Oct. 14-18 Update | Indigenous Education, Breakfast Program, Storm Store, Anxiety Presentation, Shoulder Bags, Drop-off/Pickup,

Posted on 2024-10-15 19:56:59.885 +0000 UTC

Happy Long Weekend, Samuel W. Shaw Families

What a sight to behold to see our 800+ students running for Terry Fox this past Friday. When we asked a few kids why they were running, many were able to share parts of Terry's story, and knew why this event was so important. Thank you to all who made it happen, from organizers, to teachers, and most importantly, to our runners!

Indigenous Education in Grade 7

The grade 7 team has engaged in reconciliatory efforts in education since the start of the year. Their work includes teaching and learning in relation to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Orange Shirt Day, Land-based Teachings honouring the realm of The Body in the west of the Medicine Wheel, listening to, and analyzing meaning in a local Indigenous rapper’s music, and in each effort, deepening their understandings of Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing, and knowing. Proudly, we share their work here. Please take the time to click. It’s worth a look.

School Council Breakfast Program

We are very excited to share that our School Council Breakfast Program starts Tuesday, October 16! Run by teacher-volunteers, the Breakfast Program will be open from about 8:15-8:45 every morning out of the Storm Store location. Grab ‘n’ Go items, inclusive of fruit, and other healthy options will be available to those who need it. All we ask is that items are not wasted, and students only take what they need, so more is left for others in need. We are grateful for the year-long support of parents just like you, from Parent Council who make this initiative possible. Thanks also to the many teachers who see value in this initiative and who are generously giving of their own time to offer breakfast items for those who need it, so every child has tools to succeed in their learning day.

Storm Store Update

Grand re-opening is Tuesday, October 16! Much work has been done behind the scenes to get this program back up and running. On top of healthy items, such as sandwiches and salads, we will have microwaves available for students to heat up their own lunches, hot water available for instant soups, snack items such as popcorn, and fresh baked cookies. Items, including sandwiches are all priced $3 and under. We can accept cash and debit payments, but in alignment with the ‘Away for the Day’ mandate, payments such as Apple Pay from phones will not be available. Questions? kagreen@cbe.ab.ca

Anxiety in Youth Presentation - McKenzie Highlands School

McKenzie Highlands School, in partnership with Recovery Alberta, will be hosting a parent presentation titled ‘Anxiety and Youth’ on Wednesday, November 6 at 6:30 – 8:00 pm. There is a QR Code and link to an Eventbrite page where individuals can register for free to attend in the attached information poster. While pre-registration is encouraged, they will also welcome walk-ins on the evening of the event. Event Poster

Cross-Shoulder Bags, and Other Fashion Bags

Thanks to the latest trends in youth fashion, shoulder bags, and other fashion bags are worn by many of our students. While many students wear these as an accessory, we are asking that all students keep these in lockers or at home, as we have had many instances of personal mobile devices and other prohibited items being carried in these bags. To support all students in aligning themselves with expectations, when these are seen on students, adults are asking that they are immediately put in lockers. This information has been communicated with students, and we thank you in advance for your support from home.

Student Drop-Off & Pick Up

Many families are still using our bus zone on Shawinigan Drive for drop off and pick up of their children, and we ask again, please do not use this bus zone to drop off or pick up your child before and after school. Places such as the skating rink parking lot offer a safe place for drop off, and support the avoidance of u-turns on Shawinigan, or interference with the safe transportation of our bus students. Thanks again to those who have chosen alternate locations.

Calendar of Events

October 14- Thanksgiving- No school
October 15- Grade 6 Field Trip to Telus Spark (Lappin & Vonka); Grade 8 Suicide Awareness & Prevention Talk; Junior Boys’ Basketball- Home Game (main gym); Boys’ Development Basketball at 3:45 (auxiliary gym); Girls’ Soccer- Home Game
October 16- Photo Retake Day; GSA at Lunch; Junior Girls’ Basketball- Home Game
October 17- Senior Boys’ Basketball- Home Game; Boys’ Development Basketball at 3:45; Girls’ Soccer- Home Game; School Council, 6:30PM
October 21- Grades 5 &6 Intramurals at Lunch; Senior Girls’ Basketball- Home Game
October 22- Grades 7& PLP Intramurals at Lunch; Grade 6 Field Trip- Telus Spark (Unterschutz & Smith); Boys’ Development Basketball at 3:45
October 23- Grade 8 Intramurals at Lunch; GSA at Lunch
October 24- Grade 9 Intramurals at Lunch; Boys’ Development Basketball at 3:45
October 29- Boys’ Development Basketball at 3:45
October 30- GSA at Lunch
October 31- in-school Halloween Dance for students (alternate spaces and activities are provided for those who may not wish to attend); NO Boys’ Development Basketball today

Your involvement and support are essential to building our thriving and connected school community. We sincerely value your ongoing commitment to Samuel W. Shaw School!

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

Warmly,

Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry