Community Weekly Time Lion Oct. 15-18

Community Update October 15-18

See attachment above for further information.

 

Upcoming Events

Bus Safety Presentation – October 21

ROAR Assembly (Virtual) October 24

Diwali October 31

Fall Celebrations October 31

Progress Reports Go Home November 19

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences November 21&22

WALKTOBER – Active School Travel

October is a month when students around the globe participate in Walk and Roll to School events and celebrate being active on the way to school.  You can participate by walking or rolling to school daily.

Spirit Wear

SWL Spirit wear is available once again.  Orders will be open until November 1^st for families interested in ordering.  Deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of November.  See link below. 
https://westendsportshamilton.ca/store/

Food & Beverage Compliance Nutrition Exemption Days

(Draft Plan 2024-2025)

Nutrition Exempt Days at SWL 2024-2025 (new days may be added, not exceeding 10 days)

Fundraising support initiatives for Student Hands on Materials (DPA equipment, technology, Art/Science supplies, Physical Educational materials/equipment)

 

Date	Event/Activity
Open House October 9	Open House – Ice Cream sales for School Council
Art Night November Date TBD	Pizza Snack Sales
Winter Wonderland Date TBD	Cookies & Milk
Open House May Education Week Date TBD	Ice Cream Sales
School Dances (October, February)	Snack Sales

 

Fall Celebrations

We appreciate that some of our student community will want to celebrate Halloween or fall festivities at school on Thursday, October 31st.  We appreciate that some students may not wish to participate in these activities.  The choice will be respected, and activities planned in class will not interfere with your child’s schooling.   Diwali is also celebrated on this day this year as well.

Thursday, October 31

Students wishing to celebrate fall festivities or Halloween on Thursday, Oct. 31 at school are welcome to wear costumes.  Students can wear costumes to school as per prior years practice (e.g., no cultural appropriation, no offensive and insensitive costumes, no weapons, no costume masks that might impede vision, no inappropriate images, etc.).

 

Costumes that are based on people’s culture are offensive, harmful and insensitive. The following are suggested questions, to reflect on when choosing a costume to avoid being disrespectful or offensive.

• Is my costume making fun of a group of people, their culture, religion and/or belief systems?
• Does my costume reinforce jokes and stereotypes about certain groups, cultures, religions and/or belief systems?
• Am I altering my skin colour, facial/body features to make it like a particular race, ethnicity, or cultural group?
• Am I dressing up as a culture or borrowing from a religion that is not my own or is not part of my background?

No Food Items Please

We ask families do not send in food items on this day due to many allergy conditions in our building.  There are alternative items (e.g., pencils, fun erasers, stickers) should you feel the need to share a Halloween treat with your child’s class.  Classrooms may be planning celebrations in which students can bring their own treat items.  Your child’s homeroom teacher will communicate this information.

Months of Significance – October

During the month of October HWDSB acknowledges and recognizes a few different Heritage Months and Months of significance:  Islamic Heritage Month, Latin American Heritage Month, Somalian Heritage Month (July and onwards) and Women’s History Month.

Islamic Heritage Month

In 2007 the Government of Canada proclaimed October as Islamic Heritage Month to recognize the significant role Muslim communities play in Canadian society and their extraordinary contributions.  HWDSB recognizes the many contributions and achievements of Muslim Canadians in many areas of our society, including arts, sports, science, and literature during the month of October and throughout the year. We also acknowledge the ongoing challenges and barriers faced by the Muslim community. We are committed to making classrooms and schools safe and inclusive spaces for everyone and must combat all forms of Islamophobia in our schools and greater communities.

Women’s History Month

Long before colonization, Indigenous “women had a voice in the decision-making process of their communities. The Iroquois and the Mohawk, for example, were a matrilineal society, where property rights, inheritance, voting rights and even the arrangements of marriages were held and passed on through the elder women of the community.” Canadian Women’s History – PSAC NCR (psac-ncr.com)

The Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month in 1992 as a time to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women throughout Canadian history. Canada honours the “courageous women and girls who have made a lasting impact as pioneers in their fields. Whether as business leaders, politicians, researchers, artists, or activists, they have helped shape Canada into a thriving, diverse and prosperous country through their achievements and desire to make a difference.”

In 2011 the United Nations declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child as a day to focus attentions on “the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.” The United Nations recognizes that “girls are breaking boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including those directed at children with disabilities and those living in marginalized communities. As entrepreneurs, innovators and initiators of global movements, girls are creating a world that is relevant for them and future generations.”

During Women’s History Month and throughout the year, HWDSB honours and celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of women and girls of all intersecting identities, past and present, in our schools, workplaces, the Hamilton community and beyond. We also recognize there is still much work that needs to be done to reduce barriers and create a truly equitable society, regardless of gender.

Latin American Heritage Month

October has been recognized as Latin American Heritage Month by the Parliament of Canada since 2018. It is a time to recognize, celebrate and learn about the contributions of Latin Americans to the social and political fabric of Canada. This month-long celebration highlights the rich diversity, resilience, and history of Latin American communities, showcasing their influence and impact across the country.

Latin America is composed of over 20 countries, spans thousands of kilometers, and encompasses a rich diversity of cultures, races, and ethnic groups. HWDSB recognizes the unique cultures and traditions of people from and decedents of countries in Latin America. Their contributions and achievements in various areas of our society including art, sports, science, literature and food enrich our community and reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Hamilton.

Somalian Heritage Month

The Legislative Assembly of Ontario proclaimed the week of June 25 through July 1 as Somali Heritage Week as of 2020, and The Government of Canada recognized July as Somali Heritage Month since 2023. Canada is home to one of the largest Somali diasporas in the world. Canadians of Somali descent have and continue to make significant contributions to Canada. The Somali community is an integral part of the legacy of diverse cultures, traditions and values that make the fabric that spans our province and nation.  HWDSB honours the often forgotten or omitted achievements and contributions of Somalian Canadians by recognizing and celebrating them in the month of July and beyond. We are committed to making classrooms and schools safe and inclusive spaces for everyone and must combat all forms of anti-Black racism and xenophobia in our schools and greater communities.

Vice Principal and Principal of the Day October 4, 2024

As part of our Terry Fox fund raising initiative, Asher and Savannah were selected for Principal and Vice Principal of the day.  They made it a fabulous and fun Friday by implementing some engaging strategies for students.

Students enjoyed extra recess time, a free period to further develop math skills through engaging games, danced to some upbeat music, solved riddles, and enjoyed no homework for the day.

Thank you, Savannah and Asher, for all your hard work here!  You would make great Principals in the future!