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September 2021 School and Community News - Sipekne'katik

October 4, 2021

Principal's Message

Kelly Oliver

Kwe,

Etek tekik. Fall is here. It’s getting cold.  Elementary students had a great time going Apple Picking at Noggins Farm.  We are so happy to be able to go on field trips once again.  Students are continuing to wear masks in common areas, screen for Covid symptoms, have their temperatures taken and sanitizing their hands regularly   

On September 30th we planned to celebrate the first National Day ofTruth and Reconciliation by coming together safely with students of Shubenacadie Elementary for outdoor cultural activities.  Due to the rain we have postponed our plans to Wednesday, October 6th.  Our staff andJunior high students will lead cultural activities.   These activities will build pride in who we are as Mi’kmaq people and also strengthen relationships to build reconciliation by teaching about the Mi’kmaq.  

Each morning we start our day with the morning announcement which includes our land acknowledgment, an inspirational quote, Mi’kmaq words/phrases of the day and the Mi’kmaq honour song sung by primary to grade 3 students.  October is Mi’kmaq history month. At LSK we use the Nova Scotia TreatyEducation Framework for age appropriate teachings of residential schools and treaties throughout the year, not only in October.

October 14 we will celebrate Nitap day by learning and modelling kindness and friendship.  Kindness builds stronger relationships and connections. On October 15th, staff will participate in a Professional Development workshop hosted by Dr. Jody Carrington.  Other MK schools will also be able to experience this workshop virtually.   Dr. Jody Carrington will discuss trauma, resilience, connections and relationships.  We are continuing to focus on strengthening relationships with each other, our students and our community.    Please feel free to reach out to our staff with any concerns you may have, as we are here to support you.  

This month’s seven sacred teachings we are focusing on is Mikitelsulti, courage or bravery.  Bravery is doing something that frightens you. It is doing something with your whole heart when you cannot predict the outcome.  Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver.   We are bravest when we are connected with others. 

Last year we sold Nourish Your Roots Boxes and shared them with elders in our community.  Like last year,  you can order boxes online at https://shop.nourishns.ca   Boxes of fruits and vegetables that are purchased can be picked up at the Community Center on Wednesday, October 27th from 2:15pm-5:45 pm.   Go to https://shop.nourishns.ca to place your order for a box of fruit and vegetables.  Proceeds of sales go to our gardening program if you select our school when you buy a Nourish Your Roots box online. 

Thanksgiving is October 11th and a day in which we give thanks for all we have and the people we have in our lives.   It is a day we show our gratitude and we celebrate with a large meal. Thanksgiving was originally a day to give thanks for the harvest season and because Canada is more northern, we celebrate it before our southern neighbours, the United States.  

Keep your eyes and ears open for our upcoming outdoor Fall Fair at LSK.  We look forward to seeing our community on the LSK school grounds. To learn more about our activities, events and projects stay tuned to our website at www.lskschool.ca.