Dear Simon Fraser Families, 

In alignment with our Truth and Reconciliation Commitment to embed Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being into our learning opportunities, staff designed tasks that considered Indigenous knowledge to promote cultural appreciation and advance reconciliation. Students spent time at Nosehill learning on the land, reflecting on their personal commitments to reconciliation, and land governance in Canada and its impact on Indigenous people. We hope families consider taking some time tomorrow to consider their own commitment to reconciliation on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

Important Dates 

• Friday September 29 – No School National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 
• Wednesday October 4 – Fun Lunch Opa 

Casino Fundraiser - Volunteers Required 

Thank you to all the families that have already signed up to volunteer at this year's casino! We need 6 more volunteers for our casino fundraiser Please consider supporting! 

On December 13 and 14, 2023 the Simon Fraser Junior High Education Support Association will be hosting a casino. We require a minimum of 36 volunteers for the two-day event. There are both day shifts and night shifts available. The jobs are easy to perform, and all training is provided, as well as a free meal. The casino will take place at Ace Airport Casino (40 Aero Cres NE). 

This is a major fundraiser for our school and will generate approximately $60,000 in funds to be spent enhancing our children’s educational resources and experiences. These funds go towards paying for things like computers, library resources, physical education equipment, and special events. If we cannot get enough volunteers, we will forfeit the casino funds - which would be a huge loss for our school. 

Please consider volunteering for the casino. All volunteer positions must be filled by early October to apply for our license. To view the available shifts, click the following link and follow the instructions in the Sign-Up Genius. Contact Shannon King with any questions about the volunteer positions.  

Simon Fraser Casino Volunteer Positions 

Fun Lunch 

Healthy Hunger is back! Our first Healthy Hunger lunch will be on October 4. Families must order by end of day Friday. We want to thank School Council and Ms. Rita Samari for organizing and supporting the fun lunches.  

The Fun Lunch Opportunities will be in Healthy Hunger for families to purchase for their child(ren).  We will have a weekly Fun Lunch every Wednesday. Reminder that if you order a fun lunch and your child is sick/away, please call or email us before 12:00 to let us know what you would like us to do with the lunch. If we have not heard from a family, we will donate the lunch to another child who may not have lunch. 

To Register for Healthy Hunger 

• Go to healthyhunger.ca 
• Create an Account (or Login) 
• Click “Add Student” 
• Fill in your child’s information  
• Select Simon Fraser School 
• For “Select Grade” you will choose your child’s homeroom/teacher 
• You can begin ordering food by date 

If anyone is interested in helping us out at the school to organize on fun lunch days, here is the sign-up link:  
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E49ADA928A3F58-healthy 

Y Mind! At Shane Homes Rocky Ridge YMCA 

Y Mind is a FREE 7-week mental wellness program for teenagers (13-18 years old). The program aims to support and provide resources for teenagers experiencing mild to moderate levels of stress and/or anxiety. Y Mind is grounded on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness and allows participants to learn more about different ways of how to manage their stress and anxiety. This program is facilitated by trained mental health professionals and there will always be two facilitators at each session. We have seen proven results nationally of reduced stress and anxiety related symptoms, increased overall wellbeing, and an increased ability to cope with difficult emotions. 

Participants will receive a workbook of all the activities done during the program, so they can review and practice at home. We do provide snacks for participants during the program and meet other individuals experiencing similar feelings. Upon completion of the program, participants would receive a Certificate of Program Completion and a free 2-month YMCA gym membership as improving one's physical wellbeing has shown that it improved mental wellbeing. 

Individuals can learn more about our program on our website (https://www.ymcacalgary.org/y-mind-mental-wellness-program) or complete a Formstack request (https://ymcacalgary.formstack.com/forms/ymind_intake_form_ymcacalgary) to sign up for our Information and Intake Sessions.  Students 14 and older can self-register for the program without parental consent as well. Interested individuals can contact our general Y Mind email if they have any questions at ymind@calgary.ymca.ca.   

OurSCHOOL Student Survey Administration

Simon Fraser School will be participating in an online school perception survey for students called the OurSCHOOL Student Survey. This anonymous survey is completely voluntary for all CBE students.  Please find the details of the survey implementation below. 

CBE’s Education Plan prioritizes student voice and well-being in our decision-making processes.  Responses from this survey are used at the system and school level to recognize and improve what is necessary for students to feel safe, welcome, and cared for when at school.

Grades 4-12 students provide feedback on:

• sense of belonging
• positive relationships
• anxiety
• feeling safe at school
• life satisfaction
• general health
• orientation to well-being
• goal-oriented
• self-regulation
• cultural awareness of others

Additionally, Grades 6-12 students provide feedback on:

• depression
• self-esteem
• cultural awareness of self

Demographic questions are also asked on this survey for norming purposes. These are: Grades 4-12 general

• age, gender, Indigenous status, immigrant status, home language.

Grades 6-12 specific

• grade repeater, reasons for changing schools, disability or medical conditions that limits participation in school activities or learning.

At Simon Fraser our OurSCHOOL Student Survey administration plan is as follows:

• Who: All Students Grade 5-9
• When: Oct. 2 – 13, 2023  If you have questions or would like to request more information about Simon Fraser School’s upcoming implementation of the OurSCHOOL Student Survey, please contact Ms. Varner.

Have a wonderful weekend as a family!  We look forward to welcoming your children back for a full week of learning next week.

Laureen