1. education
2. school

SIWAL SI’WES
(our forefather’s teachings)
ABORIGINAL DEPARTMENT
Mission Public Schools
Newsletter #3
To work collaboratively with all schools to ensure that Aboriginal
Students are successful in Mission Public Schools. While promoting and respecting the traditional territory of the Stó:lo People, we
help to foster an awareness and respect of all Aboriginal peoples for
all students and staff in Mission Public Schools
April 2015
From the desk of District Principal Carolynn Schmor…..
Ey Swayel,
With our secondary and middle schools undergoing configuration changes for the upcoming 2015
-2016 school year, please stay in contact with your school principal or Aboriginal liaison worker if
you feel your child may benefit from additional support with these changes. We want to ensure
all students are well supported with the move and would appreciate working together with you to
ensure a successful transition.
I would like to extend a warm welcome Dionne McGrath who is new to our department and working at Dewdney Elementary and Hatzic Secondary School.
Enhancement Agreement themes:
Meaningful Contributions
Create empowering opportunities for students to grow as individuals and
prosper as a part of a community
Looking to the Future
Ensure all students are preparing for change and making
successful transitions
Positive Learning Experiences
Create high levels of student engagement and success so students
are connected and supported in their learning
Honouring Culture and History
Ensure ALL students are learning about and respecting
Aboriginal peoples, culture and history
For all students and families we are here to support your children and youth. If you have any
questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at the office at 604 826 3103 or email at [email protected]
SIWAL SI’WES STAFF
DISTRICT PRINCIPAL
Carolynn Schmor
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Marcy Buell
LIAISON WORKERS
Susan O’Soup:
Riverside, Silverdale & Summit Learning
Dionne McGrath :
Dewdney & Hatzic Secondary
Holly Gallant:
Cherry Hill & Windebank
Wayne Martin:
École Mission Secondary
Chris Gawthorn:
Fraserview
Susan Olivier:
Deroche, E. S. Richards & Hillside
Marne Ferris:
École Mission Secondary & Heritage Park
Kim Gray:
École Mission Central
Kimberly Sommer: West Heights
Judy Cathers:
École Christine Morrison
Tracy Carr:
École Mission Secondary
Ramona Valenzuela:
Hatzic Secondary
Brittany O’Rourke:
Albert McMahon & Hatzic Elementary
Connie Moojelski: Hatzic Secondary
Pipte (Peter Lindley):
Aboriginal Language & Culture
Malila (Donna Giroux): Aboriginal Language & Culture
ABORIGINAL MENTOR TEACHERS:
Tianay de Andrade
Deborah Urano
Vivian Searwar
Jenn Goodwin
Joanne Davis
Lyn O’Grady
SIWAL SI’WES TEACHER/LIBRARIAN:
Ann Titford
HALQ’EMÉYLEM—Pipte (Peter Lindley) and Malila (Donna Giroux)
Halq’eméylem
The following schools have Halq’eméylem:
Deroche Elementary
Hatzic Elementary
Christine Morrison Elementary
Mission Central Elementary
Cherry Hill Elementary
West Heights Elementary
E. S. Richards Elementary
Silverdale Elementary
Hatzic Middle Secondary
On March 16, we attended the T.P.R. workshop held at Seabird Island College. T.P. R. stands for Total Physical Response and is a way of teaching languages by using actions. This workshop was presented by the founder
of T.P.R., Dr. James Asher.
Pipte also does networking with other language teachers at the Halq’eméylem Forum held once a month at the
UFV campus of Chilliwack.
Malila
Albert McMahon Elementary—Brittany O’Rourke—Aboriginal Liaison Worker
Albert McMahon Elementary- Brittany O’Rourke
Bannock Lunch and Learn March and April
Aboriginal students get to come and share bannock and enjoy making cultural crafts!
Mr. Susin Class enjoys having me present on Monday’s with a cultural craft for his students, check out
some of their work! Dream catchers and Medicine Shields!
More news about Albert McMahon
Aboriginal Culture Club starts April 14th every Tuesday 2:15pm-4pm for 10 weeks, with special guest,
Aboriginal Youth Mentor Richard!
Miss Teen BC Brette Joyal and Miss Fraser Valley (Ms. Brittany) motivational presentation assembly April
13th and Bannock lunch and cultural crafts and special guest Christa Waskewitch teaching fancy shall
dancing
Thanks Chrystal for the delicious bannock!
Cherry Hill Elementary School—Holly Gallant—Aboriginal Liaison Worker
Cherry Hill is happy to announce that we have one more session left before completion of the Mosaic
Legacy Project with Riley Charters. We are getting very excited to see it finished and hung.
We had a modest but enthusiastic turn out for the MSS aboriginal awards. Thank you to my students
and their families for joining me on such a wonderful evening.
Judy Cathers—Aboriginal Liaison Worker—École Christine Morrison Elementary
Stó:lo Elder visits Christine Morrison
Siyamiyateliyot. Speaking in Halq'eméylem, she shared the story of her early years of life;
learning both Halq'eméylem and English in the home. She was instrumental in developing the
written language of Halq'eméylem, and still assists with translation and pronunciation. In fact
she is the person who taught Pipte and Malila the Halq'eméylem language! She is an expert
Salish Weaver, taught by her mother who re-introduced Salish Weaving to her people. It was a
privilege and honor to have her in our school. Our thanks to Pipte for helping to organize this.
Halq'eméylem
Nine classes are taking Halq'eméylem with Pipte. Halq'eméylem is included in the morning
announcements, as well as singing Ey swayel tel siyaye (good day my friend) at the beginning
of every assembly. A primary student and an intermediate student lead the singing with drums
provided by Siwal Si’wes.
Girls learning
Fancy Dance
with Christa
Waskewitch
Grade 6
students
working on a
cedar mat
Playing Slahal
at Charlie
Longhouse
Grade 2 student
working on butterfly
art project (part of
the insect unit) presented by Selina
Shaffer.
Deroche Elementary School
We wish to thank you for your support, love and encouragement so far this school. The First Salmon Ceremony held on
April 10th was amazing. Thank you to all who helped out and
provided gifts and talents for the ceremony. We were honoured
to have community and family support from our Elders,
Scowlitz and Leq'á:mel participants. A special thanks to the
Williams family who caught and prepared the first salmon for
our meal and to members of Leq'á:mel for honouring us with
drumming and song.
The students of Deroche are our future! We encourage a sense
of pride to lift our school spirit and create a safe, inclusive
school culture and learning environment for all students, families, and staff. Participation and support from the community
is essential for student success. When students feel successful
and feel they belong, they will connect to the learning.
We have had presenters at our school. Soapstone carving with
the intermediate students by Patrick Thompson and Directed
Drawing with Judy Cathers. Susan Olivier is involved with
Talking Sticks for the intermediate students and tile painting
for all of our students. Justin Laslo worked with the Boys Club building our garden boxes for healthy
schools garden. The Salmon Ceremony was the highlight, a true collaboration with both local First Nations.
The students have been busy painting their tiles for our water fountain feature.
Elders, parents, family and community members are welcome at all of our school events. You are always welcome to participate. Please call Shantelle Mang at the office with any questions or to let her
know you would like to attend events or volunteer for classroom support, school activities, events,
fundraisers or fieldtrips. All are welcome!
Mrs. Anderson- Proud Principal of
Deroche Elementary
Dewdney Elementary—Dionne McGrath—Aboriginal Liaison Worker
Áma sq’it, good day, my name is Dionne McGrath; I am the new Aboriginal Liaison worker at
Dewdney Elementary. My ancestry comes from Sta’tlimx Nation, I was born and raised in
Stó:lo territory. Even though I only work at Dewdney Elementary on Fridays, I have had the
great pleasure in getting to know the aboriginal students through the many amazing events that
have taken place at the school and/or on a one-on-one basis. It’s a very warm and welcoming
small community school! We are also happy to have Halq'eméylem on Fridays in the K/1
class.
Metis Day: Kids had a blast jigging in the gym with Larae & beaded bracelets in Dundas K-2 class
Button Blankets with Selina Shaffer in Spinks grade 2 – 4 class
The ground breaking ceremony was a great success! The students had fun digging while the aboriginal liaison
Dionne shared some songs.
Edwin S. Richards—Susan Olivier—Aboriginal Liaison Worker
At E.S.R. this term, we are learning about Aboriginal History through story-telling and correlated Fine Arts activities. A representation of Aboriginal Art from different regions and tribes
across North America is viewed and replicated according to the resources and habitats therein.
The Halq'eméylem teachers continue to inspire all students at our school through music, dance and language. This Liaison also provides academic support to individuals and small
groups. Our Aboriginal Literacy Project is currently working on a Totem Pole drama/art
presentation with all of the Intermediate Aboriginal students.
Susan Olivier
Fraserview Learning Centre—Chris Gawthorn—Aboriginal Liaison Worker
Fraserview students on the second of 5 Science Field trips.
March; Willaband Creekpark
April: Cascade Falls, Fraser River Trout Hatchery
May: Steelhead
June: Deep Cove
Hatzic Elementary—Brittany O’Rourke—Aboriginal Liaison Worker
Field trip to Charlie Long House in March was super! Aboriginal students from gr.3-6 learned about the
long house and Stó:lo people, played the traditional bone game, known as slahal, worked with cedar and
learned about the traditions, had a delicious lunch with BANNOCK of course! Here are a few pictures of
the day!
Students getting
the opportunity
to join in on the
traditional Stó:lo
Dancing
Students learning about traditional uses of
cedar and making cedar bracelets!
Special Guest Nelson Leon came to do a cedar paddle necklace workshop!
We had a fantastic day with Nelson Leon, our Aboriginal students had the opportunity to make a cedar paddle
necklace, they had to sand it down and shape it, then thread it and bead it to wear, they all looked beautiful
when finished!
More News about Hatzic
Peter Gong, has started painting at Hatzic Elementary our 3 house team animals outside our front
door in traditional west coast style first nations designs, we are looking forward to the finished result.
Students get an opportunity to learn west coast style traditional art and will get to draw their own
house team in a workshop with Peter! We are thrilled!
Hatzic Secondary—Lyn O’Grady
Cultural Classroom Learning
Our classroom has been busy learning about the Aboriginal
culture through the expertise of our Aboriginal educators. My
Grade 8 class has been reading ‘Touching Spirit Bear’ and
learning about the Tlingit culture. As we learned about the
at.oow (blanket) in the story Ramona came and spoke about
the Spirit Bear and the meaning and importance of button
blankets in the Aboriginal culture. We enjoyed a wonderful
cultural afternoon of the students creating individual button
blankets while listening to Aboriginal flute music.
The students are co-creating their own Aboriginal legends and
Ramona and Dionne spoke to the students about Aboriginal
legends in the local area. After listening to their explanations
the students were able to make stronger and more meaningful
connections between the natural elements and the Aboriginal culture.
Peter Lindley has been teaching the students Halq'eméylem. He taught animal names and greetings and had the students dancing, drumming and using these words. The students were so engaged and their pronunciation is
wonderful. The students have begun to use these words in their legend writing.
Susan O’Soup came to our classroom to
teach the students about Spirit Rocks. The
students were focused and they listened to
her speaking about Chief Seattle’s words of
wisdom in connection with our environment.
As the students chose and drew their totem
on their rock Susan personalized the meaning of the totem with each student. This was
a very meaningful morning of culture.
Peter Gong has been busy co-creating and
instructing the students how to draw, make
templates and place these on the poles in our school courtyard. Peter and the students are now
painting the salmon and eagle patterns which will be a focal point in our school courtyard.
Kw’as Hoy Ramona, Dione, Pipte, Susan and Peter.
Lyn O’Grady—Hatzic Middle Secondary School.
Hatzic Secondary School-Connie Moojelski & Ramona Valenzuela- Aboriginal Liaisons
Hatzic Grad Program news:
Greeting! It has been a very busy few months here at Hatzic Secondary school! In February we met with teacher Lyn O’Grady to begin the process of getting the poles painted in the Aboriginal garden. Students came in
during lunch to make friendship bracelets and feather hair ties as give-away gifts for the ‘Winter Heat BBQ.’ I
had a wonderful opportunity to present a ‘Cedar Root basket’ presentation to the French Immersion class at
Mission Central Elementary. Siwal Si’wes Scholarships were handed out to students in grades 7-12. In March
we had six students in grades 10-12 go to the 2015 Stó:lo Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association Youth Forum in
Chilliwack. This year’s theme was “Continuing the Work of Our Ancestors.” Of all the students at the forum;
I am proud to say that Hatzic’s own Stephanie Gabriel won an iPod Touch due to her best efforts to participate
in all 4 workshops. In April we had respected elder and renowned speaker Eddie Gardner come in to present the
‘Medicine Wheel’ to the whole school. First Nations Artist Roxane McCallum has been coming in to teach students how to make ‘Pine Needle Baskets’ during lunch hours. I also had the opportunity to make bannock for
the grade 10 Social Studies class; I will also be presenting my Indian Residential School testimony to the same
class. The upcoming ‘Family of Schools’ dinner planning is well underway. Homework Club has been quite
busy every Tuesday and Thursday.
Hatzic Secondary School – Ramona Valenzuela, Connie Moojelski & Dionne McGrath –
Aboriginal Liaisons—continued
Ey swayel Hatzic families! Term 3 has come and gone and Term 4
has begun. Hatzic students
have been taking advantage of
utilizing the aboriginal room
and the homework club; so
many students coming in to get
support. It has been wonderful
to see them get caught up or to
keep up with the flow of academics and sports and theater
and just the buzz of the Hatzic
Schools Community. Ramona
and Dionne were both invited
to Mrs. O’Grady’s grade 8
class to make Metis friendship
bracelets, button blankets as
well as share a little bit of history of Stó:lo legends and shared a
video of T’ixwelatsa. As a team they presented on the Medicine
wheel during the Vikings, shield project to two different classes. We had the privilege of having Eddie
Gardner, a very well-respected elder from Chilliwack, come to Hatzic Secondary to share some of his
valuable knowledge and wisdom of the Medicine Wheel. The students, as well as the staff who attended, seemed to really enjoy what he had to share. It was a great success!
Heritage Park Secondary—Marne Ferris—Aboriginal Liaison—From The Ravens Perch
We have been having some fun and crafts getting to know each other up here at
HPSS. On my first day of the transition here we had bannock for the whole
school! This had already been scheduled by Chris Gawthorn and Crystal Williams, QUEEN of the bannock makers. I can’t think of a better way to have an
introduction to staff and students here than by given away free bannock. Thank
you to all for an unplanned amazing first day.
We have been working on dream catchers,
and felt bags with beaded flowers. Thank
you Teresa, Cierra, Kyla, Cheyanne, and
Nick for visiting and working together everyday. Blake for the lunchtime stories, Celina for the warmest hug ever, and Bonita
for teaching me about canoe pulling. Its
great to meet up with old friends and to
make so many new ones!
Hillside Elementary—Susan Olivier—Aboriginal Liaison Worker
Here at Hillside, we have been very busy with whole class Cultural Presentations, small group
teachings, as well as continuing academic support in and out of the classrooms. Strong Nations readers are very useful and enjoyable for many of our early readers, tying each one into
a correlating activity (for example: frogs). Art activities, such as Glitter Butterflies teach more
about Spring, the cycle of life and transformation. Many Aboriginal legends are shared and
discussed along with the Sacred 7 Teachings.
The students here seem to enjoy painting with our special Artist, Riley Charters. She is
teaching all of our Aboriginal Student how to paint separate animals on smaller canvas, that
will be turned into a huge and beautiful Mosaic Hawk Project for the front of Hillside Traditional Elementary. We look forward to our Family of Schools Aboriginal Dinner on May 28,
2015 at Heritage Park Secondary.
Thank you,
Susan Olivier
École Mission Central Elementary—Kim Gray—Aboriginal Liaison Worker
Spring is here! Excitement is in the air, there are so
many wonderful things happening in our school! We
had a very successful Cultural day that was such a
wonderful learning experience for all of our students. It’s wonderful to see some classes put their
projects on display. Many of our aboriginal students
participated in the talent show at school, it was a
fantastic afternoon full of joy and laughter, I’m so
proud of the courage they had to get up on a stage
and perform, from dance routines to singing, great
job! Everyone had a wonderful Spring Break, and
now the students are working incredibly hard on their academics. One of the
most rewarding projects we are working on right now is our fundraising for Cops
for Cancer, I was full of pride that so many of our students are a part of this and
the leadership they are showing is amazing. We have raised almost $500.00 dollars so far, great job guys! As well as working on their academics we have had
wonderful cultural teachings in the classroom such as making bead and leather
bracelets, learning about Metis Games and their culture, and also learning how to
make baked bannock. For the primary students I have enjoyed reading to them
The first Strawberries, A Cherokee story. This story is about transforming, the
way they think about themselves and the world around them. It speaks about the
importance of always being kind to each other and to remember that friendship
and respect are as sweet as the taste of a beautiful sweet strawberry. We are getting ready for the family of schools recognition dinner, you should all have received an invitation, it is on April 15th, at Mission Secondary school at 4:30, looking forward to seeing you there!
Mission Middle Secondary—Wayne Martin, Marne Ferris and Tracy Carr—Aboriginal Liaison
Workers
News from Mission Secondary
Students from gr.10-12 had the opportunity to
attend a Youth Treaty Forum in Chilliwack.
They attended four workshops and a mock
Salmon Ceremony learning about the traditions
that take place in the longhouse. It was a fun
learning experience about history, education,
and culture.
The Eaglesong Dancers performance was a huge success. The entire school had the opportunity to learn the
history behind the dances and songs that were performed. The performers had everyone participate and
perform different dances. It was fun and education for
all.
Our Artist in Residence Tom continued his work with the core program working on designs
for their paddles. Soon they will be taking the designs and carving them into their paddles.
Our Youth Lounge had a pizza party for the Gr.7’s who enjoyed
time getting to know each other and learn about and ask questions
about the new things happening with the transition.
On April 15th we had our Family of Schools dinner at Mission
Secondary and it was a fantastic turn out. Family and friends celebrated the honouring of all students and their families with a
special honouring for our Gr.6’s and 12’s it was a great night for
all. We also honoured one of our own Liaison workers who retired Janice Hawk. She was an inspiration to all our students an
Staff and will be dearly missed.
On April 22, 2015, we had a special guest speaker and workshop
from Phil Boyte called “Breaking down the Walls”, 150 students
gathered together for activities and small workshops learning
about barriers at school. This workshop was to help with the transition that will be taking
place next year. It was a fun day for all and all the students got to share personal stories and
meet new students from other school.
Scholarship winners: Tamara Yarwood, Ryan Talbot, Tina Pesek a special congratulations
from everyone at Siwal Si’wes Aboriginal Department for all your hard work and continued
success.
Susan O’Soup—Aboriginal Liaison Worker—Riverside, Silverdale and Summit
Hello Mission Families,
Spring is here and we are nearing the end of the school year quickly. Here are
some of the activities/events that have taken place at the three schools I’m
assigned.
Riverside College—Susan O’Soup—Aboriginal Liaison Worker
Riverside College has potential career courses coming up for next September.
Professional Cook 1: Train for hotel kitchens, restaurants & institutional kitchens (hospitals). Earn industry certifications in
Emergency First Aid & Food Safe.
Information Technology Technician: Train for
computer technology and earn industry certifications World Host, First Aid & WHMIS.
Electrician Level 1: Technical Training in electrics and earn industry certifications in First
Aid & WHMIS.
Riverside College & Summit Learning
Family of Dinners is May 28, 2015 at Heritage Park
Secondary High School and dinner is free starting at
4:30 pm; ceremony starts at 5:15 pm.
Silverdale—Susan O’Soup—Aboriginal Liaison Worker
March 3, 2015 Silverdale had the pleasure of
having Christy Jordan & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
the author of Fatty Legs & other Aboriginal
books of First Nation Indian Residential School
in the North of Canada. It was a great experience for the students to have an Author come to
the school and do a presentation. This sparked
much interest in reading and Indian Residential
schools for some students. The library has all
the books of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton’s at Silverdale. Thanks to Kimberly Sommers who had an opening in the booking with
the Author and Carolynn Schmor who authorized the presentation in short notice.
April 24, 2015 Jenny Heyes will come into Silverdale to do presentation on Inuit Culture for the grades one, two and three classes.
Our Family of Dinners for Silverdale Elementary is Wednesday, April 15,
2015 at Mission Secondary High School. The dinner starts at 4:30 pm and ceremony at 5:15 pm. I send home invitations with all the students and did follow
up phone calls this week to Silverdale family’s homes; as a reminder. I hope all
the Silverdale families come out to the free dinner and watch your children
cross the stage with their recognition awards.
Summit—Susan O’Soup—Aboriginal Liaison Worker
On May 6, 2015 Summit Learning is planning to attend an event at Grouse
Mountain Sustainability in Motion and Hiwas First Nation Presentation for
grade 4-12. Parents drive their children to base of Grouse Mountain and take
sky ride to Alpine station.
Time: 9:45 – 3:00 pm for learning outcome please go this link:
https://www.grousemountain.com/hiwus-first-nations
To register please contact:
Julee Baker at Summit Learning Center ([email protected])
Kimberly Sommer—Aboriginal Liaison Worker—West Heights Elementary
Inuit Authors: At the end of February we had Christy and Margaret; authors of’ Fatty Legs’, come and talk to
the school. Classes listened to the authors speak about the novel and shared personal experiences in the residential schools. As the Aboriginal department funds permitted, we were able to purchase a signed book for each Aboriginal student from same author. (Thanks Mrs. Phelps, such a good idea). We continue to welcome different
presenters such as Judy Cathers who taught drumming to one
of our classes.
Aboriginal Art in our School
Bonnie Graham Krulicki came to our school and made two
paintings with the whole school. The students had so much
fun painting and learning about Stó:lo culture and art. The
paintings are hanging outside the Aboriginal room if you
wish to see or touch them.
Boys and Girls Club
We had one girls club and one boys club just before spring break. With Boys club, the Aboriginal department
ordered pizza and Mr. Flynn organized fun games with the boys. I can’t say it enough, thanks Mr. Flynn! For
Girls Club, we ordered more pizzas and had Starlene Starlund come in and do Scrapbooking with our girls. Each
girl decorated their own picture. What’s cute about these clubs is that before the club is even finished, students
are already asking when the next one is, lol.
Soccer Nets
With a Spring Equipment grant I was able to get for our school, Mr. Flynn picked two soccer nets for our gym.
The grant was for $375 and the PAC paid the other $200. Students are excited to use these, and Mr. Flynn is hoping to start up intermurals with the students.
Kimberly Sommer, Aboriginal Liaison
Tuesday – Thursday 8:00am – 2:30 pm
Windebank—Holly Gallant—Aboriginal Liaison Worker
Thank you and Congratulations to Mrs. Schweers and Ms. Seidler, for being
the first classes to participate and drum the salmon off at the Salmon release
April 17, 2015 at Silver Creek. Both classes of students sang, drummed and
used the paddle clackers to send their baby salmon off to a good start in life.
Our Artist in residence Peter Gong is coming to the end of the Orca mask
project. We expect another two sessions to its completion.
Please Mark Your Calendars:
May 18, 2015—Victoria Day
May 19, 2015—Family of Schools Dinner—Hatzic Middle Sec.
May 28, 2015—Family of Schools Dinner—Heritage Park Sec.
June 25, 2015—Last Day for Students
Resource Elders
Agnes Giesbrecht and William and Priscilla Wells have
volunteered their services as Resource Elders for parents who want support
meeting with school personnel.
For further information please contact our office.
NEED TO REACH US?
Please call:
Phone: 604-826-3103
Fax: 604-820-2850
[email protected]
Website— http://aboriginal.mpsd.ca