Dear Families,
It is with an open heart that I wish you all a Happy New Year!!  It was an absolute highlight for me seeing your child's bright, enthusiastic, and warm smile on Monday!  I am delighted to be reunited to continue our journey of learning and growing :)

I do hope you continue to access my classroom blog weekly as I will continue to provide detailed evidence of what your child is doing at school so that you too can help reinforce these concepts at home.

Together we CAN and WILL make a DIFFERENCE in your child's academic progress!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend!  Stay safe on the roads if you have to venture out.  It is quite snowy and icy out there!

Donations:
In lieu of Christmas gifts this year, many families made generous donations to various organizations on my behalf.  I would like to personally thank each and every family and their child for doing so!  It means so much to me as I feel it is very important to always think about the feelings of others, especially those in need.  Your thoughtfulness has made an impact!

January’s Character Trait:

This month’s character trait is HONESTY – “We will always tell the truth.”  I have encouraged my students to always tell me the truth if they're experiencing any difficulty. Being dishonest only makes a problem / concern escalate and get bigger.

  

I look forward to reinforcing honesty is the best policy throughout this month through books, media presentations, and student action!  I am delighted to say, our class is filled with trustworthy students, how blessed we all are :)  

Check out the powerful video below of an honest action displayed by a young boy!  I'm sure it'll touch your heart just as much as it did to mine!

Speech Writing:

I would like to acknowledge and thank my students (also many thanks to their parents for ALL your support) who have actively been brainstorming, researching, and drafting their speeches thus far.  Some of you shared with me that you used valuable time over your holidays to work on this writing task.  I am so proud of you and can't wait until your presentations! 

Please note, I provided class time all week so I was able to offer feedback to those students who were ready for this step!  Next week, we will continue to work on our speeches in class, but any additional time provided at home is appreciated too!

Grade 4 Speech Presentations:

Mon. Jan. 20th	Tues. Jan. 21st	Wed. Jan. 22nd	Thurs. Jan. 23rd	Fri. Jan. 24th
Connor			Cayden	Coleton
Joella				Cameron
Molly				Raelynn
Emma				Brayden

Students in grade 3 will have the opportunity to sign up for a speech date after they see the speeches in the gym to help inspire them when delivering their speech to our class.  Stay tuned :)

Inspirational Speech by Local Student:

To help inspire my students in their speech delivery, I showed them this video below which shows a grade 7 student from Cameron Street Public School whose speech was done on his Mom. 

Check it out!

Speeches in the Gym:
Please note, all students who are selected to move on to the gym, will present their speech on Tues. Jan. 28th beginning at 2 P.M.

Bowls for Beds:

I would like to send out a big thank you to the Home Horizon team of volunteers for coming to our school to run this meaningful event for our students. Your time, organization, and kind nature is appreciated and we all had fun while thinking about the feelings of others who are in need.

Now, please check out all the smiles of the children!!

Thank you to all the families who sent in their order form with payment to purchase your child’s bowl that they painted.  If you did not, that is perfectly o.k too because by simply participating in this experience, it will make a difference in the lives of youth who need our support!

It was a wonderful experience for our class especially learning about the Home Horizon foundation.  Everyone was excited, engaged, and enthusiastic!  The kids’ designs were creative and unique!  All the bowls are now sent away and will be put into a kiln (a furnace or over for burning, baking, or drying, especially one for calcining or firing pottery) which will produce a bright colourful mug with your child's personalized touch!  Amazing!!

Now, you may be wondering when you will receive your purchased bowl J  There will be an event on Sunday April 19th between 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. at the Georgian Bay Hotel & Conference Centre, 10 Vacation Inn,  Collingwood.

If you wish to attend please do so and you will receive the bowl there.  However, if you are unable to go then the cups will be delivered to our school at the end of April and I will hand out your child’s cup to them.  If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sidney:
It is my pleasure to introduce everyone to Sidney! She has been a wonderful addition to our class family. Sidney is adjusting to the rules, routines, and expectations.

We are so happy you're with us and we look forward to learning and growing with you for the remainder of the school year! Keep shining your bright smile and spirit, kiddo!! We HONOUR you!

Mindfulness:
Listen to the songwriter's message!  What words and images help you understand what the song is about?  Let's start off the new year right by continuing to think positively in our thoughts, words, and actions!

Growth Mindset:

"You don't have to be perfect to be amazing.  Be WHO YOU ARE!" - Raelynn

Namaste,

Ms. Gill