January 20, 2014
Welcome to 2014! I hope that everybody had a wonderful and restful break with family and friends. My family decided to flee the cold and spend the time together in Hawaii. With our busy 7 year old, we took advantage of the outdoor sports, hikes and sites and snuck in a little beach time along the way. As much as we enjoyed our time together, it was great to get back to Calgary and get ready for all of the exciting activities that we have coming in January!
December was a whirlwind of activity and, in fact, it was so much of a whirlwind that I am only now able to share the many winter celebrations! December brought us Arts Day, the Talent Show, the 12 Days of Giving, our fantastic Winter Concert and we even managed to fundraise almost $800 to support the effort to help those affected by the Philippines typhoon disaster.
As well, in January, we will look forward to report cards, a MADD presentation, the Art Market, Hockey Week, High School Registration, Late Immersion Tours, our upcoming Healthy Hunger Lunch and our School Council meeting.
Welcome to 2014! I hope that everybody had a wonderful and restful break with family and friends. My family decided to flee the cold and spend the time together in Hawaii. With our busy 7 year old, we took advantage of the outdoor sports, hikes and sites and snuck in a little beach time along the way. As much as we enjoyed our time together, it was great to get back to Calgary and get ready for all of the exciting activities that we have coming in January!
December was a whirlwind of activity and, in fact, it was so much of a whirlwind that I am only now able to share the many winter celebrations! December brought us Arts Day, the Talent Show, the 12 Days of Giving, our fantastic Winter Concert and we even managed to fundraise almost $800 to support the effort to help those affected by the Philippines typhoon disaster.
As well, in January, we will look forward to report cards, a MADD presentation, the Art Market, Hockey Week, High School Registration, Late Immersion Tours, our upcoming Healthy Hunger Lunch and our School Council meeting.
Spanish & French Program Updates…
A couple of weeks ago, we received an update regarding the change of programs at Westgate and Bishop Pinkham, both the Decision Letter and Anticipated Questions were emailed home to parents. Since this information was shared, there have been many questions that have also been reported by various media. Parents had 5 days to appeal the decision in writing and now, as this information is being reviewed, we will be sure to keep our school community informed. In the meantime, please review the following information or contact me directly should you have any questions.
A couple of weeks ago, we received an update regarding the change of programs at Westgate and Bishop Pinkham, both the Decision Letter and Anticipated Questions were emailed home to parents. Since this information was shared, there have been many questions that have also been reported by various media. Parents had 5 days to appeal the decision in writing and now, as this information is being reviewed, we will be sure to keep our school community informed. In the meantime, please review the following information or contact me directly should you have any questions.
Report Cards…
Teachers are now in the process of finalizing their grades and comments for our upcoming report cards that will go home on January 30. As part of our transition to implementing a common K-9 report card in September 2014, parents will be noticing a significant difference to the comment section of the report card. All teachers will be basing their comments on the specific program outcomes and will be providing examples to demonstrate how students are meeting those particular areas of learning. Parents will notice that comments will be quite detailed, and we hope that this will provide effective feedback about how students are learning and also how they may move forward to increase their abilities, skills and knowledge.
We are hoping to hear feedback about this new process during our upcoming interviews on February 11 and 12. This input will then help guide the decisions that we make regarding the upcoming common report card.
Teachers are now in the process of finalizing their grades and comments for our upcoming report cards that will go home on January 30. As part of our transition to implementing a common K-9 report card in September 2014, parents will be noticing a significant difference to the comment section of the report card. All teachers will be basing their comments on the specific program outcomes and will be providing examples to demonstrate how students are meeting those particular areas of learning. Parents will notice that comments will be quite detailed, and we hope that this will provide effective feedback about how students are learning and also how they may move forward to increase their abilities, skills and knowledge.
We are hoping to hear feedback about this new process during our upcoming interviews on February 11 and 12. This input will then help guide the decisions that we make regarding the upcoming common report card.
Hockey Week...
This year, as part of our Comprehensive School Health Program, we are infusing the Health Program of Studies in all core classes. To support the Volunteerism component of the Grade 9 program, 9E2 led a fundraiser to support The Calgary Sledge Hockey Association. The Junior Calgary Venom Team captured, ‘Hockey Day in Canada’s’ attention when they saw the following youtube video; For the love of the game. When officials saw the video, they invited the team to represent Calgary at ‘Hockey Day in Canada’ on Saturday, January 18th in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. The cost for a bus was $3200 and the cost for a new sled was $850. After a very successful campaign of events that included a teacher lunch, raffle baskets, hockeygrams, bake sale and teacher/student scooter hockey game, the students raised over $800 to support the trip. Congratulations to supporting such a wonderful cause!
The following is a video that the team put together to thank Bishop Pinkham for our help and showing us the highlights of the weekend:
This year, as part of our Comprehensive School Health Program, we are infusing the Health Program of Studies in all core classes. To support the Volunteerism component of the Grade 9 program, 9E2 led a fundraiser to support The Calgary Sledge Hockey Association. The Junior Calgary Venom Team captured, ‘Hockey Day in Canada’s’ attention when they saw the following youtube video; For the love of the game. When officials saw the video, they invited the team to represent Calgary at ‘Hockey Day in Canada’ on Saturday, January 18th in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. The cost for a bus was $3200 and the cost for a new sled was $850. After a very successful campaign of events that included a teacher lunch, raffle baskets, hockeygrams, bake sale and teacher/student scooter hockey game, the students raised over $800 to support the trip. Congratulations to supporting such a wonderful cause!
The following is a video that the team put together to thank Bishop Pinkham for our help and showing us the highlights of the weekend:
December Reflections…
- Arts Day and Talent Show
Our annual Arts Day and student talent show was held on Thursday, December 5. The day began with 2 student talent shows; Grade 5/6 and also a Grade 7-9 talent show in which the talents of our Bishop Pinkham students were celebrated by the entire school.
Following the talent show students were offered two extended Arts-Day sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Students chose from among twenty arts-based workshops for each of these two sessions.
Workshops included:
African drumming – archery – artist trading cards - cartooning – creative cards – culinary adventure – fibre arts – garage band – gourmet cooking – hip hop – improvisation – iSPY photography - jewelry making – magic – printmaking experience – bollywood dancing – super clip - watercolour painting – yoga – zumba
Thanks to Ms D. Blitt and all our teachers who work to make Arts Day a success and to Mr. Khubyar for allowing the talent of our students to shine.
- Winter Concert
A special thank you to Mr. Kennedy for leading a fabulous concert experience on Tuesday, December 10. This year, we were treated to an array of choir, guitar, jazz and band performances in English, Spanish and French languages. It was truly an impressive experience to hear the students from all grades perform and it was incredible to know how far they have come from September – congratulations!
- Grade 9 Outdoor Education Wildlife Corridor Trip
On Wednesday December 10 and Friday, December 13, our Grade 9 Outdoor Education students participated in a successful daytrip to Banff to student wildlife corridors. This unique trip provided students with a behind-the-scenes look at how Parks Canada wardens protect and monitor wildlife corridors through the park. Thanks to Mr. D. Jordan for making this trip possible.
- Student Leadership Committee; 12 Days of Giving
Our leadership students' two weeks of giving campaign took place from December 3 - December 19 with a food collection and clothing drive. All food collected went to BP families in need and to the Calgary Food Bank.
Thanks to Ms J. Tuttle and her amazing student leadership committee for the positive difference they are making in our school.
- Holiday Celebration
We ended December with five grade-level holiday celebrations in the gymnasium. Students were treated to egg nog, a bake sale and music. There was a photo booth and an opportunity to write a wish to place on our Christmas tree. It was an opportunity for students to have a little fun and to socialize with their classmates prior to nearly three weeks away. Thanks to Ms, J. Tuttle and the leadership students for their work in organizing this event.
From the Bishop Pinkham Music Parent Association…
First off, we would like to welcome Katy Warke as our new President of the BPMPA. We very much appreciate her commitment to our Music Program and look forward to working with her on many musical initiatives!
The BPMPA had their meeting on Wednesday, January 8. During the meeting the following events were discussed and parents can anticipate that these dates will come very quickly:
Please note that the following meeting will be on Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00pm
First off, we would like to welcome Katy Warke as our new President of the BPMPA. We very much appreciate her commitment to our Music Program and look forward to working with her on many musical initiatives!
The BPMPA had their meeting on Wednesday, January 8. During the meeting the following events were discussed and parents can anticipate that these dates will come very quickly:
- Band Festival – The Grade 8 & 9 Bands and Jazz Band will be participating in the festival on February 20 and 21.
- Jazz Band Camp – Jazz Band students will be going to camp from April 14-16.
- Jazzy Desserts Evening – This will be open to all parents and will be a sweet and musical evening at Bishop Pinkham on May 1.
Please note that the following meeting will be on Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00pm
From our School Council...
The next meeting of our School Council will be held Tuesday, January 21 beginning at 6:30. We have invited our School Health Nurse Nancy McCaig and Tally Nixon from Alberta Health Services to discuss the results from the student Tell Them From Me survey. Based on the results, both of our guests will share insights as to how we can best support our students, we would like to encourage all available parents to attend, as this will be a valuable conversation. As well, we have invited Jill Tuttle and Elise Mullins, a local artist, to discuss a potential partnership with Bishop Pinkham to have an Artist in Residence program later this year.
This month, our Direct Donation total has reached $10,195.00. We very much appreciate everyone’s generosity and would like to share how we are spending these donations. Thanks to the Direct Donation Campaign, we have now been able to order our first phase of furniture for the Learning Commons. In December, the School Council approved a $10,000.00 order for tables and chairs. We anticipate spending $5000.00 on more chairs in January once the School Council has reviewed the current budget. Please note that the budget is based on both last year’s and this year’s contributions.
If you did not have an opportunity to contribute to our Direct Donation Campaign, we are still accepting donations throughout the year. Cheques can be made out to The Calgary Board of Education and delivered to the Bishop Pinkham school office. Thank you so much!
As well, on behalf of all our staff, once again, I would like to thank our School Council for coordinating the very kind teacher appreciation and generous gifts from all parents. The School Council delivered enough gifts for everyone on the staff along with instructions for a game for distributing the gifts. The game provided a lot of fun in our final day, and the delicious lunch and desserts were very much appreciated!
The next meeting of our School Council will be held Tuesday, January 21 beginning at 6:30. We have invited our School Health Nurse Nancy McCaig and Tally Nixon from Alberta Health Services to discuss the results from the student Tell Them From Me survey. Based on the results, both of our guests will share insights as to how we can best support our students, we would like to encourage all available parents to attend, as this will be a valuable conversation. As well, we have invited Jill Tuttle and Elise Mullins, a local artist, to discuss a potential partnership with Bishop Pinkham to have an Artist in Residence program later this year.
This month, our Direct Donation total has reached $10,195.00. We very much appreciate everyone’s generosity and would like to share how we are spending these donations. Thanks to the Direct Donation Campaign, we have now been able to order our first phase of furniture for the Learning Commons. In December, the School Council approved a $10,000.00 order for tables and chairs. We anticipate spending $5000.00 on more chairs in January once the School Council has reviewed the current budget. Please note that the budget is based on both last year’s and this year’s contributions.
If you did not have an opportunity to contribute to our Direct Donation Campaign, we are still accepting donations throughout the year. Cheques can be made out to The Calgary Board of Education and delivered to the Bishop Pinkham school office. Thank you so much!
As well, on behalf of all our staff, once again, I would like to thank our School Council for coordinating the very kind teacher appreciation and generous gifts from all parents. The School Council delivered enough gifts for everyone on the staff along with instructions for a game for distributing the gifts. The game provided a lot of fun in our final day, and the delicious lunch and desserts were very much appreciated!
The week that was…
Grade 9 Presentation - MADD Canada
On Friday, January 10, the Grade 9s had an opportunity to watch Smashed, MADD Canada's video representation of what can happen when students make life-changing decisions. The video, was a powerful dramatization about the tragic consequences when a young girl got into a car driven by a boy who was drinking alcohol, while her concerned friends followed them. The video ended with testimonials from real-life victims who shared their heartbreaking stories with the audience. Although it was a difficult presentation, teachers also took the time to follow-up with a conversation about how this story impacted our students.
Grade 9 Presentation - MADD Canada
On Friday, January 10, the Grade 9s had an opportunity to watch Smashed, MADD Canada's video representation of what can happen when students make life-changing decisions. The video, was a powerful dramatization about the tragic consequences when a young girl got into a car driven by a boy who was drinking alcohol, while her concerned friends followed them. The video ended with testimonials from real-life victims who shared their heartbreaking stories with the audience. Although it was a difficult presentation, teachers also took the time to follow-up with a conversation about how this story impacted our students.
Art Market
This year, we had our first ever-annual Bishop Pinkham Art Market. This event was open to all students and allowed our budding artists to not only showcase their artwork but also to sell their art for fair value to students and teachers. This was an authentic opportunity for students to experience and understand how a market works on a small scale. Artists were given the cafeteria for their space and split their profits with our school on a 60:40 basis. It was incredible to hear the positive feedback for the artists and over a period of 2 hours, students accumulated over $1200.00 in profits.
As well, Mr. Kennedy’s guitar students also showed their musical skills by playing various songs to the crowd. Again, it was a valuable experience for students to showcase their musical talents in an informal environment.
Congratulations to all of the artists and thank you to all of the students and staff who supported and purchased artwork and listened to some great music! Great work BP!
This year, we had our first ever-annual Bishop Pinkham Art Market. This event was open to all students and allowed our budding artists to not only showcase their artwork but also to sell their art for fair value to students and teachers. This was an authentic opportunity for students to experience and understand how a market works on a small scale. Artists were given the cafeteria for their space and split their profits with our school on a 60:40 basis. It was incredible to hear the positive feedback for the artists and over a period of 2 hours, students accumulated over $1200.00 in profits.
As well, Mr. Kennedy’s guitar students also showed their musical skills by playing various songs to the crowd. Again, it was a valuable experience for students to showcase their musical talents in an informal environment.
Congratulations to all of the artists and thank you to all of the students and staff who supported and purchased artwork and listened to some great music! Great work BP!
This week…
Grade 6 Trip to the Leighton Art Centre
On Wednesday, January 22, our Grade 6 students will be attending a day-long field trip at the Leighton Art Centre. Pictures and updates from the trip will be posted on our Facebook page. Thanks to Ms M. Crane, Ms J. Tuttle, Srta. Gilbertson and Mme Sheena for making this trip possible.
Grade 7 Bridge Fest
We are very excited about the upcoming Grade 7 Bridge Fest that will occur this Wednesday, January 22. In this annual event, all Grade 7 students design, build, and then test a bridge design. Many parents are well aware of this project, as they have been seeing our young engineers hard at work on evenings and weekends.
The big day is when students' bridges will all be set-up and then put to the test to see how much weight they can support before they fail.
I would like to acknowledge M. J. Boivin's leadership in the annual Bridge Fest and the hard work and enthusiasm of our other Grade 7 Mathematics/Science teachers, Ms E. Fulton nad Mr D Jordan.
Career & Technology Centre Open House
This Thursday, January 23, at the Career & Technology Centre, there will be an Open House for all students and their parents/guardians to attend beginning at 7:00pm. There will be guest speakers from Apprenticeship Alberta, current students, and industry experts to discuss the benefits of the available programs. As well, students and parents will have an opportunity to tour the facility until 8:30pm.
Reminder: Updated calendar PDF
This is a friendly reminder that Friday, January 24 is a regular school day. We had updated the School Calendar earlier this year, but have received a couple of questions in recent weeks.
Grade 6 Trip to the Leighton Art Centre
On Wednesday, January 22, our Grade 6 students will be attending a day-long field trip at the Leighton Art Centre. Pictures and updates from the trip will be posted on our Facebook page. Thanks to Ms M. Crane, Ms J. Tuttle, Srta. Gilbertson and Mme Sheena for making this trip possible.
Grade 7 Bridge Fest
We are very excited about the upcoming Grade 7 Bridge Fest that will occur this Wednesday, January 22. In this annual event, all Grade 7 students design, build, and then test a bridge design. Many parents are well aware of this project, as they have been seeing our young engineers hard at work on evenings and weekends.
The big day is when students' bridges will all be set-up and then put to the test to see how much weight they can support before they fail.
I would like to acknowledge M. J. Boivin's leadership in the annual Bridge Fest and the hard work and enthusiasm of our other Grade 7 Mathematics/Science teachers, Ms E. Fulton nad Mr D Jordan.
Career & Technology Centre Open House
This Thursday, January 23, at the Career & Technology Centre, there will be an Open House for all students and their parents/guardians to attend beginning at 7:00pm. There will be guest speakers from Apprenticeship Alberta, current students, and industry experts to discuss the benefits of the available programs. As well, students and parents will have an opportunity to tour the facility until 8:30pm.
Reminder: Updated calendar PDF
This is a friendly reminder that Friday, January 24 is a regular school day. We had updated the School Calendar earlier this year, but have received a couple of questions in recent weeks.
BP Athletics
- Monday, January 20 - Junior Girls Basketball [Host- A.E. Cross]
- Tuesday, January 21 - Junior Boys Basketball [Host – A.E. Cross]
- Wednesday, January 22 - Senior Girls Basketball [Host – Queen Elizabeth]
- Thursday, January 23 - Senior Boys Basketball [Host – Vincent Massey]
Healthy Hunger - Upcoming Fun Lunches at Bishop Pinkham School
Pita Pit – Friday, January 24
Pita Pit – Friday, January 24
- We are having a pita lunch on Friday, January 24 and the cut-off to order will be on Sunday, January 19.
- We are having a Wok Box lunch on Friday, Friday 28 and the cut-off to order will be on Sunday, February 23.
- We are having a pizza lunch on Friday, March 14 and the cut-off to order will be on Sunday, March 9.
A little later…
High School Registration Information
High School Counsellors from Western Canada, Central Memorial and Ernest Manning will be having their first visit with the Grade 9 classes over the next couple of weeks. Students will be given the Course Registration Guides and have an opportunity to complete a rough copy of their registration. Parents, you will be asked to review this with your student and to sign your confirmation prior to the Counsellors second visit to the school in February
Upcoming Late Immersion Tours
Over the next couple of weeks, Mme Sheena will begin her annual Late Immersion tour to encourage interested Grade 6 students to think about the benefits of learning a second language. Mme Sheena and a team of keen Late Immersion students will visit Grade 6 students from Jennie Elliott, Sunalta, Olympic Heights, Wildwood and Battalion Park Schools.
Open House
Don't forget that our Open House will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. Tour the school from 6:00 - 8:00 to get a flavour of what happens at BP from day-to-day and attend program-specific information sessions in the Gymnasium [6:00-6:30 Continuing French Immersion and Spanish Bilingual - 6:30-7:00 Late French Immersion - 7:00-7:30 Grades 7-9 English].
High School Registration Information
High School Counsellors from Western Canada, Central Memorial and Ernest Manning will be having their first visit with the Grade 9 classes over the next couple of weeks. Students will be given the Course Registration Guides and have an opportunity to complete a rough copy of their registration. Parents, you will be asked to review this with your student and to sign your confirmation prior to the Counsellors second visit to the school in February
Upcoming Late Immersion Tours
Over the next couple of weeks, Mme Sheena will begin her annual Late Immersion tour to encourage interested Grade 6 students to think about the benefits of learning a second language. Mme Sheena and a team of keen Late Immersion students will visit Grade 6 students from Jennie Elliott, Sunalta, Olympic Heights, Wildwood and Battalion Park Schools.
Open House
Don't forget that our Open House will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. Tour the school from 6:00 - 8:00 to get a flavour of what happens at BP from day-to-day and attend program-specific information sessions in the Gymnasium [6:00-6:30 Continuing French Immersion and Spanish Bilingual - 6:30-7:00 Late French Immersion - 7:00-7:30 Grades 7-9 English].
Grade 9 Graduation Photographs
In another sign that the school year is moving quickly, our Grade 9 students will be having their 'graduation' photographs taken on Wednesday, February 5. These are the photographs that will be used in the yearbook and on the composite photograph that will be mounted in our East hallway. This will be the photograph that they will show their children one day so that they can see how their mother or father looked in Grade 9.
In another sign that the school year is moving quickly, our Grade 9 students will be having their 'graduation' photographs taken on Wednesday, February 5. These are the photographs that will be used in the yearbook and on the composite photograph that will be mounted in our East hallway. This will be the photograph that they will show their children one day so that they can see how their mother or father looked in Grade 9.
Invitation: Science Cafe on Inclusivity in Language Education
On Thursday, February 6, from 7:00 until 9:00 pm, the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Culture of the University of Calgary is hosting a Science Café at Commonwealth Bar (733 - 10 Avenue SW).
The event, entitled “Is Language Learning for Everyone?", is meant to provide information about diversity of students learning an additional languages over the lifespan.
The three experts on the panel will include:
The goal of the café is to present the facts surrounding the benefits of knowing multiple languages. More importantly, though, they want to get people talking about some of the more controversial topics, misconceptions and the practical implications.
From the Chief Superintendent…
On Thursday, February 6, from 7:00 until 9:00 pm, the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Culture of the University of Calgary is hosting a Science Café at Commonwealth Bar (733 - 10 Avenue SW).
The event, entitled “Is Language Learning for Everyone?", is meant to provide information about diversity of students learning an additional languages over the lifespan.
The three experts on the panel will include:
- Jessica de Villiers [Department of English, University of British Columbia]
- Andrea MacLeod [School of Speech Therapy and Audiology, Université de Montréal]
- E. Anne Hughson [Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary]
The goal of the café is to present the facts surrounding the benefits of knowing multiple languages. More importantly, though, they want to get people talking about some of the more controversial topics, misconceptions and the practical implications.
From the Chief Superintendent…
Communication
e-mail
We are using e-mail more now to provide directly-relevant information to BP families. Most teachers use e-mail as their primary communication tool with parents. Staff e-mail addresses are found on our webpage at: staff contact list. Send a note to [email protected] with your child's name and we will make sure that your address is added to our records.
social media
We are continuing to increase our use of the school Facebook page and Twitter accounts. If you 'like' our Facebook page at bit.ly/bishoppinkhamfacebook, daily updates will find their way into your News Feed. Following @bpbulletin will provide you with daily updates, as well.
school webpage
The webpage at cbe.ab.ca/b645 will continue to contain much of the important information for parents, including calendars and bus information. We will try to keep it as updated as possible with the information it contains.
contact me
As always, I welcome your comments, questions, and concerns by e-mail at [email protected] or telephone at 403 777-7840 [2123]
Thank you - Michelle Howell, Principal
Bishop Pinkham School
We are using e-mail more now to provide directly-relevant information to BP families. Most teachers use e-mail as their primary communication tool with parents. Staff e-mail addresses are found on our webpage at: staff contact list. Send a note to [email protected] with your child's name and we will make sure that your address is added to our records.
social media
We are continuing to increase our use of the school Facebook page and Twitter accounts. If you 'like' our Facebook page at bit.ly/bishoppinkhamfacebook, daily updates will find their way into your News Feed. Following @bpbulletin will provide you with daily updates, as well.
school webpage
The webpage at cbe.ab.ca/b645 will continue to contain much of the important information for parents, including calendars and bus information. We will try to keep it as updated as possible with the information it contains.
contact me
As always, I welcome your comments, questions, and concerns by e-mail at [email protected] or telephone at 403 777-7840 [2123]
Thank you - Michelle Howell, Principal
Bishop Pinkham School