Happy Sunday, Samuel W. Shaw Families,

It’s been a busy week here at Sam Shaw, with many things to celebrate! Our students have been shining in both their academics and extracurricular activities, and their energy is truly contagious. A few unexpected moments popped up along the way, adding to the unique character of our community. We’re grateful for all the excitement and look forward to sharing more highlights with you below.

Indigenous Education in Grade 5

To start our journey in reconciliation, students in grade 5 engaged in a circle talk of what is truth. Next, they listened to the book Haywaas' Question: What is Reconciliation? The teachers tied these concepts to the ideal of walking together in a good way. ‘In a good way’ is an expression used by many Indigenous peoples. As defined by Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) scholar, Mizowaykomiguk paypomwayotung Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann:

In a good way. This may sound obvious but for many Indigenous peoples it is still a challenge to be heard, to be taken seriously, and to be included at important decision-making tables…In a good way packs a punch…It reminds us to walk and talk with truth and integrity. In a good way also has us remember our ancestors and to learn from patterns in the past, so we can clearly understand our current realities…as what is decided today will impact our tomorrow (October 15, 2021).

The students’ art and writing demonstrate a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and walking in a good way with all people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike.

Athletics Celebrations and Information

A big shout out to our Jr. and Sr. Boys’ basketball teams and Girls’ soccer team who all celebrated victories this week! And Boys’ soccer has made the playoffs! Well done, Storm!

As a reminder now that we are heading into the playoff season for Soccer, and we are deep into Basketball season, please review the information below, shared earlier this year:

• Expectations for Shaw Students Attending Games
• Sam Shaw students will be able to view the first home game (4:30 PM start) without parent/guardian supervision. Students are to remain inside the main gym watching the game. 
• Once the first game is complete, school administration will help all Shaw students without a parent/guardian leave the building. 
• Shaw students will need to be directly supervised by a parent/guardian if they would like to stay and/or return at any point after the first game is complete. 
• Shaw students are expected to be in the main gym watching the game(s) and supporting all players/coaches/referees/parents/guardians in a positive manner. Any student who is not meeting the CBE Student Code of Conduct will be escorted out of the gym and school and may lose future viewing privileges. 

Please note that Shaw students should not attend games at any other school without a parent present.

Students from Other Schools

Will not be admitted into the school, for any game(s), unless accompanied by a parent/guardian who stays for the duration of the time the student is in the building. 

• Once teams from other schools have completed their games for the evening, all players must exit the building, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian who stays for the duration of the   time the student is in the building. 
• Student athletes who arrive before their coaches will be asked to wait at the tables in the Gathering Space just outside the gymnasium, until their coach arrives.

All Parents and Guardians

All parents/guardians are welcome to attend all games at Sam Shaw. 

• Parents/guardians who bring family members under the age of 18 are expected to supervise their child(ren) in the main gym at all times.  
• All parents/guardians are expected to cheer/support all players/coaches/referees/parents/guardians in a positive manner. 
• If parents/guardians are engaging in any inappropriate behaviour directed towards players/coaches/referees/other parents/guardians/school staff or school administration, the game will   be paused and the parent/guardian will be asked to stop. If the inappropriate behaviour continues, the game will be stopped again and will not re-start until the parent/guardian leaves the gym and school property. If removed, the parent/guardian may lose future viewing privileges at Shaw. 
• Our main goal is to provide and safe and fun opportunity for students. 
• The players are kids. 
• The coaches are volunteers. 
• The referees are human. 

Yearbook Photography Club

Is your child a budding photog? The Yearbook Photography Club is beginning soon, and any grade 7-9 student who is interested can sign up to join this club just outside Ms. Kindree’s room by the end of the day Monday, October 21.

Dungeons & Dragons Club

All students are welcome to join the D&D Club in the Learning Commons Wednesdays after school. Any ability and experience level are welcome. Please see Mr. Bjartveit for more information.

Improv Club

Does your child enjoy acting, and learning the ropes of improv? Improv Club runs Wednesdays at lunch in the Drama room with Ms. Martyn.

Complementary Storm Merchandise

The Complementary team is offering Storm “Complementary” swag for purchase from each complementary teacher. Are you in Band? Foods? Drama? Art? Design? Construction? Students can buy Storm gear with your favourite complementary class logo! See the comp team for more information.

Cross-Shoulder Bags, and Other Fashion Bags

Please continue to remind your child(ren) that these bags need to be left in lockers or better yet, at home. Thank you for your help with this.

Social Media Influence on Language Use & Behaviour

Social media has a significant impact on youth, shaping the way they communicate and interact with others. With exposure to unfiltered content, many young people are influenced by the casual use of swearing and poor, sometimes racialized language online. Platforms that encourage brevity and trend-driven conversations often reward provocative language, which can normalize swearing and racialized language in everyday communication. In addition, social media “challenges” that promote poor treatment of peers, such as pranks or harmful behavior, further contribute to a culture of disrespect. The boundary between acceptable and inappropriate language or behavior blurs, affecting how youth express themselves both online and offline, and in school. We ask that families stay involved and aware of their child’s social media use, encouraging positive online behavior and helping to guide conversations about appropriate language, respectful communication, and the impact of harmful trends. Your involvement plays a crucial role in reinforcing these important conversations at home. These conversations are on-going here at Sam Shaw, and we thank you for working with us.

Calendar of Events

• October 21- Grades 5 and 6 Intramurals at Lunch; Senior Girls’ Basketball- Home Game
• October 22- Grades 7and 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 25- No School. Professional Learning for Staff
• 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
• November 4-8- Auxiliary Gym being painted
• November 5- Sr. Boys Basketball- home game; NO Boys’ Development Basketball
• November 7- Remembrance Day Assembly
• November 8- No School- System-wide Indigenous Education Learning Day for Staff
• November 9- 13- No School: Fall Break. Classes resume Thursday, November 14
• November 14- Classes resume

With heartfelt gratitude, we deeply appreciate your involvement and unwavering support. Together, we are creating a vibrant and connected community at Samuel W. Shaw School. Your continued commitment is truly valued and essential to our collective success!

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

Warmly,

Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry