Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families
Leading Truth and Reconciliation, Diversity, and Inclusion at Samuel W. Shaw
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
This year for National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, students in PLP learned about the impressive military contributions of Indigenous peoples with My Grandpa Joe: Learning about Indigenous Veterans through art. This video used a beautiful painting at the Canadian War Museum to unlock the story of Chief Joseph Dreaver. Chief Dreaver was a Veteran of the First and Second World Wars. He was also leader of the Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation in Saskatchewan and an advocate for Indigenous Veterans. Students used this inspiration to create their own impressive pictures.
Holistic Wellness Day
June 20 marked a day of holistic wellness, where teachers and students alike engaged in a variety of wellness-related activities in grade teams. From pre-rain nature walks, Circle, Land Acknowledgment reflections, to games, art, and more, the school buzzed with laughter, excitement, and learning about strategies to remain balanced and well, especially in light of the transition to summer pending. Oh, and Kona Ice treats! Thanks, Leadership for making that happen!
Grades 6 & 9 PATs- A Big Thank You
As our Grade 6 & 9 PATs came to a close last week, we want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who made this stretch of the year smooth, supportive, and successful.
To our teachers — thank you for your thoughtful preparation and steady encouragement. Your efforts set our students up not just to write tests, but to feel confident doing so.
To our students — we’re incredibly proud of your focus, determination, and respect. Whether you were writing or simply keeping the halls quiet for others, you showed maturity and care for your community.
And to our amazing volunteers — thank you for navigating bathroom runs, offering encouragement and a granola bar or two, courtesy of Parent Council, and being right where we needed you.
It truly takes a village, and we’re grateful for ours.
Grade 9 Celebration
As this chapter of your journey at Sam Shaw comes to a close, we want to take a moment to tell you just how proud we are of you.
Over the past few years, you’ve grown into thoughtful leaders, resilient learners, and kind, capable young people. You’ve made your mark in our classrooms, on our teams, in our hallways, and in the hearts of those who’ve had the privilege to teach and support you. Whether through quiet determination or bold leadership, each of you has contributed to our community in a way that matters.
Grade 9 is more than just the end of middle school— it’s a launch point. And while we will miss you, we are so excited for what lies ahead for each of you.
We’re looking forward to celebrating all that you’ve accomplished at our Grade 9 Farewell Celebration on Monday, June 23.
Doors open at 4:15 PM for students and their families, with the ceremony wrapping up by 5:45 PM (then off to Heritage Park for the kids!).
(For full event details, please see the emails from Robyn Carr.)
We can’t wait to come together to honour your journey, your spirit, and your bright future. Congratulations, Class of 2025 — we are so proud of you.
Yearbook Distribution
Any pre-paid yearbook purchases will be fulfilled this week, with yearbooks coming home. Watch backpacks for this exciting memento this week.
Talent Show 2025!
We are thrilled 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.
Sports Day- June 25
Sports Day is planned for Wednesday, June 25. Students will be participating in activities outside for Periods 1-4. Please make sure your child is prepared for a day outside in the sun (sunscreen and hats!), and that they are ready to perhaps get a little bit wet. Students are sure to work up a big appetite with all these high energy activities and fresh air, so they would benefit from packing a good filling lunch for this fun day.
Locker Clean-Out 2025
June 25 is the big locker clean-out day. It might benefit your child to bring an extra bag if they know their lockers are full of exciting artifacts, from long-lost binders, Tupperware containers, and socks. These will all be coming home on the 25.
Last Day of School
June 26 marks the end of the 2024-25 school year. As we approach the final days, it’s hard not to pause and look back with a sense of wonder at how much we have all grown in just ten short months.
When September began, our halls were filled with new faces, familiar routines, and the hum of possibility. Now, as June wraps itself around us, those same halls echo with laughter, memories, and the unmistakable signs of growth—academic, social, emotional, and personal. We’ve watched students take brave steps, form meaningful friendships, rise to challenges, and surprise even themselves with what they’re capable of.
This year, like all others, came with its own set of highs and hurdles. But through it all, what remained constant was the strength of our community. Your support as families, your trust in us, and your partnership in your child’s journey have made all the difference. Whether it was a word of encouragement, a thoughtful conversation, or a simple show of presence, your role in shaping the tone of this year has been invaluable.
As an admin team, we are deeply grateful—not only for the learning that’s happened, but for the joy, the growth, and the resilience we’ve seen blossom in every corner of Samuel W. Shaw school. There’s beauty in watching a year unfold, but even more in realizing how far we've all come together.
Thank you for sharing your children with us. We see their light. We believe in their promise. And we’re so proud of who they are becoming.
Calendar of Events
- June 23 - Grade 9 Farewell
- June 24 - Talent Shows!
- June 25 - Sports Day! (AM only); 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