February 28, 2022
March updates for families
Smudging and Drum Birthing Ceremony
Over the last several weeks our students have been working closely with our Indigenous Support Worker, Ms. Roz Smith, in making traditional Indigenous drums. The process has been a wonderful hands-on experience as students have participated in drum making that is rich in tradition and learning of Indigenous culture and teachings.
The final step before students and staff use the drums is to participate in a smudge and drum birthing ceremony. The drum birthing ceremony is an Indigenous cultural practice to welcome the new drums into their next stage of life.
Smudging involves the burning of one or more traditional medicines: cedar, sage, sweet grass or tobacco. Smudging is performed for a variety of reasons, and this practice allows participants to stop, slow down, become mindful and centered. The act of cleansing through smudging is considered to be part of living a good life.
On Friday, March 4th, the students and staff have been invited to participate in these traditional ceremonies to welcome our new drums.
Please contact Ms. Phelan if you have any questions regarding our upcoming smudging and drum birthing ceremony on March 4th.
Climate Action Initiative
Our school will be participating in a district initiative called “Turn Down the Heat” from March 1st to March 11th. During these last couple of weeks before spring break our school daily temperature will remain at 18 degrees Celsius. Students and staff will be encouraged to dress in warmer clothes and or make sure to layer clothing so they can adjust comfort levels as needed.
We will also have a few spirit days to support this initiative:
Thursday, March 3rd, will be Cozy Scarf and Toque Day!
Thursday, March 10th, will be Fancy and Fun Sock and Slipper Day!
Grade 4 Parents – Student Learning Surveys
The Provincial Student Learning Survey is unique in its scope, size and usefulness to schools. It gathers information from parents/guardians/caregivers, teachers, and students on topics related to school environment, safety, and achievement. The information is used for planning in individual schools and provides a district and provincial perspective. Click here to read a letter from the Ministry of Education.
Grade 4 Parents/Guardians/Caregivers can complete the online anonymous Student Learning Surveys until April 29th, 2022, providing immediate results to the school and the district.
Go to www.bced.gov.bc.ca/sat_survey/access.htm
Under the section Direct Access – no logon number required select:
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- District: the name of your child’s district
- School: the name of your child’s school
- Language: the language of your choice
Upcoming Events and Dates to Remember
| March 3rd | Cozy Scarf and Toque Day |
| March 4th | Smudging and Drum Birthing Ceremony |
| March 7th | PAC meeting on zoom – 7:00pm |
| March 10th | Fancy and Fun Sock and Slipper Day |
| March 10th | Parent access to report cards on MyEd Family Portal
To ensure smooth access to your child’s report card, please log in before reports are published to the portal on March 10th. If you need assistance, please email us at fwhoway@sd40.bc.ca. |
| March 11th | Last Day of school before Spring Break |
| March 28th | First Day of school after Spring Break |