Dear Families,

It was another windy, snowy, and cold morning for us.  On my morning commute, I experienced a few white out conditions, but arrived to school safely.  Mrs. Cznery and I carpooled together.  I do hope your commute to your workplace was safe.  I hope your child enjoyed their PD Day.  I’m looking forward to reading about their experience when they do a ‘Recount’ in their journals next week.  Also, happy ALMOST February 1^st!  Monday marks Groundhog Day ... what are your predictions?  I hope Wiarton Willie will be kind to us ;)  

Twin Day:

Yesterday, it was TWIN DAY!  Ms. Bumstead and I were twins for the day.  We wore brown shoes, dark blue jeans, a black sweater and wrapped a cozy scarf around our necks.  It was great to see all the ‘Twinsies’ at school.  A cheers for school spirit – hip, hip, HOORAY!  Thank you to all those that participated!  Here are a few photos of those who participated, enjoy!

Kurtis, Conrad, Miika - hockey twins!

Daniel & Nolan - camo twins!

Emma & Karrington - coordinated twins!

Layla & friend - long sleeved twins!

Ava & Karina - black attire twins!

Kaden & Jake - gentlmen-like twins!

 Character Recognition Assembly:

On Monday, we will be recognizing all the Honesty recipients for the month of January.  I always adore attending these assemblies with my students because it gives our school community an opportunity to celebrate those who demonstrate character in their thoughts, words, and actions.  We’re very blessed to be surrounded by so many students and staff who demonstrate good character on a daily basis.  I will be sure to post a picture of our class’ honesty recipients on next week’s blog post.

More Engaging Measurement Learning:

This week, we have been continuing exploring, investigating and recording our linear (length, width, height) measurements.  However, this time, students learned how to use a ‘standard measuring tool’ - a 30cm ruler.  They selected classroom objects to measure the lengths and recorded their finding in centimetres.  The students enjoyed this task as it felt “real” to them and they made connections to their families and how parents use measuring tape to measure household items.  Making that home to school connection is vital and speaks volumes about your child’s ability to connect his/her learning beyond the classroom.

Learning about length & width

We did it!

Karrington measuring the length of her book

Emma measuring her pencil - how many centimeters was it?

Layla measuring a kleenex box

How many centimeters is your name tag, Conrad?

Volunteers in the Classroom:

On Wednesday, we had the pleasure of having Brendan (former NLCPS student) a Grade 10 high school student volunteer his time in our classroom.  Brendan worked with students during our Literacy Workstations.  The ‘Green’ group enjoyed reading to him!  Afterwards, Brendan came to me and said, “Wow, Miss Gill!  I was very impressed with how your Grades 1’s use such expression as they read.  It was a joy to be part of.”  Yes Brendan, my students have been working hard at solidifying their skills and reading with expression/fluency is an important skill which we’ve focused on all year.  Thank you for being part of this process and supporting our learning, it is valued and cherished!!  Here are some pictures of students working accountably during their workstations …

Thank you Brendan for your time, energy, and support in helping my learners read!

'I Inquire' workstation!

'We Write' workstation

'Tech Time' workstation using our NEW Ipads (thank you school council and Mrs. Bell for this)

'Guided Reading' workstation

Miika tracking his reading

Jacob making meaning from his reading

Snowshoeing:

We're ready to snowshoe Mrs. Czerny!

On Thursday as per the note you received in the agenda, Mrs. Czerny took the class outside to go snowshoeing!!  I know everyone was so excited to take on this new endeavour and it was a huge success J One of my favourite winter activities is snowshoeing, so I was happy to see that the wee Ones got this opportunity.  YAY!  They played some cooperative games as well as learned the basics on the proper use of and handling the shoes with care.  Mrs. Czerny shared a pic with me of the kids trying to catch a snowflake on their tongues – cute! 

Quote:

“Be kind always.  It is always possible.”

Namaste,

Miss Gill