Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families,
Indigenous Education at Samuel W. Shaw
The 5-3 and 5-4 classes have begun social emotional learning through the 7 Grandfathers teachings, rooted in Ojibway ways of knowing. Each teaching is represented by an animal: love- eagle, truth- turtle, honesty- Sabe, wisdom- beaver, respect- buffalo, courage- bear, and humility- wolf. Students will be learning about each teaching from Elder Hazel Dixon, who is a storyteller of Ojibway/Mohawk ancestry, living in Regina, in Treaty 4 territory. Students will be tying her teachings to their own lives and family values, as well as using these values to be land stewards.
The first teaching is love. Here are what students said love is and love is not: love is the strongest power, respect, forgiveness, family, friends, sacrifices, and comfort. Love is not disrespecting, judging, forcing someone to be something they’re not or doing something they are not comfortable doing, bullying and anger.
Throughout this, students will be working on writing skills, visual representations, oral communication, and two-eyed science regarding our relations, the Land and animals.
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.
Sam Shaw Storm Classic- Jr. Volleyball Tournament
Our inaugural junior volleyball tournament is just around the corner (Feb 7 & 8) and we really REALLY need your help!
A successful event of this scale requires the support of our incredible families. We have identified a few ways to get involved and contribute to making the Sam Shaw Storm Classic a memorable experience for everyone:
Volunteering Your Time
For CBE Cleared Volunteers:
- We will have various supervisory positions that will need adult support, alongside many of our dedicated staff who will also be here. These are positions such as selling items at the Storm Store, greeting and guiding families with our Storm Leadership students, helping in the Coaches rooms, monitoring hallways, etc.
For “uncleared” parents/guardians or those who still want to help but whom can only be here ‘in spirit’, we are asking for your generosity through donations, wherever possible.
Donations
Food!
- Good with a crock pot? Like to make sandwiches? Avid Costco shopper? We need food for the Coaches’ Room (lunch/dinner items), lunch for student volunteers, snacks galore, water bottles, Gatorades, sweet & salty treats and so on
Gift Basket Items
- We would like to give out 10 gift baskets to each of the teams. Things like Gatorades, snacks, sport socks, hand lotions, lip balms, Croc charms, travel toiletries, stickers, toys, candy, pens, company swag, anything teenagers would like, etc. (15 items/gift basket is ideal)
- 10 Baskets/bins for the “gift baskets” themselves
Raffle Items
We will also hold a raffle to support the costs of this event. We would love donations from our community.
Raffle items could be:
- company swag,
- GCs for stores, restaurants, etc.
- tickets to a Flames game or other sports events,
- Cash donations are accepted through the following CBE approved fundraising org: https://www.educationmatters.ca/project-matters/samuel-w-shaw-middle-school/ All proceeds go to Samuel W. Shaw Athletics
- We already have a “Champagne” Hot Air Balloon ride from Sundance Balloons (valued at $700!) donated!
Key Contact/How to Help
If you can help by volunteering or donating, please contact Melinda Gombert, (SWS Parent Council) via email: mel_Wednesday@hotmail.com to indicate your support. Melinda has generously offered to support this event through her organizational prowess! Thanks, Melinda! With the tournament just around the corner, please let Melinda know how you can support by January 24, 2025.
With gratitude and appreciation of your generosity and support of our program, we thank you.
Capture the Memories! Order Your 2024/2025 Yearbook Today!
Time flies, but the memories last forever. Don’t miss the chance to preserve this year’s special moments. From unforgettable events and proud achievements to fun snapshots with friends, the 2024/2025 yearbook is the perfect way to celebrate and remember an incredible school year.
Why Order Your Yearbook?
- Relive the highlights for years to come
- Cherish the friendships and milestones of this year
Order Deadline
Online PowerSchool purchase deadline is February 11, 2025 & Forms with cash or cheque accepted until February 12, 2025
Secure your copy today for $35.00
Let’s make this year unforgettable—one page at a time!
Volleyball Development
Grade 6 students are invited to join Tuesdays, 7:45-9:00AM, and Thursdays from 3:45-5PM in the aux gym. Development helps the 6s improve skills and helps prepare for the time they can tryout for teams in the grades 7-9 years. These begin January 21.
NxtGen After School Program for Grades 6-9 Students
The NxtGen Program is for students in grades 6-9 and runs Thursdays after school from 3:40-5:40PM, starting January 23, 2025, and runs until May. There is a nominal cost of $20 for the entire program, but support is available for families who may need the fee waived. Please click on the below links to view the poster with registration information. Scan the QR code with your smartphone to register. (Please also forgive Google Translate if the translations are not clear!).
NxtGen Poster- Chinese (Traditional)
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!!
Social Media Tips for Parents & Guardians
Tips for Safe Use of Snapchat for Early Teens
Snapchat is a popular social media app among teens, but its unique features, like disappearing messages and location sharing, can present safety challenges. As parents, understanding how the app works and setting guidelines can help your teen use Snapchat responsibly. Here are some tips based on current research and expert recommendations:
1. Understand Snapchat’s Features
- Disappearing Messages: Remind your teen that while messages disappear, screenshots or screen recordings can be taken without their consent.
- Snap Map: This feature allows users to share their real-time location. Teach your teen to use “Ghost Mode” to hide their location or limit visibility to trusted friends.
2. Discuss Privacy Settings
- Set Snapchat to accept messages and Snaps only from “Friends” rather than “Everyone.”
- Regularly review their friends list to ensure they know and trust everyone on it.
3. Encourage Responsible Content Sharing
- Teach your teen the importance of thinking before they share. Even disappearing content can be saved or shared without their knowledge.
- Explain the risks of sharing personal information, private photos, or anything they wouldn’t want others to see.
4. Monitor Screen Time
- Excessive Snapchat use has been linked to sleep disruption and increased anxiety. Encourage balance by setting limits on app usage. Tools like Apple’s Screen Time or Android’s Digital Wellbeing can help monitor usage.
- Promote open communication about how social media makes them feel, as research links social comparison on apps like Snapchat to mental health concerns.
5. Model Good Digital Citizenship
- Encourage empathy and kindness online. Discuss the importance of treating others respectfully in all online interactions.
6. Stay Informed and Involved
- Learn how Snapchat works so you can talk to your teen about its features. This builds trust and keeps communication open.
- Regularly check in with your teen about their experiences on the app and let them know they can come to you if something goes wrong.
7. Use Parental Control Tools
- Consider using tools like Snapchat’s Family Center, which lets parents see who their teen is communicating with without viewing message content.
- Set up alerts for inappropriate or harmful content where possible.
8. Be Alert to Red Flags
- Watch for signs of online bullying, such as reluctance to use the app or changes in mood after being on Snapchat.
- Teach your teen how to block and report users who make them feel uncomfortable.
9. Educate About Online Strangers
- Explain that people may misrepresent themselves online. Teens should avoid adding strangers and be cautious about friend requests.
Key Research References
- Commonsense Media. (2023). Snapchat Parents’ Ultimate Guide. Retrieved from commonsensemedia.org.
- Pew Research Center. (2022). Teens, Social Media, and Technology 2022.
- American Psychological Association. (2023). Social Media and Mental Health: Tips for Teens and Parents.
By staying proactive and fostering open communication, you can help your teen navigate Snapchat safely while building healthy digital habits.
Calendar of Events
- January 21- Grade 6 volleyball development begins
- January 21-23- Grade 7 Fieldtrips to the Military Museum (specific trip date is class dependent)
- January 23 - Grade 9 students to Centennial High School for school tours- PM
- January 27 - Report Cards are visible to families in PowerSchool
- January 30 - last day of Semester 1 classes
- January 31- No School- Professional Learning Day for staff
- February 3- Semester 2 begins
- February 7 & 8- Storm Classic Volleyball Tournament
- February 11- Deadline to order yearbooks
- February 13 & 14- No School- Teachers’ Convention
- February 17- No School- Family Day
Healthy Hunger Dates
- Jan 23 - The Lunch Lady
- Feb 27 - Coco Brooks
- March 19 - Subway
Visit Healthy Hunger for more information.
With warmth,
Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry