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Have you ever felt alone? Have you ever felt like no one else could possibly know or understand what you are going through? Maybe you are going through pressures or anxieties, and tend to keep your worries to yourself for concern that others might think you are weak? Maybe you wonder ‘who will listen to me?’ Or maybe you are not feeling adequate next to your classmates or staff or family members? Feelings of pressure and anxiety can be stifling when dealt with on our own. Your lifeline is to reach out to someone to talk to. Or, you can be a lifeline for someone in need.

When we feel connected to community we feel happy, confident, and that we belong. Think of your favorite family gathering, or event with friends, or a celebration held at school. Everyone is happy --and food, music, and friendships are often part of that circle of belonging. Think of the Olympic games, where the world is brought together to celebrate the best in each other. We don’t want to let go of that feeling of community, pride, inspiration, and strength. Recently, we witnessed great feats of inspiration through the Invictus Games, an international adaptive sport event for injured active duty and veteran service members. The term ‘Invictus’ is Latin for ‘unconquered’ or ‘undefeated’ and its message is one of resilience and overcoming adversity to succeed and to thrive. “You can’t start a fire without a spark” were words sung by Bruce Springsteen and they resonated throughout the games. A spark can ignite flames of passion, inspiration, and a place for all to be – the best that they can be.

The opposite of feeling connected to community is feeling alienated and alone. Feeling alone because of fragments of humanity that divide us (race, beliefs, identity, sexuality), or feeling alone because of the thoughts inside of our head or pressures that we are facing. How can we conquer feeling alone?

• Reach out to others to share your feelings. You are not the only one feeling the way that you feel. As you reach out, you will find that others have felt the same way you do. Sharing your experience can be part of the healing.

• Find a support group, a place where you belong. When feeling alone, friendships and family can be the healing tonic that you need.

• Look for resources. Take away the stigma of asking for help by reaching out. Courage is part of the struggle. As the Tragically Hip reminds us – ‘the struggle is real’. Sometimes we just need to feel validated that our struggles are real, that they are hard, and that we are valiant in the battle.

• Develop a mantra that you repeat daily. “I am strong” or “I’ve got this”. Print your mantra out and post in places where you most frequent, such as your computer screen at work, locker at school, or bathroom mirror.

• Laughter is the best medicine – and music, poetry, friendship, food, sports, exercise, nutrition, and rest. Try to do at least one thing that brings you joy when you are dealing with pressure and anxiety. Do you like to bake? Draw? Play guitar? Dance? Make time for what heals you in the middle of your pressure time.

Be kind to yourself. Reach out to others. Share with others when you are carrying a heavy load, because the other person may be carrying a heavy load too. Above all, when you see someone sitting alone—reach out. We need each other to make our world a better place – for you and me – for unity.

Inclusive communities

As we work together with hearts to love and hands to serve, let our actions of hope and mercy continue to guide us as we build inclusive, welcome, safe and caring learning and working

environments for all.

WELCOME –ACCEPTANCE SAFETY & CARING – SUPPORT

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE & ACTIONS

You are not alone: The healing power of community

Edmonton Catholic Schools Issue No. 15 | October 2017

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This past Saturday, Edmonton suffered from a terrorist attack that injured an Edmonton Police Service officer as well as a number of other innocent bystanders. And this morning we hear of the terrible tragedy in Las Vegas that occurred last evening where 50 people died and 200 were injured. Below is a Prayer for Peace that we are encouraging our schools and sites to use as part of their announcements this morning. Incidents such as these can provoke a variety of responses from people of all ages. We have been taught that there are many stages of grief. To be sure, grief is unique and individual for each one of us. There are no normal responses or clear guidelines that will fit one's unique grieving experience. Typically, we are advised to give children and young people time to talk, to listen to them carefully, to give them physical comfort, and to try to offer security. We ask teachers and staff to be as open as possible with their students. Invite them to voice their concerns and fears, and assure them that our schools are safe and caring places. Sometimes students demonstrate their grief in social justice initiatives or other acts of service. As such, you may wish to invite students to make cards and/or letters of support for members of the Edmonton Police Service and/or others that were injured in the attack. The address for Edmonton Police Service is: 9620 - 103A AvenueEdm onton, A B, T5H 0H 7 Prayer for Peace The Government of Canada and Canadians stand with the people of Edmonton after the terrorist attack on Saturday that injured an Edmonton Police Service officer as well as a number of innocent people who were enjoying an evening in their city. We also pray for people in the US and their families who were caught in such a tragic event in Las Vegas. "We cannot - and will not - let violent extremism take root in our communities. We know that Canada's strength comes from our diversity, and we will not be cowed by those who seek to divide us or promote fear. Edmonton is a strong and resilient city, and I am confident that its citizens will support one another to overcome this tragic event" (Prime Minister Justin Trudeau). Let us pray: Almighty and Merciful God, Lord of the Universe. All that you have created is good and your compassion for the mistakes of humankind knows no limits. We come to you today to ask you to keep in peace Edmonton and its people, keep in peace the US and all the world, to keep them far away from terrorism, to restore friendship, and to instill in the hearts of your creatures the gift of trust and of readiness to forgive. O Jesus, Prince of Peace, we pray to you for the ones who have been wounded in these acts of violence. Heal their bodies and hearts, console them with your strength, and at the same time, take away any hatred and a desire for revenge. Eternal Father, in your mercy hear our prayer which we raise up to you. We turn to you with great hope, full of trust in your infinite mercy. We ask for the gift of peace and of the elimination from our midst of the pain of terrorism. Bless us with the knowledge that we are secure in your love as we entrust ourselves to the intercession of your Most Holy Mother: Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

A message from superintendent joan carr

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Lin-Manuel Miranda, actor and author of the musical ‘Hamilton’, wrote an emotional sonnet/acceptance speech that ‘love is love’. His words resonate more and more every day—an ode to love.

My wife is the reason anything gets done

She nudges me towards promise by degrees She is a perfect symphony of one

Our son is her most beautiful reprise. We chase the melodies that seem to find us

Until they’re finished songs and start to play

When senseless acts of tragedy remind us that nothing here is promised, not one day The show is proof that history remembers

We live through times when hate and fear seem stronger We rise and fall and light from dying embers

Remembrances that hope and love last longer And love is love

Is love Is love Is love Is love Is love

Cannot be killed or swept aside I sing Vanessa’s symphony

Eliza tells her story Now fill the world with Music, love, and pride.

Video: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s emotional speech that ‘love is love’ ‘Love is Love’ Animation

Remember, that love is love is love. Together we can cultivate a world of AMITY (friendship, peaceful harmony, mutual understanding, and a peaceful

relationship, especially between nations).

Pursue ‘la via dell’ amore’ (the way of loving)

Love is Love is Love is LOVE

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Happy Dreamer

Author Peter H. Reynolds invites readers on an unforgettable journey of inspiration, reminding us all to follow our dreams and pursue our own unique path to happy! Peter says ‘I’m a dreamer. Always have been. Not all grown-ups are happy with my dreaming – my zigzaggy brain- but I was lucky some were. And my parents, well, they let me be me- loved me- and things worked out pretty well.”

Amazon.ca reviews:

“While the world tells us to sit still, to follow the rules, and to color inside the lines, Happy Dreamer celebrates those moments in between when the mind and spirit soar and we are free to become our own tru dreamer maximus! This empowering book reminds children of how much their dreams matter, and while life will have ups and downs, he enlists readers to stay true to who they are, to tap into their most creative inner selves, and to never forget to dream big!”

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Try introducing these videos in your classroom this month. Audience: Division II and II

TED TALK: What Makes You Special? Mariana Atencio

Mariana recounts her own immigrant experience and her interactions with people around the world, all teaching her that the only thing we all have in common is being human.Here are some quotes from her video:

“Everybody wants to feel valued and accepted and we think that is should happen spontaneously. But it doesn’t. When you are different you to work at belonging.”

“What makes me different IS what has made me stand out and be successful.”

“The first step to being more inclusive is….to recognize our blind spots.”

“Let’s celebrate those imperfections that make us special.”

TED TALK: The Life-Changing Power of Words | Kristin Rivas

Kristin recounts her journey from crippling mental illness following the death of her sister to healing and liberation, all through the life-changing power of words. Here is a quote from her video:

“Who you are cannot be defined by your body. Our bodies, our beliefs, our behaviors, our relationships to others all change. It’s doesn’t make sense to define ourselves on these things. You know what it’s like when you are just being yourself. Those times when you are seeing something beautiful, or you’re with a loved one, or doing something you love and you say ‘oh, I feel like I can be myself when….’ Let’s think that those things don’t make us who we are, but that they resonate with our own way of being, the essence of who we are.”

Classroom Circle Discussion Topics

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Video

The story below is one worth listening to. It is light yet real with deep insight. It takes a personal look at stereotypes and encourages us to be aware of our blind spots. It touches on real topics and may be suitable for high school (please review). It needs to part of your adult viewing.

Courage.

TED TALK: The Muslim on the Airplane | Amal Kassir

“My name is Amal. It means hope in Arabic. Most days my name is Waitress at my parents’ Damascus restaurant. I am an international spoken word poet. I am an unapologetic Muslim woman. I am a Syrian-American hijab social justice advocate. My name is writer, teacher.”

“At the airport my name is random search. On the street it’s ‘terrorist’.

“They say the shortest distance between two people is a story.”

Listen to Amal’s story as she breaks down barriers and brings understanding to the human in us all.

Children’s Books

Salam Alaikum means ‘peace be upon you’. Is the greeting that Muslims around the world use to say ‘hello’ and ‘good-by’. This story is told by Harris J a young British Muslim artist who is ‘looking forward to taking his new blend of faith-inspired music to the world.’ (book jacket quote)

Message from the book: ‘Spread peace on the earth. Treasure the love, let it surround us. Always be kind, always remind one another. Peace on earth every day.”

The Power of Story

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Children’s Books

From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea.

Kai Cheng Thom.

In this captivating, beautifully imagined picture book about gender, identity, and the acceptance of the differences between us, Miu Lan faces many questions about who they are and who they may be. But one thing's for sure: no matter who this child becomes, their mother will love them just the same.

Whoever You Are.

Mem Fox

“Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world.”

Whoever You Are is a celebration of the world’s diverse cultures both in similarities and differences.

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Children’s Books

The Girl Who Writes.

Richard Cole and K. Jane Watt

This story is about a young girl who is inspired by the wonder of books to be a young author. She writes ‘If my teacher described me, she would nod her head and say, ‘she’s a reader.’ Sure, it’s something I’m proud of. I harvest the stories of others and hold them in my mind. My stories will contain what I have seen, and they reflect the spark of me. I know that with a bit of ink and 26 letters, I can make new worlds.’

The Boy Who Paints.

Richard Cole and K. Jane Watt

This is the tale of a young artist’s self-awakening on his journey to become an artist. This story will resonate with those who are visual learners and artists at heart.

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Student Workshops

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The Power of Words

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Surrounding ourselves with words that matter.

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Student Workshops

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Guest Speakers

Nick Foley

Nick Foley shares his story at Sister Annata Brockman

Nick Foley, a motivational speaker, author, and founder of “Celebrate the Hero” was welcomed to SAB to present to Grades 4-9. Nick’s message focused on inclusion of all people without bias by making a difference. He urged all students to start now by focusing on two big ideas: “How do you want to be remembered? What is your story?” His emphasis was on how we all can impact others by giving, whether it is a smile, holding a door open or including a student standing alone. It starts the moment you wake up in the morning. He shared with students to not only include others, but to make them feel great and give when you can. People who give are the most successful people in the world and we need to celebrate the great things we all do, no matter how big or little.

Impact this world by becoming better for others which will make you better too. Let's all celebrate the human spirit!

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This section will introduce resources that speak to the theme of inclusive communities.

This month’s selection is:

Teaching to Diversity – The Three Block Model of Universal Design for Learning, by Jennifer Katz.

Based on prevailing research, Katz has created a three-block model as a framework for enacting inclusivity. The first block is to establish a compassionate learning community where we have responsibilities to teach ‘personal, moral, and ethical responsibilities within diverse communities.’ Sections such as ‘creating a respect for diversity’ and ‘7 principles of a democratic classroom’ provide opportunity for each member of the classroom to have a voice and to contribute to the learning environment.

Chapter 1: Diversity in Education · Diversity and Social and Emotional Learning · Social Inclusion and Social Exclusion · Diversity and Academic Complexity · Academic Inclusion and Academic Exclusion Chapter 2: A Framework for Teaching to Diversity · Universal Design for Learning (UDL) · Insights through Brain Research · Multiple Intelligences · Bringing it All Together (Block 1, 2, and 3) Chapter 3: Creating a Community – Block One: Social and Emotional Learning · Link between Emotion and Academic Achievement · The Respecting Diversity Program · Extending the Program Across the Curriculum · Creating Democratic Classrooms Chapter 4: Planning for Diversity – Block Two: Inclusive Instructional Practices Chapter 5: Teaching in the Classroom – Block Two: Inclusive Instructional Practices Chapter 6: Leadership, Policy, and Practice – Block Three: Systems and Structures Chapter 7: Aboriginal Education and Universal Design for Learning

Book of the Month

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This segment will offer the lyrics to songs that may provide opportunity for readers to:

• Provoke new insight on a topic • Make personal connections to the words or story told • Gain inspiration through storytelling • Practice your own storytelling skills through song – write your own song!

Tom Petty was an American rock musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, selling 80 million records worldwide and making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Mr. Petty passed away this week. Here are the words to his songs ‘Wildflowers’ and ‘I Won’t Back Down’.

Wildflowers Tom Petty

You belong among the wildflowers

You belong in a boat out at sea Sail away, kill off the hours

You belong somewhere you feel free Run away, find you a lover

Go away somewhere all bright and new I have seen no other

Who compares with you You belong among the wildflowers

You belong in a boat out at sea You belong with your love on your arm You belong somewhere you feel free

Run away, go find a lover Run away, let your heart be your guide

You deserve the deepest of cover You…

Run away, go find a lover Run away, let your heart be your guide

You deserve the deepest of cover You belong in that home by and by You belong among the wildflowers You belong somewhere close to me

Far away from your trouble and worries You belong somewhere you feel free You belong somewhere you feel free

Music and Lyrics

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I Won’t Back Down is an anthem of strength for many warriors facing the battles of adversity.

I Won't Back Down

Tom Petty

Well, I won't back down No, I won't back down

You can stand me up at the gates of hell But I won't back down

No, I'll stand my ground Won't be turned around

And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down Gonna stand my ground And I won't back down

(I won't back down) Hey, baby, there ain't no easy way out

(I won't back down) Hey, I will stand my ground

And I won't back down Well I know what's right

I got just one life In a world that keeps on pushin' me around

But I'll stand my ground And I won't back down

(I won't back down) Hey, baby, there ain't no easy way out

(I won't back down)

Hey, I will stand my ground And I won't back down No, I won't back down

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How can you bring articles, videos, topics into your classroom discussions on Diversity and Inclusion? Brainstorm with colleagues on ways to use Current Events to cultivate discussions on Inclusive Communities. Help youth navigate real life events that impact their lives and their well-being by providing a platform to talk and learn together.

Articles/ TV Segments/Blogposts

Hate, Terror and Destruction Have Many Faces | Edmonton Journal | 10-01-17 Vatican Official Condemns Discrimination against Women in Speech to United Nations | America The Jesuit Review | 09-27-17 Saudi Arabia Announces It Will Let Women Drive | Global News Edmonton | 09-26—17 Non-Binary Activist Savors Victory: ‘Pretty Amazing to See Life from Both Sides’ | Herald News | 09-22-17 Why S.K. Ali Believes in the Unlimited Potential of Girl Power | CBC Radio | 09-04-17 Keeping Shelters Safe, Inclusive for LGBTQ2S Youth | Alberta Government | 09-01-17 11 Short Poems That Will Speak to Your Soul | Uplift Blog | 06-18-17 A Powerful Life Lesson from My Friend Scottie Mergaert | YegFitness Blog What It Really Means to Hold Space for Someone | Uplift Blog | 05-8-16 Canada’s Race Problem? It’s Even Worse Than America’s | Maclean’s | 01-22-15 ‘He Never Gives Up’: Why This Video of a Boy With Autism Zipping His Jacket is So Powerful | Today | 03-24-17 Education Articles Why Restorative Practices Benefit All Students | Edutopia | 11-23-16 PBL for Equity and Inclusion for Students with Disabilities | PBL Blog | 08-28-17 Developing a Growth Mindset in Teachers and Staff | Eductopia | 02-03-15 School Bullying is Down. Why Don’t Students Believe It? | MindShift | 05/11/17 Educational Podcasts

Catholic School Matters by Dr. Tim Uhl Listen: Episode 065 - ‘Values Based Restorative Discipline’: Lynn Lang

Current Events Discussion Topics

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Social Media

Click on tweet on the left to view the video.

Jagmeet later told the crowd:

“Listen, you know growing up as a brown-skinned turbaned, bearded man that I have faced things like this before. It’s not a problem, we can deal with it. There’s gonna be other obstacles we’re gonna face and we’re gonna face them with love and courage.”

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