Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families,

Leading Truth and Reconciliation, Diversity, and Inclusion at Samuel W. Shaw

A more inclusive shift: In recognition of the growing complexity and diversity of Alberta’s population, and that people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds experience bias, hatred, race-based discrimination and systemic barriers [which] can negatively impact an individual’s health and well-being" now is the time to acknowledge and address the many ways the lives of Indigenous peoples and racialized peoples are impacted by racism and discrimination. (Alberta's Anti-Racism Action Plan - Strengthening Diversity and Inclusion, p.6).

Racism undermines student achievement and success by creating systemic barriers to equitable opportunities, resources, and support, disproportionately affecting students from historically and systemically excluded racialized communities and their education. The CBE seeks to celebrate all aspects of intersecting identities to foster life-long learners. Following the release the CBE Cares: What We Heard Report (2021), the CBE is committed to actions ensuring students and employees experience a sense of belonging and connection.

The CBE Education Plan 2024-2027 has a goal specific to Truth & Reconciliation, Diversity, and Inclusion and actions of:

  • Students who self-identify as Indigenous will experience improved wellbeing and achievement
  • All students will experience inclusive teaching and learning that reflects and celebrates diverse cultures and identities
  • All working and learning environments will promote equity, diversity and inclusion

As a part of this more inclusive effort, this section of our Shaw Family Update will reflect this shift.

Reimagining in Grade 5

5-3 and 5-4 students drew inspiration from the Change the Bill Initiative from, VML Canada and Native Women’s Association of Canada that invited female Indigenous artists to reimagine the $20 bill, showcasing their heroes. Canadian currency reflects Canadian identity by using symbols, people, and themes that remind us of our history and culture - however, we have learned that not all Canadian peoples have been represented fairly.  5-3 & 5-4 created a $20 banknote to represent a group they believe has been underrepresented in Canada’s history. Some of the groups the students represented are Métis Peoples, First Nations Peoples, Black Loyalists, Immigrants (Ukrainian, Indian, Russian, Brazilian, and more), Women like the Filles du Roi are also present in their work. 

Asian Heritage Month

Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to learn more about the diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada, as well as to acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love.

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Events

Calgary Library

Asian Heritage

Canadian Jewish Heritage Month

The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, and Deborah Lyons, Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism, issued the following statement on the occasion of Canadian Jewish Heritage Month:

“Today marks the beginning of Canadian Jewish Heritage Month. Since 2018, this month has been a time to celebrate Jewish culture, faith and history, and also an opportunity to discover the diversity of the Jewish people in our country.

The history of Jewish people in Canada is an integral part of our country’s story.  Canada’s Jewish population is the fourth largest diaspora in the world. It encompasses a broad range of traditions and heritage from every region and continent. Canada’s Jewish heritage has shaped our country and enriched our culture in many significant ways. Jewish people have made significant contributions to Canada in fields as varied as the arts, politics, business and science, as well as medicine, innovation and social justice. Their achievements and commitment to community service and philanthropy inspire us all.

Unfortunately, antisemitism has been on the rise for years in Canada. Jews are among the most targeted groups for hate crimes in the country despite only making up approximately 1 percent of the population. Antisemitism has no home here. We all have a role to play in calling out hate in all its forms whenever and wherever we see it.

Throughout this month, we also highlight the historical and contemporary lived experiences of racialized Jews, Sephardic, Ashkenazi or Mizrahi, and consider the impact that antisemitism and marginalization have had and continue to have on them.  During this month and all year long, we will continue to build on the measures already implemented by the Government of Canada to counter antisemitism. These include historic investments of more than $260 million since 2018–2019 in Canada’s two anti-racism strategies, $273.6 million for Canada's first-ever Action Plan on Combating Hate, and the Building Community Resilience call to action.

In marking Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, we recognize the importance of preserving and promoting the diversity of Jewish heritage and traditions for future generations. Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate the importance of Canadian unity and strengthen the ties that bind us.

We invite everyone to participate in Canadian Jewish Heritage Month activities and learn more about Jewish history and cultures.

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Polish Heritage Month

May 1 marks the start of the now annual Polish Heritage Month in Canada. Throughout May, we will be celebrating the many contributions of Polish communities. Since the 18th century, people of Polish descent have enriched our country’s cultural diversity, while promoting social justice and solidarity.

Today there are 1.2 million people of Polish descent in Canada. They were among the first ethnocultural groups to come here. The first immigrants arrived from Poland starting in 1752, most of them settling first in Ontario. In fact, Toronto is now home to the largest Polish festival in North America.

Polish Heritage Month is also an occasion to highlight the enduring bonds Polish communities across Canada have maintained with their homeland. Every year, Polish communities in Canada and around the world come together to celebrate Polish Constitution Day, commemorating the historic Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791. Moreover, this inaugural Polish Heritage Month offers a chance to honour Polish National Flag Day, which will take place on May 2.

Throughout May, we are recognizing the many contributions Canadians of Polish descent make to our communities, actively participating in associations and charities while achieving remarkable feats in diverse fields such as the arts, business, politics, education, science and sport.

Canada’s strength lies in its diversity, in the acceptance of all communities and in equality for all. In May, I invite all Canadians to learn more about the heritage and contributions of people of Polish descent in Canada.

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May 5- Dutch Heritage Day

May 5, people across Canada will mark Dutch Heritage Day, a time to honour the sacrifices made by past members of the Canadian armed forces in the liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions that generations of Dutch Canadians have made—and continue to make—to this country we all know and love.

Canada is the proud home of over 1 million people of Dutch descent, with members of the community making homesteads in the Canadian West during the 1890s. Through continued migration to Canada in the 1920s, Dutch Canadians became essential farm, industrial and domestic workers, and after the Second World War, many more immigrated as war brides and children of the Canadian soldiers who played a significant role in freeing their homeland from German occupation.

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National Day for Recognition of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, 2SLGBTQI+ People

May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S), also known as "Red Dress Day," coined by Métis artist Jaime Black as "an aesthetic response to this critical national issue." The ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people that we are facing is a direct result of colonization. In Canada, more than six in ten (63%) Indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual assault in their lifetime. The impact of these disproportionately high rates of violence is felt in all areas of life. The effects on health and wellness include inequitable access and treatment in health care and underrepresentation in health research.

Consistent with several of the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the calls to justice developed by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, CIHR recognizes the importance of stepping up our efforts to build the research evidence that is critical for improving the health and wellness of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Today on Red Dress Day, and every day, we honor the lives of MMIWG2S by raising awareness of this ongoing national tragedy, and we hold in our thoughts the families and communities who carry the weight and live with the grief of losing loved ones.

To raise awareness and pay tribute on this day, wear red, inform yourself about MMIWG2S, and participate in your local community events to commemorate this day.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing signs of distress, don’t hesitate to reach out to services available 24/7/365:

Smudge with Ms. Kerry

In an on-going effort to provide a culturally safe space for Indigenous learners, Ms. Kerry (Lax Kw’Alaams First Nation) provides Smudge for Indigenous students every Friday. We meet at 11:30. All self-identified Indigenous students are welcome to join.

Join Us for Samuel W. Shaw School's Exciting May 1 Open House!

At Samuel W. Shaw School (SWS), we are incredibly proud of the vibrant, supportive, and dynamic learning environment we’ve cultivated for our students. Our May 1 Open House is a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and incredible achievements happening every day at our school. This is an event you won't want to miss!

Why You Should Join Us on May 1

Explore the energy, rigor, and creativity that define learning at SWS! In the evening, the school truly comes to life with opportunities to:

  • Watch a Spring Concert featuring our Grade 7–9 Bands and the SWS Choir beginning at 6PM
  • Enjoy self-guided tours of our dynamic learning spaces—including classrooms, Phys Ed, CTF, which is comprised of Drama, Construction, Foods, Design, and Music with Storm Leadership students on hand to point you in the right direction
  • Visit the Storm Store, where our Band Parent Council will be selling treats to support the music program
  • Grab Storm swag from SWS Athletics
  • Connect with teachers, staff, and other families to learn about programs and student supports across all grades
  • Dine at YYC Food Trucks parked along Shawinigan Drive for a relaxed, festive vibe.
  • Improv! Love to laugh? Come see our students perform Improv throughout the evening!

We are proud of our amazing school and cannot wait to see you at our Open House!

Badminton Season

Has your child been successful in achieving one of the coveted spots on our badminton teams? Please be sure you check the Calendar of Events for upcoming Badminton meets, all off campus. For more information, please check with your child’s coach.

Scholastic Book Fair is Coming to Sam Shaw!

Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Samuel W. Shaw! 

If you’re available to lend a hand at this event and have a current CBE security clearance, please contact Ms.Trish at paspurrell@cbe.ab.ca.  Not sure you’ve got current clearance? Please contact the main office. Times and dates that volunteers are needed are:

  • May 8 - Setting up 10:30am-1:00pm,
  • May 12 ,13 ,14 , 10:00-1:40pm or 2:00pm-3:30pm.

Visit the Scholastic Book Fair website to look through the digital flyer: https://www2.scholastic.ca/bookfairs/wpcontent/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/S25_SR_Booklist.pdf.

Navigating Youth Risks - Social Media, Vaping & Digital Well-being

In today's digital landscape, youth are increasingly exposed to challenges such as social media pressures and vaping. Alberta Health Services (AHS) reports a concerning rise in vaping among teens, often driven by peer influence and targeted marketing. To combat this, AHS offers a comprehensive Tobacco, Vaping & Cannabis Program, providing resources to help parents and educators address these issues effectively.​Alberta Health Services

On the digital front, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) highlights the risks associated with social media platforms, including exposure to inappropriate content and online predators. Their ProtectKidsOnline.ca initiative offers tools and information to help families navigate online safety. Additionally, AHS's Growing Up Online Toolkit provides guidance on managing digital technology use among youth.​Protect Children |Alberta Health Services

For a deeper understanding of these challenges and proactive strategies, parents are encouraged to explore the Parenting Tweens and Teens in the Digital World guide by C3P. This resource offers insights into fostering open communication and setting healthy boundaries in the digital age.​Protect Children

Cobbs Bread

Cobbs Bread Love bread? Us too! Mention Samuel W. Shaw school at the Shawnessy Cobbs and our school receives a portion of proceeds! Win, win!!

Calendar of Events

  • April 28 - 5-3 & 5-4 to Military Museum
  • April 30 - 5-1 & 5-2 to Military Museum; Chess Club at Lunch
  • May 1 - Feeder School Tours (welcoming Janet Johnstone and Somerset, then Bridlewood Schools); Open House 5:30-7:30. YYC FoodTrucks on site for purchase; Spring Concert; Improv, Buskers and more!; Tsuut’ina Day; Principals’ Day; Asian Heritage Month begins
  • May 2 - Grade 7 Badminton Meet at Lakeshore School
  • May 5 - National Day for Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; Bear Witness (Jordan’s Principle) Day; Bus Driver Appreciation Day; Dutch Heritage Day
  • May 6 - Grade 9 Badminton Meet at DGS
  • May 7 - Hats on For Mental Health; Chess Club at Lunch; Grade 8 Badminton Meet at DMC
  • May 8 - Grade 8 Badminton Meet at DMC; Healthy Hunger- Subway
  • May 9 - Grade 9 Badminton Meet at DGS
  • May 12-15- Scholastic Book Fair
  • May 13 - Grade 9 Science Field Trip (3 classes)
  • May 14 - Grade 6 Badminton Meet at MHS; Chess Club at Lunch
  • May 15 - Grade 6 Badminton Meet at MHS; Parent Council at 6:30PM
  • May 17 - International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia 
  • May 20 - Improv Festival at EP Scarlett
  • May 21 - Improv Festival at Scarlett; Chess Club at Lunch
  • May 23 - Wellness Day (more to come!)
  • May 26 - Grade 8 Field Trip to TELUS Spark (2 classes); 7-5 & 7-1 to Heritage Park
  • May 27 - 7-3 & 7-4 to Heritage Park; PLP to Heritage Park; Grade 8 to Spark (2 classes)
  • May 28 - Chess Club at Lunch
  • May 29 - 7-6 & 7-2 to Heritage Park; Grade 8 to Spark (2 classes); Grade 9 ELA PAT, Part A

Healthy Hunger Dates

  • May 8 - Subway *NEW* 
  • May 22 - A&W

www.healthyhunger.ca

With warmth,

Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry