June 21, 2024

We can be Heros! 

We come from good people. At St’a7mes school we use our strengths to support one another; we are all connected. We show kindness, treat others with dignity and respect. We care for people in need.  We are connected to and we represent our family, ancestors, and community. We work with exertion and diligence.  

Ha7lh Skwayel Families -  

We lift our hands up to our Indigenous Families today on National Indigenous People’s Day. Today we went to Sp’akw’us Feather Park to enjoy the day and celebrate the achievements of our Indigenous Leadership Group for their involvement in the design of the park. We are so proud of our students’ meaningful collaboration and contribution. Matthew made an inspiring presentation to the board during the School District Board meeting late Wednesday evening this week that left us all awed and speechless. The park and the work are stunning and a remarkable artifact to the work of reconciliation and decolonization. Please click on the link to view Matthew’s presentation.    We raise our hands to Matthew for his work and his witness - telling the story of the work to the Board and Sea to Sky Community Wide.  

I was happy to honor Indigenous People’s Day by enjoying culture represented in fashion and craftsmanship. My friend and colleague Leah Dan made me a beautifully personalized Ribbon Skirt. One of my favorite features of the skirt is the Ribbon fringe. This week I discovered it gives me a way to hold many hands and be connected to my young students as they can grab a ribbon and hang on.  

You’ll see pictures of an Indigenous Plant tally that the Sp’akw’us class did this week. The Sxwi7shen class had a guest teacher Sherly Baker in to teach moccasin making. LEX students took to the field to watch their films on the big screen at the Cinematique movie theatre. On Wednesday night we were proud to honor the work of our students at the Squamish Nation Elementary School Awards Evening. Yesterday afternoon we headed down to the St’a7mes Waterfront for the canoe races and barbeque. It was so exciting to cheer on our students and staff in the canoes; and of course, race against our favorite RCMP officer – Constable Kelly.  

We are entering our last week of school. Here’s what next week looks like at the school.   

Up Coming Dates -  

Tuesday June 25 – Hot Dog lunch and Field Water Play afternoon.  

Wednesday June 26 – Year End Assembly and Luncheon, Last full Day of School.  The assembly will start in the gym at 11:00 am. Please join us to celebrate our hard work this year, and to send off in a good way the students and staff who will be leaving our school family to join new school families next year.  

Thursday June 27th – Report Card Pick Up and Class Farwell, Students dismissed at 10:00 am 

Have a wonderful weekend with your loved ones.  

 Most Sincerely,  

Alysa Patching, Principal.