Dear Samuel W. Shaw Families,

This past week, it was palpable that our students and staff are settling into routines. It is clear feelings of connectedness are growing and thriving. Unexpected instances are decreasing, and student engagement is increasing, as is evident when you walk through our halls, and in each learning space. We thank you for the on-going conversations and involvement from you, our Sam Shaw family community, to take care of this place, and those within it. ‘Away for the Day’ continues to be successful for our students’ learning, and we thank you for your continued support, and thank you for your involvement in your child’s online activities.  

Of late, we have had an uptick in issues with our locks for the lockers. As you know, students are required to use locks provided by the school. Some students have been taking unlocked locks off a neighbor’s locker during unstructured breaks, requiring us to replace them. We ask for your support in having conversations at home about the appropriate use of lockers, and treating others’ belongings with respect. While we hope these are small, isolated instances, we know your conversations matter, and we thank you.  

Indigenous Education in Grade 6

This year in the Grade 6 Science Curriculum students are learning about living systems which connects to the ceremony of Smudging. Students learned about plants that are considered sacred to many Indigenous peoples. This includes: sage, sweet grass, cedar and tobacco. Through the teachings of Ms. Kerry (Tsimshian), we learned that offering tobacco signifies balance and harmony, giving back to the land, respect for the plant, spiritual connection to the Land, and a sustainable, interconnected relationship with place. Below are some post-learning reflections done by the 6's. 

Terry Fox Run in Support of Cancer Research

On Friday, October 11, 2024, our staff and students will support cancer research by participating in our Terry Fox Run. When possible, we ask for your support.  Donations are being accepted on the Terry Fox website.

Storm Store Update

Over 65 students have applied and were accepted to work at the Storm Store! Our highly anticipated grand re-opening will be Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Each new “staffer” joined for a lunch-session of training last week, paired with explicit expectations of their contribution and leadership, and will be provided guided, hands-on training on the job as the first 24 students begin work mid-October! The first set of students have 1 designated workday/week, either the first half of lunch, or the second half. They will be “employed” from October 15- Winter break. The second set of kids will begin after the Winter break, and work until Spring Break, then the last group will begin after Spring Break, and work until the end of the year. Upon successful completion of their time working at the Store, they will be provided a Letter of Volunteerism which can be added as a valuable part of beginning a resume. Due to the nature of scheduling, applications are no longer being accepted. Schedules will be posted at the Store with the expectations of all “employees”. For questions, please contact Ms. Kerry directly kagreen@cbe.ab.ca

Student Drop-Off & Pick Up

Thank you to the many families who have chosen alternate locations to drop off and pick up their child(ren), rather than stopping in our bus-zone on Shawinigan Drive. As a reminder and request, 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.

Calendar of Events

• October 7- Boys’ Soccer- Home Game
• October 8 - Boys’ Development Basketball at 3:45
• October 9 - GSA at Lunch
• October 10 - Girls’ Soccer- Home Game; Boys’ Development Basketball at 3:45
• October 11 - Terry Fox Run; Girls’ Hoops Academy at 1:30
• October 14 - Thanksgiving- No school
• October 15- Grade 6 Field Trip to Telus Spark (Lappin & Vonka); 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; Parent Council, 6:30 PM
• 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 @ 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 support and involvement are the driving force behind our strong, lively, and connected school community. We greatly value your ongoing dedication to Samuel W. Shaw School!

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

Warmly,

Bobbi, Shannon, & Kerry