SMLS Honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In Junior School, our Millies connected with the day through creative and empathetic writing. After learning about the experiences of residential school survivors, the students wrote letters from the perspective of Phyllis Webstad and Olemaun Esau, imagining what it might feel like to write home to their families. The students created thoughtful and meaningful letters.

Middle School Students Caroline R and Sabrina D, along with Ms. Armstrong, led a powerful Chapel that focused on the meaning of Orange Shirt Day and the crucial importance of centering Indigenous joy and resilience. Caroline and Sabrina shared their personal reflections, stating that to them, the day means, “taking stock of what happened in the past and ensuring that we are honouring those who experienced residential schools. 

Senior School also marked the day with a reflective Chapel. They started with a comprehensive look at the history and significance of Orange Shirt Day. To ensure the voices of survivors were at the core of their learning, students read and reflected on powerful quotes from residential school survivors, hearing the devastating and lasting impacts of what they endured. The Senior School students' call to action was a community walk in their orange shirts, a visible act of solidarity, remembrance, and commitment to the ongoing work of reconciliation.

Together, our students also participated in a collective art activity. They painted rocks orange and inscribed messages of truth, hope, and reconciliation, creating tangible, lasting reminders of the day’s importance. 

SMLS remains committed to the ongoing journey of Truth and Reconciliation, ensuring that our students are informed, empathetic, and ready to contribute to a more just future.