Thinking of you all and wishing you a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving long weekend with your loved ones! I trust you will all be surrounded with love and make the most of your family's traditions.
In class, I look forward to hearing about your family's 'Thankful Stone' sharing experience. Students were extremely excited to bring home their'Thankful Bags' and share the contents that are placed inside with you!
Many of you will also cherish your child’s Letter of Gratitude. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as your child enjoyed writing it this week! The kids worked extremely hard and I know you'll appreciate this dearly :)
As I conferenced with students to offer feedback, I was so touched by their thoughts, words, and actions in their heartfelt message to you! It brought such JOY TO MY HEART!
From these letters, it's evidence that you're (parents) all raising gracious, caring and compassionate children :-)
GRATITUDE PLACEMAT:
Your child has also created a placement which is intended for you and your family to write down your thoughts and words about what you're grateful for.
You will notice that your child has completed his or hers already in class to help guide the rest of the family in this friendly and meaningful task. Enjoy the process and I hope you can keep this activity going for years to come :-)
When I was a child, this was a tradition that I used to do :) I look back on it now and am ever so grateful as it's helped shape me into the person I am today - always striving to be POSITIVE and GRATEFUL for my life.
GRATITUDE:
We have been doing A LOT of meaningful thinking, learning and reflecting about the word and importance of GRATITUDE. Ask your child what this term means :)
We have also learned a variety of ways to say thank you in different languages. In class, we are looking for ways to honour and celebrate different cultures, faiths, and religions.
I am a proud Sikh-Canadian (East Indian, Punjabi) and perhaps your child's shared with you that I have been teaching them about my cultural practices and language :)
In your child's thankful bag, you will find he or she has written various ways to say THANK YOU from different cultural backgrounds.
Throughout the school year, there will be a regular emphasis on expressing an 'ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE" in our thoughts, words, and actions!
Also inside your child's thankful bag, you will find a bright pink note about the science behind gratitude and how it empowers our brain! Please take a moment to go over this with your child :)
In this gratitude note, you'll find that SEROTONIN which is known as the 'HAPPY HORMONE' because it contributes to a feeling of happiness and well-being.
Below, I have posted an episode by Reading Rainbow featuring Giving Thanks:A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp.
It is a story celebrating the precious gift of the natural world and the resources of the Earth. Students learned all about appreciating and valuing nature and all that Mother Earth provides for us.
Please give this story a listen :)
There is science research behind gratitude and how it helps our brains. The research tells us that gratitude is awesome for our health and well-being!
YES, gratitude actually changes our brains :) Practicing gratitude increases neuron density and leads to higher emotional intelligence so we actually get smarter. Gratitude is like a secret sauce for happiness :)
Being in a state of gratitude feels GOOD and it increases:
optimism
caring, cooperation and friendship
motivation to work hard at school
happiness
calm and ready to learn!
LOOK AT ALL THOSE CHARACTER TRAITS!
STONE SOUP CELEBRATION:
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to ALL the families who took time out of their work days to join us in our "Stone Soup" Celebration. It was a huge success!
Many of you shared with me how very excited your child was to participate in this and to have you there meant the world to all of us.
When I totaled up the RSVP's to set out the chairs for you, I accounted for 40+ guests! Wowie, your compassion and support was felt! We loved seeing SO MANY of you at our presentation 🥰
Below, I will also post the many photos of us creating the soup :)
It turned out well and it is because of all the love that went into it from your child's contribution in washing, peeling, and cutting the veggies to place in our crock pots!
As a teacher, I strongly believe in parent-child-teacher working closely together as a team to help our children rise to their highest potential! I can say with confidence, the students certainly put in their "level 4 personal best" and performed exceptionally well!
I am extremely proud of all my students' efforts, they've lit up my heart! At the conclusion of our Stone Soup presentation, I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with many of my students' families as well, what a wonderful opportunity to do so!
I have every confidence we are going to continue having a year filled with purpose, passion, and productivity! This is the greatest gift I have received, having your child in my class :)
FOOD BANK DONATIONS:
It is with tremendous gratitude that I extend my love and hugs to all the families who were able to contribute to our class' food drive for the Collingwood Food Bank.
It brings tears to my eyes when I think about your GENEROSITY and EMPATHETIC ways!
Together we CAN, WILL, and ARE making a SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE in the lives of those who need it the most.
I am looking forward to taking our donations to the Food Bank this weekend :)
From my heart to yours --> Merci, Gracias, Obrigado!
NOTEABLE NOTE-TAKERS:
I want to take a moment to recognize Rachel, Charlotte, and Rylee for being so hardworking and focused during our lessons!
These three have been using their own notebooks to take notes and write down ideas to help them remember and understand what we’re learning, especially in math! ✏️📘
We’ve been talking about how important it is to listen carefully and write notes, just like high school and university students do. Taking notes helps you grow your brain, remember key ideas, and become even more confident learners! 💪
I’m so proud of how they’re taking this skill seriously, it shows responsibility, curiosity, and a real love of learning. Keep it up, girls!
You’re building habits that will help you all through school and even in your future careers!
BLUE JAYS SPIRIT DAY:
This week, our school got into the spirit of the game by cheering on our Toronto Blue Jays!
Tuesday was our “Dress in Your Jays Gear or Colours” day, and it was amazing to see so many staff and students showing their pride in blue and white. 💙🤍
It’s been a while since the Jays have soared this high, and the excitement around the halls was contagious! While baseball hasn’t always been a sport I’ve followed closely (but I did see the 1993 finals with THAT Joe Carter grandslam ;), I have many baseball enthusiasts in my class this year who’ve inspired me to join in the fun, yea yeaaaaaa!
Check us out in our Jays spirit, cheering on our team as they advance! ⚾👏
#GoJaysGo #TeamSpirit #NottawaPride
CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS:
I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to all the cross-country runners from our school and many of whom I've taught previously in grades 3 & 4. These kids determination, grit, and unwavering dedication have been truly inspiring.
Students represented our school family with pride and dignity, showing what it means to give your all, regardless of the challenges.
Many pushed their limits and showed incredible perseverance, and we couldn't be prouder of your efforts.
A special shout out to our very own grade 4 runners from our class family - Bohdan, Eli, Carter, Ryann, Cali, and Mirabelle!
Congrats to Carter & Eli who have advanced to Mt. St. Louis!! What an accomplishment, I’m so proud of your achievement 🎖️
MRS. KUTCY, MRS. SHAW, & MRS. BARR:
A huge thank you to our incredible cross-country coaches, Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Kutcy, and Mrs. Barr!
Your dedication, passion, and sweet spirits have made all the difference for our runners :)
Organizing over 70 students is no easy task, yet you’ve done it with grace, ensuring each participant is safe, supported, and enjoying every step of the journey in a sport that isn't always considered "fun."
Your time, energy, and effort are deeply appreciated, and you represent our school family with such heart.
Your respect and care for every student you teach, coach, and interact with are inspiring! Thank you for all that you do, you make a lasting impact!
LEARNING BUDDIES:
Our class family is thrilled to be learning buddies with Mrs. Shaw & Mrs. Entwistle's Kindergarten class! We will meet twice a month on Day 4's during period 4 (12:30pm - 1:10pm).
Through this partnership, we’ll connect meaningfully with younger students, participating in a variety of activities like wellness walks, playing math games, and reading together to spark their curiosity and love of books.
These experiences will not only help the kindergartners grow, but also give us a chance to develop important leadership, empathy, and compassion skills that we can carry with ourselves beyond school and into our daily lives :-)
We’re so excited to support our kindies buddies and learn alongside them, making this a fun and enriching journey for everyone involved!
Check us out for more images below as we connected on Monday and got to know each other while playing a variety outdoor games.
I bet from these images you too will feel the care, compassion, and community that has already flourished amongst your child and his or her buddy!
CHARACTER EDUCATION ASSEMBLY:
Our first Character Recognition Assembly will take place on Friday, October 17th at 2:15 PM!
As always, these opportunities are wonderful opportunities to celebrate all the great character displayed here at Nottawa and to learn more about how we can bring caring 💖 and cooperation 🤝 into our daily lives.
A big shout-out to Mrs. Kutcy’s Grade 1 class, who will be leading this special assembly, we can’t wait to see what they’ve prepared! 🌟
Families are warmly invited to attend. I will also be notifying parents whose child will be recognized at this assembly so they can join in the celebration.
Our awesome Grade 7 & 8 Leadership Team has planned a fun Spirit Day to go along with the event, it’s BACKWARDS DAY! 🔄
Here are a few fun ways to join in the spirit:
👕 Wear your shirt backwards!
👖 Try your pants or hoodie on backwards!
👟 Walk backwards into class (safely of course 😉)!
🎒 Carry your backpack on your front!
Let’s show our Nottawa spirit while celebrating kindness, cooperation, and the amazing character that shines in our school community! 💚
RYLEE & RYKER:
Thank you to Rylee & RYKER for your continued contributions to our Tabs for Kids initiative! 👏✨
Your caring hearts and thoughtful actions help support children with accessibility needs, showing that even the smallest things, like collecting pop tabs, can make a big difference in someone’s life. 🌟
Rylee and Ryker remind us that “Kindness is seeing with the heart.” 💕 Let's all show empathy each day by thinking about how their actions can help others feel included, supported, and loved.
Way to go, you two, your compassion shines bright at Nottawa! 💚♿💫
MINDFULNESS:
What are you grateful for and why? Instead of counting "sheep" before going to bed, TRY to count all your "blessings" you have in your life :) Increase that serotonin!
You'll be amazed at how many things you're blessed with! It is my belief that reflecting upon things we're grateful for will help and can improve your sleep and fully energize your body for the next day. Give it a TRY!
GROWTH MINDSET:
I believe our willingness to give and our thoughtfulgestures show the truemeaning of kindness.
May you all be wrapped with kindness and thoughtfulness this Thanksgiving and beyond :)
Dear Families, I’m so excited to begin this educational journey with your child and YOU 💚, sharing updates, celebrations, and news of ALL our learning ✨📚, along with upcoming events 🗓️. From our “Class Family” 🏫 to your “Home Family” 🏡, this blog will help us stay connected, informed, and united as partners in your child’s growth and success!🤝 📚✨ This blog will serve as a tool for us (teacher 👩🏫 – student 👦👧 – parent(s)/guardians 👨👩👧👦) to communicate and celebrate your child’s academic, social, emotional, and mental well-being this school year! 🌟 🗓️ Please note, I will be updating my blog every Friday . You will be notified by email about this 📧🙂 👀 Your child and you are encouraged to check out the blog at your convenience. This way, you’ll be informed weekly about what’s happening in our class 🏫 and can help reinforce learned concepts at home too 💡📖 🤝 Together, we will work as a dedicated T.E.A.M. = “Together Everybody Achieves More” 💪💚 to suppor...
Dear Families, ✨ Wow, we’ve already wrapped up our second week of school ! Time truly flies when you’re learning, growing, and having FUN together! 🎉📚 In our classroom, I strive to ensure my students feel SEEN, HEARD, and VALUED 💕. We’re making it our mission to use KINDNESS 🌟 in our thoughts, words, and actions each day. This will always be an important goal for our class family 💫. A big thank-you 🙏 to the families who took the time to read my last blog update! I know it was a lengthy one (oops 😅), but I promise the information I share is always connected to what your child is actively learning and experiencing in Grade 3/4. My hope is that the blog becomes a meaningful window into our weekly adventures together 📝🌈. Your kind messages of appreciation after my last post truly made my day 💌! I’ll keep working hard to provide you with highlights and updates each week. Consistent communication and transparency with both students and families mean so much t...
Dear Families, Another mindful and meaningful week for us! 🌱 I am very pleased with how my students have smoothly transitioned from summer to school mode ☀️➡️📚 I am also VERY PROUD and DELIGHTED with the students’ efforts and hard work 🌟👏. It is truly a JOY being back in the classroom 💖 and I think I can say for us all, what a gift it is to learn and grow from and with each other 🤝😊 I consider your child a great inspiration to be MY BEST SELF as an educator and human being 💃🏾✨ Many of the kids look up to me 🧒👧, and I take this very seriously. So I promise to continue putting my best effort to provide the highest standard of education (within and beyond the curriculum) for your child 🙏🏾📖 Thank you Rylee for your sweet sentiment 🥰 I think you’re FANTASTIC too 🌟 As you’ve probably gathered from my blog updates thus far, we have been go, Go, GO 🚀 with our learning in class! You’ll soon read and see how much we’ve accomplished in a mere 3 weeks! ⏳💡 I am looking forwa...
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