viernes 11 de octubre, 2024

Estimadas familias,

This autumn season continues to gift us with an abundance of pleasant weather, golden hues and the spectacle of Northern Lights dancing in the night sky. If students were to ask me “¿Qué es tu temporada favorita?”, this year I would have to say fall!

Today we were honored to welcome Piikani knowledge-keeper Ms. Anita Crowshoe to our school. Her time with us is in keeping with our desire to consider local indigenous voice and knowledge for courtyard redevelopment planning. We also have the opportunity to foster within our teaching and learning, indigenous ways of knowing and being that move beyond surface-level actions.

Ms. Crowshoe worked with three classes this morning- our combined grade 5’s (Sra. Gray and Sra. Tamara) and with Srta. Calderon’s grade 2 group. Prior to engaging in student sharing, we committed to our work together through an offering of tobacco. Ms. Crowshoe then invited grade 5 students to reflect on their design ideas from 3 year ago, which was when we first invited our community to think about the courtyard in a different way. Grade 2 students shared ideas that they had created in their visual journals and Ms. Crowshoe invited the grade 5 students to provide feedback. We also were tasked with thinking about Treaty 7 and the historical significance of people who nearly 150 years joined together to craft a vision for the future. She helped students to realize that their thinking and planning will lay the groundwork for a project that they may not have the chance to enjoy during their time at our school. Ms. Crowshoe emphasized the importance of students prioritizing kindness and safety (emotional, physical) rather than their individual wants for the courtyard, in order to create a greater legacy that will be of benefit to all of our future learners.

Later in the afternoon, all teaching staff sat in circle with Ms. Crowshoe where we once again shared in the offering of tobacco. Here we committed to building understanding of indigenous ways of knowing and learning and considered how this can impact our practice within the traditionally colonial system of education, which continues to create barriers for indigenous students and families. This offering was then returned to the earth, in a location on our school grounds that students determined would be kept safe from digging and play. In our efforts to continue to create opportunities where all learners see themselves within the 4 walls of the classroom and beyond, we feel that today’s work is deeply supportive of our ongoing professional development and contribution to our broader community.

Fundraising Efforts Need Volunteers!

Fundraising projects occur at our school thanks to our EC Enrichment Society and volunteers. This year, our school qualifies for Casino, which is our biggest fundraising opportunity. Please save the date for November 10-11 and consider volunteering for a shift (no CBE clearance required).

Fundraising has allowed us to improve the learning environment at our school. These dollars have paid for artist residencies (which reduces fees for families), sensory tools, classroom flexible seating as well as our newly re-designed Learning Commons which features modular soft seating. Fundraising dollars combined with grants also allowed us to redevelop our playground and sports court. These legacy projects continue to positively impact our community.

Our school is also working towards re-developing our courtyard. This extensive project is currently in early-stage planning with a vision of creating a supportive outdoor learning and well-being space, grounded in the four domains of the Indigenous Education Holistic Lifelong Learning Framework (Spirit, Heart, Body and Mind).

Creating this new legacy requires financial support through fundraising and grants. To help us achieve this goal, our upcoming casino will require a team of volunteers in order to proceed.

Eugene Coste Casino - November 10 & 11, 2024

We are thrilled to be gearing up for our AGLC Casino supporting Eugene Coste! All Eugene Coste casino volunteers make a tremendous difference. Did you know that one volunteer shift at the Casino is, on average, equivalent to a $2,300 donation! Casino dollars go directly to helping enrich the lives of our children within the school. Just think what a difference one day of your time can make for all the children of our school community!

·         Volunteers may sign up for both days, but it must be the same position for each day.

·         All volunteers will be trained on site during their shift.

·         No previous experience required.

·           No CBE clearance required, all volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

·         A meal will be provided during all shifts.

Volunteers are expected to refrain from gambling or consuming alcohol at the casino over the course of our two-day event. You will meet some great people and have some too!

Please click on the link below to review the available slots and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C094DAFA92FA1FEC52-51307194-casino