Archives for September 2020

REGINA – Joining with communities across the country, schools throughout the province will again be officially recognizing “Orange Shirt Day” on Wednesday, Sept. 30, as requested annually by the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA).

“The SSBA, on behalf of our 27 member boards of education, are encouraging school communities, and all residents of the province, to participate in Orange Shirt Day by wearing orange and taking the time to reflect on residential schools this Wednesday,” said Dr. Shawn Davidson, SSBA president.

“This special day that we recognize each year represents an opportunity for each one of us to think about residential schools, expand our understanding of this history and commit to growing together through education toward reconciliation,” Davidson added.

Orange Shirt Day is part of a larger movement in the country to provide opportunity to unite in a spirit of reconciliation and hope for future generations. The movement is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration event held in B.C. in 2013, emerging out of the account of a young girl having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school.

The day was first proclaimed in Saskatchewan in 2016, in response to a resolution passed by the province’s trustees at the SSBA Spring General Assembly. The Government of Saskatchewan proclaims the day each year at the SSBA’s request.

“Orange Shirt Day is an important opportunity to learn more about the history of the residential school experience and its impacts,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant said. “Participating in Orange Shirt Day provides a chance to bring schools and communities together on a shared path toward reconciliation.”

REGINA – As students begin returning to school, Tuesday, Sept. 8 has been officially proclaimed “Provincial Students’ Day” in Saskatchewan, as requested annually by the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA).

“We know pandemic-related safety is top-of-mind in our communities as school resumes this fall under unprecedented circumstances,” said Dr. Shawn Davidson, president of the SSBA.

“We also know that school zones might look different this year, with, in some communities, families being encouraged to transport their children and the possibility of staggered drop-off times. With those factors in mind, we think it’s important as-ever to issue a reminder about school-zone safety. We are encouraging all Saskatchewan communities to pay close attention as our roads, walkways and school zones get busier with returning students and staff,” Davidson continued.

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. It is usually proclaimed on the first Tuesday of September. This year, it was moved to coincide with the change in school-year start.

The day has always been focused on helping ensure safety is the primary consideration for students, families and communities, and especially for motorists who will be driving in and around school zones. The Government of Saskatchewan proclaims the day each year at the SSBA’s request, with the intent of reinforcing the message of care and concern for students going to and from school.

“The safety of our students and school staff continues to be paramount during these challenging times, both in the classroom and as our students come to and from school,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant said. “School zones will have increased activity so we ask all drivers to remain cautious.”