April Break 12 - 16th

Dear Families,

The second week of April has come and gone!  The warmer temps arrived this week and we're all loving IT!  We had another busy, yet productive week at school.  So much engaging, fun, and interactive learning happening in and out of our classroom!


I want to take this opportunity to thank all my students for their continued diligence each and every day.  Everyone is working tremendously hard and putting in their best efforts!  

As a teacher, it brings me tremendous JOY seeing my students achieve their best!!  I am certain when school work comes home, you're equally as proud and rejoice in your child's growth.

Thank you parents for always being so supportive and working with your child on their various at home activities (e.g., word study, extra math practice, reading comprehension).  It is truly appreciated!  

A Message from Mr. Perry:
Please note that while we are currently scheduled to return to school on April 19th, the Ministry of Education is requiring in-school confirmations of self-assessment on this date only.

I sent home a paper form in the agenda today with all my students who were at school, that is to be filled out and returned on the 19th confirming completion of self-screening.

Below, I have also attached this form for anyone who was away today or if the form goes missing. 
Stay at Home Order:
Yesterday, the Ontario government announced a provincial stay-at-home order for all Ontario residents in an effort to further suppress the spread of COVID-19. 


This order does not apply to schools; therefore, in-person learning will continue and all SCDSB schools will remain open to students and staff. 

Spring Break will continue as scheduled from April 12 to 16, 2021. At this time, we are planning for the regular return to school following the Spring Break on April 19, 2021; however, it is important that we are prepared to respond to public health measures that could include the need to move to a remote learning model. 

With that in mind, we encourage you to ask your child(ren) to take their personal belongings home with them on the last day of school before the break, Friday, April 9. 

Should the decision be made by the Ministry of Education and public health officials to close schools to students, we will communicate directly with you to discuss next steps, including information on how to access technology, if required, for the purpose of remote learning. 

For information and updates, visit the SCDSB website (www.scdsb.on.ca) or follow us on social media (Twitter - @SCDSB_Schools, Facebook – www.facebook.com/scdsb). 

April Break:
As many know, we will be beginning our April break on Monday (12th) to Friday (16th).  I want to wish you all a safe, happy, and healthy time with your loved ones!  I realize it may not be ideal for some as we're back to restricted measures, but knowing my families, you'll ALL make the most of it and remain your optimistic jovial selves :)  


Did you see the gorgeous rainbow that appeared on Tuesday evening?  
In case you missed it, here's a view of it from my house :)

I am thinking about all the grandparents (your parents) who I can only imagine how much they miss seeing and HUGGING your kids.  The bright side is that you can still FaceTime them which some students have shared with me that they regularly do :-)

Distance Learning:
We are currently experiencing a VERY uncertain time and as such, you will have noticed that I sent home work packages for the JUST IN CASE.  I have every hope that we will reunite after the Break, but we just never know.

If we must enter distance learning again, please have your child on Google Meet Mon. Apr. 19th at 9:15 a.m. with their materials ready (Daily Math & Grammar).

As always, thank you for your ongoing support, flexibility, and understanding as we navigate ourselves in this unprecedented time.

Autism Awareness Day:
On Tuesday, the SCDSB honoured World Autism Awareness Day! 


It was so nice to see some students wear blue to show their support!  Thank you parents for encouraging your child to participate, I really appreciate it :) 


Beach Day:
April Break is now here, we may not be able to travel to a hot destination, but we sure felt like we were on vacation earlier this week!  Check us out dressed to impress in our beach attire :-)


Thank you boys and girls for showing school spirit!!  We all look soooo calm and cool in our shades and sun hats!

Day of Pink:
Did you know that Wed. Apr. 14th, 2021 is the International Day of Pink?  This year's theme is "Let's Distance Ourselves From Discrimination Too."


In class, we have learned that Pink Shirt Day is much more than just wearing the colour PINK, we are acknowledging the importance of spreading KINDNESS TO EVERYONE no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.


We are all DIFFERENT and that's OK!  This is what makes our planet so bright & beautiful!  Remember to always celebrate your uniqueness and BE WHO YOU ARE!!  



Please take the time to speak with your child next Wed. about this special day and wear PINK to honour it too :)  Please email me photos if you do!  I'd love to see them!!

Mindful Walks:
This week on our beach spirit day, we experienced sunny skies and warmer temperatures which was perfect for a walking adventure.  The kids and I are loving the little loop behind our school.  This gives them an opportunity to socialize and enjoy being outdoors with their friends!!  Look at all their smiles from their eyes ;)



I have so many nature enthusiasts in my class and I'm learning SO MUCH from the kids about animals and their habitats!!  Thank you boys and girls for sharing your knowledge with me :)  



Math:
As shared in last week's post, students worked on the following math task (see photo below).  Using the 4-Block Method, the expectation was to display their Understanding, Planning, Solving, and Explaining.  


The growth in this area of mathematics has been wonderful!  Most students are now taking the time and process to show their thinking using number sentences (equations), a clear plan, and explaining with PROOF.  I sent home this task today so please take some time to review it and talk with your child about his or her strategy to solve it.  


Dougie:
During one of our nature walks, Dougie shared with me how he was born in Kingston and how much he loved his farm there too.  I attended Queen's University and lived in Kingston during my four year degree so I was definitely interested in hearing about Dougie's experience in this beautiful city! 


Thank you Dougie for taking the time and sharing these lovely art pieces of your farm in Kingston!  Your love for your farm, the outdoors, and playing with all your heart is admired!    

Lily:
Thank you Lily for consistently being mindful in your thoughts, words, and actions during Brain Gym.  Lily was our helper of the day today and she led our mindfulness with her sweet, gentle spirit.  


My heart swelled with joy upon seeing her leading our meditation earlier today.  After meditating, the energy in our portable was so peaceful which lead to a very productive afternoon of learning.  I encourage all my students to continue doing our mindful exercises (Brain Gym with the tapping technique and meditating) at home during the Spring Break :)  

Mindfulness:
Here is a short video explaining how you too can incorporate mindful meditation into your daily life!  Give it a try, you may find it very helpful especially during this trying time we've been experiencing the past year.




Growth Mindset:
"When someone does something unkind, 
use it as your SUPERPOWER to do WHAT IS RIGHT!" - Kaylee


Meegwich,
Miss P. Gill

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