Week #5: Sept. 29th - Oct. 3rd

Dear Families,

Hasn't the month of September been absolutely sensational and stunning weather-wise!?  The children and I have been enjoying learning inside & outside as much as we can - we're lovin' it and hope you have been too :-)

OCTOBER CHARACTER ATTRIBUTE:

This month in our classroom, we are focusing on the character attribute of Cooperation!

Cooperation means working together, helping others, and being a team player. It’s all about listening, sharing, and solving problems together so everyone can succeed.

In class, I’ll be teaching Cooperation in simple and effective ways by:

1. Team Activities – We’ll do group games & team building challenges where students need to work together to reach a goal.

2. Story Time Discussions – We’ll read stories where characters cooperate and talk about what we noticed.

3. Role-Playing – We’ll act out real-life situations to practice sharing, taking turns, and helping one another.

Please now take a moment to watch our very own SCDSB educator from Barrie Mr. Saad’s video with your child! 

He explains what Cooperation in action looks like, sounds like, and feels like, a great way to bring the learning home!

Thank you for supporting our character education journey!

OCTOBER KINDNESS CALENDAR CHALLENGE:

On Wednesday, I sent home this month's kindness calendar challenge (see photo below) in your child's agenda bag. I hope you received it and will keep it on the fridge or another place that's suitable for your family :)

Each month, I will make an effort to share a Kindness Calendar Challenge because I believe it is a wonderful way to inspire children to actively spread kindness.

Each day offers a small but meaningful task, encouraging them to make kindness a habit. Whether it’s helping a friend, giving compliments, or sharing a smile, these simple actions can have a big impact.

By participating, children learn that kindness isn’t just about grand gestures, it’s about thoughtful everyday moments.

After all, if we can be anything in this world, BE KIND. Let’s empower our kids to embrace compassion and kindness, creating ripples of positivity wherever they go!

FIRST NATION, INUIT, & METIS PEOPLE:

September 30th is the day kids and adults across Canada are encouraged to wear orange, as a way to honour & remember Indigenous residential school survivors and those who never made it home. 

It also serves as a reminder that every child in Canada matters, including Indigenous kids, who have a history of being mistreated. 

Orange Shirt Day is taking on a new and important role in reconciliation, which is the process of healing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. 

CBC Kids News asked a group of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to share their thoughts on Sept. 30th and why it’s meaningful to them. 

Watch this informative video below to hear from these remarkable Indigenous change-makers!

I really appreciate all the staff, students, and parents who wore an orange shirt today to remember and honour our First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children who attended residential schools from the 1870's - 1990's.  

As many may be aware by now, Truth & Reconciliation Day is very near and dear to my heart.  I believe it must not solely be recognized on the 30th of September, but everyday!

In our THOUGHTS, WORDS, and ACTIONS - we will demonstrate that EVERY CHILD MATTERS, now and ALWAYS!

Since the beginning of school, our class has done a lot of thinking and learning about the survivors and non-survivors of the residential school experience.  

It brings me immense joy seeing my students demonstrating such empathy (thinking about the feelings of others) towards all First Nations, Inuit, and Metis men and women who attended residential schools.  This truly demonstrates true character and I'm so proud of my students!

We have discussed that we cannot change the past, but it is UP TO US to make a BETTER and BRIGHTER PRESENT AND FUTURE.  

To help achieve this goal of ours, we have an anchor chart posted in our classroom about ways that WE can move towards RECONCILIATION. 

We promise to keep listening, reflecting, and making our efforts to reconcile (heal & make peace) with our Indigeneous brothers and sisters.

Check out this link -->  Medicine Wheel Publishing for more resources to learn the meaning behind the phrase, ‘Every Child Matters.’

Orange Shirt Day founder, Phyllis Webstad, offers insights into this heartfelt movement.  Every Child Matters honours the history and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island and moves us all forward on a path toward Truth and Reconciliation.

Phyllis is well respected for her work, her courage and for striving to heal our communities and Nation through speaking her truth.

Here at Nottawa, WE CARE about what HAPPENED to the First People of Canada. It is OUR MISSION to continue to LEARN & GROW from the past to help create a better and brighter present and future!  

Together, we CAN make a DIFFERENCE!

READING:

Throughout the week, we've been listening to the stories by various Indigenous authors about First Nations and Indigenous children's experiences at residential schools.  

When I've been sharing the books, songs, and video recordings, students are fully engaged, attentive, and truly expressed their empathy as they think about the feelings of all the Indigenous boys and girls affected by attending residential schools. 

Eli visualizing as I read aloud a story 🧡 

Thank you Harlow C. for creating an Every Child Matters Heart 

In the link below, Chief Robert Joseph shares his experience as a residential school survivor and the importance of truth and reconciliation in Canada.

Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and reconciliation in Canada

After viewing the video in class, I was so moved by my students curiosity, questions, responses, and learning to be truly grateful to be in our school that is safe and fosters equality and love.

WRITING:

After several oral discussions, students were given the opportunity to think about and reflect upon the following questions:

• What does wearing an Orange Shirt mean to you?  
• Why do we have a Truth & Reconciliation Day?
• What does Phyllis Webstad's message "Every Child Matters" mean to you?

Students used the template below to record their responses.  We worked hard on this in class and our writing thus far is filled with empathy, honour, and respect for our Indigenous Peoples.  

Check us out below as we respectfully and lovingly recorded our thoughts, feelings, and emotions :)

Please note, your child's Truth & Reconciliation Day writing will come home in the next while for you to read, learn from, and admire, stay tuned!

ART PART 1:

As part two to honouring The Day of Truth & Reconciliation, each student also has started their own logo for an orange shirt day design using a specific criteria:

• You must create an original design
• The t-shirt must be mostly orange
• The message "Every Child Matters" must be present

We will continue working on these next week to finish them and I'm excited to see your child's finalized DESIGN & LOGO!

ART PART 2:

To help honour and celebrate the Ojibwe culture and heritage, we made dreamcatchers in art class.  But before we started this task, we took the time to learn and discuss its important Indigenous significance in the video below :)  

In Ojibwe culture, dreamcatchers hold deep spiritual significance.  Traditionally crafted from willow hoops and sinew, they are believed to protect sleepers, especially children, from negative dreams.

According to Ojibwe legend, the web-like design allows good dreams to pass through while trapping nightmares, which dissipate with the morning sun.  

Dreamcatchers are often hung above cradles or sleeping areas, acting as symbols of protection, balance, and harmony. 

Beyond their function as dream filters, they embody the interconnectedness of life, weaving together nature, spirit, and dreams in a way that honors Ojibwe values of unity and care for loved ones.

As we made our dreamcatchers, I played Indigenous music in the background and we calmly and respectfully began our mini-art project.

Please check out some of the kids holding their dreamcatchers, they turned out well :)  

I hope your child is able to hang his or her dreamcatcher in a special place to embrace bringing in ALL the positive energy around them and releasing the negativity. 

RYDER:

This week, Ryder brought in his very own Dreamcatcher, a special gift from his beloved grandmother to connect with what we’ve been learning in class. 

He proudly shared it with his classmates which led to some meaningful conversation and curiosity.

It makes me so proud to see students extend their learning from school to home and back again. Ryder showed true engagement and a wonderful connection to our Indigenous Peoples.

Way to go, Ryder! 🌟

7 GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS:

To extend upon our learning and honouring The National Truth & Reconciliation Day, I taught the children about The teachings of the Seven Grandfathers (see below).

This is also an important part of Ojibwe culture, and is used as a guide to help people develop their character.

The Seven Grandfathers sent messengers/spirits to Earth to deliver important life lessons (teachings) to help people live a happy and healthy life.

Each teaching is associated with an animal.  In Indigenous culture, animals are seen as sacred messengers to help people learn and grow into good citizens for this Earth.

Please note, your child has brought a personalized (decorated) copy of the information below so that you as a family can have a closer look at the teachings and perhaps keep it in a special place to refer to it in the future :)

1. Humility – Dbaadendiziwin

Humility is represented by the wolf. Humility is to know that you are a sacred part of creation. Live life selflessly and not selfishly. Respect your place and carry your pride with others and praise the accomplishments of all. 

2. Bravery – Aakwa’ode’ewin

Bravery is represented by the bear. The mother bear has the courage and strength to face her fears and challenges while protecting her young. Find your inner strength to face the difficulties of life and the courage to be yourself. Defend what you believe in and what is right for your community, family, and self. Make positive choices. Face your F.E.A.R.S. “Face Everything and RISE.”

3. Honesty – Gwekwaadziwin

Honesty is represented by the raven. It understands who they are and reminds us to be ourselves and not someone we are not. Raven accepts itself and uses its gift to survive and thrive. So must YOU. To walk through life with integrity is to know honesty. Be honest with yourself. Recognize and accept who you are. 

4. Wisdom – Nbwaakaawin

The beaver represents wisdom because he uses his natural gift wisely for his survival. The beaver also alters his environment in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way for the benefit of his family. Recognize your differences and those of others in a kind and respectful way. Listen with clarity and a sound mind.  Allow yourself to learn and live by your wisdom.

 5. Truth – Debwewin

Truth is represented by the turtle as he was here during the creation of Earth and carries the teachings of life on his back. The turtle lives life in a slow and meticulous manner because he understands the importance of both the journey and the destination. Apply faith and trust in yourself. Show honour and sincerity in all that you say and do. 

Be true to yourself and all other things. 

6. Respect – Mnaadendimowin

Respect is represented by the buffalo. The buffalo gives every part of his being to sustain the human way of living, not because he is of less value, but because he respects the balance and needs of others. To honour all creation is to have respect. Live honourably in your thoughts, words, and actions towards all things. Share and give away what you do not need. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.  Do not be hurtful to yourself or others. 

7. Love – Zaagidwin

The eagle represents love because he has the strength to carry all the teachings. The eagle has the ability to fly highest and closest to the creator and also has the sight to see all the ways of being from great distances. To know love is to know peace.  Love yourself truly. Then you will be at peace with yourself and the Creator.

🪶 🟧 TRUTH & RECONCILIATION DAY - THE BUFFALO (respect) MEDITATION:

Join in this 15 minute guided meditation about Respect inspired by the Grandfather Teaching of the Buffalo.

In the spirit of respect, authenticity, and honour the meditation in the video below has been written in collaboration with Matthew Blais of Chapleau First Nation.  

We thank him for his guidance and teachings and for his leadership of First Nations Inclusive Education at his school in Bluewater District School Board. This meditation is not meant to be a replacement for the depth and richness of these teachings as told through stories of First Nations Elders.

🪶 Check out Cali, Eli, and Bohdan mindfully meditating for Truth & Reconciliation Day 🧡

This meditation was streamed live on September 30th from the traditional land of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which is represented by the communities of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. We encourage you to use this meditation to inspire reflection, conversation and deeper learning about Truth & Reconciliation, as we work to heal the relationship between the indigenous and non-indigenous citizens of Canada.

Thank you for your open mind, heart, and active participation :)

MATH:

This week in math, we focused on thinking carefully and creatively about our solutions and strategies. Students are learning that math isn’t just about finding an answer, it’s about explaining why their strategies make sense.

We talked about what success looks like:
✅ Thinking carefully about which strategies might work to solve a problem
✅ Using clear math language and ideas so others can understand their thinking and work

🧠 Did you know you can actually talk to your brain?
Yes, you can! It’s easy to do and the best part is, you get to grow your neurons in the process!

In class, we watched a short video together and discussed how mistakes are powerful for brain development and long-term success. 💡

After our mini-lesson, students paired up to practice their skills in adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and strategizing when to use each operation in a fun game called “Knock Off Your Clock” ⏰

✨ Check out the video demonstration below and if you get the chance, please try the game with your child over the weekend, I think you’ll enjoy it just as much as we did in class!

KNOWLEDGEHOOK:

We are excited to continue using the KnowledgeHook Math program this year! 🎉 

Many students have already experienced it in Grades 2 and 3, so they are familiar with how it works. This program supports us in building problem-solving skills and practicing a wide range of math concepts in a fun and engaging way.

This week, students began by completing a Math Mindset Survey, where they reflected on how they feel about math. 

They also worked on a Diagnostic Activity that helps me better understand their grasp of key concepts from the previous grade.

I encourage you to have your child show you their work at home through Google Classroom, where you’ll find the KnowledgeHook link and our class code.

Additionally, I have sent each parent an email invitation to link to your child’s progress in math using this program. Thank you to those who have already accepted! ⭐ 

I highly encourage others to do so as well at your earliest convenience, you’ll be able to cheer on the many milestones 🎖️ your child will achieve, while also supporting them in areas that may need more practice.

Thank you for partnering with me in your child’s math learning journey!

STONE SOUP:

This week, I sent home our Stone Soup Invitation! The kids and I are very excited to share this special classroom community celebration with you.

If you’re unable to attend due to work, please know that grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other loved ones are warmly welcome to come on your behalf. 💕

👉 Please return your R.S.V.P. as soon as possible (a big thank-you to those who already have!). This is very helpful as I prepare:

• the children’s speaking parts 🎤

• seating arrangements 🪑

• and making sure we have everything needed to enjoy our soup together 🍲

If you know for certain that your child will not be present for this special event, kindly let me know right away with a note in the agenda. 

I realize the Thanksgiving long weekend is approaching and some families may be traveling, but I highly encourage your child’s participation, this is an event you and your child won’t want to miss! 🌟

On Friday, October 10th at 12:00PM, students will be free to leave after 1:20 PM if you wish to pick them up early.

Below, I’ve included some photos from past classes to give you a glimpse of the joy this tradition brings. It truly is a heart-soaring afternoon. 🥰

Don’t worry, I’ll also capture special moments from this year’s celebration with the help of a reliable family friend who always supports me with photos.

On the day of the event, I request that your child please dress in a black top and bottoms.  I will provide a coloured bandana to top off our 'look' ;)  

We're striving to look, sound, and feel like a community of learners :)

VEGETABLES NEEDED TO MAKE STONE SOUP:

In the chart below, you will find your child's name and please think about a vegetable he or she can volunteer to bring in and I will add to the list :)

We started a list in class so that we have a variety of vegetables to go into our soup creation :-)  

Stone Soup Vegetable Sign Up

Cali: 2 carrots	Ms. Gill: spinach, veggie broth	Micah:   1 russet potato	Eli: 1 russet potato	Norah: 2 stalks of celery
Hyla: 1 baggy of broccoli	Freddy: 1 russet potato	Rachel: 2 carrots & 2 bay leaves	Rylee: 2 carrots	Nell: 2 stalks of celery
Carter: 2 pieces of garlic	Charlotte: 1 russet potato	Ryann: 2 stalks of celery	Ryder: 1 cooking onion	Iris: 1 baggy of broccoli
Ayden: 2 carrots	Ryker: Kale	Boden: 1 cooking onion	Evan: 1 baggy of kale	Blackey: Clove of garlic & fresh thyme
Mirabelle: 1 cooking onion	Bohdan:  2 carrots

I request that all veggies be placed in a sealed zip-lock baggy and come to school on Tues. Oct. 7th.  On this day, your child may also bring in a peeler to school as we will require this to do some peeling when we're preparing the soup.

As you can see, I've shared some images from my former students from previous years preparing their vegetables for Stone Soup.  

We LOVED it and I am optimistic by seeing these images, your child will be super duper pumped to have this experience next week too!

Thank you to all the students who are interested in contributing to our soup building.  Please know, your donations of vegetables are appreciated!

LIVING IS GIVING:

“The secret to living is giving.  Be part of something that’s bigger than yourself.” - Tony Robbins

To feed your spirit, remember this: The secret to living is giving.  No matter how busy we get, I truly believe, we always have time to offer our support to people in need of our help.

Let’s NOT miss the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others!  "Humanity’s life matters – and if we align ourselves to be congruent with the truth that we’re here not just to “get,” but to give, then other people will feel our authenticity and make our community better and brighter for one and all!"

When we give back to other people and our community, it reminds us what we’re made for.  Focusing on the needs of others has a way of motivating us to do more than we thought possible.  

We feel the benefits immediately. We become more productive.  We find creative solutions to problems.  We find strength when we’re exhausted.  When we contribute to our community, we become part of something that is bigger than ourselves.

This school year, it is our class family's mission to think about the feelings of others and GIVE BACK to a variety of charities and organizations:  

• 🌈 Tabs for Kids – making wheelchairs & accessibility items for kids ♿💜

  🏃‍♂️ Terry Fox Foundation – raising funds for cancer research 🎗️✨

  🥫 Collingwood Food Bank – Thanksgiving Food Drive 🧡🦃

  💜 My Friends’ House – safe haven for abused women & children 🏡🤝

  👶 Sick Kids / Ronald McDonald House – supporting families while their child receives treatment 🏥❤️

  🌟 Home Horizon – transforming the lives of youth at risk of homelessness 🛌💙

  💧 Water First – working with Indigenous communities to solve local water challenges 🌊🪶

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE:  Thank you to all the families who have already donated items for this initiative. For those who still wish to, our class will graciously accept any more donations. 

Please send in a canned food & non-perishable food item with your child by FRIDAY OCTOBER 10th.

💖🌍 TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! 🙌✨

I will deliver all donations to the Collingwood Food Bank over the Thanksgiving Long Weekend. Thank you in advance for your contributions :)

HOMEWORK - "REINFORCING LEARNED CONCEPTS AT HOME:

Beginning October 14th (after the Thanksgiving Long Weekend), your child will be assigned homework in the following areas:

✏️ Word Study
➗ Knowledgehook (Math program)
📖 ReadWorks (Reading comprehension)
🔬 Mystery Science (Science program)

The purpose of homework is not only to review and practice concepts learned in class, but also to help your child build important learning skills and work habits such as:

✅ Responsibility
✅ Initiative
✅ Organization
✅ Independent Work
✅ Collaboration
✅ Self-Regulation

I truly believe that developing these skills early on will serve your child well as they continue their academic journey into the higher grades. 🌟

📝 I’ve prepared a Parent Note with more details about homework expectations. This will be sent home in your child’s agenda soon, stay tuned!

I have prepared a parent note for my homework expectations.  It will come home with your child in his or her agenda.  Stay tuned!

BOOK EXCHANGE:

Once a week on Day 3's, students will have an opportunity to sign out a book from Mrs. Johnson.  I will do a mini-lesson around “Making Good Reading Choices.”  

Throughout my years of teaching, I notice that many students lean towards choosing books of interest, which is a GREAT thing, but I also want them to be mindful of choosing a “’JUST RIGHT” book 📚 

For example, a “just right” book:  perfect choice for grade level, some difficult words, but you can learn them, read for enjoyment, become a better reader, and read it fluently (sounds like talking).  

Here's a chart to help us make the right choices.  Check it out below!  

When your child comes home with his or her library book, it is my hope, it will be one that isn’t too easy, isn’t too challenging, but … JUST RIGHT!

TABS FOR KIDS:

On Monday morning, while I was out shooting hoops with some students, I was surprised in the best way by my former Grade 4 student, Teagan. She and her mom arrived with an entire grocery bag filled with tabs to add to our 5g jug for the Tabs for Kids initiative. ♿✨

I am always so touched to see my students both past and present continue to support this project with such care, compassion, and dedication. 💖

A big thank you to Teagan for her kindness, and also to my current students who helped carefully and securely pour the tabs into our jug. 🙌👏 

NORAH:

This week, I had one of those special teacher moments that fills your heart to the brim. 

Norah took the time to share her thoughts, feelings, and emotions with me through a heartfelt note of support. 💌 When I read her words, my heart immediately swelled with joy!

Moments like this are a beautiful reminder that being part of a classroom community is truly about being a TEAM. It isn’t just me as the adult guiding and supporting the children each day, I am surrounded by the most caring, compassionate, and thoughtful kids. 

Their kindness reminds me how blessed I am to do what I do. 💖

Thank you, Norah, for reminding all of us that even the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference.

MINDFULNESS:

As we move forward together, and to demonstrate our respect and reconciliation, our class will continue to learn about the culture, heritage, traditions, and languages of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people.

This year marks the 12th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day. To honour this day, I’m excited to share a very special interview: Orange Shirt Day founder, Phyllis Webstad, answering kids’ questions about the history of the day and residential schools. (Recorded on Sept. 25, 2023).

This interview truly moved me, it was emotional, heartfelt, and filled me with hope for the future. 🌟 Our children are the leaders of tomorrow, and through them, the message of Every Child Matters will continue to grow.

🙏 I encourage you to watch this interview together as a family. Afterwards, take a moment to reflect and talk about this important question:

💭 What can we do as a family to RECONCILE with Indigenous people in our thoughts, words, and actions?

✨ What will you do?

GROWTH MINDSET:

"Every Child Matters!  You are BRAVE.  You are STRONG.  You are VALUED.

From my heart to yours meegwich,

Ms. P. Gill