It is so hard to believe that June is here and 2020-2021 school year is drawing to a close. It has been an interesting year, with pivots between in-school and online learning. However, through all of this, there have been so many positive moments of intrigue and wonder and personal triumphs, it is almost impossible to capture them all.
Across Canada, the month of June is recognized as Indigenous Peoples History Month – a time to recognize the contributions, history, and diversity of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada while acknowledging the incredible strength, vibrancy, and knowledge that lives in Indigenous communities and community members.
Throughout the month, students and teachers have been engaging, exploring, and celebrating National Indigenous Peoples. On June 21st, which was National Indigenous Peoples Day – a day for all peoples in Canada to celebrate and honour Indigenous Peoples. This day was symbolically chosen to land on or near the summer solstice because of the solstice’s significance in Indigenous peoples culture. More locally, Aboriginal Awareness Week is celebrated here in Calgary from June 21st – 25th, with events being led by the AAWC (Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary) around the city. We at James Short Memorial, have made the Commitment to Action for the 2021-2022 school year to understand and share our diverse communities’ experiences and stories, from the past and present
After the recent heartbreaking news of the 215 children found at the Kamloops Residential School, it has been especially important this June for everyone to take time to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous peoples, cultures, and contributions. Staff and students began their messages of love and support by adding orange hearts to the fence that surrounds the school. G.W. Skene is joining us in this symbolic message. We hope to have the fence between the two schools filled with orange hearts.
Farewell but not Good ByeIt is never easy to say goodbye. Those who are leaving JSM this year have a strong hold on our hearts and while we wish them well on the next steps of their journey, we will miss them all dearly.
Mrs. Bishop has held the role of Education Assistants in the school, but have truly meant so much more than that to the students that they have worked with.
Mrs. Snow and Ms. Sekhon have supported the Grade 1/2 classrooms in Mrs. Hutching’s and Ms. Tuckers’s absence.
We also want to say a thank you and good-bye to Ms. Anna as she taught in the HUB this year at Valley View School and will now be teaching at Panorama Hills.
Mr. Jack has been a welcome familiar face here at James Short Memorial as additional custodial support throughout this school year ensuring that the school was always safe and clean.
We hope that everyone has a fantastic summer and look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday August 17, 2021.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Cheryl Zelmer and Mr. Jon Patry
