Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families
Leading Truth and Reconciliation, Diversity, and Inclusion at Samuel W. Shaw:
- Healing Walk in 6-3 & 6-4
Grade 6-3 and 6-4 went on a healing walk on May 5 to recognize MMIWG+ day as well as to commemorate spring. We watched examples of a healing walk and what people do, as well as watched videos of Elders and Knowledge Keepers share their beliefs about spring. We noticed a common theme - renewal and hope.
We studied MMIWG2S+ through a photo series on CBC, artist commemorations in the Canadian Museum of Human Rights website, and a video and discussion around the importance of Clan Mothers in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Our culminating healing walk that encompassed the renewal and hope of spring as a gateway to viewing the challenges women and girls face in MMIWG2S+ as examples of resilience and strength rather than only tragedy and loss. We finished with a sculpture of nature items we picked up on our walk to represent our recognition of and commitment to the human rights of Indigenous peoples.
- 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.
You're Invited: Samuel W. Shaw Grand Reopening & Elder Blessing
We warmly invite you and your family to join us for a joyful celebration as we mark a fresh beginning at Samuel W. Shaw School, and celebrate our 15th anniversary. This special event will include an Elder blessing, a potluck meal, and time to connect as a community. As part of our commitment to meaningful reconciliation, we are honoured to start this new chapter with reflection, respect, and connection to the land as we come together as a community to bear witness to positive change at Sam Shaw School.
While attendance is completely optional, we would love to see as many families as possible who want to be part of this moment. Your presence will help shape the spirit of our relaunch — let’s come together to celebrate and help make Sam Shaw the best it can be!
When: Thursday, June 5, 2025, doors at 5:30, blessing at 6:00, potluck to follow.
Where: Samuel W. Shaw School, Shawinigan Drive entrance; Potluck & blessing on the front lawn (weather permitting; gymnasium for inclement weather).
Who: All Samuel W. Shaw families and staff are invited.
How: Your RSVP and potluck contributions let us know you're coming, by May 31, 2025, please!
Link: RSVP Here
Change to Morning Entry Routine – Effective May 20
As previously sent, 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’.
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.
Junior High Improv Festival- May 20
On Tuesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 21 our Improv Team will be participating in the Calgary Junior High Improv Festival at Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School with 4 other junior highs from around the city. We have a team of 11 fantastic storytellers with impeccable comedic timing who have been working all year on their chemistry and technique. If you would like to attend this event to celebrate our Improv Team's impressive talent and hard work, the Tuesday mixed-school showcase will begin at 6:30PM, and Wednesday's festival performances will begin at 7:00PM. For Wednesday’s more formal performances, the organizers have elected to sell tickets using a pay-what-you-can donation format. The funds from ticket sales will be split between all of the Drama departments from the attending and hosting schools.
Grades 6 & 9 Provincial Achievement Testing
Teachers are preparing students in Grades 6 and 9 for the upcoming Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) by integrating targeted skill-building into daily lessons. A key part of this work is using VRETTA, a digital platform that simulates the online PAT environment. It helps students become comfortable with the format, tools, and question types they’ll see during the tests.
PATs assess how well students are learning the Alberta curriculum and provide valuable data to support school planning and student success. Please see Important Dates below for your child’s Grade 6 or 9 PAT schedule.
Open Gym Temporarily Unavailable (May 20–29)
We wanted to let families know that Open Gym will be unavailable from May 20 to 29, as the main gym will be in use for High Jump equipment setup and practice. During this time, additional staff will be outside to support lunch supervision and ensure students continue to have safe and active options during the break. Thank you for your understanding!
Upcoming Trellis Workshops for Families
Trellis is offering two excellent learning opportunities for parents and families this spring:
- Nurturing Parenting Lunch & Learn Series
Join a series of virtual lunchtime sessions designed to support positive parenting and strong family relationships. Topics include child development, communication, discipline, and more. Parents can attend one or multiple sessions, and a certificate is available for those who participate regularly. - Getting Ready for Junior High Workshop
This in-person evening workshop is for parents and students in upper elementary grades to attend together. It will focus on preparing for the transition to junior high, including tips on organization, time management, study habits, and goal-setting.
For more information or to register for either opportunity, contact Trellis at:
📧 SWFRN@growwithtrellis.ca
📞 403-689-1403
Understanding Substance Use and Abuse in Teens
We’re increasingly seeing a range of substance-related issues affecting youth between the ages of 12 and 15, including the use of vape products, THC pens, and high-caffeine energy drinks. While often viewed as harmless or common among peers, these substances can impact focus, mood, and overall well-being during a critical stage of development. As a school, we aim to support students' health and learning by working closely with students to know impacts, and options to avoid such substances. Open communication, shared expectations, and consistent routines between home and school can go a long way in helping students make informed choices. When concerns do arise—both at school and in the community—can make a meaningful difference in how we respond and move forward together though open, collaborative conversations.
Sources: https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/parents/ https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/Page16759.aspx
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:
- May 19- No School- Victoria Day
- May 20- *New* Soft-Entry Begins at 8:45AM; Improv Festival @ EP Scarlett
- May 20-29- Open Gym Suspended
- May 21- Improv Festival @ Scarlett; Chess Club @ 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; Grade 8 to Spark (2 classes)
- May 28- Chess Club @ 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
- 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 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 12- 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
- June 21- National Indigenous Peoples Day
- June 23- Grade 9 Farewell
- June 24- Talent Shows!
- June 25- Sports Day! Kona Ice Trucks on site for purchase
- June 26- LAST DAY OF CLASSES! Early Dismissal (1:20)
- June 27- Appeals Day (by appointment)
Healthy Hunger Dates:
- May 22nd- A&W
With warmth,
Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry