International Women's Day

Sunday, March 8 is International Women's Day!

From https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ 

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality. Get ready for #IWD2026.

International Women's Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years, as have many of the issues still impacting women's advancement. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about gender equality. Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to forge gender parity. All IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD so inclusive.

Canadian Women

From https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/womens-history-month/women-history-canada-timeline.html

From early trailblazers to today’s powerful agents of change, from the long journey for women’s suffrage towards equality of rights and opportunities for all, women have and continue to blaze a trail to create a better, more equal world for everyone.

Take a look at this timeline to discover notable events in Canadian women’s history and learn more about the powerful women who created change.

Click 👇

Women in Canadian History Quiz

From https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/quiz/cc-quiz-women-in-canadian-history

Click 👇

Jane Goodall

From https://janegoodall.ca/

Known for her groundbreaking studies of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, Dr. Jane Goodall’s work extended beyond scientific innovations – encompassing a lifetime of advocacy through her international organization, the Jane Goodall Institute, which advances community-led conservation, animal welfare, science, and youth empowerment.

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Anne Innes Dagg

From https://anneinnisdaggfoundation.org/

In 1956, before anyone, man or woman had made such a trip, 23-year-old Canadian biologist, Anne Innis Dagg, made an unprecedented solo journey to South Africa to become the first western researcher to study giraffes in the wild. When she returned home a year later armed with ground-breaking research, the insurmountable barriers she faced as a female scientist proved much harder to overcome.

Click 👇

What Would She Do?

Come up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our display. 

See you in the Learning Commons! 

Read. Learn. Grow.

Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day is on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026!

What is Pink Shirt Day? 

From https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/about 

“David Shepherd, Travis Price and their teenage friends organized a high-school protest to wear pink in sympathy with a Grade 9 boy who was being bullied [for wearing a pink shirt]…[They] took a stand against bullying when they protested against the harassment of a new Grade 9 student by distributing pink T-shirts to all the boys in their school. ‘I learned that two people can come up with an idea, run with it, and it can do wonders,’ says Mr. Price, 17, who organized the pink protest. ‘Finally, someone stood up for a weaker kid.’ So Mr. Shepherd and some others headed off to a discount store and bought 50 pink tank tops. They sent out message to schoolmates that night, and the next morning they hauled the shirts to school in a plastic bag. As they stood in the foyer handing out the shirts, the bullied boy walked in. His face spoke volumes. ‘It looked like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders,’ Mr. Price recalled. The bullies were never heard from again.”       — Globe & Mail

After David and Travis’ act of kindness in 2007, CKNW was inspired to help other youth affected by bullying, with many staff members wearing pink shirts and collecting funds to support Boys and Girls Clubs. Since then, the idea has only grown each year, with worldwide support and participation. Countries across the globe are now organizing anti-bullying fundraisers of their own, including Japan, New Zealand, China, Panama, and numerous others. In fact, last year alone, people in almost 180 countries shared their support of Pink Shirt Day through social media posts and donations.

Pink Shirt Day falls on the last Wednesday of February every year; join us next Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 in our mission to create a more kind, inclusive world by raising awareness for anti-bullying initiatives.

Kids Explain 

From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZUU1FOzkDk

Want to learn more?

From https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/what-is-pink-shirt-day 

What is Cyberbullying?

From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFsI5ZTe3ro 

Learning Commons

Come up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our Pink Shirt Day display!

See you in the Learning Commons! 

Read. Learn. Grow.

New Art in the Learning Commons

Fill your well with art in the Learning Commons!

As a Learning Through the Arts school, our Fill Your Well gallery space in the Learning Commons regularly features art loaned to us by Canadian artists. Make sure you pop in to see our latest exhibit!

Come up and see this beautiful piece Calgary artist Adrianne Williams. 

Artist Statement

Adrianne Williams is a Canadian multidisciplinary artist, working with themes of cultural identity and the individual. Inspired by traditional portraiture and realism, her work often incorporates people she loves while exploring the human condition through drawing and paintings. Her works are often large scale paintings using acrylic on canvas although mixed media materials such as charcoal, pen and ink, and 3D textural element can often be found in her pieces. Calgary born and raised, her paintings, installations, and video works often highlight issues involving minority rights as well as social and economic injustice in relation to race, identity, and pop culture. 

Artist Bio

Adrianne Williams is a multidisciplinary artist, working with themes of urban culture and the individual. Her paintings, installations and video works explore her Caribbean ancestry, while often highlighting ideas of pop culture and culture clash. Williams completed her BFA in Drawing at the Alberta University of the Arts in 2007. She has shown her work in Calgary, Edmonton, Italy, and Spain. 

Lunar New Year

Year of the Horse begins on February 17th, 2026!

What is Lunar New Year?

From https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Lunar-New-Year/636346

Each year people in many Asian countries celebrate Lunar New Year. This holiday marks the beginning of another year on the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the Moon. Since the lunar calendar is different from Western calendars, Lunar New Year falls on slightly different days each year according to Western calendars. However, it always begins some time between January 21 and February 20. A 15-day festival, it lasts from the first new moon of the lunar calendar until the first full moon of the lunar calendar.

Lunar New Year is a major holiday in China, where it is also called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year. The holiday is also widely celebrated in North and South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mongolia, and other countries of East and Southeast Asia. Many people of Asian descent who live in other parts of the world also celebrate Lunar New Year.

What is the Chinese Zodiac?

From https://kids.kiddle.co/Chinese_zodiac

The Chinese zodiac is a traditional system from China. It uses the Chinese calendar to give an animal and its special traits to each year. This happens in a repeating cycle of twelve years. The zodiac is very important in traditional Chinese culture. It shows ideas from Chinese philosophy and culture. Many people in China believe that a person's personality is linked to their zodiac animal. This system is still popular in many East Asian and Southeast Asian countries. These include Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Thailand.

The Chinese zodiac is a bit like the Western zodiac. Both systems divide time into twelve parts. Most of these parts are named after animals. They are also used to guess a person's personality or what might happen in their life. The 12 Chinese zodiac animals are not just for years. They are also thought to affect people's personalities, jobs, friendships, marriages, and luck.

When Were You Born?

Was it Year of the Rat? Rabbit? Snake? Dragon? 

Check to see what year you were born in!

How Do People Celebrate Lunar New Year?

Watch these videos!

More Information

Click on this Lunar New Year slide. Each graphic contains a link. 

Learning Commons

Come to the learning commons to borrow a book from our Lunar New Year display!

Thank you to Tina, Amanda F. and Wendy for putting this display together!

See you in the Learning Commons! 

Read. Learn. Grow.

 

Canadian Astronaut is Headed to the Moon on Artemis II

 Canadian Space Agency

Artemis II  (https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/missions/artemis-ii/mission.asp) 

Canada will make history when Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen becomes the first Canadian – and first non-American – to ever participate in a lunar mission as part of Artemis II, the first crewed mission to the Moon since the Apollo missions over 50 years ago. Launch is scheduled for some time February 8-11, 2026, depending on the weather. 

The four-person crew will launch from Florida on the SLS rocket and fly aboard the Orion spacecraft, testing all of its life-support, navigation, and other systems in deep space to make sure everything works properly in preparation for future missions. They will venture beyond the far side of the Moon as part of a lunar flyby. After travelling for nearly 10 days and over 2 million kilometres, Orion will splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego.

This mission is a unique opportunity to bring Canadians together and inspire them, to strengthen our leadership in the global space sector, and to highlight Canada's essential role in the future of space exploration.

https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/

Jeremy Hansen (https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronauts/canadian/active/bio-jeremy-hansen.asp)

Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen will fly to the Moon on the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight test of the Orion spacecraft launching on the SLS rocket. He will become the first Canadian to ever venture to the Moon.

Career highlights

1988:  At the age of 12, Jeremy Hansen joins 614 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in London, Ontario. His journey into aviation begins.

1992:  He earns his Air Cadet glider pilot wings at age 16 in Trenton, Ontario.

1993:  He earns his private pilot licence and wings at the age of 17 in Cornwall, Ontario. This training will lead to his acceptance to Royal Military College Saint-Jean in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

1994:  Colonel Hansen credits Air Cadets with developing the discipline and self-confidence required to be accepted for Officer Training in the Canadian Armed Forces. He completes Basic Training in Chilliwack, B.C., and starts his degree at Royal Military College Saint-Jean in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

1999:  He graduates with a bachelor's degree in honours space science from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario.

2003:  Colonel Hansen completes CF-18 Fighter Pilot Training at 410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron.

2004-2009:  Serves as a CF-18 fighter pilot with 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron as well as the Combat Operations Officer at 4 Wing Operations.

2009:  Colonel Hansen is one of two recruits selected by the CSA through the third Canadian Astronaut Recruitment Campaign.

2011:  He graduates from Astronaut Candidate Training and starts working at the Mission Control Center as capcom — the voice between the ground and the International Space Station.

2013:  Jeremy Hansen participates in the European Space Agency's CAVES program in Sardinia, Italy, during which he lives underground for six days.

He has the privilege of inspiring young Canadians by flying the historical Hawk One F-86 Sabre jet.

2014:  Jeremy Hansen is a crewmember of NEEMO 19, where he lives and works on the ocean floor in the Aquarius habitat off Key Largo, Florida, for seven days simulating deep-space exploration.

2017:  Jeremy Hansen becomes the first Canadian to be entrusted with leading a NASA astronaut class, which means that he is in charge of the training astronaut candidates from the United States and Canada.

2023:  Jeremy Hansen is assigned to the Artemis II mission.

Jeremy Hansen's Artemis II Mission Patch

Click on the patch for more information!

Learning Commons

Come to the Learning Commons and check out a book from our display celebrating Jeremy Hansen and the Artemis II mission!

Thank you to Tina and Amanda F for creating this fabulous display! 

See you in the Learning Commons! 

Read. Learn. Grow.

Black History Month -- Artist Spotlights

February is Black History Month in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, contributions, and achievements of Black Canadians. 

This year, we’re highlighting some amazing Black artists, musicians and creatives who are making waves in Canada and beyond!

June Clark

“Born in Harlem in 1941, moved to Toronto in the 60’s. Working in photography, sculpture, and collage, she’s known internationally for her installations and interventions.” (Parris, 2018)

Click here for more information. 

Joan Butterfield

A Canadian artist who creates photo artistry, acrylic pours, and life-sized artworks that celebrate black culture and heritage.

Click here for more information.

Robert Small

Artist Robert Small has been creating Black History Month posters for more than a quarter of a century. As Adrian Ghobrial reports, Small created the works to educate himself and others about Black history in Canada.

CityNews (2021, February 8). Exploring Black History Through Art. (602) Exploring Black history through art - YouTube

Click here for more information.

Portia White

Portia White was the first Black Canadian concert singer to win international acclaim. She was considered one of the best classical singers of the 20th century. Her voice was described by one critic as “a gift from heaven.”

photo by Yousuf Karsh, courtesy Library and Archives Canada / PA-192783

Click here for more information.

Celebrate the amazing Black Canadian artists and their awesome creations!

Black History is about celebrating resilience, creativity, and community. By sharing stories, we honour the voices that helped build Canada into the amazing place it is today!

Learning Commons

Come up to the learning commons and borrow a book from our display. These are just some of the books in our collection that are written by Black authors. 

By Ariane Reyes

Art Exhibit in the Conference Room

Correction vs. Punishment : The Search for Love and Understanding

by Tamara Leanne Cardinal

Artist Statement

Correction vs. Punishment is a life-sized sculpture of an eagle made from handmade paper. It is based on Indigenous teachings that say there are two sides to every eagle feather. One side reminds us that everyone makes mistakes. The other side reminds us that we can learn, take responsibility, and make things right. 

In many Indigenous teachings, solving problems is not about punishing people. It is about helping people understand what happened, fixing what was hurt, and bringing things back into balance. This way of thinking helps communities stay strong and caring. 

The eagle was part of an exhibition called Presence, which was about how people share spaces and how those spaces can feel welcoming or unwelcoming. In Canada, Indigenous peoples experienced injustices for a very long time, and many shared spaces did not feel safe or welcoming for them. This artwork helps us remember that history, and think about how we can and need to do better today. 

The eagle is made from paper, which is gentle and fragile. This reminds us that trust and relationships need care. When people listen to each other and work together, healing can happen.  

This artwork asks all of us, in families, communities, schools, and everyday life, to think about how we treat others when mistakes happen. It reminds us that making things right is something everyone can practice, every day. 

Artist Bio

Tamara Lee-Ann Cardinal is a mixed-media, large scale installation artist and community activist. Born in Treaty 6 Territory, her ancestral roots are Nêhiyaw (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) and of mixed European descent. She has been a visitor to Otôskwanihk (Calgary, AB) since 2009. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Alberta University of the Arts in 2015, Cardinal has been a recipient of the National BMO 1st Art! Award, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Young Artist Award, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award, and, more recently, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal. Cardinal has been an active member in the urban Indigenous community in Treaty 7 Territory, activating many social service positions throughout the years. Cardinal is a full-time student attending Mount Royal University's Psychology program, and has been a Public Art Project Lead through Calgary Arts Development since January 2024.

Come up to the Learning Commons Conference Room to see this exquisite artwork!

New Art in the Learning Commons

Fill your well with art in the Learning Commons!

As a Learning Through the Arts school, our Fill Your Well gallery space in the Learning Commons regularly features art loaned to us by Canadian artists. Make sure you pop in to see our latest exhibit!

Come up and see this beautiful piece The Wolf Trail by Blackfoot artist Shirley Hill. 

Artist Bio

Shirley Hill is a respected Siksika Nation elder, Indigenous designer, and artist known for sharing Blackfoot culture through dance and education, particularly with young people. She is recognized for her expertise in Fancy Shawl and hoop dancing and her work in schools and community events to teach children about Blackfoot history and language. 

The Wolf Trail also represents the Circle of Life - as Blackfoot people (Siksikaitsitapi), we believe we came from the stars, we do our Earth Walk and we return to the stars. 

Shared with me by Roger Prairie Chicken - White Buffalo Horn

Happy Holidays!

Only one more week of school before our Winter Break begins!

Make sure you have a book to read over the holidays. Visit the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our Snow Many Good Books display or our New Books display or any book in our collection. 

See you in the Learning Commons! 

Read. Learn. Grow.

Métis Week in Alberta

 This is Métis Week in Alberta.

From The Canadian Encyclopedia https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/metis-settlements

Métis communities are found in many provinces and territories in Canada; however, the only legislated Métis land base is in Alberta. Eight Métis settlements are located across the northern and central-eastern part of the province: Paddle Prairie, Peavine, Gift Lake, East Prairie, Buffalo Lake, Kikino, Elizabeth and Fishing Lake. As of 2021, the settlements cover 1.25 million acres of land and are home to approximately 4,238 people. That year, 3,540 people reported that they were registered members of Métis Settlements in Alberta. The Métis Settlements are self-governing and provide for the protection of Métis culture and identity.

Click 👇 for more information.

From The Government of Alberta https://www.alberta.ca/annual-metis-week-celebrations 

Métis Week is held annually in November to honour the legacy of the Métis people and commemorate the life of Louis Riel, a prominent Métis leader, politician and advocate for the rights of Métis and francophone communities in Canada.

Métis Week brings into focus the rich culture, history and contributions of Métis people in Alberta and across Canada. It is observed annually during the week that includes Louis Riel Day on November 16.

Symbols of Métis Culture

From Otipemisiwak Métis Government http://albertametis.com/culture/symbols-of-culture/ 

Métis Sash

The Métis sash is a colourful finger-woven belt that is usually three-meters long. It is sometimes referred to as L’Assomption sash or Ceinture Fléchée (arrow sash).

The sash was used by the Voyageurs of the fur trade and was quickly adopted by their Métis sons. They used the sash as a belt to hold coats closed, and also as a towrope, tumpline, towel, and even a sewing kit.

The Métis sash became the most recognizable part of the Métis dress and a symbol of the Métis people. Today, the sash continues to be an integral part of Métis culture and heritage.

Click 👇 for more information.

Red River Cart

According to the journal of North West Company fur-trader Alexander Henry (the younger), the carts made their first appearance in 1801 at Fort Pembina, just south of what is now the United States border.

Originally, small horse-drawn carts had three-foot solid wheels cut from large trees and carried up to 450 pounds. Later, larger wheels with four spokes were used, and gradually the red river carts with their huge spoke wheels evolved, carrying nearly twice as much. Sometimes, wheels were wrapped in shaganappi (green rawhide).

Each wheel was said to have its own shriek, announcing the coming of a traveller from a great distance (grease or oil would have only mixed with the dust and wore down the axles).

Click 👇 for more information.

Métis Flag

The flag of the Métis is the oldest Canadian patriotic flag indigenous to Canada, pre-dating the Canadian flag by over 150 years. It was presented by Alexander MacDonnell of the North West Company and was first used in 1815.

Cuthbert Grant later flew the flag in 1816 during la Victoire de la Genouillère—a battle marking the boiling point of years of conflict between the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company. La Victoire de la Genouillère was one of the first times the Métis asserted themselves as a distinct nation of people with rights to trade and travel freely on their own land.

The flag symbolizes the creation of a new society, and the infinity symbol suggests that Métis people will exist forever. 

Click 👇 for more information.

The Métis Language

Michif is the language spoken by the Métis, who are the descendants of French fur traders and First Nations women, dating back to days of the Red River Settlement in Manitoba.

The Michif language is a combination of French nouns and Cree verbs and is spoken by Métis in the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and in the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories. Depending on the region, the language spoken may be Michif-Anishnaabe or Michif-Cree. The highest numbers of Michif speakers are found in the Prairies. Many Métis people also speak Cree, which is more widely spoken than Michif.

Click 👇 for more information.

Learning Commons

Come up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our Métis Week display!

Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day

 On November 8th we honour Indigenous Veterans Day and on November 11th we honour Remembrance Day. 

This is a time of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by military members and their families, past and present. 

Indigenous Veterans

First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country.

To learn more, click 👇

Heritage Minutes

To watch these short and informative Canadian videos, click 👇

Remembrance Day Quiz

Take this quiz to test your knowledge by clicking 👇

Learning Commons

Come on up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our display!

Read. Learn. Grow.

I Read Canadian Day!

November 5th is I Read Canadian Day!

 I Read Canadian Day is a nationwide initiative that celebrates the richness, diversity and breadth of Canadian literature for young people. 

Come up to the Learning Commons and read a book from our display. These are just some of the Canadian authors you will find on our shelves. 

Read. Learn. Grow.

Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month

 October in Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month in Canada!

From the Government of Canada

October marks the celebration of Latin American Heritage Month, a month designated by the Parliament of Canada in 2018. It is an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the significant contributions that members of the Latin American community have made to the fabric of Canada. This month allows us to celebrate our Latin American heritages. Today, we raise our voices in celebration and reflection about the impactful contributions members of the Latin American community have made and continue to make sharing their cultures, perspectives and proud traditions.

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, made the following statement:

"Today marks the start of Latin American Heritage Month—a moment to honour the rich history, celebrate both the past contributions and present achievements, and recognize the vibrant identity of Latin American communities in Canada."

Who are Latin American Canadians?

From The Canadian Encyclopedia

Latin America refers to a group of republics in Central and South America. These countries include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Puerto Rico, the French West Indies and other islands of the West Indies may also be considered part of “Latin America.” The broader use of the term can also refer to countries where Romance languages, such as Spanish and Portuguese, prevail.

Celebrating Latin American and Hispanic Heritage

From Calgary Catholic School District

Check out these four famous Latin Americans.

Happy Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month!