Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families

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

Mathematical Teachings from the Turtle

Students in grade 5 engaged in a powerful cross-curricular, art project honouring both Indigenous ways of scientific knowing, and western scientific perspectives. The students created turtle shells representing the 13 Grandmother Moons and the 28-day lunar cycle. Through this creative process, students not only developed their artistic skills but also deepened their understanding of traditional teachings about time, nature, and seasonal change. The project landed meaningfully with many students, sparking thoughtful conversations about connection to land, community, and the wisdom embedded in Indigenous stories.

turtle artwork


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.

Celebrating Student Innovation and Creativity

Some of our Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) students had the incredible opportunity to represent our school at a special gala event held at the CBE Education Centre downtown. Students from Grades 7 to 9 proudly showcased their innovative projects in areas such as 3D design using Tinkercad, animation in Blender, and coding with Python. Their presentations were met with enthusiasm and admiration from an audience that included educators, directors, and peers.

In addition to the tech projects, several Grade 9 students performed live on stage, sharing their talents and creativity with confidence and passion.

We are so proud of the hard work, problem-solving, and artistic vision that these students demonstrated. Their projects will be on display for the next two weeks in the public gallery at the CBE Education Centre—feel free to stop by if you're downtown to see the inspiring work of young creators from across the city.

art on display 1


art on display 2


art on display 3


art on display 4


Talent Show 2025!

Auditions for the talent show are happening THIS WEEK, and many talented students are excited about this highly anticipated event! 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.

Track & Field Meet- June 10 

Please note this is a school day and this meet is for athletes to attend as a field trip, that requires appropriate Acknowledgments of Risk and parent/guardian signed paperwork. Therefore, students that are not participating on the Track Team as an athlete are NOT permitted to attend the Track Meet under any circumstances. If students do show up, parents will be required to pick them up immediately and disciplinary action may follow from administration. 

Library Books- Returns are Overdue

All library books are now overdue. Please ensure your child has rooted through their rooms and backpacks to get these resources back to the Learning Commons as soon as possible!

Social Media: Boundaries and Realities

Even with strong boundaries in place, many parents are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their child’s social media use—especially with apps like Snapchat. These platforms can be reinstalled or accessed on other devices, often without a caregiver’s knowledge. While open communication and clear expectations are essential, it’s also important to stay informed about how these platforms work and the ways teens may bypass limits. You’re not alone in this—many families are facing similar challenges. For a helpful Canadian perspective and tools for navigating these conversations, visit MediaSmarts, Canada’s Centre for Digital and Media Literacy: https://mediasmarts.ca.

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 13 - Grades 6 & 9 Math Part A PAT
  • June 16 - Grade 6 & 9 ELA PAT Part B
  • June 17 - Grades 6 & 9 Math PAT Part B (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)
  • June 26 - LAST DAY OF CLASSES! Early Dismissal (1:20)
  • June 27 - Appeals Day (by appointment)


With warmth,

Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry