On Tuesday, September 30th school was closed for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This week we honored this day through activities and learning in the classrooms. This included literature, artistic creations, and writing. For example, of totem pole teachings and personal land acknowledgments.
Mr. Stephenson, his Grade 5/6 class, and Ms. Robinson bussed down to the Riverbank Discovery Centre to take part in the presentations. Upon the arrival of many schools from our division, we listened to a Residential School Survivor speak about his experiences and stories. It was a powerful moment of learning and reflection. Then we proceeded onto the stations that were set up and ready for the schools to partake in learning about the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people’s culture and heritage. We were able to take part in 3 stations, Bannock making, dancing/drumming, and we had the opportunity to gather in a tipi to listen to Knowledge Keeper, Debbie Huntinghawk , aka the Rock Lady. Debbie spoke to us about the 4 sacred elements in their culture, earth, air, fire, and water. Each element represents life and has a spirit. Earth is full of life and the foundation, Water, is essential for life and is considered the “Blood of the Earth”. Air is the protector that blows negativity away and cleans the soil for new growth. And Fire provides warmth and life in a person, family, or community. The connection and balance that we have with nature and traditions are incredibly important to maintain and respect.
Debbie also spoke about her hobby of collecting rocks. They all have a story, and their sheer beauty reminds us of our own connections that we have with the earth. She has been gifted many collectable beautiful stones and has found many of her own that connect her with the earth.
Each station was educational and the Bannock making station was deliciously enjoyed by all! Thank you to the Riverbank Discovery Center for being such generous hosts to help honor such an important day.
Other events we have had throughout this month were:
Cross Country Run Team – the OES WILD run team did a fantastic job participating in the run this year in Rivers. Perfect running conditions for the event and everyone did a fantastic job. Miss. Krahn was proud of her group who cheered each other on and other students who were participating. Way to go WILD!!
Friends of the Park-The grade 5/6 class have been learning about the Ice Age and had the great opportunity to have George from Friends of RMNP come in and speak to them about what Manitoba was like during this period. They would like to thank George for coming in and are now moving forward on this topic selecting an ice age animal to research.
Wizard of OZ Musical- We were off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of….Taylor!!! The school was excited to go watch one of our fellow students, Taylor Langston, perform in the Brandon Mecca Productions Musical Wizard of OZ. It was a great performance and we cheered super loud for Taylor at the curtain call. You did a fantastic job Taylor, what a great experience for you!!!
Fire Safety Day- Onanole Fire Department paid us a visit on Thursday, Oct 23rd. Students had the opportunity to tour inside the Fire Truck, use the hose to knock over a pylon, escape the smoke truck simulator, and two stations in the school which talked in depth the importance of how to get out of a burning building and how important it is to have a get out plan and meeting place. Students learned how to stay low, find the safest way out, how to check doors before opening, learned that a window is another way to get out, and how important it is to NEVER GO BACK INSIDE FOR ANYTHING!! That is the job of the Firefighters. We would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the Onanole Fire Department for their knowledge and safety discussions around the importance of Fire Safety.
To end October on a spooky note, of course we celebrated Halloween. The costumes were fantastic again this year! The spirit of the day was erupting in our little one hallway school. Each class tied in the Halloween theme in their learning. From counting pumpkin seeds, candy, spider legs, creating stories and more. It’s a fun and new way to learn. A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR PARENT GROUP who served a delicious hot lunch of Spaghetti, vegies, and fruit. Once our tummies were full, we enjoyed a fun filled afternoon starting with the Parade in the gym and each class had their own celebrations.