Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families,
How is it almost Fall Break already? As a reminder, there is no school on Friday, November 8, and the break continues through the following week, with students returning Thursday, November 14. The year zooms along, and being immersed in our Sam Shaw learning community is always exciting, ever-changing, and a source of great pride for the administration. We are often in awe of the ways in which our students show care for each other, and while yes, reminders are needed, we all know what a fantastic group of kids we have.
Indigenous Education in Grade 9 In Math
Grade 9 students explored the story-telling elements of geometric art by looking at Wampum belts and the Witness Blanket on Orange Shirt Day. Students then created their own art piece to show a place of connection for them. The math was linked by calculating fractional values based on their images and determining if the values displayed were perfect/non-perfect squares as well as rational or irrational numbers.
In English Language Arts & Literature
During homeroom on the day of the Terry Fox run (Friday, October 11), students in grade 9 learned more about Terry Fox’s Métis heritage. Students viewed two videos:
1. A brief introduction to the Métis people and
2. A short video who Terry Fox is and the importance of the Marathon of Hope.
After viewing the videos, students brainstormed symbols/images that represent Terry, The Marathon of Hope, and The Métis people. Students then listened to a podcast from The Métis Nation of British Columbia podcast channel titled: Big Brother Terry and a Big Discovery. In this podcast the host interviews Darrell Fox and they discuss the Fox Family, their Métis roots and how The Marathon of Hope embodies many of the Métis’ values.
While listening, students completed a “Sneaker Doodle” where they designed a sneaker with symbols/images that represent all of the above. Students were also encouraged to include symbols that represent their connection to the Métis people and/or cancer.
Here’s a link to our work.
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.
Remembrance Day Services at Shaw- Thursday, November 7, 2024
- We will be collecting donations for the Veteran's food bank this coming week leading up to Remembrance Day. The need is great right now, so please thank our veterans by sending in non-perishable food items with your child this coming week, anything is welcome!
- For this year's Remembrance Day assembly at the school we would like to include personal stories of ancestors/relatives of our students who fought in WW1 or 2, or who have served or are currently serving in the Canadian military. If you are willing to share a picture and a short paragraph about their service or experience, please email it to your child's homeroom teacher or Karla Smith, the music teacher, at kmsmith@cbe.ab.ca by November 4. Thank you so much!
Concerns? Questions? How to Connect
When something happens involving your child at school that you are wondering about, we kindly ask that your first contact be the teacher who was directly involved. They have the clearest understanding of the situation and are best positioned to provide insights, and work collaboratively toward a solution. At Samuel W. Shaw School, we are all deeply committed to the growth, safety, and happiness of every child, and we see ourselves as partners in your child’s journey. When families and teachers work together, we can address any concerns with compassion and understanding as a team. Thank you for your trust and collaboration as we create a caring community for all our students.
Social Media Tips for Parents & Guardians
This month, YouthLink, a stem of the Calgary Police Service is coming to Sam Shaw school to share about cyber-safety, and online use for students in grades 7-9. The presentations are age-specific and cover topics such as online safety, the impact of social media on social-emotional health, online privacy, issues such as cyber-bulling, doxing, and The Power of Likes. These presentations are all aimed to support students in gaining a greater understanding of their presence and participation in online worlds.
Athletics Updates
Basketball season is in full swing! Thank you to all those who support the teams, from fandom, coaching, driving to away games, and ensuring the kids are here for early morning practices.
Reminder for Sam Shaw students attending games: Students may stay for the first game (starting at 4:30 PM) without an adult supervisor. For any games after that, students must have an adult supervisor in the gym to remain and watch. For all away games, students are also required to have an adult supervisor in the visiting school gymnasiums to cheer on our Storm!
Due to our gymnasiums being painted, and a higher need for the spaces, the Boys’ Development Basketball crew enjoyed their last session on October 29. The volunteer coach and Ms. Kerry thank them for their time and dedication to improving their skills. We hope each of them returns to basketball next year!
Soccer season has wrapped up and we are proud of each of the athlete’s growth, drive, and determination throughout the season. The Boys’ Team is invited to a wrap-up gathering on Tuesday, November 5 after school.
Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth- After School Program for 5's & 6's
‘Bridges to Community’ is intended to offer a holistic education and prevention opportunity for elementary-aged students. This program is intentionally created to cater to the multifaceted needs of children and youth in Calgary, particularly focused on developing problem-solving strategies, conflict resolution processes, developing positive self-esteem and confidence, and nurturing positive interpersonal relationships. ‘Bridges to Community’ is free and open to any grade 5 or 6 student, and will run Thursdays from November 14 until Winter Break after school from 3:45-5:45 PM in our school. Please register.
Calendar of Events
- November 4-8- Auxiliary Gym being painted
- November 5 - AHS Vaccine Talk w/ Grade 6; Sr. Boys Basketball- home game
- November 7 - Remembrance Day Assembly
- November 8 - No School- Indigenous Veterans’ Day; Maatoomsii’ Pookaiks, System-wide Indigenous Education Learning Day for all CBE Staff
- November 9- 13 - No School: Fall Break. Classes resume Thursday, November 14
- November 11- Remembrance Day (no school)
- November 14 - Classes resume; School Council at 6:30PM in the Learning Commons- all are encouraged to join!
- November 20 - Grade 6 Vaccines (for consenting families)
- November 21 - Healthy Hunger- Subway (order at www.healthyhunger.ca)
- November 28 - Regular school day; 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 deeply value your involvement and the unwavering support you bring to the Samuel W. Shaw School community. Together, we are creating a vibrant and connected environment where every contribution matters and strengthens the bonds between students, families, and staff. Your dedication to our community's growth and success is truly inspiring and instrumental in shaping a positive future for all.
Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. We look forward to continued collaboration and the shared achievements that lie ahead. Wishing you a fulfilling and joyful week ahead!
With warmth,
Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry