All across Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB), schools marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 by acknowledging the importance of reconciliation through school and community initiatives.
Students and staff were encouraged to wear orange to show their support and reflect on how we all can work towards reconciling our past and present relationships for a better future together.
Below are examples of initiatives/activities that took place in schools across the Board:
Dr. George Hall Public School
Leading up to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, students at Dr. George Hall Public School (DGH) were asked to write messages of things that make them feel safe and part of a community, which was then put together to form a mural in the school’s foyer.
Organized by Mrs. Dillon, Mrs. Welch, Mrs. Sornberger, and Mrs. Arscott, this beautiful representation is a powerful reminder that every child matters, every child belongs, and every child deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and included.
Each handprint, fingerprint, and reflection represents our collective commitment at DGH to creating a safe, caring, and inclusive school community where all children can learn, grow, and feel a sense of belonging.
Grandview Public School
Grandview Public School (GPS) kicked off the morning with an assembly for all students and staff. Organized by the school’s Indigenous Education leads, Ms Reynolds and Ms Ridgway, Grade 3 students led the discussion by presenting a reading from Phyllis Webstad’s Orange Shirt, followed by a school-wide dance circle.
After the assembly, all students and staff gathered in the school’s yard to take a heart-shaped photo with the words “Every Child Matters” in the middle.
In addition to today’s activities, GPS has had the opportunity to take part in numerous Indigenous teachings. Together, they have brought awareness about Indigenous culture by holding interactive activities and events, such as creating class treaties and wampum belts, Red Dress Day, and learning about ribbon skirts and shirts.
Furthermore, the school hosted Indigenous leaders who introduced students and staff to the use of talking sticks for communication and shared moon teachings related to strawberries and maple syrup.
K.P. Manson Public School
K.P. Manson Public School hosted a morning assembly, where staff spoke about the meaning of Orange Shirt Day, Truth and Reconciliation, and steps forward that students can make to be advocates of change.
Afterwards, orange hearts previously made by each class were placed in the front yard. Each heart shared a commitment to honour the lives lost and how we can move forward with respect.
Please see the school’s Facebook page for more information.
Spruce Glen Public School
Led by teachers Ms Charland, Mrs. Brandon-Yungblut, and our Student-Indigenous Club Leaders, Spruce Glen Public School students attended an assembly where they reflected on the lasting impact of residential schools, the survivors, and those who were lost. There was a reading of the book When We Were Alone, by David Robertson and Julie Flett, a recorded interview with Geronimo Henry, and the song The Ballad of Shubenacadie by Emma Stevens.
To continue the learning, each class will be reading The Secret Pocket by Peggy Jamicki and completing an activity following the reading. Students will brainstorm words (e.g., Hard and Soft Truths) and add these words to a pocket made out of paper in their classes. These will be posted in the school, part of an interactive display.
