Week #19: Jan. 19th - 23rd

Dear Families,

Despite the very chilly temperatures lately, January has been a picturesque winter wonderland!  The kids have been having a blast building snowmen, creating snow structures, and playing snow football during recess.

I have to say, the views of our schoolyard throughout the seasons are absolutely stunning, and I feel so GRATEFUL to admire them daily from my portable window.  Take a look!

Photo cred. goes out to Mrs. Newman!

SPEECH PRESENTATIONS:

I would just like to acknowledge and extend my gratitude to everyone who presented their speech this week in front of the class!  

You ALL did your personal best and I could tell so many of you prepared for this experience at home.  It certainly paid off :)

For many people, public speaking is a fear, and I can whole-heartedly empathize with my students as I too get the jitters when I have to speak in front of a large audience (e.g., assemblies, workshops, Stone Soup).  

In class, we've learned that F.E.A.R. has two meanings.  In tough situations, we get to choose.

Face 

Everything

And

Run

OR

Face

Everything

And

Rise

What will you choose to do, RUN or RISE?

Stepping outside of our comfort zones can be quite challenging, but when we do, we often realize potential in ourselves we never saw or embraced in ourselves.  

It's good to try new things, even uncomfortable ones because we can rise to new heights and develop our potential higher and higher :)

SPEECH FEEDBACK:

I appreciate all the students who took the time and energy to provide our speech speakers with specific peer feedback. I hope your child brought this home to share and you were able to have a look through these :)

Although there may be some spelling or grammatical errors in these notes, please know students put their efforts in to try to recognize each others stars (strengths) and arrows (next steps).  

I am hopeful your child will be able to recognize what they did well so they can continue to thrive in their public speaking and make adjustments (improve) in areas that need more work :)

PRACTICE YOUR MATH FACTS:

Our focus in math has been on honing our multiplication and division skills.  I have introduced some math games to make this process engaging and fun :)

Last week, I showed the kids Salute, and today I taught the kids another multiplication card game which they enjoyed!  If your child was here today for the 'snow day,' please ask them how to play.  

Check out the photo below for instructions to this game called Number Battle.  We modified it to using 2 cards as opposed to 3.

For the rest of our math period, the kids battled it out and have become more comfortable and confident using the multiplication chart.

As a youngster, my grandfather used to drill multiplication facts into my brother and I during our summer holidays.  

Truthfully, I didn't "love" it at the time, but I soon realized the value in it as it sure came in handy as I entered the older grades when I needed to readily know my 'math facts.'

Of course math is much more than 'memorizing facts,' children need to understand what the equations that they're presented with mean.  I have and continue to explicitly teach this in class and we're getting the grasp of it.

At home, I do encourage that you please have your child practice their multiplication facts 0x - 12x so these become more 'automatic or known by heart' just like if I asked, 'What's 1+1, 2+2, 5+5.' 

Becoming more comfortable and confident in this area of math will surely come in handy as the kids move forward in their educational journeys.  

Have your child try out some of these (click below) friendly math games over the weekend.  It will help develop and boost his or her math facts for multiplication and division!  

Practice Makes PROGRESS!

MULTIPLICATION GAMES

DIVISION GAMES

CARTER:

A shout-out to Carter for earning a Full Mathalon Certificate through his dedication and hard work completing Knowledgehook Missions! 

This achievement is a reflection of his perseverance, focus, and commitment to learning. Way to go Carter, you should be so proud!

Completing Knowledgehook Missions isn’t just about earning a certificate (although that is pretty awesome!). 

Students are building strong mathematical knowledge, sharpening their thinking and problem-solving skills, and growing their ability to communicate their math thinking with confidence.

Let Carter’s success be a reminder and motivation to others: keep working through your Missions, stay curious, and challenge yourself. The learning you gain along the way is just as powerful as the recognition at the finish line!

Keep up the amazing work, everyone, you’ve got this! 💪📐

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY:

Did you know the third Monday every January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?  

It is a day for everyone to honour the life and legacy of this remarkable civil rights activist who helped thousands stand up for the equal rights and treatment of all people.  It was his mission to end segregation and he did with the help of the beloved Rosa Parks.

Take a minute to check out the video below as an introductory lesson on Dr. King's remarkable impact.  It is child friendly and provides important information about this extraordinary civil rights activist.  

After watching the video in class, we took the time to think about and reflect upon the following:

"Write about a dream that you have for making our country a better place."  

We brainstormed many meaningful ideas and the kids wrote with their hearts 💞 

I was moved by their thoughts and words, and have every confidence they will put these into their actions!!  Check out some of the examples 👇🏾

These completed sheets will come home in the agenda, when they do, please take time to admire these.  Many are so proud of their messages.

Below I have also posted Martin Luther's King Jr.'s most famous speech and it brought tears to my eyes.  Please give it a listen.  

As an educator, I look up to Dr. King and will always do my best to pursue my dream which is to help children grow not just as students, but more importantly - as people (the best version of themselves even when no one is watching).  

HYLA:

I would like to take this time to thank the Colquhoun family for their generous donation of books to our classroom. 

I am grateful for their thoughtful selection of titles that celebrate Black Lives, promote mindfulness, and honour International Women’s Day.

These books will inspire our conversations and encourage empathy!  Your kindness is cherished :-)

BELL LET'S TALK DAY:

Did you know, the third Wednesday in January is annually dedicated to Bell Let's Talk?  Yes, it's true!

Mental illness is a very common form of human pain and suffering. Being a good listener and  asking how you can help or simply just being there for people you care about can be the first step to recovery.

On Wednesday, January 21st we had a class discussion about the importance of being educated about the stigmas surrounding mental health.  

Many students were not fully aware of this topic stigmas so it was good opportunity for me to touch upon this and you know, I will definitely be reinforcing mental health throughout the remainder of our school year.

Please take a moment to watch and listen to these two informative videos below.  It gives a clearer understanding about this topic and how we can have a greater appreciation for those who are affected by mental health.

Ask your child the 5 ways someone who suffers with mental health can BOOST THEIR WELL-BEING.  HINT (see image below too):  Connect, Give, Learn, Present, Active).  

We as a class family are so fortunate that we participate in these wellness suggestions each and everyday!

I hope you enjoyed the Self-Care Activity page that came in the agenda and perhaps you've had a chance to try one out already :)

Taking care of our mental wellness is equally as important (if not more in my opinion) as tending to our physical well-being.   

SELF-CARE JOURNAL:

As shared above, we’ve been learning that taking care of our brains and hearts is just as important as our physical well-being and schoolwork. 

This week, students began using a Self-Care Journal to help them reflect on their feelings, strengths, and well-being.

Students responded to simple prompts such as:

• How can I take care of myself?

• What can I tell myself when I’m having a hard day?

• What are three things I like about myself?

These activities I believe help build confidence, self-awareness, and positive thinking. As I looked through a few entries, I was so proud of how thoughtfully and honestly the students shared their ideas.

The journals will be coming home soon, and I encourage you to look through them with your child and talk about their reflections. As always, thank you for supporting their social-emotional growth at home! 🌱

ART:

To further help connect our learning to mental health and well-being, Bell Let’s Talk provided colouring pages that invited us to reflect mindfully on our connection to the Earth (Aki) and the Water (Nibi).

I introduced students to a Two-Spirited Indigenous artist, Lucia Laford, who created these beautiful pages. 

The two pieces were designed together to share teachings from two important aspects of our way of life, reminding us of the need for balance and harmony. They reflect how ceremony, community, and cultural teachings are vital to holistic mental health.

During our Art period, we listened to sacred, soft music and mindfully coloured, focusing on connecting our energy to the Earth and Water. The classroom was filled with a peaceful presence, and students were truly present, thoughtful, and passionate about their colour choices.

✨ Check us out below! ✨

FIELD TRIP:

As a class, we looking ahead with excitement to our upcoming field trip to The Wye Marsh in Midland on Tuesday, January 27th! 

It'll be a special experience for the children, as it gives them the opportunity to connect with nature, explore the outdoors, and learn through hands-on discovery in a beautiful setting.

Since our day will be mainly outdoors, it is very important that children come dressed for the weather. Please ensure they are wearing warm layers, waterproof outerwear, hats, mittens, scarves, and winter boots so they can stay comfortable and fully enjoy the day. Dressing appropriately makes all the difference when spending extended time outside in winter!

Please note that if Tuesday is an inclement weather day or is too cold, the trip will be postponed to ensure everyone's safety.

Thank you parents as always for your support and partnership. I can’t wait to share this winter adventure with the children!  I'll be sure to post photos in next week's blog post so you can see your child having fun!

CHARACTER RECOGNITION ASSEMBLY & SPIRIT DAY:

As always, we invite you to our upcoming Character Education Assembly on Thursday, January 29th at 2:00PM, led by Mrs. Steele's & Mrs. Week's classes.

All families are welcome to attend as we come together to honour and celebrate the students here at Nottawa who demonstrate good character through their thoughts, words, and actions.  Their efforts help create a safer, more welcoming, and trustworthy school environment that we’re all proud of.

To make the day even more fun, it will also be a Spirit Day with it being SUNGLASSES DAY!  We encourage everyone to come in their funkiest shades and let their faces shine!

SUPPORTING HOME HORIZON & THE COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR:

Ms. McMullen (new Learning Centre Teacher and my dear friend) and I are excited to share a school initiative we are bringing to Nottawa in support of The Coldest Night of the Year, benefiting Home Horizon and helping youth in our community who are hurting, hungry, and homeless. 

This cause is very close to our hearts, as we strongly believe everyone deserves to feel safe, warm, and cared for. Below is an image of Ms. McMullen and I with our friends at the 2025 walk :)

After attending the Captain’s Meeting on Wednesday in the Willow Room above the cheese shop, we were instantly inspired and are thrilled to plan, prepare, and facilitate a school wide walk at Nottawa (date T.B.D. in February) and invite your support 🙌🏾

Our school goal is to raise $1,500.00, and knowing how generous and compassionate the Nottawa community is, we are confident we can reach it together 🎯 

Below, I have shared the donation link for those who are willing and able to support this important cause. 

We are also forming a staff and student Nottawa Elementary "Shelter Squad" and would love for families to join us for the community Coldest Night of the Year walk on Saturday, February 28th at 4:00 PM starting at 140 Maple Street at the Trinity United Church. 

Would love to see you there! Click the link below 👇🏾 

Donate Here

To learn more, an information video has been shared below. In addition, Pam Osmond, organizer and head of fundraising, will visit our school on Wednesday, February 18th at 2:15 PM to speak with the children about Home Horizon and how we can make a meaningful difference together.

Thank you for helping us show care, compassion, and warmth to those who need it most.

BODEN:

Speaking of care and compassion, I want to take another moment to acknowledge another wonderful student our Boden for his thoughtful and compassionate gesture of bringing in tabs for wheelchairs earlier this week 🥰

This act of kindness speaks to his selflessness and his ability to empathize with and consider the needs of others. 

Boden has been such a joy to teach, learn, and grow with, and his kind, respectful, and hardworking ways are appreciated. 

Thank you Boden for showing us all the power of thoughtfulness and generosity 💙

MIRABELLE:

Thank you to Mirabelle who came to school on Wednesday with her sweet smile and said, "Ms. Gill I have something for you."

Upon seeing this gift, it instantly made me smile :-)

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and unexpected gift! It made the cold wintery day feel so warm and meant a lot to me. 

Your kindness and appreciation touched my heart, and I feel so grateful to be your teacher, Mirabelle 🥰

MINDFULNESS:

In life, we will not agree with everyone, and that's OK!  In fact, it's better than ok, it's what makes our world so bright, innovative, and interesting!  

But, what I've shared with my students especially in collaborative situations at home (with siblings) and school (with peers), we must always be considerate of others thoughts, feelings, and opinions.  

If you don't agree with someone, please remember to RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE.  We all have a voice, it needs to be heard in a kind, caring, and respectful manner.

"Let's treat people like they are PEOPLE, people! There's a lot of disagreeing going on in the world right now. So, it's time to teach us kids how to disagree with people without making someone feel terrible."

Here is Kid President's 6 Steps to learning how to disagree with people. "Remember, just because we disagree about which is better, dogs or cats, doesn't mean I can't be a good friend and listen to all the reasons why you like cats." #KidPresident #SoulPancake

GROWTH MINDSET:

This week's mindset message is inspired by the great Dr. King.

What does it mean?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that it’s never too early or too late to make a good choice.  When we see something unfair or someone in need, we should take action right away. 

Doing what is right like being kind, honest, or helping others is always the best thing to do, no matter when or where. 

It’s a message for all of us, kids and adults to lead with kindness and courage every day!

With appreciation & respect,

Ms. P. Gill