Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families
Indigenous Education at Samuel W. Shaw
The grade 7s have been working on the unit, Plants for Food and Fiber, from which many received Smudge teachings from Ms. Kerry. Students learned about tobacco, sweet grass, sage, and cedar, their contemporary use in Smudge ceremony, and their roots in many long-standing Indigenous cultures. Post smudge, students continued reflections on their learning, showcased in part, here:
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.
King’s Coronation Medal Ceremony at Samuel W. Shaw School
The King’s Coronation Medal is a special award created to mark the coronation of King Charles III, recognizing outstanding contributions to the community. It is given to individuals, including students, who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to improving the lives of others. For students, receiving this medal highlights their commitment to making a positive impact within their school, local area, or beyond, showcasing values of compassion, responsibility, and civic engagement that inspire others to contribute to their communities.
We are incredibly proud to share that one of Samuel W. Shaw’s own students is receiving this honour for his work to support Autism Aspergers Friendship Society. Through his own initiative and dedication, a student in our Paced Learning Program raised money and awareness in support of autism and Aspergers by running and selling lemonade at his stand over the last few years—all proceeds going to support Autism Aspergers Friendship Society and furthering awareness and research. In recognition of his work to better his community and beyond, he was recognized for this incredible honour by MP Tom Kmiec. The closed ceremony (invite only and with a limited number of classes) will be held at Samuel W. Shaw School on Thursday, January 30.
All SWS students can support the Lemonade Stand at lunch all next week (January 27-30). Cups of lemonade will be on sale for a minimum $1 donation. Please join us in supporting Autism Aspergers Friendship Society.
Sam Shaw Storm Classic- Jr. Volleyball Tournament
Our inaugural junior volleyball tournament is just around the corner (Feb 7 & 8) and we still need your help!
- Key Contact/How to Help:
If you can help by volunteering or donating, please contact Melinda Gombert, (SWS Parent Council) to indicate your support. With the tournament just around the corner, please let Melinda know how you can support as soon as possible.
With gratitude and appreciation of your generosity and support of our program, we thank you.
Happy Lunar New Year | Year of the Snake, shennian 蛇年
For those who celebrate, and to acknowledge these important cultural days for some, we wish you a Happy Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a major festival celebrated at the beginning of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Thought to have originated in ancient China around 3,500 years ago, it is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the new year.
Grade 9 Graduation Celebration
While the plans are still in draft form, the date has been set! Mark your calendars- Monday, June 23, 2025. We will begin the celebration at Samuel W. Shaw School where parents/guardians are welcome to join, then the grade 9s head to Heritage Park for festivities. The event wraps up, and kids head back to Shaw at 9:30PM. More information and official details, including official start time to come when the plans are finalized.
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. Forms are available in the main office. Once forms are returned, fees can be added to your MyCBE parent account. Order Deadline: Online MyCBE purchase deadline is February 11, 2025 & Forms with cash or cheque accepted until February 12, 2025. Secure your copy today for $35.00.
NxtGen After School Program for Grades 6-9 Students- Space still Available!
The NxtGen Program is for students in grades 6-9 and runs Thursdays after school from 3:40-5:40PM, this began January 23, 2025, and runs until May. Space is still available! There is a nominal fee 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. (Please also forgive Google Translate if the translations are not clear!).
NxtGen Poster - English
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!!
Privacy Tips for Parents & Guardians
Maintaining privacy, especially with passwords, locker combinations, and other personal information, is crucial for middle school students to protect their security and well-being in both digital and physical spaces. At this age, students are still developing their ability to assess risks and understand the potential consequences of sharing personal details. Sharing or failing to protect such information can lead to serious issues, including identity theft, unauthorized access to accounts, cyberbullying, or theft of personal belongings. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance (2023), teaching children about the importance of privacy helps them establish habits that safeguard their security and reduce vulnerability to exploitation, both online and offline. Parents can support their children by encouraging them to keep their passwords and combinations private, avoid sharing information with peers, even closest peers, and report any concerns to a trusted adult. By fostering a strong foundation of privacy awareness, we empower children to make safer choices in an increasingly interconnected world.
Calendar of Events
- January 27- Report Cards are visible to families in MyCBE; Lemonade Fundraiser for Autism & Aspergers begins!
- January 28 - ‘Well-being 8’ to Symposium at MRU - all day
- January 29 - Grade 9 Leadership to Janet Johnstone
- January 30 - Last day of Semester 1 classes; King’s Coronation Ceremony
- January 31 - No School- Professional Learning Day for staff
- February 3 - Semester 2 begins
- February 6 - Grade 9 Leadership to Janet Johnstone
- 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
- February 25 & 26 - Hip Hop Dance sessions in Phys Ed.
- February 27 - Healthy Hunger
Healthy Hunger Dates
- Feb 27 - Coco Brooks
- March 19 - Subway
With warmth,
Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry