Monthly Newsletter: October Edition
In September, we honored Orange Shirt Day, an annual event held in remembrance of the Canadian Residential School system and its impact on First Nations communities.
As October begins, we at NLOS look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving Day. Not only is this a statutory holiday, but it is also a time when many share a Thanksgiving meal with family and friends.
Gratitude is a central theme during this time: gratitude for being together, for conversations with people who care, for sharing meals (even if you only have to make one dish), for memories of the past, and for the creation of new ones. It’s also about being in a safe place to share how life is going, the challenges we face, and knowing that we are being heard and supported.
At NLOS, we always do something special for our students by sharing a Thanksgiving meal. The essence of being with family and friends often centers around feelings of inclusion, caring, humor, and stories of past gatherings, as well as sharing how others have positively impacted our lives.
There are many ways to support healthy and positive mental health for ourselves and our students. Here are some suggestions to choose from:
- 13 Most Popular Gratitude Exercises & Activities: Embrace mindfulness exercises that encourage gratitude and present-moment awareness.
- 3 Ways to Practice Gratitude: Everyone can benefit from making an effort to practice gratitude every day.
- 12 Ways to Practice Gratitude: Explore different ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine.
For more resources, check out the NLPS resources monthly page.
Reflecting on Last Month
In September, we saw many changes within the NLPS teaching world. There have been challenges and changes in a few schools in our district. At NLOS, our principal, Elliott, has stepped up to support students at Portage College, and Vice Principal Bruce Greengrass has been transferred to Art Smith Academy in Cold Lake. They will be greatly missed by our students and staff. We extend a warm welcome to Rose Lapointe as our new principal, who will be an integral part of our team and contribute to the continued success of our Outreach schools.
Tips for Students and Families
Gratitude:
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Gratitude Journal: Get yourself a cool notebook and spend a few minutes each day jotting down things you're grateful for. It could be as simple as a sunny day, a delicious meal, or a good laugh with friends. Writing it down helps you remember and appreciate those moments even more.
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Thank-You Notes: Surprise someone with a handwritten thank-you note. It could be your best friend, a teacher, or even a family member. Let them know how grateful you are for their support, kindness, or the positive impact they've had on your life. It's a double dose of gratitude—making someone else's day and boosting your own mood!
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Gratitude Jar: Find a jar or a cute container and start collecting gratitude notes. Whenever something good happens, write it down on a colorful slip of paper and drop it into the jar. On days when you need a pick-me-up, grab a handful of those gratitude notes and read them aloud. It's like having a jar of happiness!
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Acts of Kindness: Spread the gratitude love by doing something kind for others. It could be as simple as holding the door open, offering a smile, or helping a classmate with their homework. Acts of kindness not only make others feel good, but they also fill your heart with gratitude and satisfaction.
Guess what? When you practice gratitude, it's contagious! Your positive vibes can inspire others to do the same. Imagine creating a gratitude ripple effect in your school, where everyone starts appreciating and uplifting each other. It's like a gratitude revolution! Life isn't always a walk in the park, and we face challenges along the way. But even during tough times, gratitude can be your secret weapon. When you shift your focus to what you're grateful for, it helps you find strength, resilience, and a new perspective. Remember, tough times don't last, but gratitude does!
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving opportunity with family and friends, filled with great food!
Please watch out for the trick-or-treaters on Halloween!
Connect with Our Student Advocacy Counsellors: Here to Listen
Seeking guidance or want to discuss well-being? Our Student Advocacy Counsellors are here for you. Reach out at:
- Lora Harder: lora.harder@nlsd.ab.ca | 780-594-6885 (Cold Lake Outreach)
- Crystal Anderson: crystal.anderson@nlsd.ab.ca | 780-623-2658 (Lac La Biche, also at Journeys and Crossroads)
- Judy Livingston: judy.livingston@nlsd.ab.ca | 780-826-3111
We enjoy connecting with our students and parents/guardians, whether by phone or in person. Give us a call!