March 8, 2024

We can be Heroes! 

We come from good people. At ST’a7mes school we use our strengths to support one another; we are all connected. We show kindness, treat others with dignity and respect. We care for people in need.  We are connected to and we represent our family, ancestors, and community. We work with exertion and diligence.  

Ha7lh Skwayel Families -  

There was so much amazing learning happening this week. Yew Yews class collaborated with the Capilano Little Ones for some land based learning at the Estuary in preparation for the Herring Ceremony on Thursday next week. Yew Yews also created a Be Kind poster for our school in response to pink shirt day. You’ll notice the message of the poster gives the theme of inclusion with the variety of colours represented and the sign language in the images.  

The snow provided more opportunities for students to be creators and builders during recess “play to learn” time. What kinds of skills, strengths and aptitudes are your children showing in their play. This was a conversation LEX students were having this week as they reflected on the types of play they liked to do as a child and how that play may give some direction with future career choices. On Monday the Vice Principal from Howe Sound Secondary came to the school and students who will be attending Howe Sound selected courses for next year. We know that the Squamish ways of guiding children were to carefully observe their children and their strengths and interests and to pair them as apprentices to people in the community who would train them in their strengths.  

Speaking of, we will have two craftsmen joining us from our family and community next week to be carvers in residence. This father and son team will be carving out the canoe that will be a part of the playground down at Nexen Beach. This week Mulkx , Allan Harry, came to bless the pole and the carvers and some of our teachers and students were able to be present for our ceremony. His message of blessing to the carvers was that their heart would be attuned to the good purpose and teachings that want to come out of the log, and blessings for safety and care for the children that will be playing on it when it moves to it’s new home on the playground, that the Creator will be watching over and taking care of these children.  

Our Talah tree is starting to grow as we move into the Spring! It won’t be long before we are ready for our next celebration of the Wanaxs, Chenchenstway, and Timit being recognized in our school.   

 If you are planning to attend Howe Sound Secondary (this includes the Alternative School) or Don Ross middle school please complete your registration at Howe Sound Secondary School or Don Ross next week. Now is the time to be registering and committing to these decisions. If you have not yet indicated to us yet that you plan on transferring schools, please do so by emailing [email protected].   

Thinking and Planning ahead -   

You have received an invitation to join us for our upcoming Herring ceremony on March 14th.  This is a teaching we look forward to every year and if you haven’t had a chance to join us yet, and are able, you will not be disappointed.  This learning is a great opportunity for our student and school community to have a meaningful impact in service of our ecosystem.  

Next Wednesday is an early dismissal and Friday March 15 is our last day of classes before Spring Break. We will return to school on Tuesday April 2nd. 

Up and coming dates:  

March 13th – Early Dismissal 12:00 – Collaboration Day 

March 14th – Herring Ceremony St’a7mes Waterfront 10:00am

March 15th – Last Day of Classes before Spring Break, Written Update Report Cards will be sent home to Sxwi7shen, Yew Yew, and LEX classes.  

March 16th- April 1st – Spring Break 

April 2nd – Students Return to school.  

April 3rd – Early Dismissal at 2:00pm, Parent Teacher Interviews from 3:00 - 6:00pm.  

Partners in the Learning; Family Homework and reminders from the Principal:  

Please continue to send your child with appropriate clothing for playing and learning outside in this weather.  

Two of my go-to parenting and attachment educators are coming to Vancouver for a parenting education event. If you can attend, I recommend hearing both educators speak. Please follow the link below for details. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/youve-got-this-the-canadian-tour-vancouver-tickets-851064947167 

Have a wonderful weekend.  Stay warm and drive safe!  

Most Sincerely,  

Alysa Patching, Principal. 

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS / STUDENT LED CONFERENCES 

We will be hosting our Parent Teacher Interviews (LEx Families) and Student Led Conferences (CJ Families) on April 3^rd from 3:00 – 6:00pm. Students will be dismissed early at 2:00pm to facilitate these meetings. Please find below a booking link to schedule your meeting:

Booking Instructions: