Dear Families,
Wishing you a safe and happy Easter with your loved ones that you're currently living with during this unprecedented time. I realize it won't look or sound the same as previous years, but the feelings of love remain and you'll create a one of a kind Easter memory that you can cherish as a family forever!!
Week 1 of Distance Learning - check! I am SO PROUD of my students and their supportive families for taking the initiative, time, and energy to put in the work to adapt to this new platform of learning (for the time being - I'm still holding out hope to reunite with my students).
Change can be daunting as many know and have experienced. My sincere hope is that the manner / layout in which I've provided my lessons and tasks this week hasn't caused anyone a feeling of being overwhelmed as this is NEVER or WILL BE my intention.
If it has, feel and be with these emotions and know that WE are in this together!! I understand and will do everything I can to continue to help ease us into this new format of teaching and learning for this month.
I thought the image below was very meaningful and may resonate with my families. Please know, where ever you stand within this new phase, I wholeheartedly support IT and YOU!
"Some families are focusing on school work. Some families are focusing on mental health. Some families are focusing on survival. Different families having different needs at this time. Let's be supportive of that!"
Educators Health & Wellness:
I have thought about this a lot this week and wanted to share now. In order to maintain and sustain our mental and emotional well-being, I encourage students and parents to please direct their questions, concerns, and school work via email or google drive during the hours of Monday - Friday 9:00 - 12:00 PM. (Lunch break 12:00 - 1:00 PM). Open again from 1:00 - 4:30 PM.
I realize I've communicated with several of you on weekends and after 4:30 PM (well into some evenings too). Moving forward, I would like to see and kindly ask that we stick to the above mentioned days/times.
My goal is to maintain a healthy balance for my professional and personal life. Those that know me well, know that I could and probably would be working from home 24/7. I have been encouraged to set reasonable boundaries (from my administration and family) which will continue to ensure that I do my job clearly, confidently and calmly :)
Up to this point, I believe I have been quite diligent responding to parents/students 'right away' so to speak. If I don't get back to you right away, please know I will during the hours mentioned above.
It is a whole new learning curve for us educators too and we need to take care of our mental, emotional and physical needs too :-) I know I have your support in this! Many thanks for your understanding!
Google Drive Distance Learning Folders:
Thank you to the students who have created and are working hard to complete all assigned tasks in their Google Drive 'Distance Learning Folders.' It has brought me SHEER JOY looking at and offering feedback to your amazing images, documents, and videos. You're doing an OUTSTANDING JOB!
I wish I could post ALL of the tasks you've completed below :-) The videos of the egg drop challenge were a definite HIGHLIGHT this week! Seeing the enthusiasm of my students upon realizing that their egg didn't break was one of a beauty kind!! Thank you to the families of Liam, Noah, and Orin for sharing videos of yourselves completing this STEAM activity!
To those that haven't quite gotten into the routine of regularly completing tasks just YET, that's ok, I understand. It's a learning curve for US ALL. For most of you, I have created your folders so all you need to do is finish your jobs in the appropriate folders and then I can see evidence of what you've done!
Example: I would like for you to please place your completed language activities in the language folder and math activities in the math folder for organizational purposes! If you did your work pencil to paper, take a photo of it and upload them into the appropriate folders!
Emailing:
I have been corresponding with you (parents) regularly via email. I encourage your child to also access his or her email following the steps (below) so we can communicate and I can offer support with any work that's assigned.
Using email as a form of communication is a life skill, builds upon your writing skills, and one that will come in handy as your child moves forward in their educational journey.
Additionally, it's a useful tool to help US (student - teacher) remain connected! So far, I've really enjoyed corresponding with Noah, Molly, Liam, and Emma who have learned how to access their accounts.
I did provide these steps on Monday, but thought I would again for those of you that didn't an opportunity to do so.
When your child has completed all 3 assigned tasks for the day (e.g., literacy, numeracy, STEAM), please have him or her email me directly to let me know so I can then check their Distance Learning folders and offer feedback :)
This will help reinforce accountability for their work completion as well as give me an opportunity to check work and comment. Please ONLY send 1 email per/day of total work completed.
Here is a student email example:
Subject: Week 1 - Wed. Apr. 8th Completed Tasks
Dear Ms. Gill,
I am done all 3 jobs for today (Wed.)! I have completed my language task "essential workers poster," my math task "scavenger hunt for angles," and my STEAM challenge "egg drop." Please feel free to visit my distance learning folders and offer feedback. Sincerely, {student's name}
This would be really helpful for me as I don't get notifications for when your child is done their work. Lately, I've been guessing and checking ;)
I have done my best this week to offer feedback on completed work! Hope you have had time to review those. Please note, it may not be on EVERY piece, but on the ones I feel would benefit and/or require a star (strength) and arrow (next step) comment to help improve achievement. Thank you.
Daily Morning Annoucements:
When we were at school, each day the "helper of the day" led the morning announcements. Due to school closures, students haven't had access to this UNTIL NOW!!! As part of her role as teacher/librarian, Mrs. Johnson (only picture I had of her below, lol) will be updating our daily morning announcements each week for all of our students!
On Wednesday evening, I shared the morning announcements (link) to your child's google drive account - check "SHARED WITH ME." For most of you that I had access to accounts, I've placed this folder for you into your main distance learning folder. CHECK IT OUT! If you don't, you will have to do it on your own as I can't get into your Drive.
Starting next week (Week 2 of Distance Learning - Monday), please have your child begin his or her "distance learning" by doing the announcements! Make it a routine like we had in school!
For example, as a family please say Our Pledge, sing O' Canada, listen to the StoryLine Online book, and partake in the Movement / Mindfulness activities. I'm confident that this'll surely set a positive tone to the "work day!" Give it a TRY!
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1oyCRazz1QsRGZgF6P0RDz78h8xbsVb1b
A Message from Ms. West Your ART Teacher:
"Hi everyone! I miss doing art with all of you! I tried doing my lessons with my family, I think they LOVED it! Can you tell? HAHA! Check out their expressions ;)
She has created a spot on "Ms. Gill's Weekly Student Agenda" for art now too, so you can check out my (Ms. West's) tasks there on a weekly basis!
Read Aloud "Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon:
Next up, Max is shooting some hoops with William (his younger brother) getting in his D.P.A.! Great form by the way, Will. I love your colourful basketball too, Max!
Wishing you a safe and happy Easter with your loved ones that you're currently living with during this unprecedented time. I realize it won't look or sound the same as previous years, but the feelings of love remain and you'll create a one of a kind Easter memory that you can cherish as a family forever!!
Week 1 of Distance Learning - check! I am SO PROUD of my students and their supportive families for taking the initiative, time, and energy to put in the work to adapt to this new platform of learning (for the time being - I'm still holding out hope to reunite with my students).
If it has, feel and be with these emotions and know that WE are in this together!! I understand and will do everything I can to continue to help ease us into this new format of teaching and learning for this month.
I thought the image below was very meaningful and may resonate with my families. Please know, where ever you stand within this new phase, I wholeheartedly support IT and YOU!
"Some families are focusing on school work. Some families are focusing on mental health. Some families are focusing on survival. Different families having different needs at this time. Let's be supportive of that!"
Educators Health & Wellness:
I have thought about this a lot this week and wanted to share now. In order to maintain and sustain our mental and emotional well-being, I encourage students and parents to please direct their questions, concerns, and school work via email or google drive during the hours of Monday - Friday 9:00 - 12:00 PM. (Lunch break 12:00 - 1:00 PM). Open again from 1:00 - 4:30 PM.
I realize I've communicated with several of you on weekends and after 4:30 PM (well into some evenings too). Moving forward, I would like to see and kindly ask that we stick to the above mentioned days/times.
My goal is to maintain a healthy balance for my professional and personal life. Those that know me well, know that I could and probably would be working from home 24/7. I have been encouraged to set reasonable boundaries (from my administration and family) which will continue to ensure that I do my job clearly, confidently and calmly :)
Up to this point, I believe I have been quite diligent responding to parents/students 'right away' so to speak. If I don't get back to you right away, please know I will during the hours mentioned above.
It is a whole new learning curve for us educators too and we need to take care of our mental, emotional and physical needs too :-) I know I have your support in this! Many thanks for your understanding!
Google Drive Distance Learning Folders:
Thank you to the students who have created and are working hard to complete all assigned tasks in their Google Drive 'Distance Learning Folders.' It has brought me SHEER JOY looking at and offering feedback to your amazing images, documents, and videos. You're doing an OUTSTANDING JOB!
I wish I could post ALL of the tasks you've completed below :-) The videos of the egg drop challenge were a definite HIGHLIGHT this week! Seeing the enthusiasm of my students upon realizing that their egg didn't break was one of a beauty kind!! Thank you to the families of Liam, Noah, and Orin for sharing videos of yourselves completing this STEAM activity!
To those that haven't quite gotten into the routine of regularly completing tasks just YET, that's ok, I understand. It's a learning curve for US ALL. For most of you, I have created your folders so all you need to do is finish your jobs in the appropriate folders and then I can see evidence of what you've done!
Example: I would like for you to please place your completed language activities in the language folder and math activities in the math folder for organizational purposes! If you did your work pencil to paper, take a photo of it and upload them into the appropriate folders!
Emailing:
I have been corresponding with you (parents) regularly via email. I encourage your child to also access his or her email following the steps (below) so we can communicate and I can offer support with any work that's assigned.
Using email as a form of communication is a life skill, builds upon your writing skills, and one that will come in handy as your child moves forward in their educational journey.
Additionally, it's a useful tool to help US (student - teacher) remain connected! So far, I've really enjoyed corresponding with Noah, Molly, Liam, and Emma who have learned how to access their accounts.
I did provide these steps on Monday, but thought I would again for those of you that didn't an opportunity to do so.
Student Access to School Email:
- Go to our School Website Homepage: http://not.scdsb.on.ca/
- Scroll down
- To the right side of the screen you will see “USEFUL LINKS”
- Click on student email
When your child has completed all 3 assigned tasks for the day (e.g., literacy, numeracy, STEAM), please have him or her email me directly to let me know so I can then check their Distance Learning folders and offer feedback :)
This will help reinforce accountability for their work completion as well as give me an opportunity to check work and comment. Please ONLY send 1 email per/day of total work completed.
Here is a student email example:
Subject: Week 1 - Wed. Apr. 8th Completed Tasks
Dear Ms. Gill,
I am done all 3 jobs for today (Wed.)! I have completed my language task "essential workers poster," my math task "scavenger hunt for angles," and my STEAM challenge "egg drop." Please feel free to visit my distance learning folders and offer feedback. Sincerely, {student's name}
This would be really helpful for me as I don't get notifications for when your child is done their work. Lately, I've been guessing and checking ;)
I have done my best this week to offer feedback on completed work! Hope you have had time to review those. Please note, it may not be on EVERY piece, but on the ones I feel would benefit and/or require a star (strength) and arrow (next step) comment to help improve achievement. Thank you.
Daily Morning Annoucements:
When we were at school, each day the "helper of the day" led the morning announcements. Due to school closures, students haven't had access to this UNTIL NOW!!! As part of her role as teacher/librarian, Mrs. Johnson (only picture I had of her below, lol) will be updating our daily morning announcements each week for all of our students!
On Wednesday evening, I shared the morning announcements (link) to your child's google drive account - check "SHARED WITH ME." For most of you that I had access to accounts, I've placed this folder for you into your main distance learning folder. CHECK IT OUT! If you don't, you will have to do it on your own as I can't get into your Drive.
Starting next week (Week 2 of Distance Learning - Monday), please have your child begin his or her "distance learning" by doing the announcements! Make it a routine like we had in school!
For example, as a family please say Our Pledge, sing O' Canada, listen to the StoryLine Online book, and partake in the Movement / Mindfulness activities. I'm confident that this'll surely set a positive tone to the "work day!" Give it a TRY!
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1oyCRazz1QsRGZgF6P0RDz78h8xbsVb1b
A Message from Ms. West Your ART Teacher:
"Hi everyone! I miss doing art with all of you! I tried doing my lessons with my family, I think they LOVED it! Can you tell? HAHA! Check out their expressions ;)
Art is about being creative and expressing yourself in any way that you choose. Ms. Gill and I decided that we'd provide you with a fun and creative art activity each week for you to try out and work through during your distance learning week or on your weekends (Sat. - Sun.)! You decide.
She has created a spot on "Ms. Gill's Weekly Student Agenda" for art now too, so you can check out my (Ms. West's) tasks there on a weekly basis!
If you don’t have the materials or the time - that’s okay- try something we have already done or something new… and share that too!
When you complete it, please email or share it from your google drive distance learning folder with me (Ms. West). I would love to see it!. (twest@scdsb.on.ca). Or, if would rather keep a portfolio at your house and then bring it to school when we see each other again, that's perfectly fine too! Most of all, have fun boys and girls!"
Week 1 Art Activity:
Remember our friends at the Art Hub? Below is the link to find them on YouTube. Please ensure your parents know you are going on line. Choose any drawing you wish. I think the Easter Bunny is pretty cute for this time of year! Have fun!
Support for Families from the Ministry of Education:
I sent out an email to parents on Monday morning about this, but I thought I'd reiterate it on here as a friendly reminder :) I realize there's so much coming at you in this Week 1 of Distance Learning, but we made it through, YAY!
"The Ministry of Education is providing financial support to parents to assist with the costs of educational resources during school and child care closures as a result of Ontario's declared emergency to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Parents are eligible for a one-time per child payment of:
- $200 for children aged 0-12, or
-$250 for children with special needs aged 0-21.
Parents/guardians must submit one application per child. Only one parent/guardian may apply for each child. The parent/guardian who applies should have custody of the child."
Click the LINK: https://www.iaccess.gov.on.ca/FamilyAppWeb/public/index.xhtml
"If you have already successfully applied to the Support for Parents program and received payment through direct deposit, you are automatically eligible for the Support for Families program. You will receive email confirmation with a reference number and the Support for Families funding through direct deposit within the next two weeks.
Before beginning this application, please have your banking information ready.
This payment will be provided through direct deposit. If you are unable to provide banking information and require a cheque, you may submit a special request for one. Please note that processing of cheques may take up to several months from the date of application.
Note that you may be contacted to verify the information you are providing through this application."
For more information please visit: Ontario.ca/SupportForFamilies
Before beginning this application, please have your banking information ready.
This payment will be provided through direct deposit. If you are unable to provide banking information and require a cheque, you may submit a special request for one. Please note that processing of cheques may take up to several months from the date of application.
Note that you may be contacted to verify the information you are providing through this application."
For more information please visit: Ontario.ca/SupportForFamilies
"Bowls for Beds" Update:
Please read message below from Deb Piggott.
"Hello,
Hope you are keeping well and healthy. Depending on what happens with schools and residences, we
will endeavour to get the bowls for those children and adults who purchased a
bowl prior to the end of June. If this does not happen, we may have an
opportunity to have a kiosk at the Collingwood Market and bowls could be picked
up. Hopefully we will have a number of dates to do this. Will keep
you posted. We would like to let you know that we have also got an
on-line campaign up and running!!"
Here is the information for the campaign, please share if
you can. Thanks!!
_________________________________________
BOWLS
FOR BEDS – GOING VIRTUAL...
$24,000 Fundraising Shortfall - Barbara Weider House
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and because many have asked, we are going... virtual...
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and because many have asked, we are going... virtual...
YOU CAN HELP US BY PURCHASING A BOWL (see below)!!
Sponsors: Scotiabank, Reid's Heritage, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63, Thomas
Vincent, CM Displays & Events, Runge Associate, Mary's Pharmacy.
CONTACT:
DEB PIGGOTT - debajpiggott@gmail.com
or 705-888-3636
THANK
YOU!!
Celebrating International Day of PINK:
On Wednesday, it was the international day of PINK to celebrate DIVERSITY! Normally if we were in class, I'd definitely share a current picture of our class family to show our spirit and dedication to help PUT AN END TO BULLYING. Since I was unable to do that this week, I decided to post a few oldies but goodies!!
Thank you boys and girls for STANDING UP TOGETHER and SHOWING YOUR COMPASSIONATE AND CARING WAYS!!
In class, we've talked extensively about how Pink Shirt Day (and most celebrations for that matter) is more than just wearing PINK.
We are acknowledging the importance of spreading KINDNESS TO EVERYONE no matter their race, gender, or orientation. We are all different and that is OK!
 |
| "KINDNESS is NOT an act, it's a LIFESTYLE!" |
Read Aloud "Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon:
Here's a friendly book to help teach kids about Bullying. Give it a listen!
Mystery Doug LIVE:
Were you able to watch the LIVE mystery Doug on Tuesday afternoon? I tuned in and was quite impressed! It was neat to see Doug's adorable daughters participate in it too! Doug posted a photo of his 98 year old grandfather who's still alive today and uses his indoor exercise bike everyday! What an inspiration!
Doug didn't mention another LIVE date, but when I do receive other updates from https://mysteryscience.com/live , I'll be sure to put it on the weekly student agenda!
Activity: In the LIVE, Doug also showed us how to use a sheet of aluminum foil to create animals. Let your imagination run wild!
Nighthawks Learning at Home Week 1:
Thank you to ALL the families who emailed me some of their child's learning experiences at home from week 1! If you'd like to be featured in next week's post, please attach some photos in an email so I can download them! I'm unable to copy and paste from your child's private google drive account.
Max:
Thank you Ms. Hollingsbee for sharing! Check out what Max has been up to at home with his siblings! First up, a delicious homemade cake inspired by Easter which is here!
You live on a beautiful and spacious piece of property to even play golf on!! That's awesome :)
Like me, I know Ms. West would be proud of this colourful piece of Art too! Nice work, Max!
Brayden:
Thank you Mrs. Kennedy for sharing! Check out what Brayden has been up to for his week 1 of distance learning!
Brayden did his very own science experiment. He chose to research if he could make a better paper airplane and did several trials and measurements to determine if he could improve the design. He tested this out and posted his results on bristol board. Great organization!!
Here's Brayden trying out Tuesday's activity of "Making Salt Dough." His Mom shared with me that it turned out well!! That's sooo great to hear :)
Beau:
Thank you Mrs. Hutchinson for sharing this amazing video of Beau completing Tuesday's 'Salt Doh Experiment! Check it out! Hopefully the link below works for you guys (fingers crossed).
Ashton:
Thank you Mrs. Murray for sharing! Here's Ashton preparing his salt dough and creating unique designs and even using food colouring in it!!
Ashton completed the egg drop challenge! His egg didn't break on his second attempt because he created this protective layer (see below). Way to go, buddy! His Mom shared with me that Ashton said, "This is so cool, Mom!!"
Expressing Gratitude to All the Essential Workers:
Wednesday's language activity was about creating a poster to help express our gratitude to ALL the men and women who courageously put on their uniforms to help provide for humanity in this dire time of need.
 |
| Thank you Emma for this message! |
I can only imagine how all these essential workers are truly feeling inside. My friend since grade 2 is a doctor in Orillia. Her name is Dr. Amanda (in the middle).
 |
| Dr. Amanda Gardhouse is in the middle |
Every Tuesday evening when she puts her kids to bed, Amanda and I Zoom chat together (along with our other pals).
Amanda's expressed her true emotions with me. She is terrified. She is mother of two young daughters who need and depend on her. Amanda has expressed that once she puts on her scrubs, mask, and gloves, she holds her head up high and knows it is her responsibility to join her front line works and do her part. I have always been so proud to be Amanda's friend, and during this time, I am in constant awe of her gigantic heart and soul!!
 |
| Tues. Apr. 7th was WORLD HEALTH DAY to honour all the health care workers for their amazing service! |
Below are images of various children expressing their utmost gratitude to the men and women who are in the front lines helping to heal and protect us. My heart and prayers go out to ALL of you TODAY ... and EVERYDAY!!! Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!
Coleton:
Thank you Mrs. Robertson for sharing! Coleton and his Dad worked VERY hard on their message of gratitude for all the essential workers! The time, effort, and love that went into this task is remarkable and I am confident IT made the hearts and minds of everyone who saw it UPLIFTED!!
Ms. Gill:
Earlier this week, I did a night workout and on my run, I came across the beautiful MOON!! Did you see it Wed. night!? Perhaps not as most of you would have been in bed ;) I was in full awe and felt grateful.
I took a moment and said a message of gratitude and HOPE for all humanity.
Mrs. Hammond's Son a Local Hero:
Mrs. Hammond's son is in my eyes and heart ONE OF MANY HEROES in our wonderful community doing his part to support our essential workers.
It’s a meaningful and massive endeavour he’s undertaking. To those who know the Hammond family this doesn’t come as a surprise as it’s a TRUE reflection and yet ANOTHER example of their HUGE HEARTS and CHARACTER.
Owen Hammond (Mrs. Hammond's eldest son), is stepping up to the plate during this COVID19 pandemic. He is making face shields for local hospitals and front-line workers with his 3D printer.
Currently, it takes the printer 2 hours to make 1 mask. He has another 3D printer coming, and this printer will be able to make two masks at a time. This means he will be able to make 4 shield every 3 hours. Owen just finished an order of 50 masks for a local hospital and many other organizations have inquired. "I wanted to raise money to help him purchase the supplies needed so that he can print as many masks as possible, If you have a few dollars to help out, it would be greatly appreciated."
Please consider doing your part to contribute to Owen's fundraising goal of $1,000 take make his VERY OWN protective face shields for essential workers in hospitals and to SPREAD the word. I’m beyond proud to know and care for this one of a beauty kind family!
Go Fund Me Page for Faceshields for Hospitals:
Mindfulness:
Your child will be familiar with this mindfulness video below :) I've shared it at the beginning of the school year to help students understand their brain and how we can constructively deal with our various thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
Reviewing these techniques I believe is important now more than ever as we face this unprecedented time! Tune in and ... JUST BREATHE ...
Growth Mindset:
Namaste,
Ms. Gill
Hi everyone! I love seeing your smiling faces on Ms. Gill's blog and what you are up to at home. Especially your art work! Looking forward to seeing and hearing more from you. If you just want to say hi, please email me at twest@scdsb.on.ca.
ReplyDeleteMs. West