Dear Families,

As we enter into our March Break, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe, enjoyable, and rejuvenating Break with your loved ones!  Some of my students have mentioned that they've going away and that their break is jam-packed with activity, that's terrific!!  In the past, I've been to Florida with a dear friend, however, this year that isn't the case, but I am planning on enjoying all the wonderful and fun winter activities that Collingwood has to offer.  Rest and relaxation will also be part of my break!  I am very much looking forward to hearing all about the special things your child did with YOU!  Although, we won't be at school, I wanted to also wish you a HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!  A few students dressed in GREEN today to celebrate this occasion. Thank you so much for partaking in this!!

 Grade 4 Social Studies Project:

Thank you to all the students who worked so hard to complete and then share their Province & Territories project.  They turned out amazing and now we have a deeper understanding of the features and characteristics of provinces outside of our own (Ontario).  We are now in the process of an art project which highlights the various provincial birds.  Ask your child which bird they chose :)

The Great Big Crunch:

Yesterday our class participated in a school wide initiative to help promote and get excited about Nutrition Month and snacking smart to refuel our minds and bodies.  Every student was given an apple and at 2:30 p.m. we all crunched into our delicious treat and thought about the importance of healthy snacking.  

This evening in your child's agenda, you will find an Apple Nutrition Facts sheet that you may wish to go over with them to learn MORE and try the Sensory Exploration activity as a family! Happy CRUNCHING!  

Artist Visit & Art Expo:

Thank you to Ms. Stewart for visiting our classroom on Tues. and Thurs. to pilot another creative art project with my class! This time, our focus is on Birds Around Canada.  We chose this theme as it celebrates our beautiful country and it is turning 150 years come July!  Students each picked a bird of interest to research and create.  Many of the Gr. 4's chose their provincial bird as this links wonderfully to their social studies learning.  Please note, when we complete these pieces, we will be displaying them for our Art Expo for students and their families to admire which will take place on Wed. May 3rd from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Mark it down in your calendars now :)

Mrs. Garvan & Mrs. Weeks:

Today during period 3, we had a surprise assembly for Mrs. Garvan (grade 6 teacher) and Mrs. Weeks (planning time teacher) to celebrate them as they head into their journey to parenthood! Both these lovely teachers are expecting their first child and we want to wish them the very best in this precious and magical experience!  As a colleague and friend of yours, I will miss your bright smiles and supportive ways.  All the very best and we look forward to meeting your new bundles of JOY!    

Website:

Today in the library, Mrs. Johnson introduced an engaging website that you may wish to explore over the holidays.  There are many fascinating books to check out - a library at your fingertips! Reading is thinking and I'm encouraging all my students to continue reading, reading, READING to help further develop their fluency and comprehension skills.  Plus, what's more relaxing than a quiet space, snuggling up and enjoying a good book :)  

Here's the link: https://www.getepic.com/

Growth Mindset:

I love when my students eagerly want to share their own growth mindset quotes with me and their peers :) This creates such a positive energy not just in our words, but more importantly in our actions! Thank you Brock for this week's inspiration!

"Be the BEST person you can be!" -Brock

Namaste,

Miss Gill