Archives for September 2016

REGINA – The Saskatchewan School Boards Association is encouraging everyone to wear orange to school today and to reflect on residential schools, for the first officially recognized “Orange Shirt Day” in the province.

“Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity to gather together in our schools and our communities to recognize residential school survivors and their experiences,” said Regina Rochdale MLA Laura Ross on behalf of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Don Morgan. “Saskatchewan students learn about the history of residential schools in a variety of classes starting in elementary and continuing through high school. Ensuring that our citizens understand this part of our history is essential as we move forward with First Nations and Métis people on a path of reconciliation.”

Today has been officially proclaimed as Orange Shirt Day and is part of a larger movement in the country to provide opportunity for First Nations, governments, schools and communities to unite in a spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.

“Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity to ensure discussion happens about residential schools,” said Connie Bailey, president of the SSBA. “We know it is important to build understanding about this history of our province and country.”

The Orange Shirt Day movement is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, B.C., in 2013. It grew out of the account of a young girl having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at the mission.

At the SSBA Spring General Assembly in April, members passed a resolution to request that the Government of Saskatchewan officially recognize Orange Shirt Day.

“We are pleased that the provincial government has officially proclaimed this day,” said Vernon Linklater, chair of the SSBA’s Aboriginal Council, which proposed the resolution. “We encourage people across the province to join us in recognizing this day.”

REGINA – Efforts of Saskatchewan schools to improve student nutrition and create healthier environments are being celebrated today with the Mosaic Extreme School Makeover Challenge’s Walk to Breakfast.

“Mosaic is proud to have supported schools and students across Saskatchewan for 10 years through the Mosaic Extreme School Makeover Challenge,” said Sarah Fedorchuk, Senior Director of Public Affairs at The Mosaic Company. “Improving nutrition and supporting healthy lifestyles for children directly supports our food security mission to help the world grow the food it needs, beginning right here at home.”

Since 2006, The Mosaic Company and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA), in partnership with Breakfast for Learning (BFL), have hosted the Mosaic Extreme School Makeover Challenge to encourage grassroots initiatives to improve student nutrition. Ten schools across Saskatchewan each received $10,000 earlier this year as winners of the 10th Anniversary Mosaic Challenge. Among the winners was Regina Catholic School Division’s Mother Teresa Middle School, where today’s Walk to Breakfast event was held.

“Good nutrition has an essential role in helping kids reach their potential in school and beyond,” Regina Coronation Park MLA Mark Docherty said on behalf of Minster of Education Don Morgan. “Our government is investing $2.3 million in school and community nutrition programs this year to help provide students with healthy food during their school day. I commend The Mosaic Company and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association for also supporting the nutrition of Saskatchewan students. Their contributions are making a difference in the lives of thousands of students each year.”

Mother Teresa Middle School’s winning project highlights include integrating Indigenous content and principles, teaching students how to grow their own food and expanding community kitchen opportunities. The other winning projects have goals including expanding breakfast and snack programs, establishing indoor and outdoor gardens, furthering family and community involvement and increasing education about nutrition, cooking, food security and fire safety in the kitchen.

“Our students are our future leaders, and investing in their learning through nutrition programs is vital to their success,” said Kelly Berlinic, Director of Programs and Community Development for BFL. “Breakfast for Learning is proud to work with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association and The Mosaic Company to ensure all students have the nourishment they need to succeed at school.”

Schools from across the province submitted their projects for the 10th Anniversary Mosaic Challenge to compete for a total of $100,000 in prizes. Other schools receiving grants are in Regina, Saskatoon, Melfort, Kelliher, Meadow Lake, Preeceville, North Battleford and the Kahkewistahaw First Nation.

“School board members in Saskatchewan firmly believe that all students should have what they need to achieve and succeed, regardless of their personal circumstances,” said Connie Bailey, president of the SSBA. “Our Association is proud to recognize Mother Teresa Middle School and the other winners and we thank Mosaic and BFL for their commitment to ensuring students’ health and nutrition needs are met.”

Backgrounder: 10th Anniversary Mosaic Challenge Winners

MOOSE JAW – Today, all students across the province are back in their classrooms and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) is reminding everyone to keep student safety top-of-mind.

Today has been officially proclaimed as “Provincial Students’ Day” in Saskatchewan to help ensure safety is the primary consideration for students, families and communities, and especially for motorists who will be driving in and around school zones.

“Our students are our future,” said Connie Bailey, president of the SSBA. “Having a special day set aside to recognize students contributes to helping alert all drivers that students are back in school and extra care for their safety should be considered.”

The Government of Saskatchewan officially proclaims Provincial Students’ Day every year at the SSBA’s request, with the intent of reinforcing the message of care and concern for students as they head back to school.

Provincial Students’ Day was first proclaimed in 2010, in response to a resolution passed by the province’s trustees at the SSBA 2009 Annual General Meeting.