CANORA - Saskatchewan Education Week at Canora Junior Elementary School from Nov. 24-30 got underway by discussing the theme ‘Learning is a Journey’ and relating it to an educational, naturalistic and Indigenous context as it relates to the Canada Goose.
Monday
CJES Principal Shawna Stangel said students were asked to talk about and reflect on the following thoughts:
- Every year is a learning journey here at school.
- Every person lives their own journey.
- Geese go on a journey every year.
“Canada Goose (Niska in Cree) symbolize the importance of respectful communication, and respectful teamwork between community members,” said Stangel. “When geese fly in formation, they take turns breaking the wind so that no one goose harbors this responsibility alone. Together, they work as a co-ordinated team.”
The goose also symbolizes loyalty and partnership, guidance and navigation, protection and leadership, and a strong sense of self as the goose reminds us to “follow our own voice, even when it leads us against the current.
“Observing the flight of geese can remind us of our own innate sense of direction and our need to harmonize with natures cycles. If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other in our school, our families, and our community.”
Students then turned their focus to the question, “Who are the many people we learn from in our lifetime?”
They were asked to write about something they would like to learn about this year on a small replica goose that went toward a whole school culmination bulletin board.
All students viewed a video of the Canada Goose outlining its life and its journey.
Tuesday
“Many great quotes were shared with all students and staff over the announcements today, reminding us about the importance of our own learning journey,” said Stangel.
One such quote by B.B. King is “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can ever take it away from you.”
Wednesday
In honour of Bus Driver Appreciation Day, Canora Junior Elementary School bus drivers we treated to an extended coffee break on Wednesday morning. They were invited into the school for hot coffee, baking treats, and fellowship, and thanked for always going the extra mile.
“GSSD Indigenous Cultural Advocate, Robert Severight joined our classes this afternoon to read the story entitled Grady The Goose,” said Stangel.
He spoke to the students about of their own learning journeys from their elders, listening to their parents, making positive and safe choices, and trusting their own sense of self. Severight taught the students the Cree words for a number of different local animals such as wolf, bear, beaver, eagle, and buffalo. He also taught them Cree for “listen” and how to say “Thank you.”
“We thank Robert for taking the time to share his learning and teaching with our students on this afternoon. Miigwech, Robert!” said Stangel.
Thursday
“Many inspiring quotes were shared with all students and staff over the announcements today asking students to reflect on the people in their lives who have taught them things,” said Stangel.
One such quote, a Chinese Proverb stated, “Teachers can open the door, but you must enter by yourself.”
Many teachers and staff received handmade thank-you cards from the students today.
Friday
Friday was Cultural Dress or What do you aspire to be? Spirit Day
Students and staff were encouraged to dress up as something that they aspire to be in the future based on their own personal learning journey.
A variety of different aspirations were shown in student spirit wear, such as: teachers, farmers, anglers, hockey players, nurses and guitar players
“We also had some students proudly wearing pieces of cultural clothing,” said Stangel.
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