To the CJP Community, 

Orange Shirt Day | Truth & Reconciliation

I am pleased to share that our learning community has been actively engaged in honoring Orange Shirt Day and promoting Truth and Reconciliation. These initiatives are vital as we work to acknowledge the history and experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Our students have participated in various learning activities to deepen their understanding of these important themes, fostering a culture of respect and empathy within our community. Together, we are committed to learning from the past and building a more inclusive future. Thank you for your support in this important work.

Here are some examples of the meaningful learning experiences our students have been engaged in:

Grade K/1/2

  • Land-based learning focusing on the fall equinox
  • Shared reading of literature written by Indigenous authors connected to Orange Shirt Day
  • Reconciliation learning about the Seven Sacred Teachings

Grade 3/4

  • Students learned about Land Acknowledgements and why it is important to acknowledge the land we live on. They created their own land acknowledgements as a way to recognize how we can continue to respect and learn about Indigenous cultures.
  • Students learned about the Indigenous groups that live within Canada and the influence of Orange Shirt Day.
  • Students attended a live virtual event with author Courtney Defriend, who read her book, If Instead of a Person. After the reading, she led a child-friendly discussion on the themes of Orange Shirt Day and Truth & Reconciliation. Her story encouraged students to reflect on the interconnectedness of all life, symbolized by the resilience of the tree, and its connection to the strength of Indigenous communities as they heal from the impacts of residential schools. This discussion invited students to consider the importance of connection, care, and respect in the journey toward reconciliation.
  • Students created a “Me Dart” where they completed concentric circles to show their connection between themselves, their family, their community and the land.
  • Students read many stories about the residential school experience. Some of these books have included, Stolen Words, I Lost My Talk and Lila and the Crow. They participated in guided conversations about acceptance, respect, racism and belonging.
  • Students recognized the Autumn Equinox. They explored the many symbols of the West part of the Medicine Wheel, including the wolf, sage, water, and respect.

Grade 5/6

  • Students have been reading a variety of books that are connected to the theme of school. Based on those books and their understanding of residential schools and Orange Shirt Day, students completed the sentence, “Schools should be…” with a word of their choice. These were captured on orange sticky notes and posted on the door/windowsill. Some examples: School should be…Loving, Accepting, Diverse, Encouraging, Fun.
  • Students explored Indigenous ways of knowing and being through story. They read a story called, Brave Like the Buffalo, and unpacked the inspiring message to face the storms in their life with the help of their support systems and with a brave mindset.
  • Students explored the history of residential schools and the impact that they still have on the Indigenous communities today. Students reflected how often times when we see pictures of residential schools, the black and white photos cause us to think that they existed a very long time ago and because of that, it is "easier" to disconnect from the atrocities that happened.
  • Students reflected on the reason why "Truth" comes before "Reconciliation."
  • Students discussed the ways that we can be allies and support our Indigenous communities.
  • Students explored the life and work of an Indigenous individual who is actively reclaiming their culture through art, music, activism, and other creative expressions.

CJP Commitment to Truth & Reconciliation

In recognition of Orange Shirt Day, and in alignment with the CBE Education Plan, CAPTAIN JOHN PALLISER SCHOOL acknowledges and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Calls to Action, and uses Call to Action #63.iii as inspiration:

We call upon the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada to maintain an annual commitment to Aboriginal education issues, including building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.

We make the following commitment to action for the 2024-2025 school year: We, at CJP, commit to enhancing the capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect among our students and staff. We will continue our Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) efforts by deepening our sense of belonging through our relationships with the land and community and broadening our understanding and inclusion of diverse systems of knowledge. Our initiatives include conducting weekly belonging meetings, purposefully integrating Indigenous pedagogy, ensuring full school participation with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and actively engaging with our parent community. Through these efforts, we aim to intertwine our connections to the land, our shared histories, and each other, walking together in mutual understanding and respect for all.

CJP School Patrol Team

We are excited to inform you that training is complete and our School Patrol Team is now active! This dedicated group of students and teachers is committed to ensuring the safety of all students and their families during arrival and dismissal times.

We kindly ask for your support in making this initiative successful. Please remind your children to follow the guidance of the patrol members and to be mindful of their efforts to keep everyone safe, Additionally, we encourage you to model this behavior by demonstrating respect for the patrol team’s role.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in creating a safe environment for our school community.  

Important Upcoming Dates 

Monday, Sept. 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (no school)

Monday, Oct. 14 – Thanksgiving (no school)

Tuesday, Oct. 22 – School Council Meeting (agenda to follow)

Friday, Oct. 25 – Non-Instruction Day

From CJP School Council / Parents Association  

A warm thank you to all who stopped by our greeting booth and spirit wear swap at the Meet the Teacher Night last Thursday. It’s so wonderful to see our community connect with each other at events such as this.

Casino: Join us at our upcoming Casino Fundraiser at the Deerfoot Casino Oct. 1st and 2nd to help raise vital funds that enhance CJP students’ experiences.  We do still require some volunteers for the following shifts on October 2nd - Chip Runner: 7pm - 3:45am, Count Room Supervisor & Count Room Staff: 11pm - 3:45 am. Please sign up here www.cjppa.ca/volunteer if you can help!

Wear the Rainbow- 2024 CJP Spirit Wear is now available! Show your school spirit in your favourite colour with our 2024 collection. Purchase your CJP branded items at www.cjppa.ca/fundraising before October 15th at 8:00 pm so you don’t miss out. Please contact spiritwear@cjppa.ca with any questions. 

Volunteering Hello Volunteers! The CJP Robotics Residency is here, and we’re looking for passionate individuals to assist students with programming during class. While you’re welcome to work with your own student’s classes, we encourage you to consider supporting additional classrooms that also need help. Your support is vital for the success of the residency and for enriching our students' learning experiences. Join us in inspiring the next generation of robotics enthusiasts! Please note that all volunteers must have a current CBE security clearance to participate. Please contact Toria volunteer@cjppa.ca with any questions. 

Custodial Staff Appreciation Day is Wednesday October 2. Taking care of and keeping our school clean for your learners is no small feat! While we will be providing a small token of appreciation for our custodial staff, Mr. Pratt and Ms. Encarnacion, please consider having your student write a note, colour a picture or give them a high five when they see them at school next week!

Fun Lunch: The next fun lunch is Wednesday, October 16, 2024 with Panago. Deadline to order will be October 11, 2024.


Sincerely, ​​​​​​​

Oliver Fisher 

Principal, Captain John Palliser School