Hello Runnymede Jr & Sr PS Families!
Runnymede School Council is joining with 22 other area schools in an “art action” to acknowledge and honour the 215 children whose remains were found buried at the Kamloops residential school last week.
On Friday June 4, schools across Toronto’s west end are tying 215 orange ribbons at each participating school and leaving messages of support, love and commitment to decolonization in chalk on the sidewalk.
We are inviting all Runnymede families that wish to participate to come to the Runnymede Road yard (fence next to the basketball courts) between 2:30 and 4:00pm this Friday, June 4 to tie a ribbon on the fence and to write a message in chalk to show your commitment to taking further actions of reconciliation in support of generations of First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities across Canada.
Volunteers will be onsite to provide orange ribbons and assist with social distancing. Please bring your own chalk – we will have some available if needed. Please wear a mask and remain two metres apart from anyone outside your family. Your support with this request is greatly appreciated.
If you want to participate but have concerns about gathering, you are welcome to add to the chalk art on your own after 4pm (or even over the weekend!).
Some suggested calls to action to support the Indigenous community provided by the Organizer of this multi-school event, Ayan Kailie:
• Make a donation to an Indigenous-led charity.
• Talk to your children and/or read them a book about residential schools.
• Talk to your children about what racism is and how to end racism.
• Talk to your children about stereotypes and why they are dangerous.
• Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report.
• Support Indigenous artists and businesses.
• Listen to Indigenous communities, their elders and support what they are asking for from government and non-Indigenous Canadians.
We have included links to some charity and book resources that may be helpful.
We hope to see you there!
Runnymede School Council
Below is a list of participating schools confirmed to-date:
Brock P.S
Carleton Village Junior and Senior P.S
City View Alternative Senior P.S
Clinton Street Junior P.S
Dovercourt P.S
Fern Avenue Junior and Senior P.S
Garden Avenue Junior PS
Holy Family Catholic School
Howard Junior P.S
Humbercrest P.S
Humberside C.I
Indian Road Cresent Junior and Senior P.S
Parkdale Junior and Senior P.S
Pauline P.S
Perth Avenue Junior P.S
Queen Victoria P.S
Runnymede P.S
Shirley Street Junior P.S
St. Cecilia Catholic School
Sunnylea Junior P.S
Swansea Junior and Senior P.S
The Grove Community School
Western Technical Commercial School
Runnymede Public School Council 