WSD schools listen, learn and reflect for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On Friday, September 29 all students at Kent Road School participated in planting orange chrysanthemums at the front of their school in the 12 new planters along with orange shirts cut outs. On each orange shirt cut out students show their understanding of what the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day means to them. 

 “We spoke to the children about the roots of the plants and how the families of residential schools had their roots broken. The students planting these orange chrysanthemums is a way to show that we are doing our part to help fix what was broken,” said principal of Kent Road School, Michelle Sacco. 

For teacher Michelle Bouchard, who was the lead in the project, she shared how the every child matters shirt planted by each student is a reflection of how they feel or to share their responsibility.

“I think that the students are feeling proud of their knowledge, we’ve worked really hard to teach them what orange shirt day is,” said Bouchard.

École Riverview School invited its school community and neighbours to join in for a school-wide assembly outside. The students sat in circle as dancers and drummers from Sagkeeng and Peguis First Nations demonstrated traditional dances and meanings, as well as spoke about the seven sacred teachings.  

For parent Pam Vialoux, it was important for her to be at the event today to support the school and her daughter. 

“It’s a great opportunity as a community to come and see what our kids are learning. Any way that we can honour and support an accurate telling of history is healing and it’s community building to be here and watch the students so eagerly participate,” said Vialoux. “So, when my daughter comes home from school today, I can empathize with her experience.”