Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families
Indigenous Education in Art
Inspired by the Métis bead work of Christi Belcourt, students in Ms. Lomas’ art classes learned about ways in which the artist uses her unique painting style to represent Indigenous understandings of “Medicines to Help Us” from her well-known book/resource. Belcourt fuses her evocative artwork with research on plants and traditional knowledge to explore traditional Métis medicinal knowledge, and the medicinal properties of the plants depicted in her paintings. This innovative and vibrant resource honours the centuries-old healing traditions of Métis women. Filled with full-colour photographs, maps, illustrations, and the names of plants listed in three Aboriginal languages--Michif, Nêhiyawewin (Cree), and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway)—Belcourt shares her first-hand experience in using medicinal plants, in this one-of-a-kind resource that melds Métis contemporary art and the floral motif within Métis bead work with Métis traditional knowledge. This resource served as a significant learning tool for students who demonstrated Métis cultural appreciation through their own painted creations.
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 new Iikakimat Space at 11:30. All self-identified Indigenous students are welcome to join.
Student Well-Being Action Committee
A big thank you to all the students who applied to be a part of this exciting opportunity at Sam Shaw School. The “Well-Being 8” will be announced Monday, November 25 during the pep-rally. The students who were not chosen (the “honourable mentions”) will be invited to work directly with the 8 to unfold the well-being initiatives identified by the core group, so all interested students will be a part of this important work. For the 8, important documents are coming home Monday and need to be signed and returned by Wednesday, November 27.
Samuel W. Shaw’s Makers’ Market
Just in time for a significant season of gifting and showing appreciation, please join us for an evening of makers, gift ideas, holiday joy for our Makers’ Market, December 12, from 5-8PM at Sam Shaw School.
Social Media Tips for Parents & Guardians
Snapchat
What is it: Snapchat is a messaging app that allows users to post videos and pictures that “disappear” after a few seconds.
What You Should Know: Kids and teens assume that their snaps disappear forever, which gives them a false sense of security about sending risky or embarrassing photos. Other users can replay a snap or take a screenshot to share an image. Remind your child or teen that the photos they post are never really gone, and that the Internet is never private. What they consider a private chat could lead them down a dangerous road—one that can even involve criminal charges.
What is it: Instagram is all about selfies, filters and followers. Kids and teens take, crop and modify photos to share them with their contacts. They can also use hashtags to reach a lot of people very quickly.
What You Should Know: Instagram has a ‘stickers’ feature that lets them post where their pictures were taken. This makes it easier for anyone to track their whereabouts, and leaves them vulnerable to stalkers. This is called “doxing”. Ask your child or teen to turn off their location tagging by setting their account to ghost mode.
YouTube
What is it: YouTube is great for watching videos, posting videos and following other “YouTubers.” Kids and teens love to set up their own channels and grow their following.
What You Should Know: YouTube comments are notoriously negative. Posting personal videos can leave your child or teen vulnerable to criticism and may attract trolls – people who intentionally start negative conversations. Encourage your child or teen to ignore negative comments and to block the user if they experience harassment. Discuss what they should and shouldn’t be posting, and remind them to steer clear of hateful discussions about other people’s content.
Taken from: https://www.tps.ca/crime-prevention/social-media-safety-tips-for-parents/
Athletics & Phys Ed Updates
New Phys Ed rotations began November 18. Some activities involve students going outside. Please remind your child they need to come prepared to be active in all kinds of weather every day.
Regular season basketball is wrapped up, and we head into playoffs, with the Girls’ Semi-finals Monday! 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-Teacher Conferences
Thursday, November 28, from 4:30PM-8:00PM and Friday, November 29, from 8AM-1PM, we will be hosting parent/guardian, student conferences. For Grades 5, 6 & PLP students, MyCBE parent/guardian login will provide access to conference bookings and opened Friday. For Grades 7, 8, and 9 students, we are offering a new format to access your child’s teachers. 10-minute conference will be offered on a drop-in basis in the gymnasium or gathering space during the regularly scheduled conference times mentioned above. Please come when it is convenient for you, and find your child’s teacher in one of these spaces.
Calendar of Events
- 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; Theatre Calgary Field Trip; Parent-Teacher Conferences: 4:30-8:00PM
- November 29 - NO SCHOOL- Parent-Teacher Conferences: 8:00AM-1:00PM
- December 2 - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
- December 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- December 4 - International Volunteer Day; Staff v. Students Basketball; GSA at lunch; Basketball Wind-Up Pizza Party at lunch
- December 5 - Everyone Gets Abducted by Aliens! Performance- 7PM in the main gym- doors open at 6:30. Tickets $5 each, and will be available at the door or pre-purchase December 2, 3, and 4 at lunch
- December 6 - National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women; Centennial Feeder School Trip (Grade 9s)
Healthy Hunger Dates
- Jan 23 - The Lunch Lady
- Feb 27 - Coco Brooks
- March 19 - Subway
We are truly grateful for your continued support and the meaningful contributions you make to our school community. Together, we are creating a vibrant and inclusive environment where every voice matters, and every effort strengthens our shared purpose.
Your involvement, whether through volunteering, attending events, or simply engaging with our school, is invaluable. It not only inspires our staff and students but also helps make Samuel W. Shaw School a place where everyone thrives.
Thank you for being such an integral part of our journey. We look forward to deepening this partnership as we celebrate milestones together, from conferences to school-wide achievements. By working hand-in-hand, we are ensuring the success of every student and building a legacy of excellence.
Wishing you a fantastic week ahead, and thank you for continuing to make a difference!
With warmth,
Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry