Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families,
Indigenous Education at Samuel W. Shaw: Grade 9 Project of Heart
To start their Earth Systems science unit, 5-3 and 5-4 listened to the story “13 Moons on Turtle’s Back”. This book is about the Indigenous year of moons. We looked at the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, Algonquin and Blackfoot names for each moon. We discussed why the moons were given those names and how the names were appropriate for the region these Nations lived in. Students then re-created a calendar for themselves. Next, they learned the western science of the moon (phases and names of the phases). This is called two-eyed seeing or Etuaptmumk, a guiding principle developed by Mi'kmaq Elder Albert Marshall that emphasizes learning to see the world through both Indigenous and Western perspectives, using both ways of knowing to benefit all.
Next week students will read stories on the creation of the moon from Nêhiyawak and Pacific Northwest Cultures and compare them to how Western science tell us the moon came to be.
Smudge with Ms. Kerry
In an ongoing 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.
Spring Formal Dance/Neon Party - April 17
This highly anticipated event is coming this week! Tickets for the dance and pizza pre-purchase are on sale outside of the Learning Commons this week.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Dance Ticket – $2.00
- Pizza – $2.00
- Pop – $2.00
- OR get all three (ticket, pizza, and pop) for $5.00
- Grade 5/6 Dance: During Periods 3 & 4
- Grade 7/8/9 Dance: During Periods 5 & 6
This time, we’re not using paper tickets—students will receive glow stick bracelets for entry instead.
Pizza will be provided at lunch for all grades, and we’ll be using class lists to distribute it—pre-purchase required.
Please note:
- Extra treats from the Storm Store will be available exclusively to dance attendees
- All Options and PE classes will be canceled for the day
- Alternate spaces and activities will be available to those not attending the dance
A huge thank you for supporting this community-building event! Our student leadership team has been working hard to make this dance a unique experience, complete with black lights and fun new touches—they’re super excited to share it with their peers!
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.
We are proud of our amazing school and cannot wait to see you at our Open House!
SWSFS & Parent Council’s Spring Makers’ Market & Bottle Drive
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.
Social Media Awareness: Staying on top of the Latest Messenger Apps
It's important to stay informed about the apps kids are using to connect with others—especially those designed to hide messages or allow anonymous chatting. Some current popular ones include Wizz, a social app that connects teens with strangers around the world. While it’s presented as a way to make new friends, Cybertip.ca has flagged it due to a rise in sextortion cases involving Canadian teens. Kik Messenger also remains widely used thanks to its anonymous features, which can make it easy for kids to interact with people they don’t know and hard for parents to monitor (Wikipedia).
Even more familiar apps like Snapchat and NGL (Not Gonna Lie) come with risks. Snapchat’s disappearing messages can create a false sense of security, while NGL allows completely anonymous messaging—sometimes leading to bullying or harmful content (Psychology Today). You have a right to know what apps your child is using-- and without guidance, they can expose kids to situations they aren’t ready for. A quick chat about online safety can go a long way.
COBS Bread
COBs 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
*Please note that all events outside of school hours IN CBE buildings may be impacted due to the strike. These are noted with *
- April 14-17 - Spirit Week! (Monday: Beach Day; Tuesday: Mismatch Day; Wednesday: Backwards Day; Thursday: Neon Day)
- April 15 - Lip Sync Battle p. 4
- April 16 - Grade 9 Joint Band Concert w/ Centennial Band @ Sam Shaw, 1:30-3:30 (students only)
- April 17 - Spring Formal Dance
- April 18 - Good Friday- NO SCHOOL
- April 21 - Non-instructional day- NO SCHOOL
- April 22 - Lappin Zoo Field Trip
- April 24- Grade 7 Band to Bridlewood School
- April 30 - Half of Grade 5 to Military Museum
- May 1- Feeder School Tours (welcoming Janet Johnstone and Somerset, then Bridlewood Schools); Half of Grade 5s to Military Museum; Open House 5:30-7:30. YYC FoodTrucks on site for purchase.
- May 12-15- Scholastic Book Fair
Healthy Hunger Dates
- April 24 - Edo
- May 22 - A&W
With warmth,
Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry