Question the Day. How many grade 9’s does it take to fix a table leg?

This week at Parkside: #myprps #igniteminds #forgefutuers

Terry Fox Marathon of Hope Parkside students enjoy every year taking part in the Terry Fox run to show support for a great cause. #myprps #igniteminds #forgefutures #kindlehearts

<p><i>Medicine Hat News - BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.</i></p><p>Award-winning Blackfoot filmmaker Cowboy Smithx of southern Alberta’s Piikani and Kainai tribes, has been making the rounds speaking to students at Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><p>He was at Parkside School in Redcliff on Wednesday with Grade 6 students from Margaret Wooding joining the assembly.</p><p>Smithx began his talk by explaining his name – explaining that it had to do with rodeo, which both his parents were involved in, joking about what his name might have been had they been plumbers.</p><p>Smithx spoke to the students about the importance of wearing orange shirts at this time of year.</p><p>“A very important subject,” he said. “It’s not just about Indigenous cultures or histories, it’s about Canada, Alberta and Redcliff (as well).”</p><p>He explained that 147 years ago, on Sept. 22, 1877, Treaty 7 was signed. Smithx used the example of a Pokemon card trade to explain an Indigenous pipe ceremony and how it was the historical method used by Indigenous peoples to confirm a contract.</p><p>There were several Oilers fans in the gymnasium and Smithx asked the kids to imagine someone taking away their jersey and never giving it back and how it relates to Phyllis Webstad’s story and the orange shirt campaign.</p><p>“That is why we wear the shirt in solidarity, to bring awareness about what happened in residential schools.”</p><p>Smith spoke about Truth and Reconciliation Day, likening Sept. 30 to Remembrance Day.</p><p>“We never forget our veterans, so why should we forget Indigenous people who went through lots of suffering as well? Who suffered through genocide? It’s very important to me that this is happening, as an Indigenous person,” Smithx said. “I’m very thankful this conversation is happening, but it’s not over. The conversation is ongoing, we are still dealing with lots of discrimination in this country, still dealing with lots of bullying and racism.”</p><p>He again used a Pokemon card exchange, this time to define reconciliation and how the breaking of treaties affected Indigenous people.</p><p>Smithx described characteristics of buffalo to discuss the importance of resilience. Buffalo are led by a matriarch, a single female who would sense danger in the distance, such as a large storm. Most animals run away or hide but the buffalo, which had herds the size of a small city, run into the storm.</p><p>“The lead buffalo turns her head towards the storm and she starts charging,” explained Smithx. “There are so many of them. They become such a powerful force that they become one … the barometric pressure changes and breaks the storm up.”</p><p>This is the lesson the buffalo gave the Indigenous people, he said. Each day brings a different storm, whether that be homework, chores or whatever someone wants to procrastinate on.</p><p>“When things get really hard, really difficult, you have to charge into the storm because if you run away from the storm, what happens?” asked Smithx. “It stays on top of you. If you stop and turn and run through it, you come out the other side to see the sunshine and rainbows.”</p><p>He taught the students a Blackfoot word that means ‘try your best,’ put your best your best foot forward and charge the storm.</p><p>“That’s the message all of the ancestors have given to all my grandparents and passed down to me, in spite of all the hardships we faced as Indigenous peoples,” said Smithx. “This is a Blackfoot story, and this is your story because when the treaty was made in 1877 we all became one big family. That’s the story we don’t hear enough and that’s the story I’m going to tell all of you.”</p><p>Asking how many remember the pandemic, Smithx talked about how his ancestors wanted us all to work together in uncertain times such as that.</p><p>“There is no reason for us to be at odds with each other. There is no reason you should be picking on each other and giving each other a hard time. There are enough natural forces out there in the world that could potentially harm us.”</p><p>It is dishonouring the treaty to be a bully, and this is part of the conversation around Truth and Reconciliation.</p><p>“The spirit and intent behind what we as Indigenous people wanted in the first place when we made treaty. We wanted new family, we wanted new friends, we wanted to trade.”</p>

A busy afternoon here at Parkside during elective time. Modelling clay, art, low organized games, music, 3D printing, and foods keeps these students busy. #myprps #igniteminds #forgefutures #kindlehearts

Parkside and MWS students and staff had the opportunity to hear first hand from leaders such as Whitebear Creations and Cowboy Smith x as to why we wear orange shirts that say “Every Child Matters”. Very informative and a great presentation. #myprps #igniteminds #forgefutures #Kindlehearts. #truthandreconciliation #cowboysmithx #whitebearcreations

Parkside Pythons B Girls VB game will be going live today at 4:00 and 5:30pm. Follow link below.

Davis GMC is offering a great deal again this year. Purchase a set of tires and receive free tire rotation , flat repair & storage. Davis will then donate $40 back to your child/students school. Thank you Davis #myprps #kindlehearts #forgefutures #igniteminds. #davisgmc

<p>Every year, schools across Canada participate in various activities and learning focused on Orange Shirt Day and the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. The 30th of September was chosen for this day as it represented the time of year when the Indigenous children were collected from their homes, forced to leave their families and attend Residential Schools. The day also allows schools and teachers to settle into their school year, teacher students about Residential Schools an event for Orange Shirt Day. &nbsp;Additionally, by having the day fall at the start of the school year, it sets the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies to inspire inclusion.</p><p>In Prairie Rose, schools planned a variety of events, activities and lessons focused around indigenous teachings and culture. Some of these included bringing in guest speaker Cowboy Smithx who is a Blackfoot filmmaker from the Piikani Nation and Kainai Nation in Southern Alberta, having Whitebear Creations work with students to create indigenous artwork, incorporating indigenous games into PE classes, cooking traditional indigenous foods, and class lessons focussed on understanding Truth and Reconciliation and the impacts of Residential Schools.</p><p><strong>The Day for Truth and Reconciliation</strong> is about learning and understanding what happened as a result of Residential Schools. Listed below are some of the primary understandings and education shared with students about Canada's history with Residential Schools and what is currently being done to work towards reconciliation.</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Why do we recognize the Day for Truth and Reconciliation?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Orange Shirt Day, September 30th, is a day to honour Residential School Survivors, their families and remember those children who didn’t come home. It is recognized annually on the same day as Canada’s federal statutory holiday - the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>The vision that inspired Orange Shirt Day.</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School Commemoration Project held in Williams Lake, BC. The vision for reconciliation, inspired by Chief Fred Robbins from the Esk’etemc First Nation, involved all people remembering and learning what happened at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School, honouring and helping the Survivors to recover from their experiences and ultimately reconciling together.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Understanding our past history. THE INDIAN ACT</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p>In 1876, the Canadian Government passed a law called the Indian Act. The Act gave the government political power enabling them to control the Indigenous population by regulating their languages, traditions, customs and lands. Indigenous people were required to register themselves and live on government allotted land.</p><p><i>“Under the act, the Canadian Government assumed control of Indian peoples’ governments, economy, religion, land, education, and even their personal lives. The act empowered the federal cabinet to overturn band decisions. The act also placed new restrictions on Aboriginal hunting rights. The government had the power to move the bands if reserve land was needed by growing towns and cities.”&nbsp;</i></p><p><i>- Interview excerpt Phyllis Webstad</i></p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>The Truth and Reconciliation Commission</strong></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was founded in June 2, 2008 and aimed to reveal the truths of Residential Schools and provide support for Survivors and their families. It was created out of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) which was announced in 2006.</li><li>Between 2008 and 2015, the TRC revealed the dark truths about Residential Schools and provided a platform for Indigenous peoples to be heard and begin their journey of reconciliation.&nbsp;</li><li>As a result of the TRC’s conclusion in 2015, 94 calls to action were created to provide steps for reconciliation on topics that included education, child welfare, language and culture, health and professional development.</li><li>The TRC’s report can be found online: <a href="The TRC’s report can be found online: https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2015/trc/IR4-8-2015-eng.pdf">https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2015/trc/IR4-8-2015-eng.pdf</a></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>The creation of the Residential Schools System.</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p>In 1879, John A. MacDonald declared <i>“it has been strongly impressed upon myself, as head of the [Indian] department, that Indian children should be withdrawn as much as possible from the parental influence, and the only way to do that would be to put them in central training industrial schools where they will acquire the habits and modes of white men.”</i></p><p>To assimilate children into European culture, John A. MacDonald moved a measure through his cabinet authorizing the creation of three Residential Schools for Aboriginal children. This was the start of Canada’s Residential School System. By 1931, there were 80 government sponsored Residential Schools across Canada. All aboriginal children were required to attend these schools whether they wanted to or not. This was enforced by Indian Agents. Some children were taken to attend Residential School as young as the age of four.&nbsp;</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>The impact of Residential School on Indigenous People.</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p>It is estimated that approximately 150,000 Indigenous children attended government-sponsored Canadian Residential School. At least 6,000 of those children died at Residential Schools due to variety of reasons including overcrowding, malnourishment, neglect, poor health and trying to run away. Many schools were in isolated locations across Canada.</p><p><i>“The school was supported by a federal grant, but funding was a constant issue and often inadequate to support quality education, care of children, or facility maintenance. Hunger was common, food often poor, and sickness rampant in the poorly constructed buildings. The school attempted to destroy students’ pride in their heritage, their families and themselves. The student death rate was high, and some who died were not returned to their families.”</i></p><p><i>- Written by Ordell Steen, Jean William and Rick Gilbert in the Orange Shirt Story</i></p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Intergenerational trauma from Residential Schools.</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p>The trauma created by Residential Schools has created long-term impacts that have affected family members who did not attend Residential Schools themselves. Many of the former students were unable to care for themselves or their families which created trauma passed down through the generations.</p><p>Intergenerational trauma occurs when the trauma experienced by a parent or grandparent is also experienced by future generations. The results of the intergenerational trauma caused by Residential Schools have taken many forms including alcoholism, abuse, mental illness and children being forced into foster care.</p><p><i>“We need to break the cycle and start having our people become healthier. It is an interesting and long journey.”</i></p><p><i>- Former Chief Ann Louie of Williams Lake First Nations (T’exelcemc)</i></p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Material Source: <i>Orange Shirt Day Every Child Matters</i>, Phyllis Webstad &amp; the Orange Shirt Society</p>

The Honeycomb House is open Tues - Sat. A great place for kids to hang out and have study space, comfy seats, play video games and more. Located at 414-First Street SE. #myprps #medicinehatpubliclibrary #thehoneycombhouse

Congratulations to Karden as he placed 3rd in the 12/13 year old division, 2 Km Cross Country Race yesterday. Karden completed it in 7:56 (under 8 minutes) Well Done!! #Myprps #igniteminds #kindlehearts #forgefutures

A very busy week ahead at Parkside… #myprps #forgefutures

Jr Vikings played an outstanding game yesterday with a victory of 44 to 12 against the Hawks. Parkside staff were on hand to cheer them on. Congrats on the win!! #myprps #forgefutures #kindlehearts

Parkside Pythons C girls volleyball game live feed starts at 4:00pm. Follow link below:

School pictures today at Parkside.

Meet the teachers night was a huge success. A great turn out of new and old faces. Its going to be a great year. #myprps #igniteminds #forgefutures #kindlehearts

Meet the Teacher today starting at 4:00-6:00pm. Drop in and have a hot dog, chips snd a drink and meet the teachers.

Electives are underway at Parkside School. This term on Tuesdays we have CO2 cars, foods, golf, teens in business, world languages, volleyball and spirit/leadership.

<p><i>Medicine Hat News - BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2023.</i></p><p>It was a perfect day last Thursday for the HALO Emergency Services Schools Day. A long line of school buses dropped off hundreds of excited Grade 4-6 students from across all three local school divisions.</p><p>Katie Albers brought her Grade 5 class from Southview Community School. Last year, Albers taught a split 4/5 class and is pleased some of her Grade 4 students from last year are now in her Grade 5 class. Having a field trip in September is a way for Albers to work with her students on expectations.</p><p>“It’s important for them to see how and why these emergency services are provided to them in our city. I was really impressed by the fact that we were going to see the program from Eagle Butte High School, the Flight Academy. I think that’s a great option for some of the kids going forward.”</p><p>Hussein is a student in Albers’ class and the News caught up with him after he had been at the Medicine Hat Police Service table checking out the two guns they had on display, handling the one that shoots rubber bullets. Before that, the class had checked out one of the various fire trucks onsite.</p><p>“They showed us what they do when there is an emergency,” said Hussein. “I didn’t know they were going to let us go inside them.”</p><p>Deputy chief of the Burdett Fire Department Nick Dykstra explained to the News the new automatic CPR machine they had just acquired.</p><p>“Eventually they are going to be in every truck, but right now are only in the commander’s truck.”</p><p>CPR is tiring to administer and Dykstra explained it takes time to build up pressure in the body, which can be lost when one person takes over from another.</p><p>“We are firefighters and not these big, scary guys in gear,” said Dykstra. “We are here in public to bring awareness and so the kids can play with what we work with.”</p><p>Over at the Flight Academy displays from Eagle Butte High School, Grade 11 student Reid Vossler talked about the Xboxes they brought.</p><p>“They have flight simulators installed on the computer and we are letting kids take turns flying all across the world. I had kids up in Tokyo and all over, they are having a blast. We used to have drones set up, except we had trouble with GPS so we couldn’t do that.”</p><p>High school is going well for Vossler.</p><p>“It’s not often you get to fly a plane and get a licence out of high school. It’s an awesome opportunity and I honestly can’t say enough about it.”</p><p>It took from September until May in his Grade 10 year before Vossler was able to fly a plane. He was in the air all summer as well and, if all went well, was scheduled to take his first solo flight last weekend.</p><p>CEO of HALO Paul Carolan commented, “The thing we heard most, even before they got inside, was thank you, thank you, thank you. It’s amazing to hear that from the kids and to have so many of our partners here. Every fire department, AHS, police, it’s a really cool opportunity for kids to get the experiential learning and see what it’s like to be in emergency services, and Prairie Rose is here, too. I couldn’t be more thrilled.”</p>