September, Truth and Reconciliation

by Stéfanie Gervasi, CAPDA

September brings so many different things. Some students are returning to school, others are starting school for the first time, and some are joining our schools.

One thing that is especially important in September is our time for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

We try to guide our students to understand that this is not a day for celebration, but a day of honouring, remembering, and reflecting.

This year will be extra special for Beacon Hill Elementary.

The Grade 5 students at Beacon Hill were fortunate to participate in a workshop with Indigenous storyteller and artist Timothy Armstrong. Beacon Hill welcomed Timothy in June for National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Timothy brings such clarity and beauty to Indigenous legends and stories, and his workshop offered our students so much more.

Students were able to sketch their ideas on paper while Timothy shared a story alongside beautiful images. At the end of the workshop, Beacon Hill was able to choose a student sketch to bring to life.

That chosen sketch will be worn by all Beacon Hill students this year—a special piece they can cherish and wear for years to come.

Many schools will be hosting community walks, and displaying orange heart gardens.

Let’s not forget to take a moment on September 30th to remember that Every Child Matters.