Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families,
Indigenous Education at Samuel W. Shaw
Project-based Indigenous education is on-going at Samuel W. Shaw, and evident as you walk the halls. While these are important learning opportunities for students and staff alike, many teachers employ Indigenous pedagogies as a regular part of their practice, every day. Here are a few regularly seen Indigenous pedagogies at Shaw, and a link to learning more:
- Talk time- students have regular oral language practice, with or without Circle Protocols
- Experiential learning- this means learning through doing, first; shifting from textbook or text to experiencing learning materials at the onset of learning new concepts.
- Focus on identity- students learn about themselves as learners and humans and learn about others’ cultures and diversity. This helps them see that difference isn’t so different after all. Indigenous identity is complex, but important to understand (warning: some may find some content difficult to watch).
- Caring for this place- teaching and embodying stewardship of the Land and their environment shows students their place in a larger global community. Walk alongs are a great way to learn about Indigenous pedagogies.
- Creating or honoring the need for Indigenized Spaces- it is important to recognize that because Indigenous students are living and learning on ancestral lands, Indigenized spaces can help to “break down physical and social barriers Indigenous students face in western academic environments” (Brown, 2019). Integrating Indigenous pedagogy alongside western academic knowledges orients Indigenous learners in a culturally safe space. Areas in our Learning Commons, Gathering Space, and ‘Iikakimat’ office are all Indigenized spaces at Shaw.
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.
Spectator Changes for Sporting/Athletic Events
Due to the CUPE strike, for games occurring on CBE properties, spectatorship is limited to parents/guardians and playing athletes for the foreseeable future.
We would like to remind spectators of our protocols for attending games at Samuel W. Shaw School to ensure a positive playing experience for all athletes, coaches and referees.
As parents/guardian spectators, it’s important to remember that your role is to be a model, not a critic. Your behavior sets the tone for the experience of all the athletes, officials, and everyone involved. Here are a few guidelines to ensure a positive environment at our school sporting events:
- Relieve pressure, don’t increase it, for both teams. Our young athletes already face enough pressure from competition. Let them enjoy their experience without added stress.
- Let the athletes have their moment. The athletic experience belongs to them. Cheer for their effort but allow them to grow through their own performance.
- Respect the judgment of officials and coaches. Their decisions may not always align with your perspective, but it’s important to demonstrate respect for their role and maintain control.
- Show sportsmanship in all outcomes. Win with humility and lose with dignity. Your attitude in both moments is just as important as the final score.
Please be aware that Samuel W. Shaw School reserves the right to remove any spectator who does not uphold these expectations at our events. An administrator will be on-site for all games to assist with supervision during the games. Let’s create an environment where our student-athletes can thrive!
Thank you so much for supporting our athletes, coaches and referees throughout the athletic season.
After School Athletics
All athletics practices and events (volleyball) will continue as planned, apart from the end times. All athletics will be done by 6PM, and parents/guardians and athletes are asked to vacate the schools in a timely manner, post match/practice. This goes for events at Samuel W. Shaw school, as well as any other CBE school. Badminton season: more information as soon as we get it.
After School Programs & Clubs
All after school programs from external agencies are canceled for the foreseeable future. This includes the NxtGen program from CFBY, and YMCA program.
Sam Shaw-run after school activities will continue but are all shortened to be completed by 4:30 on days offerings are run. This includes things like D&D Club, Improv Club. Not sure about your club? Check with the lead teacher to be sure.
Hidden Dangers of Social Media Use
As social media rapidly evolves, so do the risks and challenges that impact our children in ways that may not yet be widely recognized. Recent research highlights a disturbing rise in "algorithmic addiction," where AI-driven content loops are designed to manipulate user behavior, keeping young minds engaged longer than intended (Lewis, 2023). Additionally, "shadow banning" and "echo chambers" are increasingly shaping what children see online, subtly reinforcing specific viewpoints while suppressing others—potentially limiting critical thinking (Noble, 2018). Another emerging concern is "digital self-harm," where teens anonymously post hurtful messages about themselves online to gauge peer reactions, a phenomenon linked to increased anxiety and depression (Patchin & Hinduja, 2022). Families are encouraged to explore resources like Center for Humane Technology and Cyberbullying Research Center for deeper insights and proactive strategies. Staying informed about these lesser-known risks will help us guide our children toward healthier online habits.
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
*Please note that all events outside of school hours IN CBE buildings may be impacted due to the strike. These are noted with *
- February 24- 28 - Kindness Week:
- February 24 - Express you Cultural Identity Day: Have something special to wear that is from your culture? Proudly express your cultural identity today, and always!
- February 25 - Orange Shirt Day: Because Every Child Matters, every day!
- February 26 - Pink Shirt Day: Take a stand against bullying and hatred. Wear pink!
- February 27 - Wear your Best & Brightest Colours Day- show allegiance for diversity!; Healthy Hunger
- February 28 - Non-Instruction Day- no school for students
- March 6 - YPI Finals in the gym
- March 11-13: Grades 8 & 9 Band Trip to Edmonton
- March 12 - *Grade 6 Outdoor School Parent Info Night*
- March 13 - *Centennial Feeder School Band Concert at Centennial High School*
- March 20-21- *Parent-Student Conferences*
- March 22- March 30- SPRING BREAK!
- March 31 - Classes resume
Healthy Hunger Dates:
- Feb 27 - Coco Brooks
- March 19 - Subway
With warmth,
Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry