Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families,
Indigenous Science Education: Acknowledging Inuit Day in Grade 5
5-4 is learning about the science of ᐊᖅᓴᕐᓂᖅ, aksarnirq, or Aurora Borealis and their significance to the Inuit. Many stories exist about the Aurora’s importance-- the Dene of the Northwest Territories place the origins of the Aurora in a fire built by creator. It’s believed they remain in the sky as a reminder that the creator is still watching over us. Cree legends say the Aurora are the spirits of their ancestors who remain in the sky, trying to communicate with their loved ones here on Earth. Inuvialuit legends also say the lights are the shades of those once living. Students in grade 5 are creating Ted Harrison style art pieces to reflect their knowledge, listening to traditional throat singing as further inspiration.
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 in the new Iikakimat Space at 11:30 AM. All self-identified Indigenous students are welcome to join.
Everybody Gets Abducted by Aliens!- Drama Performance
Grab your tin foil hats! Everyone Gets Abducted by Aliens: A Cautionary Tale is coming this Thursday. We have 45 students in our cast & crew, and they've been working tirelessly to put together an absolutely ridiculous show for the school and their families. Students from grades 5-9 have collaborated to put together props, sets, and costumes in their Design, Construction, Art, and Drama classes, making the play a real team effort. If you would like to come and support these extra-terrestrial thespians, our show for the community is Thursday, December 5. Tickets are $5 and will be sold during lunch this week & at the door. Cast & crew call time is at 6:00 PM, doors open to the community at 6:30PM, and the show is set to start at 7:00 PM.
Winter Concert- Band & Choir
The students in choir and band have been working tirelessly to polish their beautiful songs in preparation of the Winter Concert(s)! Students in Band and Choir will be performing on Monday, December 9 for our Samuel W. Shaw student community, and on the “big stage” at Glenmore Christian Academy the evening of December 10, 2024. Glenmore Christian Academy can be found at 16520 24 Street, SW. Please watch for further details from Mrs. (Karla) Smith. Tickets available for the GCA concert from Mrs. Smith.
Samuel W. Shaw’s Makers’ Market
Just in time for a significant season of gifting and showing appreciation, please join us for an evening of makers, gift ideas, holiday joy for our Makers’ Market, December 12, from 5-8PM at Sam Shaw School.
Social Media Tips for Parents & Guardians
At Samuel W. Shaw School, we are committed to fostering a safe, caring, welcoming and respectful learning environment where all students can thrive. While we have made significant efforts to educate our students about the responsible use of technology, we recognize that navigating the digital world is a learning process for young people. Personal devices are still being used in ways that can bring outside challenges into our school community, impacting the focus on learning, such as recording altercations, using chat apps to share inappropriate images and/or messaging.
We are incredibly grateful for the role families play in supporting these important lessons at home. Your ongoing conversations about appropriate online behavior, digital responsibility, and the importance of empathy make a meaningful difference in shaping positive habits. Together, we can empower our students to make thoughtful choices that contribute to a healthy, respectful, and focused learning environment for everyone. Thank you for your continued partnership in this important work.
Please take the time to click the link below to access the “how-tos” of parental controls for anything from SnapChat, to video gaming, provided by the Calgary Police Service’s YouthLink.
CPS YouthLink How-Tos for Parents
Athletics & Phys Ed Updates
A huge congratulations to the Sr. Boys’ and Jr. Girls’ teams who both brought pennants home to Sam Shaw School! The song, “We are the Champions” has been playing on repeat in the minds of all of us. We are very proud of these dedicated athletes.
Calendar of Events
- December 2 - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
- December 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- December 4 - International Volunteer Day; Staff v. Students B-Ball; GSA at lunch; B-Ball Wind-Up Pizza Party at lunch
- December 5 - Everyone Gets Abducted by Aliens! Performance- 7PM in the main gym- doors open at 6:30 PM. Tickets $5 each, and will be available at the door or pre-purchase December 2, 3, and 4 at lunch
- December 6 - National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women; Centennial Drama Department- Feeder School Trip (Grade 9s)
- December 9 - Knowledge Keeper, Hal Eagletail w/ grade 7; Winter Concert! at 2PM- Main Gym
- December 10 - Winter Concert- 6PM at Glenmore Christian Academy
- December 12 -; Maker’s Market at Shaw- 6-8PM
- December 13 - Stampeders’ Visit (Grade 8 & 9)
Healthy Hunger Dates
- Jan 23 - The Lunch Lady
- Feb 27 - Coco Brooks
- March 19 - Subway
We deeply appreciate your ongoing support and the meaningful ways you contribute to our school community. Together, we are fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment where every voice is valued, and every effort helps strengthen our shared vision.
Your involvement—whether through volunteering, participating in events, or engaging with our school—makes a tremendous impact. It inspires our students and staff alike and helps make Samuel W. Shaw School a place where everyone can thrive.
Wishing you a fantastic week ahead.
With warmth,
Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry