Orange Shirt Day

• The Story Behind Orange Shirt Day
• “I went to the Mission for one year. I had just turned 6 years old. We never had very much money, and there was no welfare, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a now outfit to go to the Mission School in. I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had eyelets and lace, and I felt so pretty in that shirt and excited to be going to school! Of course, when I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt. I never saw it again, except on other kids. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! Since then the colour orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing.
• “I finally get it, that the feeling of worthlessness and insignificance, ingrained in me from my first day at the mission, affected the way I lived my life for many years. Even now, when know nothing could be further from the truth, I still sometimes feel that I don’t matter. Even with all the work I’ve done!
• “I am honoured to be able to tell my story so that others may benefit and understand, and maybe other survivors will feel comfortable enough to share their stories. I want my orange shirt back!”
• Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, Dog Creek, BC
• Phyllis’ orange shirt is a symbol of so many losses experienced by those who were sent to Indian Residential Schools over several generations. Losses of family, culture, language, freedom, parenting, self-esteem and worth were experienced by everyone. Beatings, sexual abuse and neglect plagued many. Let’s not forget the children but honour them on September 30.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Many of us wore orange shirts today. The story above is the reason for this.  As part of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission that was in Vancouver last week, I have posted some pictures taken by one of our students who was in Vancouver to witness some of the powerful stories shared. 

Science 8: Fire

Mrs. Liddicoat's Science students put out fire with extinguishers, with the support of our local Fire Dept.  A great way to study Science.

Post Terry Run...Donut Eating Contest

After our Terry Fox Run we had a Donut Eating Contest.  Thanks for all who participated-- it was good fun!

Terry Fox Run at CSS Today

We had more than 500 staff and students participating in today's annual Terry Fox school run.  Great job everyone. Congratulations to Caleb Burnman, who crossed the finish line first and to Mr. Weatherston, the first staff member in.  Overall it was an outstanding run.  Twoonies for Terry will continue to be collected tomorrow-- all $ will be directed to the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research.

Spirit Week Begins

We have started our Spirit Week with "Colour Day" and our Club Day today.  The above pictures are of the grad class (rainbow) and some of the club presenters in the foyer.

We also had a BBQ for our grade 8 students at lunch-- thanks to the Student Voice students as well as our parent volunteers!!

Pro-D Day Activities

Our staff were involved in a variety of Professional Development activities today.  The above pictures include a variety of presenters including:  Bob Cotter, Mr. Topping, Mr. Marshall and Faye Brownlie.  It has been an excellent day for our staff!

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the start of Spirit Week-- Colour Day is tomorrow and we also have Club presentations and a Grade 8 BBQ.

Enjoy the sunshine.

Mr. H

Blueberry Scones & Student Project

Students at Chatelech make excellent scones and they help us dream big. The top picture is from Mrs. Sutherland's Foods class today, while the article from one of our local papers, written by a Chatelech student, Maya Treuheit, shares information about the Giving Tree project.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Mr. H

Textiles Projects

Ms. Marsh has been working with Ms. Shantz's students on some textile projects.  The students proudly displayed their work when I stopped by their class today.  Well done everyone!!!

Zucchini Chocolate Muffins & Bunsen Burners

Mrs. Sutherlands Foods class made some delicious zucchini chocolate muffins that they wanted to share-- they were excellent.   Mrs. Marsh's grade 9 students were doing an experiment using Bunsen burners when I stopped by her class later in the day. Our students are really engaged in their work, which is a testament to their teachers.

We had a very productive staff meeting after school today.  Cst. Sheppard presented some important information regarding school safety and our lock down procedures, which is part of his mandate.  This educational piece is important for all of us to ensure our schools remain safe.

Have a good evening.

Mr. H

Sechelt Language Program

I had an opportunity to be part of a smudging ceremony in the Sechelt Language class this morning. It was a powerful experience, particularly with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission coming to Vancouver this week.  Addressing the wounds of the Residential School situation, that impacted so many Aboriginal people, will be on the minds of many Canadians this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with those that will have to deal with these difficult issues.

Science 9 Experiment

Mr. Weatherston had his students doing an introductory lesson using  Bunson burners. The students were going to track temperatures using the thermometers which were in beakers of water.  Safety was emphasized and the gas wasn't turned on until all students had everything organized for the experiment. The students were enjoying their first experiment of the year.

Students Engaged in Their Learning

As I visited classes today I was impressed with how engaged our students were in their learning. The research show that students who are engaged in the classrooms are more successful.  This is not a surprise to most, but it was refreshing to get into classrooms and see the smiles and the engagement.  Well done everyone!

Another Hot One

Despite the unseasonably hot weather our staff and students worked hard today.  The top two pictures were taken in Mr. Michaeli's Metal class while the bottom picture is in Mrs. Teichrob's CORE 8 class.

Our counselors completed our course changes today.  What an amazing job they have done!!

It is time to enjoy the sunshine.

Until tomorrow.

Mr. H

Principals' Meeting at SBO

All SD 46 principals and vice-principals attended a leadership meeting at the School Board Office today.  We reviewed aspects of the SD 46 Achievement Contract and looked at the data and the implications.  Our school district has made a strong commitment regarding Literacy and we are going to work hard to improve all students' reading ability.  There has been a significant commitment to address this and in the upcoming months we will have renowned author and teacher, Faye Brownlie, working with our teachers and principals/vice-principals to address this head on.

I look forward to supporting a team of teachers from Chatelech who will work together with Faye and other SD 46 teachers. 

Thanks to Ms. Thomas for covering for us while we attended our meeting today!

Until tomorrow.

Mr. H

Early to Rise

Our Band Program, headed by Mrs. Mitchell, has class before many of our other students arrive at Chatelech. We are early in the year so if there are any students interested in the school band this year, make sure that you check in with Mrs. Mitchell.

I understand that travel is one of the perks of being in the band-- they went to Hawaii last year!  Nice.

Banana Muffins & BC Teachers' Institute on Parliamentary Democracy

Mrs. Sutherland had her Foods students making banana chocolate chip muffins this morning.  I didn't get back to class to taste them, but I am sure that they were good.

I received a letter from the Hon. Linda Reid (Madame Speaker, Legislative Assembly of BC) congratulating one of our teachers, Mrs. Leah Judd, on being selected to attend the Teachers' Institute at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria from October 22nd-26th. It is awesome to have one of our teachers selected to attend this prestigious program.

Don't forget our PAC Meeting tonight at 7:00 pm in the library.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

Mr.H

Dancing, Guitar Club & International Students

We had a lot of action at lunchtime today. There was a dance presentation, along with student participation in the foyer; Mr. Millican & Guitar Club and Mr. Biel meeting with international students.

It was a busy week but it was enjoyable getting to know the staff and students.  Next week will be a week 2, so students should refer to their agendas if they are unsure of the block rotation.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Mr. H

Another Busy One

It has been another busy day at CSS.  I just finished re-printing our Grade 8 timetables, as there was a problem with the block rotation etc.  Grade 8 students will be able to pick these up in the foyer tomorrow morning.

It's time to call it a day.  Tomorrow is a Day 1 -- A B C D.

Have a nice evening.

Mr. H

Have You Heard the Story....

In schools we often hear stories about students' homework that was eaten by the dog, or that one's mother washed the jeans that had their completed homework in them. Well today Callum's story was that his dog chewed up his timetable-- he even brought in the evidence.  I look forward to hearing more stories as the year progresses.

Thanks again to our counselors who worked tirelessly to get our students timetables organized.  They have done a great job and I really appreciate the work that they have done to date.  Hopefully most of the students' schedules will be finalized by tomorrow.

Well it's a beautiful evening and it's time to get home before the sun sets.

Until tomorrow.

Mr. H

Hectic Day...But Still Smiling

It was pretty hectic today, with a lot of unresolved issues, most notably some of the students' timetables.  We did get our feet wet with today's trial run, but we have a regular week one, Day 3 tomorrow-- the block rotation is BADC.

Students should be prepared for a busy day.  For students with timetable issues please check in with our counselors.  We have added some grade 10 classes so there may be a few subtle changes to some timetables. Hot lunch will be available tomorrow-- pizza I believe.

Any students that are taking the Volleyball Course at Elphinstone SS will have a meeting after school tomorrow. Make sure that you attend this very important meeting.

Have good night everyone.

Mr. H

Weekend Finally Here

It was a very busy week with students coming in for their lockers, timetables, new students registering, and changes being made to timetables.

I was very impressed with the work of all of our staff, who worked tirelessly to get the job done last week.  With our start-up Tuesday, things will continue to be busy with our counselors trying to work their magic making sure that all of our students have full timetables.  We have added some sections to relieve the pressure and subsequently we will be decreasing the size of some of our classes.  It will take us a few days to get these classes totally organized.

Again, I want to thank our staff for the great work that they did last week and I eagerly anticipate next week's start-up.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

All the best.

Mr. H