Dear Families,

Happy December!  It sure doesn't look or feel like it just yet, but we're in the midst of the 'most wonderful time of the year!'  Students are happily buzzing about their Santa letters, lists, elf on their shelf, parades, and our upcoming holiday concert!

Welcome Mr. Perry:
I would like to take this time to warmly welcome our new principal Mr. Perry to our school.  He has been very visible, present, and engaged with all staff, students, and families.  We have had the pleasure of having him join our class this week during our Brain Gym exercises.  He said, "Miss Gill, it helps me get into a more focused, alert, and calm mindset."  Students have been excited to share and show him how to perform each pose.  He needed some guidance with the 'hook-up,' and Hannah N. modeled this for him.  He's got it now! Thank you Mr. Perry for joining us, you are always welcome to, and we are happy you're part of our class and school family!!

Patterning & Algebra:
This week, I sent home a math note about our new learning goal.  I hope you had the opportunity to go over it with your child.  If not, maybe this weekend :)  We are learning to identify, extend, and explain growing, shrinking, and repeating patterns.  This will be a focus over the next while, and students are enjoying demonstrating what they already know and are taking a keen interest in learning more as the expectations in Grade 3 and 4 focuses more heavily on number patterns.  Ask your child what a pattern rule means and how to show a number pattern in a t-chart.

Intermediate Girls Basketball:
Congratulations to our intermediate girls basketball team for winning the area championship this past Tuesday!  The girls demonstrated excellent character, sportsmanship, and skill throughout the tournament.  Each athlete represented the Nighthawk family with pride and dignity!  I am so proud of their efforts.  We are off to the County Finals in Midland this Tuesday!  Basketball was my favourite sport as a child, and now it is my favourite sport to coach!  It has been a joy to be able to pursue both my passions - teaching and coaching sports!  I'm very blessed.  Maybe when your child is in Grade 7/8, I may be able to coach them too!  I hope so :)

Artist Visit:
We will have the pleasure of having artist Sean Dawson visit our classroom on the 9th to teach, inspire, and share his passion for the arts.  Students will get to learn and grow in their artistic skills.  I have had Sean visit my other classrooms when I taught in New Lowell and Alliston.  He is fantastic and I know the kids will enjoy having him here!  Please sign and return the permission form and payment by Dec. 7th.

Artist Visit Permission Form

Mia:
Today was Mia's last day with us as she is moving to a new school.  We will miss her bright smile and willingness to help others.  Although you won't be here physically, we will always keep you in our minds and hearts.  Thank you for being a kind, caring, and compassionate student and friend!  All the best in your future endeavours.  WE HONOUR YOU!

Growth Mindset:

"Be YOU!  Let YOUR light SHINE."   

Thank you Tate for this inspiring quote!

Namaste,

Miss Gill