Week #22: Feb. 9th - 13th

Dear Families,

Can you believe we're already entering into the second full week in February!?  Time flies when you're consistently learning, soaring, and growing :-)  

I would like to take this moment to acknowledge the many students who are doing a GREAT job at engaging in their daily at home learning such as Word Study Homework, Knowledgehook Missions, Readworks, Mystery Science, and other tasks I assign.

This demonstrates your child's excellent dedication and responsibility for their education beyond the classroom walls which is oh so appreciated!  

Please know, this hard work does not go unnoticed and contributes towards your child's learning skills and work habits achievement which is located at the front page of the report card.  I feel this is a strong indicator for your child's overall qualities as a student.  

I am so proud of my students' efforts they put in and out of the classroom :)  Keep up the efforts as we enter the final term of the school year, wowza!

REPORT CARDS:

Speaking of report cards, if your child was not in attendance today, that's a-ok, he or she will receive their report card on Tuesday.

I would like to take this time now to share that over the past several weeks, I have been working hard by sitting down and writing your child’s report card. 

It was a special time to reflect on all of their growth, hard work, and many achievements this term. I am so proud of each and every one of them!

Inside the envelope, you will also find a special letter called “How Do I Get My Letter Grades?” to help explain how grades are determined. 

How I Get My Letter Grades Note

I know sometimes the focus can be on the “letter,” but I really want you to know that the comments are there to support your child. 

That’s where I share your child’s strengths (what they are doing well) and their next steps (what they can keep working on to keep soaring and growing!). 😊

If a mark seems lower than expected, please don’t feel discouraged. Your child is making progress and will continue to make gains. 

Grades 3 and 4 are a big jump from Grades 1 and 2. Reading becomes more complex, with “out of the box” comprehension questions and using evidence from the text to prove thinking. 

In math, students are solving multi-step problems, and we’ve been working very hard using the 3 Read Model and the 4-Block Problem Solving Method to strengthen these skills.

I have also included work samples for you to admire and celebrate at home.

As we enter our final term, this is a wonderful time to set goals and keep doing what’s working. 

My wish is for every child to reach their own unique potential, and I will continue to gently encourage and “push” them to grow into their very best selves. 🌟

MID-YEAR SELF-ASSESSMENT:

So, I completed my assessment of my students, but I also wanted to give your child the opportunity to share their 'voice' and let you know how they think they're doing.  

It is a meaningful process as your child gets the chance to write down their own thoughts about what they'd like YOU TO KNOW about their learning thus far this school year :)

They took pride in sharing these achievements!

Goal setting is such a significant and important aspect of learning.  

Please take some time to read their self-assessment and celebrate their feedback they’ve given themselves 🥰

Can you believe there's only one more term left, I can't believe I'm writing this!  Time flies when you're with such passionate, hard working, and a respectful group of children.  I truly am the blessed one :)

FAMILY DAY:

Wishing you all an enjoyable Family Day LONG Weekend!  I hope with having the ‘extra’ day off on Monday you will have the opportunity to spend quality time with all your loved ones.  

For me, I do my best to appreciate and value my time with those I admire and love :)

I’m a fairly private person and don’t share a lot of my personal life, but I feel connected to you all so I feel I can be vulnerable and share a little bit about my family and my Hero (my Ma) 🥰

Growing up, I came from a small, but mighty family consisting of my older brother Anil and my Ma Shiva.  Ma is a single parent who raised us (bro & I) to be empathetic, respectful, and hardworking.

I am who I am today because of all the sacrifices my Ma made for me so I could pursue and achieve all my dreams!  

She immigrated from Punjab, India in 1979 not knowing anyone, the language, culture, etc ... and unfortunately, we didn’t have any support from my father. 

Through her dedication and determination to give the best life and opportunities for her kids, she did EVERYTHING to provide for us.  

She's a lady of many hats who has worked in factories, TD Bank, bus driver, PSW, motel business owner for 14 years, yoga & meditation instructor, and probably other lines of work I'm unaware of.  Ma's a very versatile gal ;)  

I am in awe of her perseverance and resilience - traits that I as an educator try to instill in my students :)  

My mother could have given up as she faced many hardships in her personal life, but she carried on gracefully with pride and dignity because she always wanted to provide endlessly for my brother and I (still does to this day).  I aspire to be like her!

Ma on her 65th birthday in April 2020

As dedicated parents, you can surely relate and know what it means to love and nurture your child(ren) unconditionally so that they too can live a fulfilling life and be who they are.

For me, the true essence of Family Day is extending our gratitude to our parent(s) who are the ONES who make our lives bright & beautiful.  

I have encouraged all my students to let you (parents) know how much they love and admire you this family day.  I hope you'll get to sit back, relax, and hug it out with your child(ren) this long weekend.

Thank you to all the Moms and Dads and Grandparents of my students for everything (and more) you do each and every day!  You’re raising remarkable children 👏🏾

VALENTINES DAY:

Thank you to ALL the staff & students who showed school spirit by wearing red, white, purple or pink!  It was so nice to see everyone get into our celebration to spread the message of LOVE & KINDNESS.

Thank you families who took the time and energy out of your busy schedules to purchase cards, toys, and yummy treats for US to enjoy!  

I appreciate the Valentines & gifts I received too, it meant a lot to me :)

Kindness is like a BOOMERANG.  "No act of kindness however small is wasted."  Enjoy this inspiring song and video to get your hearts and minds into the spirit of giving :)  

We listened to this in class and students were glued to the images, lyrics, and connecting to the songwriter's message - I love it!  You may find yourself playing this on repeat, I sure did!

Valentines Day (and everyday) is an opportunity to express our love and gratitude for one another.  We've certainly learned from Martin Luther King Jr.'s BIG WORDS - "Love is the key to the world's problems!"  

I would now like to share a "heart soaring" picture book below.  Simple words send a powerful message: When you love yourself and those around you there's nothing you can't do!  

Take a moment to listen to the story and ask your child what the author's message is and why :) 

Thank you Mrs. Johnson for sharing this with me.  She later said to me, "This had YOU written all over it!"   I absolutely loved this one!  

Throughout the school year, I have been so moved by my students sharing their love and kindness with me each day they arrive with an open heart and open mind, what a gift!  

Like many celebrations throughout the year (e.g., Thanksgiving, Earth Day), I have shared with my students that Valentines Day is something that we must acknowledge and celebrate every day!  

Yes my friends, it is the right time ANYTIME to spread LOVE, JOY, KINDNESS, and PEACE!

LEARNING BUDDIES:

Speaking of love and kindness, today my students helped their lil’ buddies make a Valentines craft for their parents. 

It was so sweet to see, hear, and feeeeel the collaboration, communication, and connection as everyone lovingly worked together to get this job done :) 

At the conclusion of our time together, Mrs. Shaw shared her gratitude with us for helping the Kindies get this gift done in such a timely and calm manner. 

Way to go boys and girls!! 

RYDER:

Once again, a big thank you to Ryder and family for their continuous thought, care, and donations of tabs for kids!

We are so close to filling our 5g jug now and I have every confidence we will reach it oh so soon and we can then use the other 5g jug donated by Boden and start filling this one too, yay!

#livingisgiving

MATH:

We have been working hard on solidifying our skills in multiplication and division.  

I really appreciate those families who are taking some extra time out of your busy schedules to spend quality time with your child at home going over math concepts such as from the daily math sheets that come home at the beginning of each school week, it's making a difference!  Thank you so much 🧠✏️

This week, I posed a multi-step word problems that required your child to use multiplication and division. 

Check it out below and ask your child how he or she approached it using the 3 Read Model.

For this problem, students had the opportunity to work with a partner to help guide them.  After all, sometimes two hippocampuses are stronger than one and we can always learn from our peers and it's more fun! 

Check us out in math action below 👇🏾 

LONG DIVISION:

Remember learning how to do long division as a kid?  I sure do and lemme tell ya, it wasn't easy for me!  I had my Ma sit me down countless evenings to 'get it.'   

It's a tricky concept for some and the students are requiring more practice with it.  

Ask Your Child About This Fun Math Trick! 🧠✏️

In math, we’ve been learning a handy acronym to help us remember the steps of division:

🐶 Dogs (Divide)
🍖 Munch (Multiply)
💦 Soggy (Subtract)
🦴 Bones (Bring Down)
🐾 Ruff! (Repeat if needed)

Try it out with this example:

24 ÷ 4 
1️⃣ Dogs – Divide
2️⃣ Munch – Multiply
3️⃣ Soggy – Subtrac
4️⃣ Bones – Bring down the next number 
5️⃣ Ruff – Repeat: 

Final Answer: ? 🎉

Now, see if your child can solve this one:
18 ÷ 3 = ?

GOOGLE MEET:

This week, we had a very special Google Meet with the one, the only Marcia Hubbs aka Queen M!  

She is a prominent Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Activist in our community  You can find her beautiful face on the side of Fathom (store on First St.) signifying and honouring her contributions to bring love & light to Black History (and beyond).

Marcia shared with the children her mother's story of facing racism in Canada after she immigrated from Jamaica in the 1950's.  The students listened with care and compassion :) 

Exciting news - for the 4th year in a row, Queen M will be joining my class' Black History Assembly! 

In our school gym, she will vulnerably share her mother’s story with us in person, creating an unforgettable moment of learning, reflection, and connection.

In addition to sharing her mother’s journey, Queen M will also perform her song Colour of Her Skin acapella with your child as her choir! It's going to be a performance you won't want to miss!

In class, the kids are practicing it with their whole hearts and I couldn't be prouder!

CARTER:

On Monday, Carter walked into class and said, “Here Ms. Gill, it’s a book from home.” 💚

When I looked at the cover and saw Be You by Peter H. Reynolds, I was immediately touched. 

The message connects so beautifully to what we have been learning about acceptance and understanding that our differences are actually our superpowers.

We read the book aloud together and talked about how important it is to believe in ourselves, be proud of who we are, and let our true selves shine. 

When we choose to be kind, brave, creative, and confident, we help others feel safe to be themselves too.

 👆🏾 Carter and I supporting The Coldest Night of the Year, I love that we wore matching toques. #helpthehomeless

Thank you, Carter, for thinking of our class and for knowing how much I love and value these types books. 

It was a great way to make a special connection between home and school! 📚✨

BLACK HISTORY ASSEMBLY REHEARSALS:

We have been spending quality time getting well prepared for our Black History Assembly next Friday, February 20th! The students are feeling proud, focused, and full of energy as we prepare.

We have been practicing in the gym so we can really polish our entry, drumming, singing, and speaking parts. 

I believe practicing in the real space helps your child see what the presentation will look like, hear what it will sound like, and feel what it will be like on the big day. This helps everyone feel more calm and confident.

I always try to prepare students so they can run the assembly “on their own,” so to speak. 

I believe in helping students slowly take more responsibility and become leaders. When they can lead with confidence and independence, that is a teacher’s dream! 😊

What makes this assembly even more special is that it is also a history lesson. My students will be teaching the audience about the Black settlers, leaders, and change makers who made their home and their mark right here in Collingwood. 

They are learning about history and connecting it right to our own community. I love this so much! I am learning alongside them as I research and share these important stories with our school.

For additional practice to support comfort and confidence, I have posted all the Black History musical items on Google Classroom for your child to access at home.

I encourage everyone to please rehearse the following in a quiet space by themselves:

• O' Canada (gospel choir)
• The Land Acknowledgement (French version)
• Rosa Sat
• The Colour of Her Skin
• Bob Marley's "3 Little Birds"

R.S.V.P. FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH ASSEMBLY:

Please let me know as soon as possible via email if your child will be absent or late next Friday (20th) due to an appointment, family plans, or extra-curricular activities (hockey, cheer, etc.).

This is very important as I continue to plan and prepare for this presentation.

If your child has been given an extra speaking part, I sent this home today. It is strongly encouraged that they practice at home so they feel comfortable and confident. 

We are working on speaking with clear voices, strong volume, eye contact, expression, and confident body language.

As always, thank you so much for supporting your child’s presentation skills. We can’t wait to share this meaningful and powerful assembly with you if you're able to come attend. 🌟

HARRIET TUBMAN - A LEGACY OF COURAGE & FREEDOM:

We have been learning about various activists during this month of Black History and someone who I admire and am in awe of is the incredible life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, a true hero of the Underground Railroad. 

Perhaps your child has come home to share what they’ve learned about her? If not, no worries, this is an opportunity to start a conversation about her impact.

Harriet Tubman is best known for risking her life as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, leading countless enslaved people to freedom in the North. 

She personally led 19 daring escapes, helping approximately 300 enslaved individuals reach safety without a single person ever being caught! Her bravery and determination made her one of history’s most remarkable activists.

"Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we're free at last!"

Did You Know?

The Underground Railroad wasn’t a real railroad, it was a secret network that used railroad terms as code to help fugitives escape slavery. Conductors (abolitionists) used terms like:

🚂 Parcels, dry goods, or packages – referring to Black men and women seeking freedom

🏠 Destinations – safe houses where they could hide

🛶 Various escape methods – including travel by foot, in wagons with false bottoms, or even in disguise

Many freedom seekers found refuge in Canada, settling in communities such as Amherstburg, Puce, Sandwich, Dresden, Chatham, North Buxton, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and Ancaster. 

Did you know that Owen Sound and Collingwood were the two northernmost terminals on the Underground Railroad?

Explore More!

Want to dive deeper into this history? Visit Sheffield Park Black History & Cultural Museum in Clarksburg, Ontario. 

This incredible museum honours the Black settlers who found freedom in Simcoe & Grey County and offers an enriching experience for all ages.

EXCITING NEWS! 

The sisters Carolyn & Sylvia Sheffield whose uncle Howard created this museum will be special guests in our audience for our upcoming Black History Assembly next Friday! So the children may get to meet them :-)

If you have the chance, I highly encourage you to visit this museum during Black History Month, it’s a powerful way to reflect on the strength, resilience, and courage of those who fought for freedom.

#BlackHistoryMonth #HarrietTubman #UndergroundRailroad #KnowYourHistory #LegacyOfFreedom   

MINDFULNESS:

The NBA celebrates Black History Month.  Please listen and enjoy Doc Rivers thoughts paying tribute to the NBA's first black coach - Bill Russell.  

One of the most powerful words from this video for me was:  "Red didn't look at him as a black man, but as a man who could coach!" 

I believe we have come a long way from the injustices of the past.  Today, we see each other not by the colour of our skin, but by the content of our character.  

May we continue moving forward in this positive direction and ensure we keep it this way!

GROWTH MINDSET:

Thank you to Blackey for sharing this week's mindset message! 

"When things get hard, don't give up, believe in yourself." - Blackey

What does this mean?

It means that when something feels tricky, like a hard math question, learning a new song, reading a tough word, or solving a problem with a friend, we shouldn’t quit right away. Hard things help our brains grow. 🧠✨

Believing in yourself means telling your brain, “I can do this,” even if you need practice, help, or more time. It means trying again, taking a deep breath, and remembering that mistakes are part of learning.

Thank you, Blackey, for reminding us that we are capable of amazing things! 💛

With love & hugs,

Ms. Gill