIG WORDS - "Love is the key to the world's problems!"
I would now like to share a "heart soaring" picture book below. Simple words send a powerful message: When you love yourself and those around you there's nothing you can't do!
Take a moment to listen to the story and ask your child what the author's message is and why :)
Thank you Mrs. Johnson for sharing this with me. She later said to me, "This had YOU written all over it!" I absolutely loved this one!
Throughout the school year, I have been so moved by my students sharing their love and kindness with me each day they arrive with an open heart and open mind, what a gift!
Like many celebrations throughout the year (e.g., Thanksgiving, Earth Day), I have shared with my students that Valentines Day is something that we must acknowledge and celebrate every day!
Yes my friends, it is the right time ANYTIME to spread LOVE, JOY, KINDNESS, and PEACE!
FIELD TRIP:❄️⛷️
I'm excited to remind you that our rescheduled Nordic Highlands cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trip is happening on Monday, February 24th!
This is going to be great outdoor adventure, and I can’t wait for the students to experience it!
🌨️ Dress for the Weather! Please ensure your child is dressed in warm, weather-appropriate layers, including a hat, gloves, and waterproof outerwear. A change of socks and mittens is always a good idea!
🙏 Respect & Kindness! Please take a moment to talk with your child about the importance of being respectful and kind to the instructors and staff at Highlands. We want to represent our school with the best attitudes and appreciation for this amazing opportunity.
👏 Huge Thank You to Our Parent Volunteers! A special shoutout to Harlow, Avery, Teagan, and Finley L.'s moms, who are generously taking time off from their work to support us on this trip. We truly appreciate your help in making this day possible!
🏔️ This is going to be a fun, active, and memorable experience for everyone❄️
GOOGLE MEET:
This week, we had a very special Google Meet with the one, the only Marcia aka Queen M!
She is a prominent Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Activist in our community You can find her beautiful face on the side of Fathom (store on First St.) signifying and honouring her contributions to bring love & light to Black History (and beyond).
Marcia shared with the children her mother's story of facing racism in Canada after she immigrated from Jamaica in the 1950's. The students listened with care and compassion :)
Exciting news - for the third year in a row, Queen M will be joining my class' Black History Assembly!
In our school gym, she will vulnerably share her mother’s story with us in person, creating an unforgettable moment of learning, reflection, and connection.
In addition to sharing her mother’s journey, Queen M will also perform her song Colour of Her Skin acapella with your child as her choir! It's going to be a performance you won't want to miss!
The kids are practicing it with their whole hearts and I couldn't be prouder!
CBC NEWS:
Marcia Hubbs a dear friend of mine - a mother, business woman, musician, and most importantly - an activist for our community is spreading her whole heart into bringing awareness to the importance of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) no matter your race, ethnicity, gender, or identity.
Queen M continues to make waves and I am so proud of her! She has been given another incredible opportunity to speak with CBC in particular with Nav Nanwa, host of Ontario Morning on CBC Radio One, for a feature on CBC’s music column, Sounds Like Here.
Each week, this segment highlights an artist, shares their story, and features one of their songs as the Track of the Week.
CBC was especially drawn to Queen M’s powerful messaging in her music particularly her song Colour of Her Skin.
Given that it’s Black History Month, this song is a timely and important choice, sparking conversations about race, identity, and representation.
The pre-taped interview is set for Friday, February 21st, and it will air on Monday, February 24th at 7:45 AM on CBC Radio One. After that, Queen M’s song will be featured throughout the week!
This heartfelt tribute, written and recorded with her band in honour of her mother, will take on new life as the children (YOUR CHILD) raise their voices alongside Queen M at our Black History Assembly on February 21st (after her phone interview).
It’s going to be absolutely AMAZING!
Something tells me that Queen M will take this moment to acknowledge our school and the work we do in spreading awareness about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
This is a moment to celebrate and embrace, we are so grateful to have Queen M back with us once again!
✨ Mark your calendars, tune in, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
This week, your child has been learning about the incredible life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, a true hero of the Underground Railroad.
I have no doubt they came home excited to share what they’ve learned! But if not, no worries—this is a perfect opportunity to start a conversation about her impact.
Harriet Tubman is best known for risking her life as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, leading countless enslaved people to freedom in the North.
She personally led 19 daring escapes, helping approximately 300 enslaved individuals reach safety—without a single person ever being caught! Her bravery and determination made her one of history’s most remarkable activists.
"Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we're free at last!"
Did You Know?
The Underground Railroad wasn’t a real railroad—it was a secret network that used railroad terms as code to help fugitives escape slavery. Conductors (abolitionists) used terms like:
🚂 Parcels, dry goods, or packages – referring to Black men and women seeking freedom
🏠 Destinations – safe houses where they could hide
🛶 Various escape methods – including travel by foot, in wagons with false bottoms, or even in disguise
Many freedom seekers found refuge in Canada, settling in communities such as Amherstburg, Puce, Sandwich, Dresden, Chatham, North Buxton, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and Ancaster.
Did you know that Owen Sound and Collingwood were the two northernmost terminals on the Underground Railroad?
Explore More!
Want to dive deeper into this history? Visit Sheffield Park Black History & Cultural Museum in Clarksburg, Ontario. This incredible museum honors the Black settlers who found freedom in Simcoe & Grey County and offers an enriching experience for all ages.
If you have the chance, I highly encourage you to visit during Black History Month, it’s a powerful way to reflect on the strength, resilience, and courage of those who fought for freedom.
Thank you Taylor for ALL your contributions throughout the school year to our Tabs for Kids initiative :)
YOU truly have this genuine manner about wanting to make a difference in the lives of others, especially to those who may need it the most (e.g., children with accessibility needs).
HARLOW:
I want to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate Harlow for her initiative in writing down uplifting quotes and positive affirmations, not just for herself, but to share with her peers as well.
Her dedication to spreading kindness and encouragement is truly inspiring!
Harlow’s thoughtful words serve as a beautiful reminder to believe in ourselves, stay positive, and lift each other up.
Her efforts are making a difference in our classroom, creating an atmosphere of support and encouragement!
Thank you, Harlow, Keep shining your light, you never know just how much your words might mean to someone who needs them. 💛✨
MINDFULNESS:
The NBA celebrates Black History Month. Please listen and enjoy Doc Rivers thoughts paying tribute to the NBA's first black coach - Bill Russell.
One of the most powerful words from this video for me was: "Red didn't look at him as a black man, but as a man who could coach!"
I believe we have come a long way from the injustices of the past. Today, we see each other not by the colour of our skin, but by the content of our character. May we continue moving forward in this positive direction and ensure we keep it this way!
Dear Families, Welcome to our 2024/2025 Classroom Blog ! I'm so excited to begin this educational journey with your child and YOU - providing updates and news of ALL our learning and upcoming events from our "Class Family" to your “Home Family.” Our class family - I love and honour each of YOU! This blog will serve as a tool for us (teacher - student - parent(s)/guardians) to communicate and celebrate your child's academic, social, emotional, and mental well-being this school year! Please note, I will be updating my blog every Friday. You will be notified by an email about this :) Your child and you are encouraged to check out the blog at your convenience. This way, you will be informed weekly about what is happening in our class and help reinforce learned concepts at home too :) Together, we will work as a dedicated T.E.A.M. ...
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 (pare...
Dear Families, Wow! We've already completed our second week of school! Time flies when you're actively engaged in your learning and having FUN! Students continue to feel SEEN, HEARD, and VALUED . We will use KINDNESS in our thoughts, words, and actions. I assure you, this will be an ongoing goal for our class family :) Thank you to the families who have taken the time to check out my last blog update. I recognize it was a lengthy one (oh my, haha), but please know the information that I do provide is pertinent to what your child's actively learning and doing at school. I sincerely hope my blog with serve as an effective tool into your child's weekly experiences with me in grade 4 :-) With my last post, I received messages of appreciation from some parents which made my day! I will continue working hard to provide you with updates and highlights each week! Transp...
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