With a few twists and turns in the end, this 2019-2020 school year has now come to an end. We had fun, we cried, we learned and we played. Most importantly, we learned the value of family and how much we can miss each other when life prevents us from being together. Thank you for being on this journey with me!
I WILL MISS YOU!
STAY SAFE & NEVER CHANGE!
Mrs. Kiss
Farewell Message from the Cap'n:
You can see all of the messages the Cap'n left for you on his YouTube Channel.
My world has been a better place since you came along!
(Rachel Platten, Since you came along)
Farewell Grade 5/6!
Good luck next year!
Something to look forward to: One Day Soon (City of Calgary)
"Don't wait until you know who you are to get started."
- Austin Kleon -
RESPECT by Aretha Franklin
In 1967, Aretha Franklin released her son "Respect" which made it to the top of the Billboards and even became song of the year. I am sure you heard it somewhere.
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Proverbs 12:1) "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish."
Every day is a journey through time and space. Thank you, Lord, for the journeys that make up my life and take me to amazing places. I am grateful for the things I've learned on my life's journey. Allow me to appreciate the journey more than the destination and keep an open mind for the unexpected gifts on the road. I may not always end up where I thought I would, but I am grateful for the paths I travel.
"There are many great deeds done in the small struggles of life."
- Victor Hugo -
Chernobyl
April 26, 1986; announced April 28, 1986
Chernobyl was the worst nuclear accident in the history of the world. On April 26, 1986 the number 4 reactor in the nuclear plant blew up, sending radiation spewing across Europe as far north as Sweden. Two days later, the accident is announced on Russian television.
As I was also a child in Europe at the time, I have memories of this event, where we had to take medication to ensure that we would not be sick from the radiation.
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Proverbs 11:30) "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise."
When a task requiring faith confronts us, voices around us may say, "It can't be done." The voice may even come from within us, and we may want to quit before we start. But if we hold on to faith, we can succeed, no matter what the critics say.
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Proverbs 10:3) "The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.."
Like a warm and cuddly blanket that makes a child feel secure, and a favourite food that soothes the worried soul, God is there for me. Like a song that lifts my spirits when nothing else can, and the laughter of a child that makes me laugh in return, God is my rock. I always put my faith in the one who never fails me. I put my faith in God.
"Ideals are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them with your hands. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them you will reach your destiny."
- Carl Schurz -
HAPPY EARTH DAY!
The view from above on this day when we remember what a beautiful planet we live on and we take action to take care of it for many more generations to enjoy.
Earth Day began 50 years ago today. Check out a cool video on the history of Earth Day!
Lots of things happening online today on Earth Day. Check out this website for more information.
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 8:38-39) "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Storms may be brewing all around you, tossing you up and down upon the wild ocean waves. Having faith in God during the toughest of storms keeps you focused on the beacon of light that guides you back to the safety of the solid shore. Hold fast to God during the darkest of times. Your faith will bring you home again.
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 8:37) "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
No matter what challenges lay before you, count on God to help you overcome them. No matter your worries or concerns, count on God to guide you to the best solutions and bring you back into his peace. No matter ho afraid you feel, turn it over to God. Have faith, for you never walk through this life alone!
Mark Twain was a famous American author who wrote "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1876) and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (1885). He was born on November 30, 1835 and died on this day in 1910. His work continues to fascinate students and avid Mark Twain fans around the world. If you have never read either of these works, perhaps now is a good time to get familiar with some great pieces of writing to be inspired by.
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 8:33) "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that Justifieth."
The world may sometimes appear to be cold and uncaring, but we always hava a safe, warm place of peace within. That place is where God lives inside of us, loving us as a kind and supportive Father. When we have faith in God, nothing outside of us can truly do us harm, for we are always protected, always accepted.
Easter is the celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead. It is celebrated on Sunday, and marks the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent, the last day of the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday), and is the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year
"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get back up."
- Vince Lombardi -
Holy Saturday - Anticipation!
Holy Saturday is the period of Holy Week when Catholics remember Jesus' entombment. It is a preparation day. Today is a day of quiet and prayerful reflection on the true gravity of the crucifixion and Jesus' redemptive sacrifice. Throughout the world our Churches are empty of the Blessed Sacrament and quiet in anticipation of Easter's triumph over darkness and evil, sin and death.
Good Friday is the day on which Catholics commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Catholics are joined by almost all other Christians in solemn commemoration on this day. It is also a legal holiday around much of the world. (Please know that as you watch this video, strong emotions may be felt. Make sure you watch with an adult.)
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 8:15) "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
Imagine you are in a boat on the ocean. Suddenly the waters become choppy and you have a hard time keeping the boat afloat. As the waters grow rougher, you lose more and more control of the wheel that can turn the boat towards calmer waters. Letting our Holy Father take the wheel requires tremendous faith, but the results are tremendous peace. Let God steer.
The last three days of Holy Week are referred to as the Easter or Sacred Triduum (Triduum Sacrum), the three-part drama of Christ's redemption: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
Holy Thursday is also known as "Maundy Thursday." The word maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum (commandment) which is the first word of the Gospel acclamation.
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 8:13) "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."
It is easy to have self-pity and resent the painful trials and heartaches that come into our lives. But God works for our greater good. Pray that you will be God's instrument for bringing good to your world. Let the beams of God's goodness shine through you. Live through the Spirit.
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 8:10) "And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."
Rarely do I consider myself particularly righteous, but then I remember that your Word says that I've been made righteous in Christ. It's not my righteousness that I'm counting on, but His. He is working his righteousness into my life day by day, but it's always His - not mine. That is reassuring and exciting! So even my prayers, as I walk in Christ's righteousness, can be powerful and effective... right here and now!
As it has been a while since we could share students working in the classroom or beautiful work done by students, I thought I would share a few beautiful pieces of work done for Religion just before all this online learning began. These posters talk about answering the call from God and encouraging other grade 6 students to do the same. I think the Call now calls in many ways and we all need to answer it in our own way now.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."
- Soren Kierkegaard -
World Health Day
"The World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other related organizations.
In 1948, the WHO hold the First World Health Assembly. The Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year, with effect from 1950, as the World Health Day. The World Health Day is held to mark WHO's founding, and is seen as an opportunity by the organization to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year.[1] The WHO organizes international, regional and local events on the Day related to a particular theme. World Health Day is acknowledged by various governments and non-governmental organizations with interests in public health issues, who also organize activities and highlight their support in media reports, such as the Global Health Council." (Wikipedia)
Now, more than ever, it is important to celebrate and remember what so many are doing to help us keep healthy and become healthy should we become ill. The world is now very ill and we all must do our part by respecting the social distancing orders and helping those who need help during these difficult times.
"Two
years ago, on April 6, 2018 Logan, our son and his
Humboldt Broncos hockey team were traveling to a playoff
game when their bus was in a tragic crash. Our son, Logan was
not able to overcome his injuries and passed away a day later. We
donated his organs so that six people could live better lives. This
year Green Shirt Day will be a social media event because of
COVID-19. Wear your green shirt and post photos or
videos on social media using #LoganBouletEffect, #LB27, and
#GreenShirtDay. You can register for organ and tissue donation at: www.greenshirtday.ca." (A message from Logan Boulet's mother.)
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 8:9) "But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you."
The people I know who walk in the ways of God are savory with the fruit of God's Spirit; they're the kind of people I can't be around enough. Their kind and gentle ways radiate peace. Their joy is contagious. Their faithfulness is inspiring. So many things about them make me want to be more like them - and more like Christ.
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 8:8) "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."
Growing older doesn't necessitate letting go of faith. Even though our bodies are getting older and our thinking may not be as sharp as it once was, God is still the same. We can always depend on him. Our flesh is weak and impermanent, but our eternal life in God will always be unhindered.
"Palm Sunday is the final Sunday of Lent, the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates the triumphant arrival of Christ in Jerusalem, days before he was crucified.
Palm Sunday is known as such because the faithful will often receive palm fronds which they use to participate in the reenactment of Christ's arrival in Jerusalem. In the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a young donkey, and to the lavish praise of the townspeople who threw clothes, or possibly palms or small branches, in front of him as a sign of homage. This was a customary practice for people of great respect.
Palm branches are widely recognized symbol of peace and victory, hence their preferred use on Palm Sunday.
The use of a donkey instead of a horse is highly symbolic, it represents the humble arrival of someone in peace, as opposed to arriving on a steed in war.
A week later, Christ would rise from the dead on the first Easter.
During Palm Sunday Mass, palms are distributed to parishioners who carry them in a ritual procession into church. The palms are blessed and many people will fashion them into small crosses or other items of personal devotion. These may be returned to the church, or kept for the year."
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 8:6) "For the carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
Perhaps we need to rethink our idea of what "peace" really is. God is always ready to give us true peace, if we are willing to ask him for it. Be at peace with God, and he will defeat the worldly beast within. God's peace is promised and proclaimed.
"Nothing can make our life, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness."
- Leo Tolstoy -
Today we are remembering Martin Luther King Jr.
(Jan. 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968)
"Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Christian minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968." (Wikipedia)
"Martin Luther King dreamt that all inhabitants of the United States would be judged by their personal qualities and not by the color of their skin. In April 1968 he was [killed] by a white racist. Four years earlier, he had received the [Nobel] Peace Prize for his nonviolent campaign against racism.
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 8:5) "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit."
The passing of a dear one often leaves us wondering "Why, God, why?" If we knew that death is the beginning of a new mystery, a new adventure to unfold, we would feel joy for those who leave this earth and joy for those yet to leave. That simply isn't human nature. Help me understand that what may appear to be "goodbye" is really only an "until we meet again." Amen.
"Knowledge, in truth, is the great sun in the firmament. Life and power are scattered with all its beams."
- Daniel Webster -
World Party Day!
"World Party Day (P-Day) is celebrated on April 3 as a synchronized global mass celebration of a better world and the creation of desirable reality." The idea behind this day is that peace is not just the absence of war, but most importantly, the presence of fun, joy and the celebration of life. (Wikipedia)
Yesterday you read, today it is time to party with your family. Find some way of having fun without having to go outside. Just because we are stuck at home, it does not mean that we cannot celebrate World Party Day and have a party.
"Technology brings us together through video and the internet allowing us to connect long-distance and celebrate all our favorite ways."
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 8:2) "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me fred from the law of sin and death."
It's often said that prayer changes things. This is true, but more importantly, prayer changes us. God is poised to save all who call on him. Renewal in the Lord has brought us unspeakable joy. The object of our gratitude should always be the Lord.
"International Children's Book Day is a yearly event sponsored by the International Board on Books for Young People, an international non-profit organization. Founded in 1967, the day is observed on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, April 2. " (Wikipedia)
So, today, find a book, read to a sibling, read to your parents, or just read to yourself.
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 6:1) "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Genuine love for others begins with love for God. Our joy in God's love increases when we share it with others. Lifting others up in prayer is an exercise in faith. The blessing of faith in the Lord is salvation. Joy unites the hearts of all who rejoice in and are saved by Jesus.
"What is beautiful is good, and who is good will soon be beautiful"
- Sappho -
Today in History (April 1)
Apple Computers Inc. is formed:
Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, along with Ronald G. Wayne form the Apple Computer Company on April Fools’ Day, 1976. This is no joke!
An Apple 1 computer (Photo: Ben Margot, AP)
Computers have certainly changed since the 1970s :).
These computer kits went on sale in July 1977. Apple had many other computer products over the years, including the Macintosh (still around as Macs now), but they changed the way we do things in 2001 with the introduction of the first iPod. In 2007, they further expanded their reach with the release of the first iPhone and the rest is history sitting in our hands or our pockets. And to think, that it all started in this garage...
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
Google NOSE:
Another tech giant making history now is Google. They are moving so far ahead with technology that it is sometimes hard to keep up with them. Believe it or not, they are now introducing the sense of smell into our Google search experiences. Check out this amazing video!
I can't wait to use this feature! I'll make sure to include it in one of our future assignments.
Walk in Faith - Quote of the Day (Romans 6:22) "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
If we only believed in something half the time, it would never happen. If we only had faith in God part of the time, it would keep us from seeing half our blessings. Having a forever faith means that we stay the course, always letting God's love and guidance lead us, even when we may want to go in a different direction. Living fully means having a full faith in God to take us where we need to go.
