Week #33: May 5th - 9th

Dear Families,

I would like to express my heart-felt thank you to all the Moms of my students who continuously provide their child with the love and nurturing to help them thrive in their school year and beyond!


Your ongoing support for your child and my teachings is cherished.  Thank you for energetically embracing me this year as well, it has meant the world to me!

I hope you enjoy your Mother’s Day with your family on Sunday and that you're showered with love, you deserve it!

The card, letters and artwork that students created for their Moms came from their heart and I know how excited they are to give you this note of appreciation this weekend (see below for evidence). They worked so lovingly on this all week and I’m so proud of the kids’ efforts 🩷









I have every confidence you're going to love it too and be filled with tears of joy :-)  








A must watch Mother's Day message for all my students amazing Moms!!  I thought of you instantly when I came across this.


A Mother's comfort and care is truly immeasurable and as your child's teacher, please know, I see, hear, and feel their love for YOU (Mom) each and every day!  Thank you for being YOU :-)  


🌸HONOURING MY MOTHER:🌸
At this time, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge and extend a very happy mother's day to my very own, my Ma.  As many of you know, she is my personal hero whom I strive to make proud each and everyday 💙




My Ma has been the most selfless, supportive, and nurturing parent to my brother (Anil) and I.  We are who we are today because of her unwavering love and support 💚




The bond between a mother and her child is truly one of a kind!  I admire, respect, and am inspired by all the mothers out there who consistently demonstrate and share their strength, dedication, and unconditional love for their children 🩷




I am fortunate that I have been blessed to have a mother who has been the ultimate role model and who has been there for me always.  

Thank you Ma for all that you do, ALL THAT YOU ARE!  I admire and love you!

🌞💭MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS:🌞💭
Did you know that annually, Mental Health Week is acknowledged during the first full week of May with an emphasis on children's mental health?  Yes, it is!

As you may have gathered, the topic of nurturing and nourishing our Mental Health has been an ongoing focus and learning in our classroom 👍

For me, this is VERY important because every day someone somewhere is dealing with a struggle we may know nothing about. So please, BE KIND ALWAYS!!

Each day on the morning announcements, I did my best to post learning material for teachers and students to engage in the conversation about mental health. It's starts with us, talk it out!


A theme is MY VOICE MATTERS 💙 We encourage children and young people to express themselves so they can say and believe My Voice Matters.


Throughout the school year, our class has embraced an important saying that your child can say aloud proudly - "We all have a voice, it needs to be heard, once at a time."


We always do our best to focus on the importance of compassion, understanding and empathy for ourselves and others as part of our collective responsibility to take care of and support the well-being of ourselves and those around us.


Your thoughts are powerful!  The things you tell yourself matter.  Positive Affirmations are statements you say to yourself to help you challenge negative thoughts you might be having. 


Perhaps your child has already shared this with you, but if not, no worries! At the beginning of each day when students enter our portable, I quietly stand / post an affirmation for your child to see and feel to help ease them into the mindset of POSITIVITY - THEY MATTER.


Please ask your child what some of the affirmations that I've shared throughout the school year :-)


HINT:

You are LOVED.

You are WORTHY.

You are ENOUGH.

You are VALUED.

You have a VOICE.

You are ACCEPTED


Check out the video below to learn more about affirmations and then try it out!



Ever feel that your mind is too busy?  Check out the 'Thought Bubbles' video below to blow them away!



🌟LANGUAGE:🌟

To help support our mental health and well-being, this week in our reading and writing, we did a deep dive into the topic of self-esteem.  

I felt this was a very important discussion to have and a learning opportunity for us all.  


Self-esteem is a feeling of self-worth.  It is how children "feel inside" about themselves.  When children participate in activities that build on their strengths, it helps them to develop a sense of confidence and an appreciation of their abilities.


I shared a very purposeful book called Never Give Up - a story about self-esteem.  

After listening to the it, students then completed a writing activity where they were asked to "think about a time that you did not give up even when it was tough."


I am so proud of each student's writing piece as it gave them an opportunity to be vulnerable and share about their NEVER GIVE UP MOMENT.  

Please note, these pieces will come home soon once we're done with them in class so you too can admire your child's RESILIENCE - adapting well to a challenge!  



Recognizing children's efforts and accomplishments is vital as it helps maintain their self-esteem and also encourages them to keep trying :)  #tryliketerry


Children who feel good about themselves are more likely to develop positive relationships and less likely to be mistreated in their interactions with others.


TIPS for Parents & Educators to Help Support Their Children/Students to Develop Self-Esteem:
  • Love them:  Show children they are loved and accepted by expressing affection and spending quality time together.
  • Play with them:  Create a safe, secure environment, encouraging children to explore the world around them.
  • Respect them:  Have realistic expectations, fostering positive experiences and success.
  • Appreciate them:  Accept children as individuals, reinforcing their strengths and abilities.  Look for opportunities to talk about things that make them feel proud of themselves.
  • Talk with them:  Use positive ways to guide their behaviour, treating all children in the family fairly.
  • Listen to them:  Children need to feel that they are contributing participants to the conversation in order to feel valued and respected; two key ingredients of self-esteem
Below are some accessible and friendly reminders for self-care and boosting your child's mental health and well-being.  Try them out, I love it!

🧠🌿 MINDFUL MOMENTS:🌿🧠

Throughout the school year, M.m.e Wylie and I have taken the kids on mindful walks to help boost and support our mental health.




These walks give us a chance to pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the world around us 🌳👣. 

Whether it's noticing the sound of the wind, the crunch of leaves, or simply enjoying a quiet moment together, I truly feel these experiences help us stay grounded, calm, and present 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️.

Mental wellness is just as important as academic learning, and I'm so proud of how my students having embraced these peaceful pauses.

Here’s to making mindfulness part of every day! 💚✨

🧮💰 MATH - MONEY MATTERS:

This week in math, our students continued to put their math skills to the test as they worked in small groups to solve real-world money problems! 💵💡

👉 We explored the question:

Through teamwork and problem-solving, students practiced identifying the change they would get back after making a purchase.

Ask your child:

  • What steps did they take to figure out the total amount of change?

  • Did their group use the CHECK strategy to ensure they received the correct amount of change?

📸 I’ve posted 2 slides showing examples of the money problems we tackled this week - check them out and have your child walk you through their thinking!

💬 Understanding how to count and manage money is a critical life skill, and I am proud of how my students are building strong foundations through hands-on learning.

Thanks for your continued support!


🎀DAY OF REMEMBRANCE:🎀
Did you know May 5th is The National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples?

The RedDress Project raises awareness and draws attention to gender- and race-based violence. 


It is a time that we honour those who have gone missing, and the lives lost as well as pay tribute to the strength and resilience of families, survivors and communities. 


In class, we took a moment to show our respect and reconciliation towards the survivors, the lives lost, and that we stand together as one.

No one should experience gender- and race-based violence EVER. This was NOT and IS NOT ok. #putanendtoviolenceagainstindigenousgirls


Thank you to the students and staff who wore red to show their solidarity with all the women and girls who have been impacted by gender based violence.

***POST PHOTO OF RAIDEN, KEENAN, & I IN OUR RED SHIRTS

To learn more, visit https://www.collingwood.ca/culture-recreation-events/heritage-museum/awen-gathering-place 

#werememberthetruth

💚MUSIC MANIA:💚

On Monday a variety of students from our class and the school attended the annual celebration of music in Wasaga Beach.

The children sang with their hearts and represented our school well!  #Nottawa'sGotTalent

A big shout out goes to Mrs. Cavill who runs our music program for the kids in K-8.  Her passion for music and bringing out the best in the children is awe-inspiring!

Thank you for putting the kids first and foremost in all that you do for our school!


🏃‍♀️JUNIOR BOYS VOLLEYBALL:🏃‍♀️
I would like to send a shout out to the boys in our class who participated in volleyball this season.  Being a coach is one of my highlights of being a teacher at the school.  

It brings me immense joy seeing student athletes work hard on and off the court.  Life is all about balance - work hard, play hard! 



Coaches Wallace and Gill would like to congratulate the junior boys volleyball team on a tremendous season!  

At the area tournament and all season long, the boys played with such passion, poise, and teamwork!  

It was an absolute joy watching this group of boys soar and grow not only in their volleyball skills, but more importantly their comradery and sportsmanship!


Thank you for representing our school family well.  I am so proud of each of you! Looking forward to next season!


🏃‍♀️ TRACK & FIELD SEASON IS HERE: 🌟

In gym class, we've been diving into Track & Field, focusing on learning and practicing the different events. 


This week, we explored one of the trickier ones - the Triple Jump! 🦘 


It’s all about mastering the three phases: hop, step, and jump. It can be tough to get the right footing, but the students are working hard and having fun with it! 👟💪

We used this friendly video in class to help us understand the technique and rhythm needed for the Triple Jump!

To help students prepare for the Track & Field Meet on Thursday, May 22nd, there are scheduled practice sessions to take note of:

📅 Friday, May 9th – 2:00–3:30 PM (kids competed in the 400M race) 
📅 Monday, May 12th – 2:00–3:30 PM
📅 Friday, May 16th – 2:00–3:30 PM (800M Final)

👕 Reminder to parents: Please ensure your child wears comfortable, athletic clothing and running shoes on practice days. It makes a big difference in how safely and confidently they can participate!


While only Grade 4s will be competing in the actual Track & Field Meet, our Grade 3s are also learning the events to help them build skills and confidence for next spring! 🌼🏅

Let’s keep cheering on our young athletes as they run, jump, and throw their way to success!

🧘‍♀️🌸 MEDITATION MONDAYS – 4 WEEK SPRING SESSION: 🌸🧘‍♂️

I’m so excited to share that our 4-week spring session of Meditation Mondays is back! 

This meaningful club is open to all students in K–8, and it’s a peaceful way to start the week with calm minds and full hearts 💚

Here are our upcoming session dates:

📍 Location: Ms. Gill’s Portable

🗓️ Monday, May 12th – 8:45–9:15 AM
🗓️ Monday, May 26th – 8:45–9:15 AM
🗓️ Monday, June 2nd – 8:45–9:15 AM
🗓️ Monday, June 9th – 8:45–9:15 AM

Meditation helps students develop focus, emotional balance, and resilience, important life skills that support their well-being both in and out of the classroom 🌿🧠.

🔔 Important Reminder: Parents/guardians must sign the permission form on School Cash Online in order for students to participate. Please make sure this is completed ahead of our first session!

Looking forward to seeing our young mindfulness leaders each Monday morning! 🧘‍♂️✨

🎉🎟️ FUN FAIR SILENT AUCTION: 🧺🏀

Our Family Fun Fair is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for the always-exciting Silent Auction! 

Each year, our amazing School Council organizes a table full of awesome prizes, and this year, every K–8 class is creating a themed basket to contribute! 🏆🎁

🧺 Our class theme is: SPORTS! 🏈⚽🎾
We’d love your help putting together a fantastic basket full of sporty fun! If you're able, families are invited to donate either:

🏀 A sports-themed item like balls, frisbees, skipping ropes, water bottles, etc.
💳 Or a small dollar amount (we’ll use it to purchase a gift card related to our theme!).

📅 Our Fun Fair is happening on Thursday, June 5th, and we kindly ask for all donations to be sent in by Friday, May 23rd so we have time to wrap our basket beautifully 🎀✨.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity! 💚 

We can’t wait to see you at the Fair for an evening of fun, food, and fantastic prizes! 🎈🎉

RAIDEN:

Earlier this week, Raiden enthusiastically came to me and said, “Ms. Gill I want to share some treats with the class, may I?” 

I then asked him, “What’s the occasion, Raiden?” He responded, “Oh nothing, just to be nice.” 

I immediately lit up and of course gave him some time to share with the class. 

Thank you for Raiden for thinking about the feelings of everyone and taking the time to put a smile on our faces 🤗

We so appreciate YOU 💙

♻️💙 TABS FOR KIDS – Thank You! 💙♻️

A huge THANK YOU to my former students Anna & Harlow C. (and Hyla younger sibling) who brought in pop tabs this week!



Your donations have truly made a difference, we’ve now officially begun filling our SECOND 5-gallon water bottle this school year! 🙌👏

These tiny tabs may seem small, but your big-hearted contributions are helping to support children with accessibility needs by providing funding for wheelchairs and other essential equipment. 💪🧑‍🦽

🌟 Your kindness, consistency, and community spirit are valued more than you know. Keep those tabs coming, every handful helps!

Way to go, team! Let’s keep making a positive impact together. 💚♻️ 

#TabsForKids #SmallThingsBigImpact

🧘‍♀️MINDFULNESS:🧘‍♀️
It's always been a goal of mine to cultivate calm minds in the classroom.  Introducing mindful minutes from dreamwalkers.meditations into our daily routine has been a game-changer!

Not only are my students more focused during lessons, but their academic performance has soared!

Beyond the "grades," it's incredible to witness the positive shift in their behaviour, fostering a more harmonious classroom environment.

Socially, meditation helps the children develop empathy and communication skills, creating stronger bonds among peers.

And let's not forget about emotional health - equipping them with invaluable tools to navigate stress and anxiety.

It's truly been amazing how just a few minutes of mindfulness each day has made such a profound impact in our classroom :-)

Below I have posted an informational video and meditation for you to try out as a family.  Give it a go :)  Remember the 5 S's before you do - SILENCE, STILLNESS, SPACE, SBREATHE, and SHARE.


Standing in front of a magical mirror, you see your future self. Spend the meditation considering and imagining who your future self is.

Feel into this future version of yourself, see how you spend your time, where you live, what brings you joy and who are your friends. How do you contribute to the world, how does your future self feel in your mind, heart and body?


GROWTH MINDSET:

Thank you Finley L. for this weeks mindset message!

“What gives you joy? Let those be things that lead you forward in life.” - Finley L. 

What does this mean? 

Think about what makes you happy inside, things that make you smile or feel excited. 

Those happy things can help you grow, learn, and become the best version of yourself. Follow those joys like a path!

Example at school:
If drawing makes you happy, spend time in art class and maybe help make posters or classroom decorations.

Example at home:
If you love reading, ask your family for quiet reading time or visit the library to find fun books.

🌹 Happy Mothers Day,

Ms. Gill





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