Today we will observe and celebrate Orange Shirt Day (which officially falls on September 30^th and is now recognized as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation). The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Our recognition of and reflection on the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is an important part of our learning journey.

The “orange shirt” in Orange Shirt Day refers to the new shirt that Phyllis Webstad was given to her by her grandmother for her first day of school at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school in British Columbia. When Phyllis got to school, they took away her clothes, including her new orange shirt, which was never returned. We invite all school community members – students, staff, and families – to wear the colour orange.