“A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he gives up.” 

Thank you Julia for bringing in this fortune cookie quote to share with our class!  What a powerful message!

Rockin' out on Pajama Day!

Dear Families,

It is officially our March Break!  I hope you’re all enjoying the spring like temperatures and weather!  My prayers came true from last week, wihoo!  I am really looking forward to spending this Break outside in nature with my loved ones close.  I feel very fortunate to have this time off to spend it family and dear friends.  Thus far, I have already been out snowshoeing twice this weekend; I think Nordic Highlands has inspired me greatly in pursuing this winter activity more and more in my life!  It is a fabulous work out and time well spent amongst the trees getting fresh air.  I am wishing you ALL a safe and enjoyable Break with your child!  I will see you on St. Patrick’s Day with a … yep, you guessed it - A SMILE J  If you’d like, please wear GREEN to get into the spirit!

“Inclusiveness” Recipients:

Josie, Bradley, and Xavier - always inclusive to their peers!

K-8 Inclusiveness Recipients - congratulations to one and ALL!!

Congratulations to Josie, Bradley, and Xavier for being recognized for displaying Inclusiveness– “We include others in our play, we never turn anyone away.  You all have worked diligently hard to demonstrate this trait and I am so very proud of your efforts!  Continue to be your best selves in all that you do!  I have also included a picture of all the other students from K-8 who received this award as well, our school is filled with amazing children!

Nordic Highlands – FINAL SESSION:

On Wed. we traveled to Duntroon to participate in our last session for Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing.  The weather this time cooperated, it was a beauty out!  The temperature was perfect and the sun was shining, we couldn’t have predicted a better day.  The first part of the morning we spent on our skis with Chance (a young, talented, passionate instructor).  He taught the students effective strategies to go up/down hills, getting up after a fall, and he challenged many of the students to try the ‘blue’ trail which has many steep hills!  Thank you Chance for being such a fantastic leader and energizing my students to step outside their comfort zones to persevere!! 

In the afternoon, we joined Lucy for snowshoeing in the woods!  As part of our learning, we were taught some techniques for shelter-building.  The students quickly got into groups and built shelters using materials from their surroundings.  Let me share, this task was not easy, but each group worked together to get the job done!  I was in awe of their creativity, determination, hard work, and not giving up!  The shelters turned out amazing.   I could see and feel the pride of each group.  As a treat for their efforts, each student got the opportunity to roast a yummy hot dog in a wood burning fire – it was finger-lickin’ goooooood.  Please take a moment to enjoy some of these pictures  …

Chance instructing us all on how to effectively get up a hill using the 'pizza' style method

Steven, Jax, Anjoli listening attentively and using Chance's model

Ready?  Set.  We're off!

Confident skiers independently venturing on some steeper hills

Eagen, William, Jax, Ryan - enthusiastic and ready to build their shelter in the woods!

Owen, Wyatt, and Daniel - determined to dig out a loooong piece of wood to start their build!

Alex, Jakob, and Steven - all set, ready to go!

Trista patiently gathering material and gently placing her pieces for her creation!

Eryn and Mrs. Knowler working together to get the job done!  Great team work girls!

Josie, Grace, and Anjoli inside their cozy shelter!

Perseverence at its finest, you did it boys! 

Julia, Mikaila and I nestled in cozily in their shelter!

Eryn and Julia all smiles upon their completion!

Sammi, Julia, Mikaila and I enjoying the view!

Sammi, Julia, Eryn, and Mikaila - a hard working team!

Snowy, forest bliss!

Peek-a-boo!  We SEE you!

Proud builders - Carrie-ann & Trista

Their efforts paid off, well done boys!

Owen, Wyatt, and Daniel - they dug, lugged, and assembled their shelter wonderfully!

Well deserved hot dog roast!

Hot dog time!

Grateful Ryan wishing you all peace and happiness for your March Break!

Mrs. Knowler (Julia’s Mom):

I would like to express our utmost gratitude and appreciation to Mrs. Knowler for spending each trip day with us.  She came all three times and WE are very grateful for this!!  Your time, energy, love and support means so much to us.  I can say with confidence – without you, our experience may not have been as smooth, and well executed.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts; you are an amazing volunteer, mother, PERSON!!!

“Pain is temporary.  Quitting is forever.” –BayHaven Nursing Home, Collingwood

Namaste,

Miss Gill