SIWAL SI’WES

(our forefather’s teachings)

ABORIGINAL DEPARTMENT

Mission Public Schools

Newsletter #2 February 2015

To work collaboratively with all schools to ensure that Aboriginal

Students are successful in Mission Public Schools. While promot-

ing and respecting the traditional territory of the Stó:lo People, we

help to foster an awareness and respect of all Aboriginal peoples for

all students and staff in Mission Public Schools

From the desk of District Principal Carolynn Schmor…..

Ps. If you would like to also receive this newsletter

by email please forward your email address to our

secretary Mrs. Buell at marcy.buell@mpsd.ca or see

our website @: http://aboriginal.mpsd.ca

Ey Swayel,

We are pleased that our six year completion rates are now at 74% for Aboriginal students. Congratulations to

students and their families and all the school district staff and Siwal Si’wes Advisory Council members for their

continuing contribution to this achievement. Our superintendent Bill Fletcher will be receiving a letter of con-

gratulations for these results from the BC Ministry of Education.

With our secondary and middle schools undergoing configuration changes for the upcoming 2015-2016 school

year, please stay in contact with your school principal or Aboriginal liaison worker if you feel your child may

benefit from additional support with these changes. We want to ensure all students are well supported with the

move and would appreciate working together with you to ensure a successful transition.

Parents and caregivers of Aboriginal children in our school district are cordially invited to participate in our

monthly Siwal Si’wes Advisory Council meetings which occur on the second Tuesday of the month at noon. I

encourage you to come share lunch with us and join this dedicated and thoughtful working group of people who

steer our Aboriginal Education programs under the direction of our Enhancement Agreement. Please email

marcy.buell@mpsd.ca or call our office at 604 826 3103 if you would like to attend or be on our email list.

I would like to extend a warm welcome Rosamond Sinclair who is new to our department. Rosamond is work-

ing at Fraserview Learning Center and Dewdney Elementary. We also welcome Ann Titford, our new librarian/

literacy support teacher for the remainder of the Our Me to We Aboriginal Youth Leadership team from MSS,

Fraserview Learning Center, HSS, Summit and Riverside are fundraising to put on a Winschool year. Best

wishes to Tina Ramsay who leaves our department to pursue her new role as youth care worker with student

services.

Our Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement was signed on November 25, 2014. The event was well

attended and we are very happy to be moving ahead with our “Pulling for the Future” mandate. The themes of

our new Enhancement Agreement are complementary to our district goals of increasing student completion rates

and improving successful grade to grade transitions. The success themes of our new Enhancement Agreement

are:

Theme 1: Honouring Culture and History: Ensure ALL students are learning about and respecting

Aboriginal peoples, culture and history

Theme 2: Positive Learning Experiences: Create high levels of student engagement and success so

students are connected and supported in their learning

Theme 3: Meaningful contributions: Create empowering opportunities for students to grow as indi-

viduals and prosper as a part of a community

Theme 4: Looking to the Future: Ensure all students are preparing for change and making successful

transitions

ter Heat BBQ at the Friendship Center on February 26, 2015. Come join us for a BBQ burger or hotdog, friend-

ship and give-a-ways. The students have been working hard fundraising to put on this event for the community.

Superintendent Bill fletcher and school Trustee Randy Cairns will be our cooks. Please come out to offer your

SIWAL SI’WES STAFF

DISTRICT PRINCIPAL

Carolynn Schmor

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Marcy Buell

LIAISON WORKERS

Susan O’Soup: Riverside, Silverdale & Summit Learning

Rosamond Sinclair: Dewdney & Fraserview Learning Centre

Holly Gallant: Cherry Hill & Windebank

Wayne Martin: École Mission Secondary

Chris Gawthorn: Heritage Park Secondary

Susan Olivier: Deroche, E. S. Richards & Hillside

Marne Ferris: École Mission Secondary

Kim Gray: École Mission Central

Kimberly Sommer: West Heights

Judy Cathers: École Christine Morrison

Tracy Carr: École Mission Secondary

Ramona Valenzuela: Hatzic Secondary

Brittany O’Rourke: Albert McMahon & Hatzic

Connie Moojelski: Hatzic Secondary

Pipte (Peter Lindley): Aboriginal Language & Culture

Malila (Donna Giroux): Aboriginal Language & Culture

ABORIGINAL MENTOR TEACHERS:

Tianay de Andrade

Deborah Urano

Vivian Searwar

Jenn Goodwin

Joanne Davis

Lyn O’Grady

ABORIGINAL LIBRARIAN/LITERACY SUPPORT TEACHER:

Ann Titford

Albert McMahon Elementary—Brittany O’Rourke—Aboriginal Liaison Worker

Native Thunder Productions January 16th, 2015. It was a

wonderful event, Nelson Leon and Roxanne George came

with their traditional Stó:lo Regalia and shared with us their

knowledge of traditional songs and culture! Alex Wells, 3

time World Champion Hoop Dancer shared with us his

knowledge of Pow Wow culture, he started the event off with

the men’s Fancy Dance, he also played for us traditional flute

music and amazed us with his traditional hoop dancing—we

sure got to see how he is a champion!

Alex’s 11 year old daughter Amber, shared with us her knowledge in the Pow

Wow culture, she Fancy Shall Danced, Jingle Dress danced and Hoop danced

for us, she was an amazing in-

spiration for our youth! Stu-

dents were asked to participate

in the Stó:lo Running Song and

a Round dance. Teachers were

involved and challenged to try hoop dancing and have a hoop

dance competition! Such an exciting day!

HALQ’EMÉYLEM—Pipte (Peter Lindley) and Malila (Donna Giroux)

So many positive things have happened within the Halq’eméylem program in a short couple of months. The

most prevalent being, the collaboration of efforts of students from Deroche Elementary and Christine Morrison

who performed three songs at the Enhancement Agreement Celebration at the Clark Theatre. This important

event called for something extra special to showcase our traditional language…so we challenged the students to

learn in a relevantly short time an entirely new song, “Ō Ey Tel Sqwalewel.” This song was composed by our

late Elder Memxe (Edna Bobb). Memxe wrote this song because she was missing her grandchildren and she

needed them to know how happy she feels when she sees them. The song literally means…”When I see your

smile it makes me smile.” Memxe encouraged us to use her song at gatherings and special events so we can

share our happiness with others. These students practiced at their individual schools but did not have an oppor-

tunity to come together until the night they were expected to perform before an audience of many. How nerve

racking that must have been for them but the troopers they are they excelled. They did Memxe justice and I

couldn’t have been prouder.

Of course Christmas and winter dictated most of the classroom instruction time. Students learned to sing, Silent

Night and Jingle Bells for their Christmas concerts as well names of clothing and activities centered on the win-

ter season. The following Halq’eméylem words are an example of what the students have learned this past

month.

Temxeytl’…winter Yiyeq…snowing Maqa…snow on the ground

Lhalhq’etxel…snowflake Maqa Swiqe…Snow Man Shxwqeyqexothet…skating/sledding

Temxeytl’ Awkw’…winter clothing Kopu…coat Yo:seqw…hat/toque

Th’qwoletses…mittens Kw’ekw’ixwel…boots Sxweqw’ellhelh…scarf

Siwal Si’wes and Mission Central Elementary School are pleased to announce that we will be offering an after

school Halq’eméylem program for interested community members on April 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th. A flyer and

pre-registration form will soon be available. I look forward to meeting some of you at that time.

Kwetslome tel si:ya:ye

Pipte (Peter Lindley)

Our legend of the

month “How Turtle Set

the Animals Free”

taught us many things

including respecting

others and good leader-

ship qualities.

All 19 classes at CM participated in Aboriginal

Culture Day which was a great success!

Some of the students were able to learn slahal

All CM students attended an assembly to

watch Hoop Dancer Teddy Anderson who

also spoke about the Medicine Wheel!

Students learned Metis

Jigging while on the Ft.

Langley fieldtrip spon-

sored by the Siwal Si'wes

Aboriginal Dept.

Soccer nets/balls/cones received with

the Aboriginal

Sports Equipment Grant.

Christmas activities

included the

Medicine Wheel

teaching of the 4

Elements.

Cherry Hill Elementary School—Holly Gallant—Aboriginal Liaison Worker Cherry Hill had our Cultural Day January 14h. It was a great way to start off 2015. Students and teachers en-

joyed the event greatly. The bannock was a huge hit as per usual. The feedback for our Staff and Cultural Pre-

senters was exceedingly positive. The children are still talking about it.

Riley Charters will be beginning her exciting Mosaic Project with the Cherry Hill Aboriginal Students, Thurs-

day afternoon, February 5th .

Judy Cathers—Aboriginal Liaison Worker—École Christine Morrison Elementary

I hope you enjoy pictures of some of the teachings and events that have been happening at Christine Morrison.

Deroche Elementary School—Susan Olivier—Aboriginal Liaison Worker

This term, students from Deroche learned about Beaded Bracelets and Zipper Pulls with much meaning. Friend-

ship, in that you always give your first bracelet that you make to someone you care about. The colour of the

beads chosen, have meaning to the crafter, so we suggested that blue could stand for

the lakes. We had a full day drama workshop on

Anti-bullying with Bev Holmes (Stand4). Chum

salmon eggs brought in for the salmonid program to

be released in March. Students from grade 2, 3 and 4

learned about Metis jigging. Zach T. performed at

the January student of the month assembly. Boys

and Girls club started outdoor walks in search of a

talking stick to be used for friendship circle and

sharing. The nice weather has

helped get us outside for some

outdoor exploration and learning.

The Halq'eméylem

teachings are still going

strong as well as the

weekly Arts Club every

Tuesday. Students are

writing their own story based on an Abo-

riginal tale about Raven and Coyote’s new

coat. Science club for the primary students

is starting soon and Wednesday after

school will be a homework club supported with help from Kathleen McKillop from

Leq'á:mel First Nation.

Dewdney Elementary—Rosamond Sinclair—Aboriginal Liaison Worker

One of our elders in residence, Selina Schaffer came on January 30th to

deliver two cultural presentations to our students. Her first presentation for

our kindergarteners, grade1s & 2s was teaching on the button blanket and

a butterfly cutout lacing project. Selina then gave a second presentation for

making bead and leather bracelets with a medicine wheel teaching. The

students were able to make their own bracelets to take wear and take

home.

Peter Lindley, our language and cultural presenter comes to teach the

Halq'eméylem Language to our youngsters in Mrs. M. Dundas’ grade 1

and 2 class. For many students this is their first opportunity to learn anoth-

er language and receive Aboriginal teachings. Peter engages them in songs

and puppetry; the children are very excited to learn more words and look

forward to their time spent with him.

Edwin S. Richards—Susan Olivier—Aboriginal Liaison Worker

First Nations Art Work is now posted and the “Fatty Legs” Novel Study for Mrs. Thiessen’s Class included a

small presentation from my Mother’s story and some role playing of a regular student from today’s class compar-

ing school and home experiences with someone like my Mother or Oleman, who was in the Indian Residential

School. Venn diagrams and group poster work may follow. Cultural Day was experienced by all staff and stu-

dents at ESR a few days ago and it was a huge success!

Fraserview Learning Centre—Rosamond Sinclair—Aboriginal Liaison Worker

Hello my name is Rosamond Sinclair; I am a new Aboriginal Liaison worker at Fraser view Learning Centre

(Mon-Thurs) and Dewdney Elementary school (Fri) from 8:00am- 3:30 pm. I am Cree and from Edmonton Al-

berta. As a new member of the Mission school district I feel very fortunate to be working hands on with our

youth. I take great pride in assisting our students achieve academic and personal success. I look forward to

building stronger connections with the Aboriginal students and the community.

Fraser view Learning Centre:

Students got to decorate our

winter games equipment

with spray paint and aborig-

inal themed stencils. This

activity gave students an

opportunity to work with

different artistic mediums

and to test out their spray

painting skills.

Hatzic Elementary—Brittany O’Rourke—Aboriginal Liaison Worker

Our students have been reading “Fatty Legs” and we will be hosting

the Authors February 19th! Our younger divisions will be reading the

adaptation of “Fatty Legs "called “When I was Eight”, so they too get to share in this experience. It is so

exciting and such an opportunity to be meeting a residential school survivor, and to

be learning her story of resilience and courage! Our students have started making special gifts and book related art to put up around the school and to give

away to our wonderful guests! There has been lots of learning and practicing West

Coast style traditional drawing for our upcoming

guest Peter Gong, who will be our artist in residence

working with our students, starting a special project in spring!

Cultural Integration at Hatzic!

During Term 2 Grade 7 at Hatzic Mid-

dle School read Ghost Canoe as their

novel study. To recognize and celebrate

the Aboriginal culture in the book, the

Makah, I invited Judy Cathers to visit

our classroom. Judy is from the Hoh

tribe, near Neah Bay, and the Makah

Tribe are her neighbours. Students weaved bulrush mats to learn about the

technique and time involved in creating Aboriginal crafts. The students

learned first hand, from Judy, about the Makah tribe.

In December I invited Connie, Ramona and Judy to work with my Grade 7 and 8 classes in creating an

Aboriginal Christmas ornament. The students were taught how to make a bead covering for a Christmas

bauble. The work was intricate and yet all students were able to engage in it with the guidance of our

Aboriginal liaison workers. The learning was rich as the students had meaningful conversations with

our liaisons.

Our continued integration of the Aboriginal culture enables our students to have a deeper understanding

and acknowledgement of Aboriginal people.

Kw’as Hoy Ramona, Connie and Judy.

Lyn O’Grady

Hatzic Middle School.

ARTS and CRAFTS

Hatzic Secondary School-Connie Moojelski & Ramona Valenzuela- Aboriginal Liaisons

Greetings Hatzic families! The time is certainly flying by; term 2 has just ended and term 3 begins on February

2nd. It certainly has been very busy here at Hatzic Secondary School. The Remembrance Day ceremony took

place November 10th and Johnny Williams came in to drum and sing. Johnny also spoke and recognized and

acknowledged Aboriginal veterans participation. On November 24th Administrator Jim Pearce came in present

to the grade 9, 10, and 11’s about the new configuration of schools for next year. The Enhancement Agreement

signing ceremony took place on Nov. 25th at HPSS and was a wonderful success! Hatzic students made council

feathers and beaded flowers for give a ways. The Christmas Concert took place on December 8 th and it was

delightful to see so many talented students sing and play instruments. On December 9th, some grad program

students had an opportunity to go on a UFV Tour with MSS. Connie and Ramona have had cultural crafts readi-

ly available to students at lunch if they wished to bead, paint or make a craft to take with them.

Heritage Park Secondary—Chris Gawthorn—Aboriginal Liaison—From The Ravens Perch

We hope everyone had a wonderful break and is working hard to finish off this semester

with a bang. Remember The Perch is open 24/7 so if you need help or a computer to work

on. Feel free to pop in.

Exams start on the 2nd with BC First Nations 12 running on the 4th from 9:00 am to 12pm

Grad Photo re-takes are on the 4th of Feb

Reminder February the 9th is Family day. This is a day to spend enjoying family. Make your

day fun filled. I have challenged my Family to find some activity that we have never done and we will all do it

together for the first time.

On Dec. 9th we had the great pleasure of having Nelson Leon and Alex Wells in the Clarke Theatre performing

traditional dances. One of the best parts of this event was seeing students and staff on stage learning and trying

to perform some basic hoop dancing moves. Well done everyone! Amber Wells (Alex’s daughter) performed

as well and did an amazing job of dancing—at just 11 years old.

We are having exchange students in our building next week for a tour. Part of the experience for them will be

to making Bannock and Medicine pouches. I will enjoy sharing my culture with them as they share with me

Come down and visit with Cinch or Miss Vinnie they would love to see you and a visit with them will brighten

any day. See you soon

Hillside Elementary—Susan Olivier—Aboriginal Liaison Worker

This month, Hillside Students are learning about talking

sticks, the Medicine Wheel and we had an amazing Hoop

Dancer come in to share about how we are all brothers and

sisters in this world! Some

classes will be learning

about the Arctic Inuksuk

and the meanings for these

unique landmarks as well as

the people who live further North of us. We are also looking

forward to our Aboriginal Cultural Day at the end of Febru-

ary!

École Mission Central Elementary—Kim Gray—Aboriginal Liaison Worker

Wow! What a busy time it has be here at École Mission Elementary School. We have done so many

wonderful teachings and projects in the classrooms and the whole school. In December we were all

busy making beautiful Christmas ornaments, we even decorated a tree for

the Mission Springs Restaurant! We did a wonderful Cedar Teaching as

well, and made Cedar swags with the students, and taught them about the

history of the tree. They then gifted it to their teachers and taught the class

the importance of Cedar in our culture.

January started with medicine wheel teachings in the classes, which every-

one loved. That same week Teddy Anderson performed his Hoop Dancing,

based on the medicine wheel, it was incredible! We also had our artist in

residence Bonnie Krulicki, who is a Coast Salish

Artist & Teacher.

The entire school participated in making a collage paining with the

Halq’eméylem word yóyatel, which means

making friends with each other. The paint-

ing will hang in our school, and all the stu-

dents and staff are getting T-shirts with the

word on it. We can’t wait for the unveiling!

This is such a great way to carry on our lan-

guage to the community!

We are also looking forward to or Cultural

Day February 11th, always a fun and excit-

ing day filled with learning and laughing and best of all Bannock!

E’swa Si:yaye—Kim Gray—Siwal Si’wes

Mission Middle Secondary—Wayne Martin, Marne Ferris and Tracy Carr—Aboriginal Liaison

Workers

Happy New Year to all from students and staff at M.S.S.

Well it has been a very busy school year here at Mission Middle and Secondary School indeed!

One very exciting piece of news was that a Grade 8 student, Braden Scoville has won a contest put on

by Mission Literacy in Motion. Braden designed a poster for an upcoming Literacy workshop and won

a $50 gift card. It was open to all students in Mission. Way to go Braden! We are so Proud of you!

Preparations are happening for our WINTER HEAT BARBECUE, which will be

held at Mission Friendship Centre Feb.26th. MSS, Fraserview, Riverside and Summit

are working together to fundraise so that we can provide some fun and food for all

our friends who frequent the Friendship Center. This is part of our goal with our stu-

dents to reach out create more of a sense of belonging and ME TO WE in our com-

munity. The students are working hard on making posters, wrapping and creating

baskets for raffling. This is a very exciting venture’ and we will keep you posted with

pictures

Marne Ferris, Aboriginal Culture and Liaison Worker, Mission Middle School

Inclement Weather:

As the air begins to chill, we are reminded that winter will soon

be here as will the inclement weather conditions. This is a reminder to our families and school community to follow

the School District website: www.mpsd.ca for information per-

taining to school closures. - Select the tab across the top - “Schools”; - Select - “Unscheduled School Closures” (Found on the left sidebar). Once there, a list of radio stations is provided.

One more feature to note – parents, students and staff

can register directly on that page to sign up for the Snow

Closures Email List - A quick and easy way for notifi-

cation to be received directly.

Mission Middle Secondary—Wayne Martin, Marne Ferris and Tracy Carr—Aboriginal Liaison Workers

Continued...

Nov 5th - Remembrance Day Assemblies Roxane McCallum drummed and Dionne McGrath sang at both assemblies – I wish to personally thank them

both for accepting my invitation. Many people commented how beautiful it was.

Nov 10th - Métis Day Celebration/Mini-Workshops

Jody Shaw, Marne Ferris and Wayne Martin hosted a Métis Day Celebration/mini-workshop for three grade 10

classes. Classes rotated between three presentations: Bannock Making with Selina Schaffer and Marne Ferris,

Jigging with LaRae Rosie, Métis History and Culture with Ms. Jody Shaw, and Wayne Martin coordinated the

mini-event running back and forth, back and forth ! We were also honoured to have the oversight and blessing of

Métis Elder, Rene Inkster. Many mentioned how wonderful this mini-event was and how much fun everyone

had who participated.

Nov 14th Enhancement Agreement Ceremony Giveaways from MSS – Spirit Stones A special thanks to Ms.

Jessika Heinrich and her grade nine sewing class for being so accommodating and helping with the sewing of

the pouches and the attaching of buttons; and to her grade 9/10 Art class for painting the spirit stones that went

inside each pouch… AWESOME work and we made it FUN!A special thanks to Craig at

Global Landscaping Supplies – 7085 Bridge Street, Mission 604.826.1600 who willingly

donated the stones, which Marne and Wayne picked from the yard. Please show your sup-

port by frequenting this local business for any upcoming Spring time gardening needs – let

them know, that you know about their donation of the stones : ) The final spirit stones give-

aways were well received.

Dec 16 – Resident Artisan & Mentor – CORE

Through the Siwal Si’wes grant process, we secured and arranged to

have Tom Patterson to come and teach, mentor

and inspire the Grade 9, 10 and 11s (once per month) who are

completing their core academics. December was

his first visit, and the CORE teachers, Ms. Stachiw and

Mr. Schneider arranged a Christmas Luncheon for the students on

the same day. The youth who earned the privilege to participate by

keeping up-to-date on their academic goals, absolutely loved trying

their hand at carving with Tom… I suspect that the students, who did not

get to participate this time, will ensure they are able participate the in January.

Thanks Tom!!! Here’s to a GREAT year ahead!

Wayne Martin, Aboriginal Culture and Liaison Worker, Mission Middle School

Our Aboriginal Department has been busy with field trips, and upcom-

ing activities. Our grade 10-12 students had a wonderful trip to Univer-

sity of Fraser Valley. They spent the day learning about the campus,

how to apply for programs, what careers and programs are available,

they toured the trade school, and had a special lunch prepared by the

culinary program. Each student came away with the knowledge and

importance of a Post-Secondary education for a successful future.

Coming this March 6th will be a special performance by the Spakwus Slolem, Eagle Song Dancers in our gym.

These dancers have performed all over BC and specialize in telling stories and mask dances of the Squamish na-

tion. Please come out and enjoy the performance.

Huy Chex aa, Wey Chewx yuu

Tracy Carr, Aboriginal Liaison Worker,

Mission Secondary School

Susan O’Soup—Aboriginal Liaison Worker—Riverside, Silverdale and Summit

Hello Mission Families,

January and February are very busy months with many activates going on in our

school district. I have done several cultural presentations at different

schools. There have been cultural days at the elementary level almost every

Wednesday. I work at three schools and here are some activities going on at

the schools.

Riverside College—Susan O’Soup—Aboriginal Liaison Worker The annual SIWAL SI’WES Scholarships are out and I encourage all Aborigi-

nal students to apply from any secondary school in the Mission District. The

scholarships range from grade 7 – 11 for the Grade Scholarship and the stu-

dents who are success will have their school fees, books, athletic fees or

course fees paid while in attendance in any Mission Secondary School. The

grade 12 scholarship is honor Aboriginal students who plan to attend college,

university or other post –secondary institutions. There are two $500.00 and

two $1000.00 scholarships. Please apply and the deadline is March 4, 2015 for

both scholarships.

Riverside College will have an Open House February 19, 2015. Please mark on

calendar and come join us on this day.

December 14, 2014 we held our Music fest

with Elders at Riverside College. Bannock

and tea was served and students, elders and

staff did some dancing. It was very festive

especially before the holidays and it was

pleasure having Beatrice Eppinga, Herman

Dan Sr. and Rene Inkster come in with Jen-

ny Bice the fiddle player. Myles Ferrie

(staff) and Taylor Walczak (student) joined

in to play and sing music accompanied by

Herman Dan and Jenny Bice.

Silverdale—Susan O’Soup—Aboriginal Liaison Worker All classes are now completed for the Button Blanket project except the Kindergarten class;

which will be done February 3, 2015. This project was promoted by the play “The Raven Meets

the Monkey King” Students asked questions about the Button Blanket after the play. Thanks to

Rosamond Sinclair for her assistance with coming into the classes with me to teach the cultural

meaning and have students make a mini Button Blanket. Silverdale teachers and students are

excited our Cultural Day is coming up on Feb. 4, 2015.

Summit—Susan O’Soup—Aboriginal Liaison Worker At Summit there has been a cultural presentation every Friday that started from Jan-

uary 16 and goes until February 20, 2015 except for the February 13, 2015 which is a

Pro D day. I would to thanks to Julee Baker for her

assistance with these presentations and getting the

information out to the community. February 6,

2015 we are having a Bake Sale to raise money

for our Winter Heat BBQ in down town Mission.

Please come out and support us for the monies goes

to feed the less fortunate as part of Me to We.

The BBQ is

11:00 am on February 26, 2015 at the Mission

Indian Friendship Centre. We are taking dona-

tions for cakes or baking and if you’re not up to

baking you can donate cash. This sale will take

place February 6th in the morning at the River-

side/Summit campus. I taught loom beading to

Summit families January 30, 2015 a very relax-

ing and enjoyable time for parents and students.

Kimberly Sommer—Aboriginal Liaison Worker—West Heights Elementary

Our Liaison: So many exciting things are happening in our school! In October, Kimberly, our Aboriginal

Liaison was asked to be a panel member at the Aboriginal Healthy Living Conference. Aboriginal Healthy

living has approved a grant for Kimberly’s school of $1000 for the last 6 years. This was quite an honour.

Girls Club: We had two more girls clubs. At our first one, the girls made an Aboriginal craft, and had ban-

nock. At our second one, the Girls made gingerbread houses. It was so much fun! It’s a nice way to come

together as a group and get to know each other better.

Boys Club: We also started a grade 5/6 boys club this year. At the

first club the boys played ‘Minute to Win It’ games and got to know

each other. In the second club, Mr. Flynn organized games for the

boys to play in the gym and Kimberly supplied fruit and sandwiches.

It was so much fun. Thank you Mr.

Flynn!!

Field Trip: We were fortunate enough to be ap-

proved for a Daytrippers grant. Ms. Davis and Ms.

Coulthard’s classes went to the Stó:lo Cultural

Centre and had an amazing longhouse experience,

what a blast! Thanks to PAC for paying for the

bus.

Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement: We had the official ceremony for

the signing of our Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement. Our sweet little

grade 3 student, Iliana gave a speech that I am told brought down the house. We have included it for your

reading pleasure:

“Hello my name is Iliana, I go to school at West Heights. Last year we watched a play called the Raven

meets the Monkey King. It was fun and it was cool. We got to make button blankets to last year. And, we

got to read stories with Johnny. We got to make spirit stones, they were nice and cool. It’s nice to be Abo-

riginal; I get free cookies when I go to Kimberly’s room. Thanks for having me speak today; I think it’s

scary but fun.”

Multicultural Week: This month our PAC had multicultural week. For Aboriginal

food day, the Aboriginal department paid for Crystal to come in and make free bannock

for the whole school. Mmmm, I ate way too much and am sure I gained 2 pounds!!

Aboriginal Art in our School: Artstarts has approved our

school for a $3588 grant. Because of this, starting next week,

the whole school will be participating in two Halq'eméylem paintings with Bonnie

Graham Krulicki. I am so excited we were able to get her back to our school

again, she is fabulous!

Inuit Authors: At the end of February we are fortunate to get Christy Jordan-

Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, Author’s of such books as Fatty Legs. This

will be an amazing presentation and we are looking forward to it.

Kimberly Sommer

West Heights Community School

Stó:lo Longhouse Program

Aboriginal student making cards for

Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement

Boys Club in

Fatty Legs Authors

Artist Bonne

Windebank—Holly Gallant—Aboriginal Liaison Worker

The Windebank Pow Wow Drummers have been

invited to join in the Riot of Reading event, being

held at Mission Central on Saturday January

31. We hope to see everyone there. The drum-

mers have worked very hard practicing every

week to show off their talents in a showcase per-

formance. Windebank awaits the next meeting of

the Siwal Si'wes Committee to see if our grant

for Peter Gong will be ok’d. We are hoping to see Peter in our foyer, carving a

piece for us, demonstrating the process from start to finish, very soon.

Resource Elders

Agnes Giesbrecht and William and Priscilla

Wells have volunteered their services as

Resource Elders for parents who want sup-

port meeting with school personnel.

For further information please contact our

office.

NEED TO REACH US?

Please call:

Phone: 604-826-3103

Fax: 604-820-2850

marcy.buell@mpsd.ca

Website— http://aboriginal.mpsd.ca

Please Mark Your Calendars:

February 11, 2015—Cultural Day—Ecole Mission Central

February 18, 2015—Cultural Day—Hillside Elementary

February 26, 2015Winter Heat BBQ—Mission Friendship Centre

March 6, 2015—Eagle Song Dancers Performance—MSS

March 14, 2015—March 22, 2015—Spring Break

April 3, 2015—Good Friday

April 6, 2015—Easter Monday

April 15, 2015—Family of Schools Dinner—Mission Middle Sec.

May 18, 2015—Victoria Day

May 19, 2015—Family of Schools Dinner—Hatzic Middle Sec.

May 28, 2015—Family of Schools Dinner—Heritage Park Sec.

June 25, 2015—Last Day for Students