I hope everyone is enjoying The first few hours of summer vacation! I had a lovely last day of school with your children. 

I really had an amazing year with this class. I can truly say that each child is so bright, inquisitive and creative in their own ways, and inspired me to be a better, more creative teacher. While they supported each other in their classroom community, they supported me too. Every child played such a special part in our classroom community. 

I was particularly blown away at how they were able to treat each other with such respect and compassion.I reminded them today that I don't have a magical pixie dust that I can sprinkle on them to treat each other with kindness. It was all them with very little guidance. I get teary eyed just thinking of where these students will go in the future with such great attitudes and interpersonal skills. 

I'm already feeling sad thinking about going in tomorrow morning and having an empty classroom. I will miss their laughter and smiles every morning.

I know going up to the main school can be tough but I know from experience as a student myself and as a teacher, that these children will be fine. It won't always be easy, but I know they will be ok. 

In each student's report card envelope is I DVD with a slideshow of our year together. I hope they can look back and remember grade 3 with fond memories. If for some reason the DVD didn't burn correctly just send me an email and let me know. I can send you another. 

Thank you for all of your kind, thoughtful, and generous gifts. I feel spoiled! Also, thank you for all your kind words in cards. I really was touched reading them all when I got home tonight. 

Please keep an eye on your email next week. I will try to send some pictures from the year. 

If there is anything that you think your child may have forgotten, I will be in tomorrow and you can come to check.

Your child is coming home with some slime today. I will post the recipe at a later date. I recommend that this gets played with only on a hard surface so that it doesn't get stuck.

The students voted for one last prize, and we will be doing crazy hair/costume/bring a board game. I will provide some snacks for the party. If you want to send some healthy fruit that would be ok, but not necessary. 

 A disk came home today that has pictures and videos from grad. Thank you to the organizing parents for putting this together. 

Tomorrow we will be doing science experiments and some painting. Please make sure students wear clothes that can get dirty. No need for a smock, just nothing that's your fanciest dress. I'd also recommend plastic flip-flops to change into. 

This last week of school always feels like a 100m sprint all day! We have so much to do in so little time. Here are some things to know for the upcoming days:

On Thursday, we will be harvesting potatoes, radishes, salad greens, and beets. Please make sure students wear clothes that are ok to get dirty. We will be doing this rain or shine, so make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. 

Thursday afternoon we will be walking up to the main school to see the gr 4s and 5s perform plays. Again, make sure to dress for the weather as it is supposed to rain. 

On Friday we will be cooking and eating our harvest. On the menu is potatoes two ways, mixed salad with a olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, local fruit, yogurt (thanks to a fund from BC dairy in the classroom), and granola. Please send a labeled plate, bowl, fork, and spoon  on Friday. Our preference would be plastic so as to minimize accidental breaks. 

Thank you parents for creating such a wonderful celebration for the children. It was so nice to see them celebrated and encouraged. I heard so many students say how much they loved today. I truly felt honoured to be a part of these children's lives this year. 

Just a quick reminder to students that they have something 'special' in their agendas for Sunday. I know today was so exciting I don't want them to forget. 

One other side note, a teacher friend recommended an article on cbc kids' Facebook page. I was looking at it earlier today, and it has some great ideas for activities with kids. If Facebook is your thing, it would be a great page to follow. 

Have a great weekend! 

I came across this article that I thought you all would find interesting. It can be hard to find an appropriate amount of screen time when it is everywhere now a days. You can read the article here

If you are looking for an alternative to screen time, here is another article that might be of interest!

Yesterday we had a really beautiful conversation about this quote from 'Le Petit Prince'. In English it means 'We only can see clearly with the heart. The essential is invisible to the eyes.' 

I know the blog has been quiet recently. This time of year is always crazy and I find the blog is the first to go. I hope to see all our volunteers tomorrow at the volunteer tea!

We have been doing lots of gardening at school. Here is a little article if you're looking to have your kids do their own gardening or looking for somewhere to start 

https://www.facebook.com/KidsCBC/posts/1126286164108301