Osiyo, River Otter families.

We finished the fall semester with some structured crafts, and a lot of fun! On Monday and Tuesday, students made pomanders. These small oranges decorated with whole cloves originated in Europe in the middle ages and were thought to have protective and healing properties. We think they are fun to make and wonderful to smell. On Wednesday, students dipped pinecones tied with yarn into a pot of melted beeswax and clove bud oil. These make wonderful fire starters. Each student got to take some home, and we will make more for our fires at school when we return. Thursday we finished our short week hearing a version of the story “The Gingerbread Man” and decorated our own gingerbread people with royal icing. This activity was both fun and delicious.

The students may want to use our class blessings at mealtimes at home. This can help provide them a sense of our routine while we are away from class. Our snacktime blessing is:

Blessings on the blossoms,

Blessings on the fruits,

Blessings on the leaves and stems,

Blessings on the roots.

Thank you for our food and friends.

Our lunchtime blessing is:

Earth who gives to us this food,

Sun who makes it ripe and good,

Sun above and Earth below.

Our loving thanks to you we show.

Blessings on our food and friends.

Thank you for making it a wonderful fall semester. We are excited for what the spring semester holds for us. We hope you enjoy your time with your families on break, and that the students return rested, rejuvenated, and excited for the rest of the year. Thank you for sharing your children with us, and for being part of our community.

Gvyalieliga,

Ki Holly