NOTE FROM KIMBERLEY
On Friday September 28 we will honour Orange Shirt Day, which officially falls on September 30th each year. We wear orange shirts (t-shirts mostly) in recognition of the legacy of Residential Schools in Canada. The students have been learning about the significance of this day, its place in our country’s history and current connections to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Teachers are discussing this with their students and sharing books as they relate to the different ages of the students in our school community. We encourage all students to wear an orange shirt on that Friday.
We will have an assembly on September 28 in the afternoon, for students from grades 1-6. Students from the Media Literacy class will lead us in this quiet assembly. Parents are welcome to attend. We will begin at about 1:50pm and finish by 2:10pm.
What is Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day is an annual event that started in 2013 to recognize the legacy of Residential school system for First Nations, Metis and Inuit families and communities. It is a show of support and understanding of the history of the school system that impacts many First Nations, Métis and Inuit families today.
The phrase “Every Child Matters” reminds everyone that children are such an important and integral part of our communities and that they are our future generations of change makers. By wearing orange, we have an opportunity to bring awareness to the history of residential schools and to stand up against other injustices that may impact our children/students.
This link gives the story of Phyllis Webstad, who started the campaign. http://www.orangeshirtday.org/
