Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families,

The energy at our school is buzzing with excitement and growth! We’ve had an incredible week filled with amazing projects and activities, showcasing the hard work and passion of our students and staff. As you walk through our hallways, you may notice the fresh coats of paint transforming our spaces — it’s more than just a few new colours; these are symbols of renewal and our commitment to creating an inspiring learning environment. With each brushstroke, we’re building a sense of a fresh start and a bright, welcoming place for our entire school community. We can’t wait to see this vibrant transformation continue in the weeks ahead!

Indigenous Education in Grade 5

Over the past few weeks, students have been exploring the culture and traditions of the West Coast Salish People. One of the key aspects of this learning unit has been understanding the significance of culturally modified trees (CMTs). These trees were used by the Salish People for many purposes, such as gathering materials for shelter, canoes, tools, and clothing. However, the process was done with great care and respect, ensuring that the trees continued to live and grow even after they had been modified. This respect for nature is an essential part of the West Coast Salish culture, reflecting their deep connection to the environment.

To demonstrate their understanding of this concept, students have been using Minecraft to creatively represent their own culturally modified trees. Through this activity, they have applied what they've learned about traditional uses of CMTs, showing how the Salish People would carefully harvest resources without harming the tree, and expressing the cultural importance of sustainability and respect for nature.

We are excited to share their work with you, and we encourage you to ask your child to explain the details of their creation. It’s a great opportunity for them to reflect on what they’ve learned and to share the cultural significance of these traditional practices with you.

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 in the Gathering Space at 11:30 AM. All self-identified Indigenous students are welcome to join.

Student Wellbeing Action Committee Opportunity

Students from Samuel W. Shaw are invited to participate in a CBE-wide initiative to improve student wellbeing. This initiative involves middle school students from all areas of the CBE working alongside each other to make actionable change that will impact students’ experiences in middle school for the better.

Each middle school in the CBE is being asked to invite 8 students to partake in a Wellbeing Symposium on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Mount Royal University to kick off this work. The work related to the symposium is year-long and on-going, culminating in documenting our wellbeing journey in a “photo voice” created out of the work done by our students throughout the year.

Students who are interested in being considered to be a part of Samuel W. Shaw’s Wellbeing Action Committee are required to:

  • show genuine care for improving wellbeing at Samuel W. Shaw,
  • commit to yearlong wellbeing work with a team of 8, supported by Ms. Berry & Ms. Kerry,
  • parent/guardian supported transportation to and from Mount Royal University for the symposium date- January 28, 2025,
  • co-create and participate in wellbeing initiatives at Shaw, often on their own time (lunch meetings)
  • have CBE Media Clearance for this event (external and internal)
  • co-create a “photo voice” documenting the yearlong wellness work, and submit this by May 30, 2025, and
  • understand that our collective actions will elevate school-wide wellbeing at Samuel W. Shaw
  • have a parent/guardian signed acknowledgment letter returned no later than Friday, November 22 (available from homeroom teachers)

The 8 successful candidates will be announced at a pep rally on Monday, November 25, 2024. Students who were unsuccessful will be given an opportunity to support wellness initiatives at Shaw and have their voices heard in other ways, such as SWS Student Advisory Council (dates and information forthcoming for interested students).  

Social Media Tips for Parents & Guardians

Last week and continuing into next week, YouthLink, a branch of the Calgary Police Service, is visiting Sam Shaw School to present on cyber-safety and responsible online use for students in grades 7-9. The sessions are tailored by age group and cover essential topics such as online safety, the impact of social media on social-emotional health, online privacy, and issues like cyberbullying, doxing, and "The Power of Likes." These presentations are designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of their digital presence. Grade 9 students participated in the session on Friday, November 15, with Grade 8 scheduled for November 26, and Grade 7 on November 28. We encourage you to ask your child about what they learned.

Athletics & Phys Ed Updates

New Phys Ed rotations begin November 18. Some activities will involve students going outside. Please remind your child they need to come prepared to be active in all kinds of weather every day. Please see the email sent Friday November 15, from Phys Ed for more details.

Regular season basketball is wrapping up and the kids are preparing for playoffs! Go Storm! As a reminder, students are permitted to stay and watch the first game (4:30 start) unaccompanied. To be permitted to stay for the later games, all students must be accompanied by an adult who will remain present with them in the gymnasium at all times. This goes for home and away games.

Parent/Guardian, Student Conferences

Thursday, November 28, from 4:30PM-8:00PM and Friday, November 29, from 8AM-1PM, we will be hosting parent/guardian, student conferences. PowerSchool parent/guardian login will provide access to conference bookings by the end of this week. We will send out an email reminder of when exactly bookings open, and how to book an appointment. We encourage all families to book a 10-minute conference with their child’s teacher(s) to gain a greater understanding of how students are doing academically to this point in the year.

Calendar of Events

  • November 18- Métis Week ends; Leadership students to JJ;
  • November 20- Grade 6 Vaccines (for consenting families); GSA @ lunch; CFBY Bridges to Community program 3:45-5:45 for 5s & 6s
  • November 21- Healthy Hunger- Subway (order at www.healthyhunger.ca); Parent Council- 6:30 in the Learning Commons- all parents/guardians are welcome! 
  • November 22- All Wellbeing Action Committee forms due
  • November 25- Pep Rally p. 4; Girls’ Semi-finals Basketball- hosting
  • November 26- Grade 6 Movie Theatre walking field trip
  • November 27- Grade 7 Movie Theatre walking field trip; GSA at lunch
  • November 28- Regular school day; MRU Cougars Basketball Field Trip; Student Conferences: 4:30-8:00PM
  • November 29- NO SCHOOL- Student Conferences: 8:00AM-1:00PM

Healthy Hunger Dates

  • Nov 21 - Subway 
  • Jan 23 - The Lunch Lady 
  • Feb 27 - Coco Brooks 
  • March 19 - Subway

We truly appreciate your continued support of the Samuel W. Shaw School community. Together, we’re building a vibrant, connected environment where every contribution strengthens our bonds. Your dedication inspires us and plays a vital role in our shared success. Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to ongoing collaboration and celebrating future achievements at Conferences and beyond. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

With warmth,

Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry