Hello families!

Welcome to a new week! It is hard to believe we are already at the end of September! Classes have settled in well and students are deep into learning. It has been wonderful to see all the new connections and communities being formed this month. 

Some highlights from last week include:

• Forestry Day (Gr. 4-6) – Classes went out to Kokanee Creek for a great day of learning  and activities. These were relay races, invasive species games, wildfire education, tree  identification and art projects. This day was the introduction to the upcoming learning where students will explore forests as vital ecosystems and natural resources. This will include activities and inquiry about sustainability, conservation and the connections between humans and the environment.

• Wildsafe Presentations - WildSafe visited our school who spoke with the students about how to stay safe in our communities and around wildlife.  This is important, especially at this time of year when wildlife can be found more frequently in our living spaces. 

• Terry Fox Run – The highlight of the week was the Terry Fox run on Friday. Way to go South Nelson students for raising $2043! See this blog post for more information

• Today we honoured the National Day for Truth and Reconcilation with a school wide assembly. We learned about why knowing the truth about residential schools is important and some steps we can each take towards reconciliation. Mr Marsh's Gr. 3/4 class shared with us the Travelling song on the drums. Each student will have an opportunity to record their personal commitment to reconciliation on an orange shirt cut out to make a bulletin display

A few reminders for you: 

1. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Sept. 30. That means it’s a holiday tomorrow!
2. Lost and found – With the shift of weather and cooler mornings but hot afternoons, we are getting a collection of hoodies in our lost and found. Please come by and take home anything that is yours!
3. Early Dismissal days – Coming up on Oct. 15/16. Teachers will be hosting open houses and/or parent interviews. This is an important part of our cycle for learning updates. Be sure to connect with your teacher about how your child is settling into the school year 

Some upcoming dates (you can also find these posted on our calendar: https://southnelson.sd8.bc.ca/events/calendar)

1. Sept. 30 – Truth and Reconciliation stat holiday – NO SCHOOL
2. Oct. 9 – Picture Day
3. Oct. 13 – Thanksgiving
4. Oct. 15/16 – Early dismissal days

Finally, some family learning! 

Truth and Reconciliation – This can be a difficult conversation to have with young children, however it is important to address in a developmentally sensitive way. Here are a few links that will help you support their child in their learning: 

What is Orange Shirt Day?

Monique Gray Smith – “Speaking our Truth – Why we need to learn” (There are many short videos in this series you can check out)  

Acts of Reconciliation to do with your child

Songs: Here are some beautiful songs that were a part of our Truth and Reconciliation assembly you can share with your family:

Indian City Take Me home

The Reconciliation Song

Nelson Events:

Here are a few Truth and Reconciliation events happening around Nelson you may be interested in:

1. Truth and Reconciliation Day at Taghum Hall Sept. 30 9-11am
2. West Kootenay Metis Association Orange Shirt Day at Lakeside Park 12pm

That is all for now. Have a wonderful week! 

Mrs Snell