Smudging Ceremony

We continue to strive to be an inclusive and culturally responsive school, as we learn about Mi’kmaq and Indigenous traditions.  On Monday, March 4, all students have the opportunity to participate in a smudging ceremony, as they are introduced to the tradition of smudging.  They will be provided with an explanation of smudging to gain an understanding of what it is and why it’s done.

The Halifax Regional Centre for Education recognizes and respects the wide variety of traditions and cultural observations of students and staff within its board. Smudging is a tradition common to many First Nation People which involves the burning of one or more medicines gathered from the Earth such as sweet grass, sage, cedar or juniper and/or tobacco.   For this ceremony, white sage will be used.  Smudging can be part of daily spiritual cleansing.  It is not a religious practice and is always voluntary. Smudging allows people to become mindful and centered, better able to hear, see, think, speak, and act in a good way. It is done in a designated area and in alignment with the Smoke Free Places Act of Nova Scotia.

If you’d like more information about smudging, we can forward any inquiries to Matthew Merrick, the Mi’kmaq Aboriginal Student Support Worker for Georges P. Vanier and Lockview High School.

Tattletales’ Coins for Books Campaign

Please send in any coins you have for the remaining day of Tattletales’ Coins for Books Campaign.  Participating businesses will contribute a percentage to what we bring in so that each classroom teacher from pre-primary to grade 5 can purchase books.

Family Bingo Night

Volunteers are needed - check out the link, https://volunteersignup.org/QPEHX

The PTA is looking for donations for prize baskets for the Bingo winners.  Please send in by Monday.  Each grade has a theme, however it’s not mandatory.  Anything that is sent in is appreciated!!

Pre- Primary – Baking

Primary – Spring

Grade 1 – Movie Night

Grade 2 – Toys i.e. Barbie, Marvel, Pokemon, etc

Grade 3 – Crafts/Art

Grade 4 – Games

Grade 5 – Sports

National Pink Shirt Day

Upcoming Dates:

There are a number of days coming up that there will be no school for students:

March 11-15      March Break

March 18            Assessment & Evaluation Day

March 29            Good Friday

April 1                 Easter