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

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 were able to come to our school’s Healthapalooza last week (Thurs. 4-7pm).  Unfortunately, I missed it as I was at a Leadership Centre with Gr. 6, 7 students.  I look forward to hearing about it this coming week from my students.  I am so proud of this healthy journey we’ve taken on as a school family, it shows just how caring we are towards our students making healthier and active choices to help them live a bright, joyous life!

Baby Chicks:

Cheep!  Cheep!  A dozen new eggs ready to incubate & HATCH!!!

As you can see, we’re at it again!  Yes indeedy, I have received a dozen more eggs for us to hatch J  Farmer Mike from Lucia’s Country Market was gracious enough to provide us with this second opportunity.  After our class discussion for the possible factors that may have contributed to our chicks not hatching successfully, we are now paying close attention to the humidity, temperature, and fingers crossed that we don’t lose electricity as long as we’re incubating our darlings.  Our chicks estimated day of hatching is May 21^st I will keep you all posted J

Nordic Highlands Field Trip – Rocks & Minerals Investigation, Survival Games:

Last Monday, our class traveled to Duntroon to participate in a Science related field trip.  I must say, Nordic Highlands runs an amazing program for students, and we have been fortunate enough to go there four times this school year!  The staff is very educated, warm, and welcoming.  Also, our students have consistently demonstrated their best behaviour and we have been complimented for our Character which makes me as a teacher so very proud of each learner!  Lucy from Nordic came up to me at the end of the day and said, “Miss Gill, the way your students handle and carry themselves in our building is extraordinary.  It has been a true pleasure having them here.  We hope to see you again!”  The first half of our day, we learned about the Life Cycle of Rocks & Minerals.  Students participated in a variety of science workstations to learn and consolidate their thinking in this strand of science.  I was very impressed with the enthusiasm and engagement of each student while they worked at their station. 

Here are a few pictures from our Rocks & Minerals Investigation:

Daniel recording sands around the world

Thank you Mrs. Lamers for guiding and supporting William at his workstation!

The second part of the day focused on learning about Animal Survival and classifying them according to Herbivores, Carnivores, and Omnivores.  Chance led an engaging discussion on how animals meet their needs to survive in their habitat.  We then all ventured into the forest and played a survival game.  Each student was either a herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore and had to survive by getting food, water, air, shelter, space and not be hurt or caught by disease (parent volunteers).  It was amazing to see everyone having the best time with this activity!  Here are a few pictures from all the FUN IN THE FOREST!

Lesson on Habitats & Communities

Chance our Survival Expert

Even I was a wee nervous taking this pic!

Paige, Eagen and Alexander ready to pounce on their prey!

One last discussion for safety before all scatter in the forest

Grace & Sammi getting food

Jax, Owen, Stone, and Jakob getting water

Trista getting shelter

Alexandra & Mikayla perfectly hydrated

Izzy, Trista, and Daniel hungry for hot-dogs

Izzy, Daniel and Julia ready to survive their predators

Parent Volunteers:

Mr. Knowler engaging students in Rock discovery!

Mrs. Lamers actively teaching and supporting every step of the way!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Knowler (Julia’s Dad) and Mrs. Lamers (Eryn’s Mom) for accompanying us on our field trip.  They were not only volunteering their time, but they also did some teaching during our Rocks & Minerals investigation.  I appreciate you graciously being open to this experience for my students.  You both were amazing with the kids, I know how much they enjoyed learning and having FUN WITH YOU.  I am fortunate to have parent volunteers in my class who are loving, supportive, and compassionate – thank you!!! 

“You will miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzsky

Namaste,

Miss Gill