IMPORTANT DATES| SWAG| VALENTINE’S DAY/ SPIRIT DAY| ICE BLOCKS REQUESTED 

IMPORTANT DATES 

February 13 Elder Visit with Students – Elder Kerrie Moore will be sharing wisdom and experiences with our students about creating community and a sense of belonging. (please see details below) 

February 13 Elder Visit for Parents 7:00pm – Elder Kerrie Moore will be hosting a virtual parent session connected to the wisdom and experiences shared during the day with our students. A link will be shared as we approach that day for parents to connect with us. (please see details below) 

February 14 – Spirit Day: wear your Famille colour and red or pink (a headband, bottoms, a bracelet...) 

February 15/16/19: No school for students

Elder Visit  

On Tuesday Elder Kerrie Moore will be at our school to share her teachings connected to the Indigenous Education Holistic Lifelong Learning Framework. As part of her teachings she will be offering a smudge to all students and to parents during the virtual parent night. Should you have questions with this practice, please call the main office. 

 Smudge is a traditional practice shared by Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island (North America) and beyond. Every nation has their own protocols and teachings regarding the practice of smudge. Smudge is a land-based ceremony rooted in the practice of acknowledging all relatives, and reinforcing connection with Creator; it is a cleansing practice that sets the space for truth-telling (Alberta Recreation & Parks Association, 2020). It is imperative that in learning about smudge, individuals familiarize themselves with the teachings of the place in which they are situated. In Treaty 7 territory, smudge typically involves burning a small piece of dried medicine such as sage, sweetgrass or cedar inside a fire-proof container, such as a cast-iron dish or abalone shell. According to Dr. Elder Reg Crowshoe, smudge serves as a “call to order” (Alberta Recreation & Parks Association, 2020), serving in a similar manner to the school bell that heralds classroom teaching. Smudge can be done individually or in a group.  

 

In schools, the practice of smudge is an opportunity for students and staff to learn about Indigenous worldviews and perspectives, whether participating or simply observing. 

VALENTINE’S DAY 

As Valentine’s day approaches, we would like to remind all families that if you choose to send Valentine’s notes/ cards, please send one for every student in the class. 

We also request that no food items of any kind, be sent along with notes/cards. 

SPIRIT DAY – FEBRUARY 14 

Students are encouraged to wear their Famille de Sam colour and red or pink. 

SWAG! 

Sam swag store re-opening Feb 20 – March 8, 2024. We will send out the link for purchasing, should you choose to do so, closer to this date. 

ICE BLOCKS REQUESTED 

We will be building an ice castle again this year during our Semaine de la Francophonie. Please start freezing ice in 2-liter containers.  Coloured blocks look the best.  Choose whatever food colouring you have in your pantry for the ice blocks.  We have no storage for ice blocks here at school, so please do keep them at home until further notice.  Merci! 

Tips: 

• Spray the inside of the container with spray oil. 
• Make a few – they may not all work. 
• 2 liter containers work best.