Hello Griffith Woods Families,

This past Friday, all CBE staff engaged in the annual Maatoomsii'Pookaiks System-wide Indigenous Education Professional Learning Day. Our staff spent the day participating in professional learning centered around our school commitment of building and applying an understanding of Indigenous community values such as reciprocity and respect, and how these are lived in relationships with Indigenous students, families, Elders, community members, and the land. We are also committed to learning about interconnectedness through living Ani to Pisi in a purposeful manner to foster understanding between cultures within our school and creating a deeper sense of belonging for all. It was a wonderful day of reflection and learning.

You would have received the Griffith Woods School Engagement survey a few weeks ago. We appreciate everyone who took the time to contribute feedback. We did receive some feedback wondering why our school focuses so much on Indigenous Teachings. Our school weaves Indigenous learning throughout daily instruction to honour the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples of this land and to support all students in developing understanding, respect, and a sense of responsibility as Treaty people. This commitment directly aligns with the Alberta K-9 Programs of Study, which call for the integration of Indigenous perspectives, histories, and ways of knowing across subject areas to support citizenship, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. Embedding Indigenous learning helps students better understand Canada's past and present, including the impacts of colonization and the importance of reconciliation. The Calgary Board of Education is committed to Indigenous education as part of its responsibility to equity, truth, and reconciliation, ensuring learning environments where Indigenous voices are respected, identity is affirmed, and all students gain the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to a more just and inclusive society.

Our entire school also gathered for Ani to Pisi, a Blackfoot creation story emphasizing that all things are interconnected and that people should support each other. It is enacted as a human spider web to represent community, unity, and responsiveness to help those in need. We thank Elder Roy and Mount Royal University for their guidance, as well as the school Indigenous Club for organizing the event.

Dr. Batycky and Mrs. Bombard

Dates of Significance

May is Asian Heritage Month, Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, and Polish Heritage Month.

Jersey Day - Friday, May 1

Wear a team jersey or a jersey of a team you support for Jersey Day on Friday, May 1.

Hats on for Mental Health - Wednesday, May 6

Please wear a hat on May 6 for Mental Health. Hats On for Mental Health Day is an annual, province-wide initiative in Alberta that encourages students and staff to wear hats to spark conversation, reduce stigma, and promote mental wellness awareness.

Students in Grades 5-9 are also welcome to submit a hat design that reflects positive mental health. The winning design will be posted in the May GWS magazine. See Ms. Chorney for a template - submissions are due to Ms. Chorney in Rm. 117 by May 1. Please do not use AI or create unserious designs.

Lunchtime and Off-Campus Reminders for Grade 7-9 Students

Grade 7-9 students continue to be allowed to leave school property during lunch. Students are reminded to act responsibly and appropriately when choosing to go off campus. A few reminders:

• Students are expected to arrive back on time and be in their classrooms by 11:35 AM. Some students continue to be frequently late.
• Students need to be respectful patrons when visiting local stores or restaurants - this includes not going inside if they are not buying or ordering items, and following directions from business employees.
• Students must ensure they are not trespassing on people's property while off campus.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Volunteers

Swimming lessons are coming up the first two weeks of June for Grades 1-4. June 1-5 is for Grades 2 and 4, and June 8-12 is for Grades 1 and 3. We will require a lot of parent volunteers. Please check with Ms. Fraser in the office if you have completed your clearance, and remember that once you receive your police clearance document you need to share it with the school. Full volunteer process details: https://www.cbe.ab.ca/get-involved/volunteer/Pages/volunteer.aspx

My 1st Ride Registration is Open

On May 23 and 24, the CBE and its partners are offering the My 1st Ride bus orientation program. This free event is designed to familiarize students with the experience of taking the yellow bus to and from school. The orientation is aimed at first-time riders and students with special transportation needs. For more information and to register, click here.

School Council Message - Yearbook Orders

This is the last week to order your yearbook! Orders are due by May 3.

• Price: $25 per book
• Yearbooks will be delivered directly to the school by the end of June
• Order at: https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob
• Use code: 13333626

Upcoming Dates