Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families
Leading Truth and Reconciliation, Diversity, and Inclusion at Samuel W. Shaw:
At Samuel W. Shaw School, we believe that creating a safe, caring, welcoming, and respectful environment is essential for every learner to thrive. Guided by the Calgary Board of Education’s commitments to Leading Truth and Reconciliation, Diversity and Inclusion and aligned with Alberta’s Anti-Racism Action Plan, we recognize the importance of honouring the diverse cultures, histories, and stories that shape our school community. This includes deepening our understanding of Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing, and knowing, while also valuing the lived experiences of newcomers to Canada. Learning about and from each other builds empathy, breaks down barriers, and helps every student feel seen, heard, and valued. When we foster belonging through education, we take meaningful steps toward a more inclusive, equitable, and respectful future for all.
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People – May 5
Also known as Red Dress Day, May 5 is a day to honour and remember the Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people who have gone missing or been victims of violence. The red dress has become a powerful symbol of the lives taken and the families and communities left grieving. This day invites all Canadians to reflect on the root causes of this ongoing crisis, to listen to the stories and voices of Indigenous people, and to commit to meaningful action that supports justice, healing, and systemic change. At Sam Shaw, a red dress hangs in our Gathering Space as a commitment to learning and doing more to help this on-going crisis end.
Asian Heritage Month
May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian peoples and communities. This includes the many identities, traditions, and experiences that shape the Asian diaspora.
At the Calgary Board of Education, this month offers a time for reflection, learning, and growth. It provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the diverse experiences of Asian students, staff, and families, while celebrating the ways in which they contribute to the vibrancy of our classrooms and communities.
Joy Kogawa, a renowned Canadian author of Japanese descent, reminds us: “As we reflect on the stories of the past, we uncover the pathways that guide us forward.” Her words highlight that meaningful progress begins with understanding the histories that have shaped our society.
At Samuel W. Shaw school, we are committed to continuing our learning about the rich cultures and stories of those in our community. We believe that honouring and understanding these perspectives strengthens our shared commitment to inclusion, belonging, and respect.
Asian Heritage Month invites us to celebrate and uplift stories of joy, resilience, and brilliance, while also reflecting on how Asian students, staff, and families are seen and supported in our learning spaces. This month—and every month—we honour the contributions that enrich our school and help build a more inclusive future.
Mental Health Week/Hats on for Mental Health
Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough; masking can make it even harder. Living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from judgment and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier the mask becomes, and the more isolated we feel.
This May 5-11, people across Canada are encouraged to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding across the country. Source: https://cmha.ca/mental-health-week/
At Sam Shaw, we encourage staff and students to participate in Hats on for Mental Health day on Wednesday, May 7, by donning their favorite hat!
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.
Spring Drama Production: An Absolutely True Story (As Told By A Bunch of Lying Liars) at Centennial High School
On May 7 & 8 we are so proud to present our school's spring play: An Absolutely True Story (As Told By A Bunch of Lying Liars). This screwball comedy will be performed in the theatre at Centennial High School (55 Sun Valley Blvd SE), with a different cast & crew each night. Our students have been working incredibly hard for the past four months on this show, and we are so excited to make you laugh! Tickets will be available for purchase ($5/ticket, cash only) at lunch May 5-8, and will also be available at the door. Doors will open at 6:30, the show will begin at 7:00, and we anticipate the runtime to be approximately 35-45 minutes. Come one, come all for a side-splitting evening, surely to leave you laughing throughout.
Scholastic Book Fair is Coming to Sam Shaw!
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Samuel W. Shaw!
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 8- Setting up 10:30am-1:00pm,
- May 12 ,13 ,14 , 10:00-1:40pm or 2:00pm-3:30pm.
Visit the Scholastic Book Fair website to look through the digital flyer: https://www2.scholastic.ca/bookfairs/wpcontent/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/S25_SR_Booklist.pdf
Navigating the Scroll: Supporting Youth Mental Health in the Age of Social Media
Parents in Alberta and across Canada are increasingly concerned about the impact of social media on their children's mental health. Recent studies and reports highlight several key issues that parents should be aware of.
A significant concern is the prevalence of problematic social media use (PSMU) among adolescents. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, nearly 40% of Canadian students in grades 6 to 10 are at moderate or high risk for PSMU. This level of engagement is associated with increased psychological symptoms, emotional problems, and decreased life satisfaction. Notably, the association between PSMU and psychological problems was found to be stronger for boys, while the negative impact on life satisfaction was more pronounced among girls . ([PDF] Mental Health Problematic Social Media Use in Canadian Adolescents, Mental health and problematic social media use in Canadian ...)
Sleep health is another area affected by social media use. A 2024 study found that intense and problematic social media use is linked to poorer sleep health among adolescents. The highest odds of experiencing poor sleep indicators were associated with problematic social media use, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.67 to 3.24 . ([PDF] Social media use and sleep health among adolescents in Canada, Social media use and sleep health among adolescents in Canada)
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Alberta Division advises parents to encourage their children to be mindful of their emotions before, during, and after using social media. Recognizing feelings of anxiety or low mood associated with certain apps or accounts can help in establishing healthier boundaries and usage habits . (Mental Health & Social Media - CMHA Alberta Division)
It is encouraged that parents be vigilant about their children's social media use, paying attention to signs of problematic engagement, its impact on mental health and sleep, and fostering open conversations about online experiences. Encouraging balanced usage and emotional awareness can help mitigate potential negative effects.
COBS Bread
COBS 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 5 - National Day for Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; Bear Witness (Jordan’s Principle) Day; Bus Driver Appreciation Day; Dutch Heritage Day
- May 6 - Grade 9 Badminton Meet at DGS
- May 7 - Hats on For Mental Health; Chess Club at Lunch; Grade 8 Badminton Meet @ DMC; Spring Drama Production at Centennial
- May 8 - Grade 8 Badminton Meet at DMC; Healthy Hunger- Subway; Spring Drama Production at Centennial
- May 9 - Grade 9 Badminton Meet at DGS
- 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; School Council Meeting at 6:30PM
- May 16 - No School- Non-Instruction Day
- May 17 - International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
- May 19 - No School- Victoria Day
- May 20 - Improv Festival at Dr. E.P. Scarlett
- May 21 - Improv Festival at Dr. E.P. Scarlett; Chess Club at Lunch
- May 23 - Wellness Day (more to come!)
- 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
- 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 8- Subway
- May 22- A&W
With warmth,
Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry