Dear Coventry Families,
Just a reminder there is no school tomorrow in acknowledgement of Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th. Today, we acknowledged Orange Shirt Day and had a sea of orange during our assembly. Over the course of the week, teachers and students have been learning about Orange Shirt Day as our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation through Education. In today's assembly, our grade four students shared ways we can honour the past and learn about Indigenous cultures. Ask your child about their learning.
This year, we are using the concept of “STORY" as we work with our students. Last week, students deepened their understanding of Terry Fox's story and the legacy he left behind. This week, Orange Shirt Day is Phyllis Webstad's story that was originally shared in 2013. She found her voice and now the story is shared across Canada as a part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action regarding Residential Schools.
Coventry Hills School acknowledges and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action, and we have committed to continuing using the Seven Sacred Teachings as a way to strengthen and build upon our shared understanding of character, community and inclusivity. A focus within this commitment will be to use Land-based Learning in an integrated way with our curricular studies.
Please take a moment to reflect on the importance of this day with your child. More information on Orange Shirt Day can be found here: www.orangeshirtday.org
CBE students, staff and their families and friends are invited to join an event being hosted by the City of Calgary in partnership with the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District. The third annual ceremonial opening is taking place on Sept. 30 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Fort Calgary (750 9th Ave SE). This year's gathering will include a smudge tent, in-person Indigenous speakers and performers, an aerial salute ceremony, and other events. The events will also include an intertribal dance demonstration featuring Indigenous students from the CBE and CCSD. Participants are encouraged to wear orange.
Following the YYC, CBE & CCSD event, all are invited to join the Pokaiks – The Children Commemorative Annual Walk and Gathering 2023. The walk will begin at 11 a.m. at City Hall (15-minute walk from Fort Calgary or 2-minute drive) and continue to Shaw Millenium Park (30-minute walk). The walk will be followed by drumming/dancing, Indigenous community speakers, artisan booths, and food sales.
On October 2, students at Coventry Hills School will start working with Indigenous Artist in Residence for the next two weeks. Each class will have a few sessions with Chantal Chagnon. Chantal Chagnon is a Cree/Metis Singer, Drummer, Artist, Storyteller, and Actor with roots in Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan. She shares Traditional Indigenous Songs, Stories, Culture, History and Arts. We are looking forward to our work with her as she shares Indigenous stories and connects to our big work this year with the concept of “Story." Chantal aims to entertain, engage, enlighten, educator and inspire everyone she meets.
We had a great turn out at our BBQ and Meet the Teacher Open House last week. Thank you to all those who attended to learn about your child's year. Thank you to our School Council for organizing the BBQ and all the volunteers who cooked for and served our families. It was wonderful to come together as a community.
Upcoming Important Dates:
Friday, Sept 29 No School - Apple fundraiser pick up, 9 – 10 am at the school
Thursday, October 5, World's Teachers Day – send a message a thanks to your child's teacher J
Monday, October 9 Thanksgiving – No School For students
Friday, October 20 Professional Development Day – No School for Students
Friday, October 27 No School For Kindergarten Only