To the CJP Community
Truth and Reconciliation - Orange Shirt Day |Treaty 7 Week
In recognition of Orange Shirt Day and Treaty 7 Week, and as part of our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, I’d like to highlight some of the meaningful learning that took place across the school this week:
Kindergarten
Our youngest learners explored the idea of what it means to matter - thinking about the people, objects, and places that are important to them, and reflecting on the idea that they matter too. These conversations helped build empathy and personal connections to the theme of Orange Shirt Day.
Grade 1/2
Students incorporated “sit spots” into their routines, explored the teachings of the Medicine Wheel, and engaged with Indigenous stories and artwork. They spent time learning about Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau and his Thunderbird Art, while also discussing the significance of Orange Shirt Day and why we wear orange.
In addition to their classroom learning, our Grade 1/2 Montessori students and teachers led our first assembly of the year today. Centered on the theme “Why We Have Orange Shirt Day,” the assembly included multiple land acknowledgments, a video about the history of Orange Shirt Day and the important work of Phyllis Webstad, who has shared her story to honour the legacy of residential schools and advocate for truth and reconciliation. Students shared their own reflections on why “every child matters,” sang Light a Candle for Peace, and joined together in a candle-lighting ceremony, observing a moment of silence with battery-operated candles to close this powerful and thoughtful gathering.
Grade 3/4
Students used picture books like Shi-Shi Etko by Nicola I. Campbell and When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson to learn about the history and impact of residential schools. They practiced summarizing these stories to focus on key events and messages and reflected on why remembering and honouring Survivors is so important. They also viewed parts of Gord Downie’s Finding the Secret Path documentary, which deepened their understanding of Chanie Wenjack’s story and Canada’s residential school legacy. Students worked with nonfiction resources to explore key questions such as: What is Treaty 7? Who was involved? What was promised? And why does Treaty 7 matter today? Through this work, they built a clearer understanding of how Treaty 7 continues to shape our shared responsibilities and relationships.
Grade 5/6
Students explored picture books and applied strategies like SWBST (Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then) and RACES (Restate, Answer, Cite, Elaborate, Summarize) to reflect on the central question: What is Orange Shirt Day and why does it matter? They also studied the artwork of Blackfoot artist Kalum Teke Dan, connecting his work to themes of Indigenous culture, resilience, and tradition.
While this week has placed a special focus on Truth and Reconciliation, our commitment extends well beyond a single day or week. We intentionally plan opportunities for students to deepen their understanding and engage in meaningful learning around Truth and Reconciliation throughout the entire year, guided by our school’s commitment to this important work.
View Our Truth and Reconciliation Commitment | 2025-2026
Child & Youth Well-Being Family & Caregiver Series
The Calgary Board of Education invites all parents and guardians to join a live online series on supporting child and youth well-being. The series is hosted by the Recovery Alberta Community Education Service (CES) Program in collaboration with local experts from the Calgary community.
The first session is on Monday, October 6 at 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Digital Dilemma: Screens, Social Media, and Gaming
Additional session details are available on the Child and Youth Family and Caregiver Series public facing page.
Important Upcoming Dates
Monday, Sept. 29 – Non-Instruction Day [no school]
Tuesday, Sept. 30 – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation [no school]
Monday, Oct. 13 – Thanksgiving [no school]
Monday, Oct. 20 – Non-Instruction Day [no school]
Tuesday, Oct 28 – School Council / Parents Association Mtg 6:30 pm [online - agenda to follow]
From CJP School Council / Parents Association
World Teacher Appreciation Day: Join us in celebrating and acknowledging all our teachers do for our learners by contributing to a potluck breakfast for teachers on October 3rd. This is a great opportunity to show your love and support for our amazing staff. Visit www.cjppa.ca/volunteer for the link to sign up.
Custodial Staff Appreciation Day is Thursday October 2nd. Taking care of the school and keeping things tidy for 600 learners is no small feat! While our staff appreciation team will be providing a small treat for our custodial staff, please consider having your student give Mr.Pratt, Ms.Encarnacion and our new addition Ms.Adonis some appreciation. A note, drawing or high five is a great way to show them that you appreciate their hard work and dedication.
CJP Spirit Wear: Start the new school year off BRIGHT with CJP Spirit Wear. New items are now available! Visit www.cjppa.ca/fundraising to purchase before October 13!
Fun Lunch: Thank you to our parents and grade 6 volunteers for delivering 224 lunches from Subway this week! The next fun lunch will be announced in the coming weeks. Don’t forget to register at www.healthyhunger.ca
School Council and Parents Association Meeting: Thank you to everyone who joined us Tuesday night! It was great to see our community come together to share updates and vote on the budget. Our Annual General Meeting will be held online on Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Sincerely,
Oliver Fisher
Principal, Captain John Palliser School