An electronic copy is included below.
BROOKSBANK ELEMENTARY Ph: 604-903-3280 Fax:604-903-3281 Brooksbank@nvsd44.bc.ca
11-Feb-2009 3300-99-21 Page 1 of 1
This is an important notice. Please have it translated.
North Vancouver Outdoor School
SKW’une-was Cultural History Program
September 12, 2013
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The Grade 4 Social Studies curriculum introduces the cultures of the Coastal Salish Peoples. To enhance our students’ understanding of, and respect for these cultures, the North Vancouver School District created a supplemental immersion program to take place in a re-creation of a Squamish Bighouse, situated at our Outdoor School in Brackendale, B.C. By simulating as closely as possible the lifestyle and daily activities of Coast Salish Bighouse culture of pre-contact times, it is our expectation that the children will realize the rich and complex nature of this earlier society.
The building of the Bighouse and the development of its curriculum has been possible because of a strong spirit of co-operation between the Squamish Nation and the School District. The immersion program is called Skw’une-was, the Squamish word for partnership, to acknowledge this. Since 1985, this program has continued to be a cooperative venture as Squamish people help us teach our students the importance of sharing, co-operation and respect for others and nature by inviting us to become a part of the Bighouse family and teaching us the traditional methods of gathering and cooking, weaving and fishing, and uses of cedar.
We will need 6 parents to volunteer to be involved in this program. Please complete the form below and return it to Ms. Reichert or Mr. Clarke. Parents who volunteer must attend the Big House training session on Sept 21 or 22. They must also obtain a criminal record check from the RCMP (the school board will send you the forms, once it is confirmed that you are attending).
There will be an important parent information meeting to review details of the trip on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 pm in Ms. Reichert’s class #104 Please plan to attend. If you are unable to attend, please direct any questions to Mrs. Reichert or Mr. Clarke.
The children will travel to and from the Bighouse by bus. They will leave the school at 8:00 am on Wednesday, Oct. 23 and they will return to school on the following afternoon, Thursday, Oct. 24 at approximately 3:00 pm.
In order to help with your planning, the cost per pupil will be $105.00. Permission and medical forms will be sent home at a later date. It is not necessary to send a cheque in until that time.
We hope you are as excited by this opportunity to enrich our children’s experience as we are.
Yours truly,
L. Reichert
P. Clarke
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Please return form to Ms. Reichert or Mr. Clarke by Monday, September 16, 2013
□ I am interested in volunteering at the Big House on Oct. 23 - 24, 2013 and I am able to attend the Big House training on:
□ Sat. Sep. 21 or □ Sun Sep 22 (Please check one)
□ I am unable to volunteer at the Big House on Oct. 23 and 24, 2013
□ I will be attending the parent information meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 6:30
in Ms. Reichert’s classroom # 104
__________________ ___________________ _______________________
Name of child Phone # Name of Parent Volunteering
PLEASE PRINT
