Dear Families,

Here I am writing my final blog update for our 2016/2017 school year.  It is with mixed emotions that I write this post.  I am happy to have completed this year seeing all my students diligently grow academically, socially, and behaviourally.  But, I am truly sad that our time together in our learning community is complete.  I will miss each student as they have in their own way brightened my heart and soul with their smiles, enthusiasm, and respect.  Each day I was greeted with warmth and positive energy.  I truly am the blessed one!  

I would like to thank each of you (parents) for all that you have done this school year to continually support your child in each and every thing that they participated in (E.g., paying for numerous field trips, the many parent volunteers giving their time on field trips, home reading, word study homework, extra math practice homework, spirit days, Poetry Cafe, and the list goes on).  As a teacher, I can honestly say, I could not have done it without you!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 

Ready for SUMMER!!

I want to take this final opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe summer holiday!  Enjoy and seize every moment you can with your dear child!  I will miss them greatly!!!  Take care and keep smiling J See you in the fall everyone!

Poetry Cafe Testimonial:

I don’t know about you, but I’m still beaming with pride and joy for my student’s outstanding performance last week at their Poetry Café!  I received some heart-warming remarks from some parents, students, and staff about the wonderful presentation.  It was a true reflection of how brilliant the hearts and minds are of my students!  Thank you families for being part of this celebration and providing the nutritious and delicious treats! 

"Reflecting on the amazing production of poetry appreciation your class performed last Thursday ...congratulations to ALL!  The whole school should have the opportunity to see you perform in a very professional way.  I have witnessed every student's increased appreciation of the arts this year and with this year and with this interest and confidence, there will be good things to see next year. Wishing all a happy, healthy summer."  - Ms. Sharon Stewart

Fun Fair Sponsors:

Our annual Fun Fair was an amazing event this year and we wanted to thank everyone for all the positive feedback, especially about the all-inclusive wrist bands and the BBQ.  We would like to send another BIG thank you to our sponsors that helped to make this Fun Fair AMAZING!!  

Many thanks to:

Garbutt Construction DKI – Full- Service Restoration Company, Langford Contracting, LumbarJACK Tree Service, Georgian Bowl, G. Patten Carpentry, Batteaux Kitchens, Eclips Hair Salon, Abbey's Sweet Treats, Scenic Caves, Bellbrae Animal Hospital

Greenhawk, Kells Service Centre, Paula's Pantry, D and L's Family Variety, Dornoch Tap and Grill, Head over Heels Gymnastics, Boston Pizza, Pie Collingwood, Rusty's at Blue,

Kidding around Indoor Playground and Parties, The Candy Factory, Minds Alive, Kennedy Orchards, Duntroon Highlands, Cranberry Resort – Livingshore Spa, Batteaux Creek, McKee Tirecraft, Graphic Wearhouse, Spa Lumina, Sobey's, Metro,  McDonald's, M & M's, Ice River Springs, Tim Hortons

Graduates:

Congratulations to all our Grade 8 graduates!  I had the pleasure of coaching some of the girls in intermediate basketball.  It was a fantastic season as we won the area tournament and received a banner!  I’m so proud of Leah F., Lean D, Hannah O, Peyton S., Maisy, and Lauren M.!  A fabulous group of girls who not only display exceptional basketball skills, but also have tremendous character off the court.  Good luck in your high school endeavours!  

I attended the graduation ceremony Wednesday evening and it was wonderful to see everyone “dressed to the nines!”  Our 8’s looked so beautiful!  As I sat admiring everyone, I couldn’t help but think about my students (your child) getting up on stage for their graduation!  I can’t wait!  I know, I know, we still have a few years left don’t we J haha.  It will be a precious moment and one I’m very much looking forward to!  It’s been an amazing year watching each learner grow to their full potential!  They are truly ready for the next grade level J  

Report Cards:

This week, students received their report cards and as always, I like to reinforce that for me, it is not solely about the ‘marks’ or ‘level’s,’ but an emphasis on celebrating students’ strengths and next steps.  We all have areas which we excel in and things we need to continue to work towards.  I am proud to say that each student this year displayed their personal best and it has reflected in their growing character.  Many of you know how important character and values are to me as I believe this is what will take you further in life …always be a respectful and supportive person!  It takes patience and practice, but if continue to work towards this, we will lead a happy and healthy life for all to enjoy! 

Below are pictures of students completing a self-assessment for learning skills.  I hope you enjoyed reading these with your child.

Talent Show:

Congratulations to ALL the talent show performers!  I was in awe of the many talents shown!  Nottawa is filled with amazing students – wow!  In particular, I would like to extend a HUGE congrats to the participants from our class, namely Lola, Katelyn, Alexis, Hannah W., and Isla.  You girls did an outstanding job and displayed your extraordinary skills in singing, dancing, and playing the recorder.  It takes a lot of courage to get up in front of the whole school.  You did it with such grace and gentle confidence.  You made our class family so proud!!  Way to go girls J

Teacher Gifts:

To all my families, thank you for taking the time, energy, thought, and love to give me a year-end gift.  I am so moved by your generosity and caring hearts!  I will cherish them all, and please know, I will always fondly remember your support.  It has meant the world to me!  My connections with my students' parents/guardians is something I truly value.  I could not have made the progress in your child's academic, social, and behavioural learning if I didn't have you every step of the way - thank you, thank you!!

Growth Mindset:

“BE YOU!  Everyone else is taken.” - Tristan

WALT "We all learned this year ..."

Namaste & Respectfully Yours,

Miss Gill

Dear Families,

I can’t believe this is my second last BLOG POST of the school year!!  I have thoroughly enjoyed communicating our news and learning with you all (my students’ families).  I thank you for being a regular follower and supporting your child’s learning (E.g., by asking them questions about their week) and reading my thoughts J  It has been a true pleasure writing these posts each week as I get to reflect upon all the neat things we're doing as a class, this brings me immense joy too!  

We had another jam-packed fun week of exploring, learning, and sharing!  You'll see with the abundance of photos I was able to capture :) Take a moment to find your child's lovely smile, they're precious, aren't they?!  Absolutely!  Enjoy your weekend ... may it be sunny and bright!

Blue Mountain Field Trip:

This week the primary and junior classes had the privilege of going to the Blue Mountain Village to participate in some adventurous fun!  In the morning, our class enjoyed a guided bike tour and then the low ropes.  Many students stepped out of their comfort zones facing their fears of heights and riding a mountain bike up and down some hills.  I am so proud of how each student managed themselves through their challenges and persevered!  The day ended with us at the spectacular Plunge splashing, diving, and swimming.  I was impressed with how many awesome swimmers we have at Nottawa!  I must be honest, I’m not a strong swimmer, in fact, I can’t really.  But, it is a life skill and one that we should all be comfortable with.  It’s never too late to learn, perhaps this summer as I live right by the water!!  Check out some of the sweet diving pictures I was able to get!

A huge thank you goes out to Mrs. Shaw for organizing the trip for us!  Also, I would like to extend many thanks to our lovely parent volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to be with us to lend a hand when it was needed.  I know how much the boys and girls appreciated this as did the teachers.  Without you, we could not have had as successful of a day as we did.  Thank you, thank you!!

Poetry Cafe:

Thank you families and friends for attending our Poetry Cafe!  What an amazing turn out it was! The students thoughtfully prepared for this day of sharing and it meant the world to them having you there to honour and celebrate their learning and love of Poetry!  I am very proud of their efforts, and I ensured I took some time during the Cafe to be present and rejoice in my students' accomplishments. My heart soared for them!!  Check out the great family pics below!

  

Parents, thank you for your generous contributions of preparing a healthy fruit or vegetable for us all to enjoy at the conclusion of our performance.  It was delicious!  I hope you had an opportunity to listen to your child's poems they created in their portfolio, they are outstanding!!  Thank you boys and girls for sharing your 'Voice,' it was powerfully heard :)

Character Education & Spirit Assembly:

On Thursday, we celebrated June's character trait of the month – Responsibility!  Congratulations to Riley and Graydon for striving to demonstrate this more consistently in your behaviour and school work.  Keep doing your best over the summer months to be responsible for your belongings, schedule, and helping out around the house.  I’m sure your parents would appreciate this!  You’re hard workers, so I know you can do it!

Thank you to ALL the students and staff members for participating in our final spirit day to honour and celebrate our GREAT COUNTRY CANADA on its soon to be 150^th birthday!!  It was wonderful to see all the red and white colours to represent our land.  We are truly the luckiest people on the planet to live in the best country which is safe, strong, and free!

Cloth Bag:

Please have your child bring a cloth bag (the ones you may use for grocery shopping) to school on Tuesday June 27th in preparation for our end of school clean up.  We will be using these bags to put all items belonging to your child from school to bring home for the summer E.g., pencil cases, class work, books, indoor shoes and any other miscellaneous items that belong to your child.  This will greatly help in organization and clean up.  Thank you!

Reminders:

• June 28th Report Cards Home
• June 28th Grade 8 Graduation
• June 29th Talent Show & Last Day of Classes for Students
• June 30th PA Day for Teachers

Growth Mindset:

“Do the right thing even when it’s hard.” -Isla

Namaste,

Miss Gill