During this time of reflection for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, we have focused on learning opportunities that connect us with some of the practices of our Indigenous friends. We were thankful for the beautiful weather this week as we took many opportunities to continue to learn on and about the land. One of the ways we connected to the land was during our story time. We focused on two books this week. The first is The Sharing Circle by Theresa "Corky" Larsen-Jonasson. This book taught us about the importance of coming together during difficult times and how a sacred sharing circle can help us express our feelings. When we come together during the sharing circle to talk and listen to issues we face, we can then work together to find solutions and begin to heal and feel better. Together we practiced sitting in a sharing circle in our outdoor learning space while listening to the story and the sounds around us. The second book we looked at this week was When We Are Kind, by Monique Gray Smith. This duel language story, in English and Diné, celebrates different acts of kindness and how we can feel when we give and receive these simple acts such as sharing, helping friends and family and caring for our earth.
In recognition of Orange Shirt Day, we looked at the meaning behind why we wear an orange shirt. Orange Shirt day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, that was given an orange shirt by her grandmother for her first day of school at St. Joseph's Mission, a residential school in British Columbia. When Phyllis got to school, they took away her clothes, including her new shirt.
This week to honour Orange Shirt Day, during our circle time, our students learned a song by artist Will.I.Am along with some of our favourite Sesame Street characters titled
What I Am. Through this song we expressed how each of us matter in our own special way. Here is a link to the song
https://youtu.be/cyVzjoj96vs Using the core values from the Seven Grandfather Teachings of love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth, students also examined ways that they can show others that they matter. Students incorporated their circle time learning into a journal writing activity completing the sentences I matter because... and I can show others they matter by... Students also further developed those fine motor skills and eye-hand-coordination by colouring an orange shirt. To assist students in doing their best colouring, Wikki Stixs were used to create a physical border to help them stay in the lines of the shirt.
By recognizing Truth and Reconciliation Week and Orange Shirt Day, we honour the experiences of Indigenous Peoples and the children that never came home. Please see our Ethel M Johnson home page for more information on the CBE's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and events that are happening within our greater Calgary community.
Upcoming Dates:
September 30 - National Truth and Reconciliation Day, no classes
October 7 - Non-Instructional Day, no classes
October 11 - Thanksgiving Day, no classes
October 13 - School Council and Parent Society Meeting 6:00-7:30pm
Have a good weekend.
