We discussed on our Pro D that we were going to try something a bit different for an Assembly on Friday . As students will already have engaged in some thoughtful learning about Residential schools and Truth and Reconciliation in their classrooms, and that it is difficult to make the learning as meaningful with students of ages 4-13 that are at all very different stages of their understanding, we  focussed more on community building and the hope of moving forward during our assembly. As Dr. Louie reminded us, to build community we need to take the time to hear each other’s stories. We tried a different set up as well- a circle!

Students gathered in the gym- in a circle formation, staring with our oldest students. As each class came in, we wrapped around and around, with our student leaders at the centre.

Orange Shirt Day Assembly Friday, September 29th

1. Circle formation, cones for aisles. Start with Div. 1 and 2 in centre of circle
2. O Canada
3. Stay standing for Coast Salish Anthem
4. Read some acknowledgements written by Mrs. Rose’s class
5. Why a circle? (Mrs. Hoffinger made connections to Frist peoples Principles of learning as well as the significance of a circle in Indigenous culture)
6. Grade 7 students that are sharing, stood one at a time to share the story of where they are from. Storytelling, especially honouring and sharing the stories of Elders, usually in a circle is an ancient practice. "We are having some of our oldest students, our grade 7 leaders, share their stories. These are not story book stories, but stories of who they are, how they got here and where they are from. Every person has a story, and every story has some learning to offer. When we start to really hear each other’s stories we can appreciate each other’s perspective and draw each other into our circle". Grade 7 students that were sharing, stood one at a time to share the story of where their mother’s are from, where their mother’s mothers are from, where their fathers are from, and where their father’s fathers are from. They then shared where they were born, and where or when they feel most at home.
7. And now we will listen to a “story book”  story, written by Monique Gray Smith, an Indigenous author who lives in B.C.   Monique Gray Smith is an award-winning, best-selling author. Her books cover a broad spectrum of ages, topics and emotions. Woven into all of Monique’s writing,  is her teaching that Love is Medicine. Listen to all of your teachers share this message, and tell the story of hope with you.
8. We will end or assembly by watching and listening to a Song written, recorded and filmed with students from Sk'elep School of Excellence in Tk'emlups te Secwepemc, Kamloops, B.C. It is called "we will never forget". Listen to the hopful lyrics: "Sitting in the dark and now letting in the light."