Month: September 2024

Reconcili-action

In Division 5, we have been discussing actionable ways to contribute to reconciliation in Canada. The goal of reconciliation is to rebuild and maintain a respectful relationship with Indigenous peoples. It is an ongoing process that requires active awareness and effort from non-Indigenous people across Canada. This week, each student wrote about an act of reconciliation they will pursue on an orange heart. The hearts are posted on the window near out classroom.

Through discussion, we also came up with ideas about how we, as a whole class, can contribute to reconciliation through reconcili-actions in our classroom. They are posted on our wall to remind us of our commitments.

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Orange Shirt Day

 

Phyllis Webstad

This week Division 5 is talking about Orange Shirt Day and, more broadly, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Truth and reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires reflection and action. In an interview, Phyllis Webstad, the person whose experience inspired Orange Shirt Day, noted that there will come a time when the people who lived through the experience of residential school will be gone, and we are dependent on our youth to carry forward the knowledge of Canada’s history.

Many students already have some background knowledge about residential schools and are continuing to learn challenging truths of Canada’s past. Reconciliation starts with a willingness to listen and learn in order to restore positive relationships for affected communities.

The Honorable Justice Murray Sinclair, chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, said that “education is what got us into this mess, and education is what will get us out of it.” On Saturday September 30, I hope you can take some time to learn and reflect.

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Welcome to Division 5!

Dear Students and Families,

Welcome to your grade 4 or grade 5 year! I’m happy to be working with you this school year, and I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone. This year, part of my job here at UHE will be as head teacher. So during the times I’m working in the office, Ms. Sam will be teaching in the classroom. Also this fall, we will have a student teacher from SFU, Ms. Gammon, teaching and learning alongside us.

Here are a few things to know as we start off:

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