“It takes more energy to be negative than positive.  Choose wisely.” – Grace

Dear Families,

Happy June everyone!  Yes, you read that correctly, it’s JUNE everyone!  We’ve entered our final month of school.  Where’d the year go?!  I suppose it zips by when you’re surrounded with amazing students every day who make you smile!  I am truly blessed and have enjoyed every moment creating beautiful, lasting memories. 

What a gorgeous, bright, sunny weekend we just all experienced!  I was in awe of the warm temperatures, clear skies, and overall beauty of it all.  I spent some time outside taking care of my grass because as we all know, it tends to get thirsty in this climate.  I also went to a dear friend’s house on Saturday evening for a delicious BBQ and bonfire roasting smores.  As our summer holiday nears, I am getting excited to partake in many more opportunities to be outside with friends and family!

Character Trait of the Month:

This month we are focusing on Responsibility – “We do the right thing even when no one is watching.”  This morning, I had a discussion with my students about the importance of always being accountable for our thoughts, words, and actions.  We must all take responsibility for this as it is vital to ensure the safety and happiness of ourselves and others. 

At the beginning of the school year, I had my students in groups and create Success Criteria for this Learning Skill.  Here are some of their purposeful ideas: 

Responsibility is …

·         “When we do things that we are told to do” (Grace’s group)

·         “Always being responsible for our things” (Alexander’s group)

·         “Finishing your homework and remembering to bring it back to school” (Xavier’s group)

·         “Take initiative to use class time to work on school things” (Trista’s group)

·         “We will always tell the truth” (Eagen’s group)

·         “We will accept others for their differences” (Wyatt’s group)

·         “We will always put in our personal best” (Steven’s group)

Character Assembly:

Due to the Grade 6’s writing EQAO, our first of the month scheduled assembly will be taking place next Monday morning.  We will be honouring recipients for last month’s character trait of Respect. 

At this time, I would like to warmly welcome some of Mrs. Morin’s Grade 5 students who have joined our classroom for this week because of the Grade 6 testing.  Welcome to - Charlotte, Mackenzie, Caleb, and Justin.  I am delighted with their entry thus far; they have already adjusted very well to our routines and expectations.  I look forward to their time with us.

Narratives:

Over the next two weeks, students will have the opportunity to share their Narratives with their peers.  I had the opportunity to look over their rough drafts and I am delighted with their published pieces!  “Boys and girls, you have worked so hard and your efforts are greatly appreciated!”  Today, we enjoyed listening to the following stories:  Steven’s “The Frigid Blizzard,” Daniel’s “Michael Jackson’s Back Up Dancers,” and Owen’s “The Big Ride.”  “Great job today boys, I could tell your peers were fully engaged and enjoyed listening to your Narrative!” 

Health:

Over the next while, in health we will be learning about the harmful effects of smoking and how we can make healthy choices that will help our bodies.

Learning Goal:  We will identify the influences (E.g., the media, peers, family members) affecting the use of tobacco, as well as the effects and legalities of, and healthy alternatives to tobacco use.

Success Criteria:

·         I can identify the major harmful substances found in tobacco and explain the term addiction

·         I can describe the short and long term effects of first and second-hand smoke, and identify the advantages of being smoke-free

·         I can provide skills to make and maintain healthy choices related to tobacco use, and recognize factors that can influence decisions to smoke or to abstain from smoking (E.g., the media, family members, friends)

Reminder:

Just a reminder that this Friday there is no school for students, but staff will be here.  Enjoy your three day weekend with your child! 

“Love not hate.”  --Martin Luther King Jr.

Namaste,

Miss Gill