Indigenous Education at Samuel W. Shaw | Land Acknowledgments from 6-3 & 6-4
Shared and continued from last week, 6-3 explored the CBE Land Acknowledgement and worked on the language pronunciations of the greetings, names of the peoples, and place names. They then completed a “Situate Yourself” assignment where they found out which level of settler they were (immigrant, first generation, etc.). They then acknowledged the land they were on before moving on to examine the place they feel most at peace. This was to be an outdoor location, where they felt connected to the land. They culminated this investigation by writing a 5-senses paragraph explaining how it felt to be on this land. Below are the remaining student examples; (all images and words are shared with permission).
Mrs. Lappin’s 6-4s have been exploring their understandings of the importance and reconciliatory efforts of Land Acknowledgments through writing, practicing and video-recording personal Land Acknowledgments. These are then shared in our biweekly video updates for our whole school community to see.
The work of this entire grade 6 cohort has set the stage for others to engage in finding themselves in the journey of understanding and reconciliation.
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.
Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences - March 20-21, 2025
We look forward to families and teachers coming together to discuss the successes of the learners we share. Conference bookings are now open via MyCBE. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions about conferences.
Grades 8 & 9 Foods & Baking Magazines
Grade 8 and 9 students who took Foods or Baking in the first semester worked with their group members to create a food magazine! These magazines showcase their creativity, learning, and passion for cooking through a variety of engaging pieces. Students wrote vivid descriptions of recipes, capturing the flavors, textures, and techniques they explored in class. They have also reflected on their experiences in the kitchen, sharing key lessons they’ve learned. Additionally, students completed a research project and represented their findings in unique formats, such as magazine articles, advertisements, infographics, or crossword puzzles. This project has allowed students to develop their culinary and literacy skills while engaging with food. Mrs. Keuben is so proud of their hard work and hope that you have had an opportunity to see the final product! If your child has not picked up their magazine, they can see Mrs. Keuben to get their copy.
Community Health Promotion Services- Parent Sessions
The Community Health Promotion Services team with Recovery Alberta is offering a 3 Part series starting next week, March 18 for families.
This 3-part presentation by the Community Health Promotion Services Team (CHPS) addresses important issues affecting youth today.
- The first session focuses on helping parents, caregivers, and mentors engage in conversations about substance use, including alcohol and cannabis, to support informed decision-making;
- The second session covers the rising concern of vaping among youth, providing insights into devices, substances, and strategies for effective conversations;
- The third session explores the impact of screen time, social media, and video gaming on youth mental health and well-being, offering practical tips for fostering healthy digital habits.
Please click this link-----> CHPS 3 part Parent Series Poster.pdf to sign up for sessions.
Empowering Parents to Set Healthy Boundaries with Social Media
As parents, it's important to know that you have the right — and the responsibility — to set firm boundaries when it comes to your child’s social media use. Recent Canadian research highlights the growing concern about social media’s impact on youth mental health, linking excessive screen time to increased anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep patterns. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends delaying social media access for younger children and establishing clear guidelines to help older students balance online and offline experiences. By confidently saying “no” to platforms that may be overwhelming or unsafe, parents can protect their children’s well-being and promote healthier habits. Establishing device-free zones, setting screen time limits, and encouraging open conversations about online safety are all proactive steps that can make a positive difference.
Cobbs Bread
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!!
Calendar of Events
*Please note that all events outside of school hours IN CBE buildings may be impacted due to the strike. These are noted with *
- March 19 - Healthy Hunger (Subway)
- March 20-21- *Parent-Student Conferences* ONLINE (Thursday, 4:30-8PM; Friday, 8AM-1PM). Conference bookings are now open in MyCBE
- March 22- March 30- SPRING BREAK!
- March 31 - Classes resume
- April 10 - Grade 7 Band Camp at MRU
- April 11 - Student Teachers’ Last Day
- April 15 - Lip Sync Battle p. 4
- April 17 - Spring Formal Dance (more info to come)
- April 22 - Lappin Zoo Field Trip
- April 30 - Half of Grade 5 to Military Museum
- May 1 - Feeder School Tours (TBC); half of Grade 5s to Military Museum; Open House (evening- TBC)
Healthy Hunger Dates:
- March 19 – Subway
- April 24 - Edo
- May 22 - A&W
With warmth,
Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry