Week #31: April 20th - 23rd

Dear Families,

We had yet another productive week of learning!  We spent quality time thinking about, reflecting upon, and honouring Mother Earth. 🌍 

We spent quality time outdoors connecting with nature as we learned about Earth Day and ways to protect & preserve our planet. ♻️

Below, many of us are dressed in GREEN (represents the land) and BLUE (represents the oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds) to show our dedication to our planet to help it get greener and cleaner!

Thank you boys and girls for not only showing school spirit, but more importantly, demonstrating your commitment to being an environmental activist to help PROTECT, RESTORE, and FUN for preserving the planet!

MRS. ROTH VISIT:

On Monday, we had the pleasure to have Mrs. Roth join our classroom to kick off our Earth Week Learning!  

During her visit, she read The Lorax, and as she shared the story, the children used their imaginations to visualize and create pictures on a piece of paper as they listened.

After this activity, we had some fun with making Earth Day cookies and talking together about how we can take care of our planet. 

The students learned about and shared thoughtful ideas about what each of us can do to make the Earth greener and more sustainable. Way to go boys and girls! ♻️

Thank you, Mrs. Roth, for the passion and care you brought to your lesson helping us understand the importance of caring for our planet now and always. Earth Day is truly every day! 

For those students who were absent on Monday, guess what, Mrs. Roth will be coming back into our classroom to do some more teaching for us so you will get an opportunity to learn and grow from her :) Stay tuned!

WASTE EDUCATION WORKSHOP - IMPACTS OF LANDFILLS & COMPOSTING ON SOILS:

On Wednesday, we had a the Waste Education Team Member from the County of Simcoe come to our school to deliver a presentation to our class about the environmental impacts associated with landfills and the roles we play as individuals to make sustainable choices every day.

During this, students also gained a better understanding of the impacts that landfills have on soil health, groundwater and the atmosphere, as well as the benefits of composting and using the green bins (at home & school).

It was a very informative experience and students were engaged with activities offered by the instructor. Ask your child about this experience by seeing the images :) 

Thank you boys and girls for taking an active interest in this environmental workshop and learning about how you can make your impact by making more sustainable choices in your day to day life. It can and will make a difference!

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP:

On Earth Day (22nd), our class had a wonderful time taking part in a community clean up with our learning buddies! It was special to work together with younger students to help take care of our school and the environment.

We showed teamwork, responsibility, and kindness as we picked up garbage and worked side by side. It was a great reminder that even small actions can make a big difference in keeping our community clean and safe.

I am so proud of the way everyone worked together in helping our environment. Way to go, everyone! 🌎💚

A special shout out to Blackey´s Mom who joined us! We appreciate your efforts and being there for our school community :)

LANGUAGE:

Our focus in reading and writing has been on Earth Week activities.  Your child lovingly completed a collection of meaningful tasks which promotes taking action to help preserve and protect our planet!

These writing pieces will come home in the agenda once we've completed them all :)

We also discussed the importance of why we need to STOP PLASTIC POLLUTION IN OUR OCEANS FOR GOOD!  Please watch this 4:30 minute video to learn more.

Our oceans are being filled and killed by throwaway plastics. But together, we can create a movement to reduce throwaway plastic at the source and save our oceans.

Oceana and its allies are already winning plastic-free victories -- victories that aren't possible without your help. Are you ready to be part of our movement to #BreakFreeFromPlastic?

teamseas.org

EARTH DAY ILLUSTRATION CONTEST:

Thank you to everyone who worked hard on their art piece for the friendly ReadWorks Earth Day Illustration Contest! 🌎🎨

Many did a good job showing their understanding of the stories they read by turning their ideas into artwork. It was wonderful to see how students used what they learned to create illustrations that reflect ways we can care for our Earth.

I am so proud of the effort, creativity, and thought that was put into this assignment. Woohoo 🙌🏾 

Please note, I have submitted the completed pieces to the contest, good luck to everyone! 

CHARACTER RECOGNITION ASSEMBLY:

On Friday, May 1st at 2:10pm, Mrs. Newman's grade 2's & Mrs. Barr's grade 5/6 classes will be leading our character recognition assembly.  They have been working hard to prepare for this. 

I always look forward to these special events because it's a time to acknowledge and honour our Nighthawks good character from K-8.   

We're surrounded by amazing children who display SCDSB's 23 Attributes (as seen on the certificate below).

As always, all families are welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing you there if you're able to make it.  

I will be sure to reveal and write about our well deserved winners on next week's post.

SPIRIT DAY:

Along with our assembly, we are encouraging staff and students to rock their favourite decade by dressing up in clothing from that era.

Need some ideas?

• 1960s: Tie-dye shirts, peace signs, bell-bottoms
• 1970s: Disco outfits, flared pants, funky patterns
• 1980s: Bright neon colours, leg warmers, big hair
• 1990s: Denim jackets, plaid shirts, overalls
• 2000s: Tracksuits, graphic tees, cargo pants

Looking forward to seeing what my students come up with. I'll likely rock the 90's as that's my elementary and high school days ;)

WYE MARSH FIELD TRIP:

Our rescheduled Wye Marsh trip is coming up! It will take place on Thursday, April 30th. 

This outdoor learning experience will be an opportunity for students to explore nature, learn about local wildlife, and connect with the environment in a hands-on way. 

Please ensure your child's dressed for the weather as a portion of this trip will be outdoors :)

If you haven’t yet signed the permission form online, please do so ASAP.

Additionally, if you're an approved volunteer and are available to join us on the 30th, please send me an email so I can add you to the volunteer list. 

Many thanks!

MINDFULNESS:

Please tune into this captivating short Conservation International Film and join forces to give nature a voice!

Yes my friends, it is up to us to PROTECT, RESTORE, and FUND to help Mother Earth who is our greatest provider. The time is now to LISTEN, ACT, UNITE for climate change!

GROWTH MINDSET:

Thank you Greta Thunberg for being a powerful voice and environmental activist to help inspire our youngsters that they can too can MAKE A DIFFERENCE with one step, one act ... AT A TIME!

***POST A PHOTO & QUOTE BY GREAT THUNBERG

Still determined as ever, and just 21 years old. Below you can we hear about Greta's project ‘The Climate Book’ which brings together 100 experts to share their views on the climate crisis and what we do next as a planet.

With much appreciation & respect,

Ms. Gill