Mahogany Messenger Oct. 16-20 | We Are Wired to do Hard Things, Stronger Together, Fencing
Hello Mahogany Families,
Inspiration
“We are wired to do hard things” - Carrington
We know that many of you have been hearing the news of the conflict in the Middle East. The events in Israel, the Gaza Strip and other parts of the Middle East are cause for concern around the world. The situation is evolving quickly. Mahogany school is a community, the school community is a neutral place of safety, kindness and compassion for all students, staff and families, no matter what your personal beliefs or position may be. We are a school community that believes in and demonstrates inclusivity, respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. Together we will support our students and teachers, while respecting the varied needs, values and beliefs in our school community. Currently, more than ever we see the importance of kindness and empathy. All students need to feel safe, respected, welcome and included in schools. We can do hard things but when we do them together it is so much better. Please know that we are here for you if you need support during this time. We are stronger together.
Weekly Wonder
We are all stronger together. How will you find safety and support in your community? How will you provide safety and support for others if you are able?
Updates and Administrivia
Fencing around the hills
The contractors will be re-sodding the hills around Mahogany School as well as the learning circle this week. You will notice large blue fencing which will be up for a while to allow the area to grow. This week the landscaping crew will also be flattening the ‘learning circle as the grass is very difficult to grow and the area is also a concern for drainage. This area will be re-sodded and, in the Spring, there will be the addition of large rocks placed in the shape of a circle for a renewed outdoor classroom.
Parent Focus Group Invitation from Alberta Education
On Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, Alberta Education will host a focus group with the intention of seeking feedback from parents. The focus group will meet from 7 - 8:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Purpose: To collect insight from a parent perspective to update the old “My Child's Learning: A Parent Resource" website into a brand new space that will be hosted on new.LearnAlberta.ca .
10 – 12 parents will be identified from metro, urban and rural school divisions, representing children of varying grade ranges (K-12) to participate in this focus group.
Please share this “expression of interest" survey with your school communities as you deem appropriate (school council, engaged parents, etc.).
It will remain open until Monday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m.
Alberta Education Focus Group - Expression of Interest to Participate
Secret Path Week October 17-22
As a Mahogany school community, we continue to embed Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing, and knowing as part our ReconciliACTIONs. Our understanding builds as we interact and learn from the land, reflect and share, hear and speak stories, celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ contributions and deepen our connections. Our acknowledgement spans far beyond truth and reconciliation week and orange shirt day.
As a proud Downie Wenjack legacy school, we are committed to listening, learning and acting. Secret Path Week is a national movement which occurs annually from Oct 17th-22nd. The week was inspired by Chanie Wenjack, a victim of the residential school system. We will have an assembly on Monday, October 16th in the morning to help us start our work around the Walk for Wenjack. During this week, we will be constructing a large collaborative ReconciliACTION piece as a school as one small demonstration of our continued commitment.
We are asking that your child brings in a few small rocks that can fit in their hand to use as a foundation for this piece as we come together in Sprit, Heart, Body and Mind. Please send these small rocks to school with your child by Thursday, October 12.
Our teachings surrounding this will be solidified in our schools' guiding questions.
- Where do I come from?
- Where am I going?
- Why am I here?
- Who am I?
Secret Path Week is a national movement which occurs annually from Oct 17-22. The week was inspired by Chanie Wenjack, a victim of the residential school system. We will have an assembly on Monday, October 16th in the morning to help us start our work around the Walk for Wenjack. More details will come closer to the date.
Check out the link below to find out more about reconciliACTIONs happening throughout Canada and learn more about what it means to be a Legacy School.
https://downiewenjack.ca/our-work/legacy-schools-programs/resources/#educatorsparentscommunity-closed
Playground
It has been a very exciting week with the opening of our playground! I can say I have never seen so many smiles all at once – what a great addition to our school.
Mark your calendars for Friday, October 27 at 11:30 as we will be doing a school wide “Official Playground Opening” Ceremony with ribbon cutting and food trucks so plan for a fun gathering and great way to celebrate our amazing new playground!
Healthy Hunger
A friendly reminder to place your order for the upcoming week's snacks/lunches. Please go to www.healthyhunger.ca to place your order. All orders for Thursday, October 19th, must be in before midnight on Saturday, October 14.
Happenings
|
|
Downie Wenjack Week |
|
Mon., Oct. 16, 2023 |
|
|
Tues., Oct. 17, 2023
|
|
|
Wed., Oct 18, 2023
|
|
|
Thurs., Oct 19, 2023
|
|
|
Fri., Oct 20, 2023 |
|
Upcoming
Mon,. Oct., 23 - Regular Day
Tues., Oct., 24 - Regular Day; Intramurals: 11:50am-12:10pm
Wed., Oct., 25 - Regular Day; Wellness Wednesday; Intramurals: 11:50am-12:10pm
Thurs., Oct., 26 - Regular Day
Friday., Oct., 27 - Early Dismissal 12:00pm; Am Kindergarten Attends
Mon., Oct. 30 - Regular Day
Tues., Oct 31 - Halloween – Costumes (email to come)