Remembrance Day Ceremony

Nov. 7 saw the school hold its annual Remembrance Day assembly. The ceremony was filled with poignant reminders of the importance of this special day. Highlighting Canadian, Indigenous, and some very local veterans, we shared many thought-provoking and reflective moments with all in attendance. Huge gratitude to our grade five team of teachers and students, to Ms. Tran, to our friends from the Ernest Manning band, and to all special guests who attended. Thanks also to those who were able to donate to our Veteran’s Food Drive. Please check out the many Remembrance Day opportunities available locally. We hope you find time to recognise and reflect on November 11.

Fall Break

Just a reminder that students return to class on Thursday, Nov. 14. Wishing everyone a safe and restful fall break.

Jacket Racket Appreciation

Sent from the Jacket Racket Team: “Thank you to everyone at your school for donating to the coat drive!! Your donations will be greatly appreciated by those that will receive them. Distribution of warm winter items will take place at an Open House event where school staff will be able to access the items that they require in specific sizes for their students.”

The Buffalo Teaches Us Respect 

As part of our character education program, each month students explore one of the Seven Sacred Teachings. The Seven Sacred Teachings, also known as the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers, is a set of teachings on human conduct towards others. Indigenous peoples identified that they are what was traditionally and still is to this day needed in order for communities to survive. Last year OHS began exploring each of the teachings. In November, students will develop their understanding of “respect” and how the buffalo embodies this quality.  

The buffalo, through giving its life and sharing every part of its being, showed the deep respect it had for the people. No animal was more important to the existence of Indigenous families than this animal, and its gift provided shelter, clothing and utensils for daily living. Native people believed themselves to be true caretakers of the great herds and developed a sustainable relationship with the buffalo resulting in a relationship that was a true expression of respect.  

Understanding and practicing respect as symbolized by the buffalo involves acknowledging the interconnectedness of all life, valuing diversity, honoring traditions, and fostering a deep reverence for the natural world and its resources. During storms, buffalo tend to turn and face the bad weather, rather than running away, reflecting the buffalo’s strength, resiliency, and adaptability in the face of adversity. 

Bullying Awareness Week (Nov. 11-17) 

Bullying Awareness Weekis observed annually in Alberta during the third week of November. It is a time to promote awareness and understanding of bullying and its impacts. Bullying is a relationship problem that involves a power imbalance, which is why it can be so challenging to overcome it by ourselves. Regardless of where bullying happens – in school, the office, at home or in the community – there are people and resources that can help. 

This year’s theme, choose respect, focuses on elements directly tied to our school’s “Three Pillars of Care.” Imagine a world where respect and kindness thrives — it’s not just a dream, it’s in the choices we make. Join us this Anti-Bullying Week and commit to “choose respect.” Together, we can all strive to model healthy relationships and stand up to bullying in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. 

Upcoming Dates