Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families

Leading Truth and Reconciliation, Diversity, and Inclusion at Samuel W. Shaw:

Elder Miiksika’am Blessing- June 5, 2025

We are honoured to welcome Elder Miiksika’am, Dr. Clarence Wolfleg Sr. (Red Crane) from Siksika Nation, to our 15th Anniversary Celebration. With gratitude to our amazing School Council for making this event possible, we celebrate the spirit of community that makes Sam Shaw a place where all can grow and belong.

Updates:

  • The RSVP link closed on May 31, but it’s not too late! If you’d still like to attend, please email Ms. Kerry at kagreen@cbe.ab.ca
  • School Council’s support also provides the event plates, cutlery and napkins—thanks for these!
  • The Shawinigan Drive doors will open at 6:00 PM. When you arrive, you can drop off your potluck dishes in the Gathering Space. Look for the clearly marked areas—“Mains” for main dishes and “Desserts” for sweet treats, etc!
  • We will make a game-day decision on whether we eat inside or out. Please prepare for both scenarios by bringing lawn chairs or picnic blankets. We will try to communicate out whether we are inside or out earlier in the day on Thursday

A few questions have arisen from our RSVPs:

  • How many people are coming?
    We anticipate well over 100 people for this event!
  • What kinds of foods can we bring?
    We welcome any dish your family enjoys—whether it reflects your cultural heritage, is a comfort food favourite, or simply something quick and easy to share!
  • How much food should we bring?
    Please bring what feels manageable for your family. Potlucks are meant to be shared experiences, with a variety of dishes to sample. With dozens of families who have already RSVPd, even small contributions make a big impact.
  • Should we list ingredients?
    Yes, please! Including a list of ingredients helps those with allergies or dietary restrictions make informed choices and ensures everyone can enjoy the meal safely.
  • Do we need to bring our own serving utensils?
    Yes, bringing serving utensils is helpful—and please label both your dish and utensils with your family name. While we hope everything goes home that evening, clear labeling helps avoid mix-ups!
  • Should we bring our own drinks? Can we bring drinks as our potluck item?
    Yes! Some families may choose to bring drinks as part of their potluck contribution, but we may not have enough for everyone. Bringing a reusable water bottle is a great idea just in case.
  • More questions? Please email Ms. Kerry (kagreen@cbe.ab.ca, or Mrs. Kivi blkivi@cbe.ab.ca)

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. For greater inclusion and broader learning, your child may have been invited by their friend to join for smudge. In these cases, an invitation letter would have come home with your child.

Final Spirit Week of 2024-25 School Year - June 2-6

This week is Spirit Week! It’s an opportunity for us to come together as a community and share a “together” vibe, and a few laughs.

  • Monday: Dress like a Teacher Day
  • Tuesday: Western Day
  • Wednesday: Fanatic Day- Dress in your Favourite Fan Gear!
  • Thursday: Dress like your Favorite Meme
  • Friday: Storm Colours- Red, Grey, & White

Talent Show 2025!

Auditions for the talent show are happening June 9-12, and many talented students are anticipating this highly anticipated event! We are excited to invite families to join this year to watch the many talented students on Talent Show Day! Talent show is June 24, 2025. Grade 5, 6, and PLP will be P2 (10:08), and Grade 7, 8, and 9 will be P4 (12:09). The performance lists will be posted on June 16, so kids performing in the Talent Show can inform families then.

Library Books- Return by June 6

Attention all book lovers, backpack stuffers, and under-the-bed book hiders! It’s time for the Great Library Round-Up! All library books need to be returned by June 6—yes, even that one you swore you'd finish but got distracted by snacks, sports, or squirrels. Help our amazing library staff avoid turning into detectives and return your books on time. No questions asked, no overdue judgment—just bring them back and make our shelves (and librarian) happy!

Transitions - Extra Love and Support

As the school year winds down, the transition to summer—while exciting for many—can feel unsettling or dysregulating for some teens. The sudden change in structure, routine, and social connection can lead to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, or even loneliness. It’s important to acknowledge that these emotions are valid, and to support teens in staying balanced by helping them create some gentle routines, stay physically active, and stay connected to meaningful relationships or activities. Encouraging time outdoors, regular sleep patterns, creative outlets, and check-ins with trusted adults can go a long way in supporting their well-being during this time of change.

Cobs Bread

Cobs Bread Love bread? Us too! Mention Samuel W. Shaw school at the Shawnessy Cobs and our school receives a portion of proceeds! Win, win!!

Calendar of Events

  • June- National Indigenous History Month; Italian Heritage Month; Filipino Heritage Month; Portuguese Heritage Month; Pride Month
  • June 1 - Shavuot
  • June 2-6 - Grade 6 Outdoor School
  • June 5 - Grand Reopening Anniversary Potluck & Blessing!
  • June 6 - Vaccine Catch-Up day (for consenting families)
  • June 7 - Eid al-Adha
  • June 8 - Polish-Canadian Heritage Day
  • June 9-12 Talent Show Auditions- Drama room
  • June 10 - Track & Field Meet
  • June 11 - Chess Club
  • June 16 - Grade 6 & 9 ELA PAT Part B
  • June 17 - Grades 6 & 9 Math PAT (K&E included); Grade 5 Movie Field Trip
  • June 18 - Grades 6, 9 & K&E Social Studies PAT
  • June 19 - Grade 9, & K&E Science PAT
  • June 20 - Holistic Wellness Day; World Refugee Day; Summer Solstice; Kona Ice Trucks on site for purchase
  • June 21 - National Indigenous Peoples Day
  • June 23 - Grade 9 Farewell
  • June 24 - Talent Shows!
  • June 25 - Sports Day! (AM only. More info to come); Locker Clean-out PM
  • June 26 - LAST DAY OF CLASSES! Early Dismissal (1:20)
  • June 27 - Appeals Day (by appointment)


With warmth,

Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry