Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families,
Leading Truth and Reconciliation, Diversity, and Inclusion at Samuel W. Shaw:
- REDress Day- May 5
May 5 marked Red Dress Day, a time to honour and acknowledge Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).
To recognize this important day, students in 5-4 engaged in meaningful learning about the ongoing crisis impacting many Indigenous communities. They examined key statistics which significantly impact Indigenous women and girls.
Students also learned about Jamie Black, a Red River Métis multidisciplinary artist and activist of Anishinaabe and Finnish descent, who created the powerful REDress Project. The red dresses symbolize the loss and absence of Indigenous women, with the color red chosen because many First Nations believe it is the only color spirits can see.
As an act of remembrance, students colored templates of red dresses and added the names of missing or murdered Indigenous women to acknowledge that these lives are not forgotten.
By educating ourselves and our children, we take steps toward a future free from racism, violence, and injustice.
Jewish Heritage Month
May marks the beginning of Canadian Jewish Heritage Month—a time to honour the rich culture, beliefs, and history of Jewish communities in Canada. As we celebrate the diversity and contributions of Jewish people, we also acknowledge the ongoing challenges they face, including rising antisemitism.
As a learning organization, we stand against hate in all its forms and remain committed to learning more along our journey toward greater inclusion, belonging, and honouring identity. This month, and always, we are committed to deepening our understanding, strengthening community ties, and celebrating the enduring legacy of Jewish Canadians
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 this week.
Change to Morning Entry Routine – Effective May 20
As sent out on Friday, starting Tuesday, May 20, students will enter the building at 8:45 AM instead of 8:00 AM, using the Shawinigan Drive doors as usual.
This change reflects our responsibility, which is to provide active supervision ‘15 minutes prior to the start of the learning day’. Students entering earlier have been spending extended, unsupervised time in the building, which has led to cases of dysregulation, vandalizing, and a less focused start to their learning.
We recognize this shift may impact existing family routines, and we appreciate your understanding as we prioritize student well-being and safety. While schools play an important role in supporting families, we are no longer able to offer this unstructured time before 8:45 AM.
Please Note
- The Breakfast Program will continue to run from 8:45–9:00 AM in the Gathering Space.
- Students attending athletics practices or tryouts may enter earlier through the gym doors on Shawinigan Drive at their regularly scheduled times, and must remain under the supervision of their coach or teacher in the gymnasium.
- All students are asked to avoid letting others in, and allow administration to open doors at 8:45.
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Grades 6 & 9 Provincial Achievement Testing
Our teachers have been diligently preparing students for the upcoming Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) by integrating targeted practice and skill-building activities into their daily instruction. A key part of this preparation includes the use of the new digital platform, VRETTA, which simulates the online PAT environment and helps students become familiar with the format, tools, and types of questions they will encounter. Through guided practice on VRETTA, students are gaining confidence in navigating the platform while reinforcing their understanding of key curriculum outcomes. The purpose of PATs in Alberta is to assess how well students are learning the knowledge and skills outlined in the provincial programs of study, and to provide valuable data that supports school planning and student learning.
Badminton Meets
A huge shout out to the Sam Shaw badminton teams for their fantastic participation and well-earned wins at the recent off-campus meets! We’re incredibly proud of their success on the court, but even more so of the growth, teamwork, and confidence these athletes have shown throughout the season. Their dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship are what truly make them stand out. Way to represent, Storm!
Scholastic Book Fair is Coming to Sam Shaw!
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Samuel W. Shaw THIS WEEK!
Visit the Scholastic Book Fair website to learn more. Classes will be given time to visit the fair as a class, or as individual students throughout the day.
If you’re available to lend a hand at this event and have a current CBE security clearance, please contact Ms.Trish at paspurrell@cbe.ab.ca. Not sure you’ve got current clearance? Please contact the main office. Times and dates that volunteers are needed are:
- May 12,13,14, 10:00-1:40pm or 2:00pm-3:30pm.
Understanding the Prevalence of Teen Nicotine Use and Vaping
Vaping among Canadian youth aged 12 to 14 is a growing concern. In 2019, 5.4% of adolescents in this age group reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, with 14.1% of these users vaping daily or almost daily. This rate is lower than that of 15- to 17-year-olds, where 21.3% reported recent use. Notably, 89% of youth aged 15 to 19 who vaped in the past month used nicotine-containing e-liquids, indicating high exposure to this addictive substance. (Statistics Canada)
Nicotine exposure during adolescence can disrupt brain development, affecting areas responsible for attention, learning, and impulse control. Additionally, vaping has been linked to respiratory issues, including cases of lung injury among youth.
Parental awareness plays a crucial role in addressing this issue. Research indicates that adolescents whose parents are aware of their social circles are less likely to engage in vaping. Understanding the prevalence and risks associated with teen vaping is essential in supporting adolescents' health and well-being.
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
- May 12-15- Scholastic Book Fair
- May 13- Grade 9 Science Field Trip (3 classes)
- May 14- Grade 6 Badminton Meet at MHS; Chess Club at Lunch
- May 15- Grade 6 Badminton Meet at MHS
- May 16- No School- PD Day for Teaching Staff
- May 17- International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
- May 19- No School- Victoria Day
- May 20- Improv Festival at EP Scarlett
- May 21- Improv Festival at Scarlett; Chess Club at Lunch
- May 26- Grade 8 Field Trip to TELUS Spark (2 classes); 7-5 & 7-1 to Heritage Park
- May 26- 31- National AccessAbility Week
- May 27- 7-3 & 7-4 to Heritage Park; PLP to Heritage Park; Grade 8 to Spark (2 classes)
- May 28- Chess Club at Lunch; Grade 6 ELA Part A PAT
- May 29- 7-6 & 7-2 to Heritage Park; Grade 8 to Spark (2 classes); Grade 9 ELA PAT, Part A
Healthy Hunger Dates
- May 22- A&W
With warmth,
Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry