Good Afternoon,
“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for”.
- June Jordan, April 9th, 1978
This quote resonates with me, not only because it speaks to the goals of our school, but because it was said as an address to the UN in the summer of the year I was born – ‘Class of 78.
Although there has been a change in leadership this week – much remains the same: our great students and staff, and the good work we are up to here at the school. Spakus students were out on the land at the St’a7mes river this week, Yu7 Yus and Sxwi7shin are continuing with their class routines and learning and LEX students are continuing to work on their projects. Our school continues to rise up every day taking each day as it comes to thrive in this world.
We have welcomed Liz Sax to our school for the next month (now three weeks) to fill in the teaching portion of my Vice Principal role. Welcome Liz!
Please have a look at the portion of the newsletter that Marley Mardon, our district psychologist has include in our newsletter. We will also be sending home hard copies of this section with students next week. Marley has summarized and included community resources for families for mental health. This resource is very valuable and helpful and we appreciate the work she has done to put this together for us.
Family Day is upon us. Families come in all shapes and sizes; some of our family is the family given to us, and there is also the family, the relationships, that we choose to surround ourselves with that are “our people” we belong with. Whatever the form your family is, I hope your weekend is full of building memories that strengthen and rejuvenate you. As Monique Grey Smith has taught us – family is one of our blankets of resilience; a covering of strength for us in this world.
Sincerely,
Alysa
FEBRUARY 21-25
FAMILY DAY is on Monday, February 21st. School is not in session. Enjoy some time with your loved ones.
PINK SHIRT/ANTI BULLYING DAY is on Wednesday, February 23rd. Pink Shirt Day aims to reduce bullying by celebrating diversity in all its forms and supporting workplaces, communities and schools to be safe, supportive, welcoming and inclusive of all people. While all people can be the target of bullying, some groups or individuals experience more bullying than others. Please encourage your children to wear pink shirts to support this cause.
FEB 28 – MARCH 4
XWAWCHAY(PORTEAU COVE) FIELD TRIP for Ms. Lindsey and Ms. Kathleen’s classes on Wednesday, March 2 from 9:45am – 2:30pm. Please ensure that students are dressed for the weather.
XWAWCHAY(PORTEAU COVE) FIELD TRIP for Ms. Jenna and Ms. Kye’s classes on Wednesday, March 3 from 9:45am – 2:30pm. Please ensure that students are dressed for the weather.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
What to Say to Kids (and Teens) When Nothing Seems to Work ~ Speaker: Dr. Ashley Miller February 23rd, 6-8pm
Dr. Miller will share quick and effective strategies to help your child and you weather difficult moments in a way that strengthens resilience and relationships.
To register for the free events, please click here: Registration Link
Babysitting course on Feb 26th
Location: Sandman Hotel from 09:30 to 4 pm
Register with Marylene at [email protected]
Cost: $75 sent via etransfer to this email address
What to bring: a sport helmet, any kind will do, an extra long sleeve shirt, a spoon, face mask, pencil, snacks, lunch and water.
I am honoured to be working on the Traditional Territory of the Sḵwxwú7mesh, Úxwumixw and St’át’yemc Nations.
Alysa Patching
Vice Principal In Charge
St’a7mes School - Cultural Journeys & Learning Expeditions
School District #48
604-892-5904
https://www.sd48stawamus.org/