HMS Family Update Sept. 25-29 | Journey towards Truth & Reconcilation, Conferences, Orange Shirt Day Event, Terry Fox Run
Week Ahead
| September 25 |
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| September 26 |
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| September 27 |
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| September 28 |
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| September 29 |
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Upcoming Important Dates
| October 9 |
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| October 13 |
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| October 16 |
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| October 18 |
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| October 20 |
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| October 26 |
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Principal’s Update – A Journey toward Truth and Reconciliation
As we approach our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are invited to reflect on what we have learned, what we may need to un-learn and what we still may need to learn to improve our “knowledge and understanding of, and respect for, the histories, cultures, languages, contributions, perspectives, experiences and contemporary contexts of First Nations, Métis and Inuit” (Teaching Quality Standard, Alberta Education, 2023). For us as educators we are called to pursue opportunities that facilitate reconciliation within our school community. One thing we can do to build our understanding is learn more about the historical implications of treaties with First Nations.
“On September 22, 1877, three nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Kainai, Piikani, Siksika), the Tsuut’ina, and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations signed Treaty 7 at Blackfoot Crossing. This agreement was with the Crown of England; a promise made to be held ‘as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows’. Today, as we live in and share this place we call home, we have the collective responsibility to understand the historical and contemporary implications that accompany being treaty people. Learning about Treaty 7 cultivates a deepened appreciation for the kinship connection of the treaty signatories to place, and the subsequent rights and freedoms that all Albertans enjoy. CBE recognizes the commemoration of the signing of Treaty 7 on September 22. We are all treaty people. On this day, we commit to understanding what it means to build reciprocal relationships that renew kinship and foster living together in a good way” (September Learning Resources, CBE Indigenous Education Team, September 2023).
If you are looking for some ways that you and your family can engage in this, you might be interested in checking out the Calgary Public Library for some ideas. You also may consider taking a family road trip to visit Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, where Treaty 7 was signed. Our HMS staff recently spent a day of valuable learning at this site and had a wonderful experience connecting to the land and learning from a Knowledge Keeper.
We are all on our own journey toward reconciliation and at varied places along the path. It is important to remember that our actions matter, even the small ones. When we take individual and collective action, we build up our capacity to ensure everyone around us feels valued, safe and cared for in our school and in our community. I hope you will join us in taking a step or two further down this path.
School Conferences
If you did not have a chance to meet with your child’s teacher last week, please ensure that you connect with them as soon as possible to arrange an alternate time to meet. Teachers can accommodate telephone or Teams conferences if needed.
Invite | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day Event - Sept. 30
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.
Reminder | Terry Fox Run
Once again, HMS will be participating in the Terry Fox Run/Walk to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Our school event will be held on Wednesday September 27th in the morning. The HMS school community has a long history of participation in this event, and we hope this year will not be any different. We will begin the event shortly after 9:00am with a motivational assembly and warm up, followed by a whole school walk/run down into Fish Creek Park.
Volunteers are essential in ensuring the safety of all participants and we are still welcoming more volunteers to support this event. If you would like to volunteer to support our students in this quest, please contact Shauna McIntyre. All volunteers must have a completed security clearance on file. If you are unsure whether or not your clearance is up to date, please contact Mrs. Borrelli in the office.
Are you unable to volunteer but you'd still like to support the event? Join us in walking/running in honor of Terry Fox's legacy! Families are encouraged to join us for the kickoff assembly and to accompany us on the route to Fish Creek Park. This is a great community event, and everyone is welcome!
Invite | Good Neighbours Coffee and Community Connections Drop-In
We will be hosting a Good Neighbours Coffee and Community Connections Drop-In on October 13 at 8:25 – 9:15 AM in the gym. This will be a wonderful opportunity to visit with your neighbours and meet some new people in the community. Come and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. We will also have an area set up with gently used children's clothes where people can take what they need and leave what they can. If you have any gently used items you would like to bring to contribute, please ensure they are clean and in good repair. We look forward to this event.