Dear Students and Families,
Canada’s Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a priority across our country, and this is true at GFSS. BC’s public education system designs curriculum that allows all students to gain an understanding of the legacy of harms caused by the residential school system. Students at GFSS learn about the benefits of acknowledging our history and working on building an inclusive school that models positive citizenship and a culture of acceptance of all.
This week, GFSS focuses students on leaning about what active reconciliation is and the need for learning, honouring, and creating experiences that stretch us with Indigenous ways of knowing and being. To make our action visible, we are planning assemblies, open houses with Indigenous cultural activities, and Orange Shirt Day (Sep 25). Thank you in advance for your support of our efforts because we view parents and caregivers as our partners your child’s education.
Also, this week we learn about life after high school (liaison day, gr. 10-12) and run for cancer research (Terry Fox). I offer a special thank you to our Parent Advisory Council for sponsoring our “Welcome to GFSS BBQ for our Grade 8s and student body this week.
~Tom Eccleston, Principal GFSS
A few reminders:
- Photo day is on Monday (Sep 23). Your child will be getting a code to order photo packages.
- This is the last week to click and go to our School Store. Wolves gear is back and with a couple of new additions (Sweat pants and full hoodies).
- It’s not too late to bring in a “Toonie for Terry” to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. If you are able, please save up a Toonie or some spare change
Some up-coming dates:
- Sep 23 Photo Day
- Sep 23 Post-Secondary Liaison Day Fair (grades 10-12)
- Sep 24 Welcome-back BBQ
- Sep 25 Truth and Reconciliation Assembly
- Sep 25 Orange Shirt Day
- Sep 26 Terry Fox Run
- Sep 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (school closed)
- Oct 1-18 Informal Updates window (reporting)
- Oct 8 (lunch) Open house in Indigenous Education room
- Oct 8, 2:30 Early Dismissal
- Oct 9, 2:30 Early Dismissal & Family Conferences
- Oct 14 Thanksgiving Day (school closed)
- Oct 16 Student Vote