Dear Families,

I would like to start off by saying a heart-felt thank you to those Moms who shared a loving comment and notes in the agenda regarding Mother’s Day.  I received feedback from you which in turn touched my heart and I am eternally grateful to be surrounded by your amazing children every day.  Your compassionate thoughts, words, and support made my week!!  I have been doing a lot of reflecting lately in the absence of my mother as she's in India currently to be with her family, the bond between a mother and her child is truly one of a kind!  I admire, respect, and am inspired by all the mothers out there who consistently demonstrate and share their strength, dedication, and unconditional love for her children.  I am fortunate that I have been blessed to have a mother who has been the ultimate role model and who has been there for me always.  Thank you Ma for all that you do, ALL THAT YOU ARE!  You are amazing!!  On Monday, several students wrote a recount about their special day with you!

I also want to wish you all a happy and safe long weekend!  I have already heard some of the neat adventures, my students will be partaking in, such as camping, going to the trailer, cottages, etc. Have a blast with your precious child and I look forward to hearing all about it come Tuesday!!  I will be spending my long weekend outside doing much needed yard work.  Also, on Monday, I will come into the school to see if any of our baby chicks successfully hatched.  Please send your positive thoughts and prayers, as last year, I didn't have any success with this and I don't want to disappoint my students.    

Magic Show to End Bullying:
On Monday morning at 9:30a.m, we had the pleasure of having IncrediBrent and SuperSara come to our school to share their special magical talents and the following powerful message:
1. Anything is Possible
2. Believe in Yourself
3. You're not Alone
4. FIND YOUR MAGIC!
Staff and students were all left truly inspired by Brent and Sara!!  Thank you Mrs. Bell for providing our school with this opportunity and continue to learn, build, and grow in our awareness to END BULLYING NOW!

Meet IncrediBrent & SuperSara

Thank you Nolan for filling this out and sharing it with our class!

Jump Rope for Heart:
Thank you for your pledges and supporting this much needed cause.  Mrs. Weiderer has worked very hard at preparing this event at our school and her efforts are really appreciated!!  Students spent the afternoon in their house colours and teams to participate in a variety of skipping activities.  Everyone was enthusiastic, engaged, and excited!!  Thank you mother nature for holding off on the rain, it was cool out there, but everyone's hearts were pumping and we had a blast!  
Here are a few pictures from our jumping events :)

New Lowell's GOT ART!
Yesterday, Mrs. Czerny and I sent home a note regarding this event and this evening you will see an official invitation, please take a moment toread it.  It will take place on Wed. May 20th from 5-6:30pm and my class will be performing 2 songs.  We have been preparing and practicing all week, and are excited for you to see us.  Please have your child at the school gym by 5:20pm ready to perform.  
Mrs. Czerny, thank you for organizing this event for our school community, the arts truly bring out the best in all of us!  There is no right or wrong, creativity and magic is within EVERY child's heart and mind.  Thank you for letting US ALL SHINE!!

Symmetry FUN!
This week, we have been enjoying our learning about Symmetry.  I am very impressed with my students grasp of this concept.  We have done a lot of 2-D shape exploration and real world items and drawing lines of symmetry that are vertical, horizontal, and diagonal.  Ask your child about these terms and see if they can tell you all about it :)  At the end of our symmetry lesson, I had the students pick a partner to play a 'Fill the Puzzle' game using pattern blocks (hexagon, trapazoid, square, triangles, diamonds) to further consolidate their recognition of these 2-D shapes and their attributes (faces, edges, vertices).  Some of the puzzles were quite challenging so students really had to use their collaboration skills effectively - working together to GET THE JOB DONE!

  
Book Fair:
On Wed. - Fri., there will be a Book Fair in our school library.  Everyone is encouraged to sign their names for the draw because if Ms. Hartley picks your name, you have a chance to spend $25.00 at the book fair!  In addition, as the classroom teacher, I get this opportunity as well to choose a book for our class library!

Quote:
"Be kind.  Be respectful.  Be YOU."

Namaste, 

Miss Gill

Dear Families,

April showers bring May flowers!  Have you spotted any yet?  We have entered our second last month before the conclusion of our school year!!  I am amazed at how much we have accomplished as a class and how much more we have to experience together as a learning community.  Exciting times ahead!  I hope you'll find some outdoor ways to enjoy the sunny skies and warm temperatures this weekend.  On Mondays, I always look forward to hearing about my students' experiences with their family.

Character Recognition Assembly:
At the beginning of the week, we had an assembly to celebrate and honour all the students who have demonstrated OPTIMISIM - "We believe we can do it!"  Congratulations to Kaden and Karrington for consistently believing in themselves and their abilities even when it was difficult. Your determination, tenacity, and dedication to getting the job done is an inspiration to your peers and teacher.  Well done!

Optimistic Kaden & Karrington

Grade 7/8 Ottawa Trip:
On Wednesday, our intermediate students along with Mr. Daniels, Ms. Wismayer, Mr. McCann, and Mrs. Draper travelled to our country's capital, Ottawa.  I hope their journey was safe and they enjoyed themselves learning at Parliament Hill.  I know some of my students have a sibling who went away, I hope this transition of a sister/brother gone away from home for the first time was smooth.  They'll certainly be excited for Friday evening when they're reunited!!  
I adore Ottawa and to this day fondly remember when my Grade 8 classmates and I went.  It was wonderful and I still have my pictures from it!! 

Math Learning:
On Thursday's math class, our learning goal focused on recognizing and representing a variety of 2-D shapes using geo-boards and elastics.  Students enjoyed this process thoroughly and their creations were excellent!  During consolidation, we all listened attentively to each other's findings.  We discussed the various attributes on the 2-D shapes such a sides, edges, vertices (corners), and faces. Please enjoy the pictures below of our engaging learning!

Ashlee makes a 2-D square

Brody & Carissa

Emma & Kaden work together to get the job done!

Conrad & Miika cooperatively collaborating!

Cassius

Math Wall

Nolan & Layla

Consolidation of our Geo-Board creations

Mother's Day:
On Sunday, Mothers around the world will be celebrating Mother's Day!  I want to take this opportunity to wish all the Moms of my students a very joyous, loving, and memorable day!  I would also like to express my gratitude to the Moms who consistently support my teaching and your child's learning at home.  It has and continues to make a remarkable difference.  

We had a class discussion about the importance of respecting and showing our appreciation to our Moms everyday.  This resonated with my students and I could tell they wholeheartedly agreed.   
Your child spent the week making you a card which they are over the moon to share with YOU!!  I think you will really enjoy it, especially their heart-felt letters to you.  When I conferenced with your child, my eyes filled up as I was very moved by their touching words to you :)  I anticipate you will experience the same.  Enjoy your special day, you deserve it!
Here is a set of pictures from our hearts to yours...

Brody!

Miika

Carissa

Ashlee

Karrington

Alexander

Layla

Daniel

Conrad

Kaden

Jacob

Karina

Nolan

Emma

Kurtis

Cassius

Emma:
I would like to thank Emma for her beautiful card she made me upon hearing that I lost my beloved uncle who passed away Apr. 30th in India.  I was deeply moved by your kind gesture and thoughtful words, Emma.  You have helped give me strength and courage during this difficult time for my family and I.  I HONOUR YOU, always.  Thank you!!   

Quote:

“Forget who hurt you yesterday, remember who LOVES YOU every day.”  -- William Gr. 4

Namaste,

Miss Gill