Dear families,
All flags at schools in the Sooke School District will fly at half-mast to recognize the tragedy most recently discovered at a former residential school by the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, as well as in memory of the thousands of children sent to residential schools across Canada whose lives were taken and forever changed.
It is unthinkable what those children and families went through and continue to go through to this day. As a school district, we offer you our support and promise to continue providing all children with opportunities to improve understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples.
We know many families and students would like to show support for Indigenous communities near and far. A simple gesture would be to wear orange on Monday or any day this week to show that every child truly does matter.
Please reach out to your class teacher, school principal or counselor if you feel that your child or your family could use some support during this time. Additionally, a national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. Emotional and crisis referral services can be accessed by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866 925-4419.
Sincerely,
Scott Stinson
Superintendent of Schools/ CEO