Dear Families, Students, and Staff,
As we approach September 30th, we prepare to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day of reflection, learning, and unlearning. This day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a powerful grassroots movement that invites us to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors who live with the legacy, and the families and communities impacted across generations.
We encourage everyone in our school community to wear orange on this day. The orange shirt is not just a colour—it is a symbol of the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children in residential schools. It stems from the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school—a moment that marked the beginning of a painful journey. Today, the orange shirt reminds us that Every Child Matters, and it calls us to stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples across Canada.
This day is not only about wearing orange—it’s about engaging in meaningful conversations, listening to stories, and deepening our understanding of the truths of our shared history. As a school, we are committed to fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and reconciliation. We will be offering age-appropriate learning opportunities throughout the week to help students reflect on the significance of this day.
Let us come together—students, staff, families—to honour the past, support healing in the present, and build a more just future.
With respect and hope,
Mrs. K. Dunford, Principal
Ms. J. Sired, Vice-Principal