To the CJP Community, 

Pink Shirt Day is an important event that promotes kindness, inclusion, and standing up against bullying. It serves as a reminder that small actions can create a big impact in fostering a more compassionate and respectful community. While teachers and students focused on these important lessons this week, they also engage in this work throughout the year, continuously fostering a culture of respect and belonging. Across grade levels, students participated in meaningful learning activities to deepen their understanding of kindness, respect, and inclusion: 

Kindergarten

  • Learned about the origins of Pink Shirt Day. 
  • Read stories and participated in sharing circles about ways to show kindness. 
  • Drew pictures to represent how they show kindness at school and what it means to be a good friend. 

Grade 1/2

  • Read books about kindness. 
  • Connected Pink Shirt Day to the Seven Sacred Teachings, focusing on the eagle as a symbol of love and kindness. 
  • Held sharing circles to discuss how it feels to be kind and to receive kindness. 
  • Learned about the history of Pink Shirt Day. 
  • Created visual journal pages to showcase their learning. 
  • Designed and decorated pink shirts. 
  • Discussed the importance of being an upstander and standing up for others. 
  • Learned that bullying is a repetitive and targeted action. 

Grade 2 & 3/4

  • Engaged in a book study of Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds, incorporating writing and art. 
  • Studied artist Keith Haring, created art in his style, and responded critically to art. 
  • Made connections between Black History Month and Pink Shirt Day by researching and writing about an influential Black Canadian who embodied kindness and respect. 
  • Participated in class discussions and read books about respect, kindness, and belonging. 
  • Engaged in class belonging meetings and sharing circles with specific prompts on belonging and respect. 
  • Discussed positive affirmations to promote kindness toward themselves and others. 
  • Engaged in class conversations about the meaning and significance of Pink Shirt Day. 

Grade 5/6

  • Connected discussions to Black History Month, exploring kindness and embracing diversity. 
  • Discussed how Pink Shirt Day started. 
  • Explored the differences between being mean and bullying. 
  • Identified examples and non-examples of bullying. 
  • Reflected on where bullying might stem from, considering the perspective of a bully. 
  • Talked about what it means to belong and why belonging is essential to well-being. 
  • Discussed the difference between belonging and fitting in, based on Brené Brown’s quote: “True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” 

Through these activities, students across all grades deepened their understanding of kindness, respect, and the power of standing up for one another. 

School Planning Survey 

We know we make better decisions to support student learning when we build understanding and work together. That’s why we are asking you to share your perspectives about our school development plan, school budget and school fees. 

The School Development Plan and Report to Parents/Guardians on Fees Report can be found on the CJP website > About Us > Our School.

Your input is important to us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your perspectives. 

Important Upcoming Dates   

Thursday, Mar. 20 – Parent-Teacher Conferences (details to follow) 

Friday, Mar. 21 – Parent-Teacher Conferences (details to follow) 

Monday, Mar. 24 – Spring Break 

Monday, Mar. 31 – Classes resume 

From CJP School Council / Parents Association   

CJP Read-a-thon Fundraiser: The CJP Read-a-thon wraps up today. We have extended the deadline for students to complete & turn in their bingo card until Monday morning. Prizes will be awarded Monday afternoon. All students who turn in the completed bingo sheets are entered to win. Thanks to all the families who have supported this reading campaign. We are 55% to our goal of raising $2000 through reading together. You can donate here: www.cjppa.ca/fundraising  

Work Bee: Help support our amazing teachers and staff on Wednesday, March 5! Whether you can volunteer in the morning or afternoon, we’d love to have you. Sign up here and be part of the fun! 

Book Fair: The Scholastic Book Fair returns to CJP March 17 to 21. Sale Flyers will be distributed the week prior. Families are encouraged to come shop during the learning conferences on March 20 from 4:30pm-7:30pm & March 21 from 9:30-12:00. We are looking for volunteers to help throughout the week. If you are interested in helping, please sign up here: www.cjppa.ca/volunteer  

Let’s Taco Bout Our Great Staff! Stay tuned to sign up for our next Staff Appreciation event, Taco Night for Student Conferences on March 20. Details will be available next week. 

School Council and Parents Association Meeting: Thanks to everyone who attended this past week’s SC/PA meeting. There will not be a meeting in March. We look forward to seeing you at the next online meeting on April 22. 

Sincerely,  

Oliver Fisher  

Principal, Captain John Palliser School