Hi families,

This week we have been learning about and discussing Orange Shirt Day. We read a book called “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt” which details the experiences a girl named Phyllis lived through at a residential school. You can read the story below. The friends empathized with the hurt that Phyllis experienced at school when her special orange shirt was taken from her. We discussed how friends should feel at school. We know that all kids have the right to feel safe. Every Child Matters.

What is Orange Shirt Day?
Tomorrow, “Friday, September 30th is Orange Shirt Day, a campaign founded by Phyllis Webstad. Orange Shirt Day grew out of her own experiences and the experiences of other residential school survivors who attended St. Joseph’s Mission near Williams Lake. It’s a day to honour the healing journeys of residential school survivors and their families and a time to engage in meaningful discussions about the history and legacy of the residential school system. Orange Shirt Day is an important opportunity to open up deeper reflection, learning and dialogue on the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is to honour survivors, their families and communities.”

Thank you for having these important discussions with your children.

Here is the art we completed to remember Phyllis’ story.

Love,
Mrs. Kovac