Dear Families,
Are we seriously almost in the last week of September!?  Time flies when you're having fun with our peers and teachers!  October is soon upon us and there is so much we're looking forward to in and out of the classroom - Orange Shirt Day, Stone Soup Celebration, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and so much more!  Let's make next month just as special as this one :)

Meet the Teacher Night:
It was an absolute joy meeting and connecting with all the parents who were able to come meet me, see our classroom, and rejoice in all the wonderful new learning your child is partaking in thus far this school year!  I have every confidence that together we will continue meeting your child's academic, social, and behavioural needs.  Your support is greatly valued and cherished. 

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As shared previously, if at any time you wish to contact or set up a meeting with me, please do not hesitate to!  I can be reached via the agenda, phone call at the school (705. 445. 1827), or by email: pgill@scdsb.on.ca 

Character Recognition Assembly:
Please enlarge photo below for information about this exciting event coming up next week!!  We will be honouring all the students from K-8 for demonstrating CARING in their thoughts, words, and actions on Thurs. Oct. 3rd at 11:20 AM.  I will be sure to do a post about our class' recipients next week!  Stay tuned :)



Bruce Trail Hike (grade 4 trip):
The grade 4's went on a hike on Tuesday!  It was an opportunity to take their learning outdoors and immerse themselves in nature!  Thank you to the junior division for this meaningful experience.  As you can see from the children's smiles, they had an absolute blast!!!  Don't worry Grade 3's, you get to do this next school year, YAY!












Terry Fox Run:
We had the most perfect afternoon for our Terry Fox Run!  It was delightful to see all staff, students, and some parents come out to do our part in keeping Terry's Dream Alive!  I was touched seeing everyone run, walk, and jog in support of loved ones and Terry Fox.  Check out ALL the super heroes below!!  Thanks to everyone that dressed up!  Nottawa sure has SCHOOL SPIRIT!!







Thank you to ALL the students and their families for your generous donations!  Our class alone raised $376.75 for the Foundation. Amazing!!  


Counting all OUR DONATIONS!!
$175.00 donated by Liam and his sister Clara!
Everyone's commitment to caring about the feelings of others is valued :)  I shared with my students that no matter how big or small your dollar amount (contribution) was this year, it made a HUGE IMPACT!!

Together we can all make a difference and help find a cure through raising money for Cancer Research. Unfortunately, more often than not, many of us have been affected by this terrible illness through knowing family members and friends who have fought or are still fighting cancer.  Let us all remain HOPEFUL and COURAGEOUS that one day there will be a cure as this is what Terry Fox would want ... never STOP BELIEVING!!  I give my thoughts, prayers, and well wishes to all those who have been affected.  My heart goes out to you.

















Language:
In Language, we are learning to build upon our reading and writing skills.  As shared in last week's post, students did a writing piece about Terry Fox's courageous 'Marathon of Hope' which raises awareness about the importance of cancer research.  Ask your child to summarize / highlight the important parts of Terry Fox’s powerful journey and the writing task he or she worked on in class.  There were some students who used the reading comprehension strategy ‘Making Connections’ to connect their life experiences to Terry Fox.  It was amazing to hear their moving experiences and how Terry has impacted their thinking and life.






Watch the video below which helped inspire the many writers in our class to record meaningful facts from Terry's journey to help raise funds for cancer research!



Orange Shirt Day:
This whole week, I shared with ALL our students in Nottawa the importance and meaning behind Orange Shirt Day through the morning announcements.  It is my goal one day to lead an Orange Shirt Day assembly to truly honour it as a school family.  For now, we are all being educated through images, story books, and videos to gain a greater understanding of what is orange shirt day and why do we acknowledge it. 


The Orange Shirt Day campaign - Every Child Matters (September 30th nationally) - recalls the experiences of former students of residential schools and is a commitment to ongoing reconciliation in Canada.  Originating in British Columbia, 2018 marks the fifth year of the campaign.


September  30th is considered important in the residential school experiences of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people as this was the date when students would be removed from their homes to attend residential schools.  This year, September  30th falls on a Sunday so schools will recognize Orange Shirt Day on Monday October 1st.

In class, we say the PLEDGE everyday.  Can your child recite it for you?

"Simcoe County District School Board acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional land of the Anishinaabe people.  We acknowledge the enduring presence of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit people on this land and are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect."

Here are some key questions to ask your child to check what they've learned so far.  I'll post the answers beside the questions, but see if your child can come up with the answers on their own.  It's okay if they can't yet; I will be reinforcing these throughout next week and into the school year!

Why is orange shirt day celebrated each year on Sept. 30th? (that is the day children were taken away from their families by an state agent to attend residential school)

What does the orange shirt represent?  ("Every child matters!")

Who started orange shirt day? (Phyllis Webstad) 

Why the colour orange? (Phyllis' grandmother bought her a new orange shirt for the first day of school, but as soon as she got there, it was stripped off her and she never got it back)

I encourage you and your child to WEAR AN ORANGE SHIRT on Monday to help honour Indigenous people of Canada.

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Mindfulness:
A brief look into a residential school survivor sharing her story.  We cannot change the past, but we can help create a brighter future.  ALL children and adults matter.  No one should be treated unfairly or unjustly.  Let's move forward in the spirit of reconciliation and RESPECT!!


Growth Mindset:
"I can TRAIN my BRAIN to DO IT!"

Beau:
Thank you Beau for this very meaningful picture and words!!  Wow, I am so moved by it :)  Families, please enlarge the photo and talk about what you see.  It's remarkable how a young child's mind thinks!  Brilliant!

Beau, your words have touched our hearts and minds!  You're absolutely right, we MUST embrace our differences and know THAT we are VALUED just the way we are!  

"Just because we are different doesn't mean we can't fit in!" - Beau
Namaste,
Ms. Gill




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