Team Building with the Staff!
April 29, 2013
Celebrations and Accolades
The last 2 weeks have been a whirlwind and there is much to report in this week’s Principal Weblog!
At our staff retreat on April 18-19, we had a wonderful opportunity to take time to review our School Development Plan and to continue to build capacity to develop learning tasks that are engaging for all students. It was inspiring to see such energy from our staff and I was reminded about how lucky I feel to be working with teachers who care so much about our students.
We look forward to sharing the results of the planning that took place during the retreat with our School Council on Tuesday, April 30. As well, now that schools have received our budgets for the 2013 school year, we will share the data that we collected as a staff and look forward to hearing the perspective of our parents at our upcoming meeting.
Below is an example of a cross-curricular activity that was shared with our staff during the retreat. This activity came from one of our Professional Development groups who is focusing on how creativity can enrich student learning. This purpose of this project was to examine the effects of genetic modification in the form of a film adaptation. Please enjoy ' Pandora's Box' by Sasha and Shanna.
Congratulations to all of the participants of the Shave Your Lid For A Kid fundraiser! It was an incredible event and we are very proud to report that our school community was able to raise
over $52 000.00!!!! Danaye and Fuzzy from Virgin Radio were our MCs for the afternoon and there were over 60 participants who showed their support by shaving their hair. A special mention to the student representative from Kid's Cancer for sharing her brave story about her battle with cancer and for our talented musicians for rocking out the assembly! Who knew that we had such talent among us! Finally, thank you to Tatianna T. and Megan S. who brought the idea of this fundraiser to our school and spearheaded this initiative - it's great to see such strong leadership from our students.
The week that was…
over $52 000.00!!!! Danaye and Fuzzy from Virgin Radio were our MCs for the afternoon and there were over 60 participants who showed their support by shaving their hair. A special mention to the student representative from Kid's Cancer for sharing her brave story about her battle with cancer and for our talented musicians for rocking out the assembly! Who knew that we had such talent among us! Finally, thank you to Tatianna T. and Megan S. who brought the idea of this fundraiser to our school and spearheaded this initiative - it's great to see such strong leadership from our students.
The week that was…
[www.travel.nationalgeographic.com]
Grade 8 National Geographic Presentation
On Tuesday April 16, our Grade 8 students had an opportunity to listen to Catherine Karnow, a National Geographic Explorer speak at the Epcor Centre. Students learned how Vietnam is managing their modern day political and economic emergence into a competitive world. The students also reported that Ms. Karnow shared a multitude of breathtaking photos from National Geographic and from her experiences travelling. Thank you to Ms. C. Buchanan for organizing this enriched learning experience for our students. Learning how Vietnam has transformed into a financial and politically competitive nation was an excellent conclusion to our Japan study in Grade 8.
On Tuesday April 16, our Grade 8 students had an opportunity to listen to Catherine Karnow, a National Geographic Explorer speak at the Epcor Centre. Students learned how Vietnam is managing their modern day political and economic emergence into a competitive world. The students also reported that Ms. Karnow shared a multitude of breathtaking photos from National Geographic and from her experiences travelling. Thank you to Ms. C. Buchanan for organizing this enriched learning experience for our students. Learning how Vietnam has transformed into a financial and politically competitive nation was an excellent conclusion to our Japan study in Grade 8.
2013 West Coast Sailing and Kettle Valley Cycle Trips
Thank you to all of the parents and students who were able to attend the S.A.L.T.S. and Kettle Valley Cycle Trip Parent Info Meeting last Wednesday April 17. These trips will take place between September 30-October 4, 2013 with a limit of 27 students per trip. Since the meeting, there were many applications that were submitted to Mr. D. Jordan and Ms. J. Tuttle and we are pleased to report that the list of students is now posted outside of the Outdoor Ed classroom. Please stay tuned for upcoming information meetings. Although there remains a waiting list of 15 students who applied for the S.A.L.T.S. West Coast Sailing Trip, should any of those students be interested, there are still a few remaining spots available on the Kettle Valley Creek Cycling Trip. Please see Mr. D. Jordan for details.
Badminton Tournament
Congratulations to all of our students for participating in this year’s badminton season! We are very proud of the strong turnout of participants and the coaches reported that we had great success in all of our tournaments. A special thanks to the following coaches:
Grade 6 – Ms. J. Shantz & Ms. I. Plesu
Grade 7 – Ms. J. Somers & Mr. D. Jordan
Grade 8 – Mr. J. Nelner & Ms. E. Ungureanu
Grade 9 – M. C. Langlois
Thank you to all of the parents and students who were able to attend the S.A.L.T.S. and Kettle Valley Cycle Trip Parent Info Meeting last Wednesday April 17. These trips will take place between September 30-October 4, 2013 with a limit of 27 students per trip. Since the meeting, there were many applications that were submitted to Mr. D. Jordan and Ms. J. Tuttle and we are pleased to report that the list of students is now posted outside of the Outdoor Ed classroom. Please stay tuned for upcoming information meetings. Although there remains a waiting list of 15 students who applied for the S.A.L.T.S. West Coast Sailing Trip, should any of those students be interested, there are still a few remaining spots available on the Kettle Valley Creek Cycling Trip. Please see Mr. D. Jordan for details.
Badminton Tournament
Congratulations to all of our students for participating in this year’s badminton season! We are very proud of the strong turnout of participants and the coaches reported that we had great success in all of our tournaments. A special thanks to the following coaches:
Grade 6 – Ms. J. Shantz & Ms. I. Plesu
Grade 7 – Ms. J. Somers & Mr. D. Jordan
Grade 8 – Mr. J. Nelner & Ms. E. Ungureanu
Grade 9 – M. C. Langlois
Bishop Pinkham Music Parents Association
On Tuesday April 23, I was invited to attend the Bishop Pinkham Music Parents Association Meeting. I am looking forward to attending our upcoming casino on May 7 and 8 and have been given the honour of being named the General Manager on the May 7 evening shift! Although I had visions of the high-pressure turnover of a Las Vegas casino, I was assured that the organizers are very well versed and that it will be a fun evening. Mr. Marc Arsenault , our casino parent coordinator, will be sending out an email to volunteers with more information. All parents are welcome to attend our next BPMPA meeting on May 22 at 7pm in Mr. M. Kennedy’s room.
Health Day/PARTY Program
On the morning of Tuesday April 23, we had our first official BP Health Day. Mr. D. Jordan, our Learning Leader of Health Initiatives, coordinated a half-day where teachers worked in grade teams to build a program for all our students that focused on a targeted adolescent physical or emotional health issue most relevant to each age group. The following sessions were organized for each grade grouping:
Grade 6s
Courtesy of our Leadership Committee, the Grade 6s were treated to the ‘I am Proud’ Presentation that focused on lessons from We Day, featured a music video directed by our very own students, and several interactive games that centered around bullying. As well, the Grade 6s listened to Olympic Athlete Erica Morningstar who spoke to them regarding goal setting and her own personal experiences that allowed her to be the successful athlete that she is today.
Grade 7s
Our Grade 7 students participated in a panel presentation by student representatives from Speak Out Alberta. Students were divided into smaller groups to hear from the student representatives and discussed a variety of issues that affect our youth today.
Grade 8s
The Grade 8 students had a series of 6 presentations that focused on a variety of healthy image discussions. Some of the featured sessions included a paramedic, 2 Ph.D students discussing body image, a presentation from U of C on nutrition and media influence, another session from the Calgary Women's shelter to discuss 'Healthy Relationships' and a final presentation on bullying.
Grade 9s
While about half of our Grade 9s attended the P.A.R.T.Y. Program at the Foothills Hospital, the other half of our Grade 9s attended a modified session in the gym. The session at school, which was facilitated by a registered nurse and Calgary Police Services, focused on the consequences of risky behaviour. Although it was not always easy for our students to hear and experience the photos during the 2 hour presentation, but the impact was significant and will hopefully encourage our students to make healthy choices in their lives.
Civic Centre
On Wednesday April 24, our Grade 6s visited City Hall as part of their Social Studies unit on understanding and appreciating the dynamic relationship between governments and citizens in the democratic process. The Grade 6s were treated to a first class experience as they were toured around the Calgary Civic Complex by the very best tour guides from the City of Calgary. Thank you to Srta. Gilbertson and the Grade 6 teachers for coordinating this opportunity.
On Tuesday April 23, I was invited to attend the Bishop Pinkham Music Parents Association Meeting. I am looking forward to attending our upcoming casino on May 7 and 8 and have been given the honour of being named the General Manager on the May 7 evening shift! Although I had visions of the high-pressure turnover of a Las Vegas casino, I was assured that the organizers are very well versed and that it will be a fun evening. Mr. Marc Arsenault , our casino parent coordinator, will be sending out an email to volunteers with more information. All parents are welcome to attend our next BPMPA meeting on May 22 at 7pm in Mr. M. Kennedy’s room.
Health Day/PARTY Program
On the morning of Tuesday April 23, we had our first official BP Health Day. Mr. D. Jordan, our Learning Leader of Health Initiatives, coordinated a half-day where teachers worked in grade teams to build a program for all our students that focused on a targeted adolescent physical or emotional health issue most relevant to each age group. The following sessions were organized for each grade grouping:
Grade 6s
Courtesy of our Leadership Committee, the Grade 6s were treated to the ‘I am Proud’ Presentation that focused on lessons from We Day, featured a music video directed by our very own students, and several interactive games that centered around bullying. As well, the Grade 6s listened to Olympic Athlete Erica Morningstar who spoke to them regarding goal setting and her own personal experiences that allowed her to be the successful athlete that she is today.
Grade 7s
Our Grade 7 students participated in a panel presentation by student representatives from Speak Out Alberta. Students were divided into smaller groups to hear from the student representatives and discussed a variety of issues that affect our youth today.
Grade 8s
The Grade 8 students had a series of 6 presentations that focused on a variety of healthy image discussions. Some of the featured sessions included a paramedic, 2 Ph.D students discussing body image, a presentation from U of C on nutrition and media influence, another session from the Calgary Women's shelter to discuss 'Healthy Relationships' and a final presentation on bullying.
Grade 9s
While about half of our Grade 9s attended the P.A.R.T.Y. Program at the Foothills Hospital, the other half of our Grade 9s attended a modified session in the gym. The session at school, which was facilitated by a registered nurse and Calgary Police Services, focused on the consequences of risky behaviour. Although it was not always easy for our students to hear and experience the photos during the 2 hour presentation, but the impact was significant and will hopefully encourage our students to make healthy choices in their lives.
Civic Centre
On Wednesday April 24, our Grade 6s visited City Hall as part of their Social Studies unit on understanding and appreciating the dynamic relationship between governments and citizens in the democratic process. The Grade 6s were treated to a first class experience as they were toured around the Calgary Civic Complex by the very best tour guides from the City of Calgary. Thank you to Srta. Gilbertson and the Grade 6 teachers for coordinating this opportunity.
Staff and Student Dodgeball Extravaganza
As part of the fundraiser to support the Shave Your Lid For A Kid initiative, on Thursday April 25, staff and students participated in a very competitive lunchtime dodgeball tournament. While thoroughly entertaining, the students were excellent competitors and came out injury-free....the same cannot be said about the staff!
As part of the fundraiser to support the Shave Your Lid For A Kid initiative, on Thursday April 25, staff and students participated in a very competitive lunchtime dodgeball tournament. While thoroughly entertaining, the students were excellent competitors and came out injury-free....the same cannot be said about the staff!
We Day Presentation
A special thank you to our Leadership Committee last Thursday for sharing their ‘I am Proud’ presentation with the Grade 4s and 5s at Westgate and the Grade 6s at Jennie Elliot. Based on their experience at We Day this year, these 25 motivated students decided that they wanted to talk to kids younger than themselves about being proud of who they are. This was a dynamic presentation and we are also very proud of our young leaders and Ms. J. Tuttle who spent months preparing for this presentation.
This week…….
A special thank you to our Leadership Committee last Thursday for sharing their ‘I am Proud’ presentation with the Grade 4s and 5s at Westgate and the Grade 6s at Jennie Elliot. Based on their experience at We Day this year, these 25 motivated students decided that they wanted to talk to kids younger than themselves about being proud of who they are. This was a dynamic presentation and we are also very proud of our young leaders and Ms. J. Tuttle who spent months preparing for this presentation.
This week…….
Basilique Notre-Dame
Quebec 2013!
This week, 38 of our Grade 8 students will be touring through Montreal and Quebec City. The students left on Saturday April 27 and will be returning on Friday May 3. To see the daily updates and photos, please continue to check in with our Bishop Pinkham Facebook page or on our @bpbulletin twitter page.
School Council
All parents are welcome to join us on Tuesday April 30 at 6:30pm for next School Council Meeting in the Learning Commons. Along with our monthly reports, Ms. D. Blitt will be discussing the highlights of this year’s Arts Day and Ms. M. Crane will be sharing a recent draft of the proposed furniture and design layout for Learning Commons. We look forward to seeing you there!
RiverWatch
On Wednesday May 1st, our Grade 9 students will participate in the award winning RiverWatch Program. This trip is a scientific study of the Bow River aboard a raft, more precisely a floating laboratory. The Science team is very excited about this trip due to its great outcomes and its direct application in the classroom and to the curriculum. We would like to thank M. C. Langlois for coordinating this type field trip. We recognize that activities such as this one make science more relevant to students and allow them to explore environmental issues through hands-on activities on our main river system. Have fun rowing down the river!
This week, 38 of our Grade 8 students will be touring through Montreal and Quebec City. The students left on Saturday April 27 and will be returning on Friday May 3. To see the daily updates and photos, please continue to check in with our Bishop Pinkham Facebook page or on our @bpbulletin twitter page.
School Council
All parents are welcome to join us on Tuesday April 30 at 6:30pm for next School Council Meeting in the Learning Commons. Along with our monthly reports, Ms. D. Blitt will be discussing the highlights of this year’s Arts Day and Ms. M. Crane will be sharing a recent draft of the proposed furniture and design layout for Learning Commons. We look forward to seeing you there!
RiverWatch
On Wednesday May 1st, our Grade 9 students will participate in the award winning RiverWatch Program. This trip is a scientific study of the Bow River aboard a raft, more precisely a floating laboratory. The Science team is very excited about this trip due to its great outcomes and its direct application in the classroom and to the curriculum. We would like to thank M. C. Langlois for coordinating this type field trip. We recognize that activities such as this one make science more relevant to students and allow them to explore environmental issues through hands-on activities on our main river system. Have fun rowing down the river!
A little further ahead……
Track Season
Thank you to all of the students who have been attending the practices and try-outs during our track season. The coaches will be selecting students in the next 2 days and the teams will be posted outside of the Phys. Ed. Office. Parents, students will need to submit an Acknowledgment of Risk form prior to attending the Track Meet on Wednesday May 8 at Glenmore Athletic Park. Athletes can collect these from the office and we will also be emailing a copy home.
Grade 7 Outdoor Education Trip
On Thursday May 9, Grade 7 Outdoor Education students will be participating in a hiking trip in Ribbon Creek. The purpose of this day trip, led by C.P.A.W.S. (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) is to gain a better understanding of how plants and animals have adapted for survival in our mountain environment. It will touch on evidence that wildlife would leave behind to help with identification and our decision-making as it relates to finding animal evidence.
Track Season
Thank you to all of the students who have been attending the practices and try-outs during our track season. The coaches will be selecting students in the next 2 days and the teams will be posted outside of the Phys. Ed. Office. Parents, students will need to submit an Acknowledgment of Risk form prior to attending the Track Meet on Wednesday May 8 at Glenmore Athletic Park. Athletes can collect these from the office and we will also be emailing a copy home.
Grade 7 Outdoor Education Trip
On Thursday May 9, Grade 7 Outdoor Education students will be participating in a hiking trip in Ribbon Creek. The purpose of this day trip, led by C.P.A.W.S. (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) is to gain a better understanding of how plants and animals have adapted for survival in our mountain environment. It will touch on evidence that wildlife would leave behind to help with identification and our decision-making as it relates to finding animal evidence.
Pizza Lunch
Our School Council has scheduled another special lunch for Friday, May 10. This lunch will be will be provided by Little Caesars Pizza. Lunches must be ordered in advance - no later than Monday, May 6. You can order the lunch at www.HealthyHunger.ca. Thank you to the School Council for this fundraising initiative.
Grade 4&5 Tour and Open House
On Thursday May 9, the Grade 4 and 5s from Westgate will be coming to tour Bishop Pinkham in the morning and afternoon consecutively. This will be the first experience for these new students to tour our school and we look forward to sharing the programs and community of Bishop Pinkham.
We will be hosting our general Open House this year on Thursday, May 9 from 6:30-8:30pm. Please note that the Grade 4 and 5 parents of Westgate students are welcome to join us from 5:30-6:30pm in the library. This meeting will focus on providing updates on the planning process for next year and we would appreciate hearing feedback from parents in regards to the specific needs of our early learners.
Volunteer-a-thon
Beginning on May 6-16th, our students will be participating in our very first Volunteer-a-thon! Originally a fundraising idea brought forward from Parent Council, this year’s Volunteer-a-thon will focus on volunteering for its intrinsic rewards. Volunteer opportunities will be offered within the school, and students will be encouraged to get out into the community on their own time to further contribute.
This week, parents will be receiving a tracking sheet and email explaining some of the different ways that students can participate in this initiative. We encourage families to also take advantage of some of the links that we will share and volunteer as a family! The tracking sheet will be used on an honour system and each grade’s contributions will be featured loud and proud on a visual display in the front hallway.
Please note some of the upcoming dates for the Volunteer-a-thon:
Friday June 21 Schedule Update
This year, the Farewell Day that we have planned for our Grade 9s has fallen on a Friday. We recognize that this is a day of celebration and goodbyes for our students and that there is a great deal of planning that is required for the day to be a success. Due to this, we are planning on extending the hours on Friday June 21 to fall under the Monday-Thursday school schedule. We will also be sending this notice home in an email and including it in our webpage. Please note that for Grade 6-8, this will be a Sports Day.
Final Examinations
Students at Bishop Pinkham have final assessments in all their core classes. These assessments are all comprised of multiple parts which, when taken together, will assess students across a full rage of knowledge levels and allow students to demonstrate their learning in a number of different ways. The assessments will also be conducted across time.
The written component of the Grades 6 and 9 English Language Arts and French Language Arts Provincial Achievement Tests are scheduled in Mid-May. Students in grade 6 will write French Language Arts on Monday May 13 and English Language Arts on Wednesday May 15. For our grade 9 students, the order is reversed. We also have students write part of their final assessment in grades 7 and 8 while the PATs are scheduled, we will update you with that schedule when it has been confirmed. So, students will write according to the following schedule:
Monday May 13
grade 6 FLA PAT
grade 9 ELA PAT
grade 7 ELA Part A
grade 8 ELA Part A
Wednesday May 15
grade 6 ELA PAT
grade 9 [French] FLA PAT
grade 7 FLA Part A
grade 8 FLA Part A
Alternative arrangements are being made by the teachers for students who will miss scheduled tests because of school trips or other unavoidable causes.
The June assessments are found on the school calendar, which is available on our webpage.
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
Our School Council has scheduled another special lunch for Friday, May 10. This lunch will be will be provided by Little Caesars Pizza. Lunches must be ordered in advance - no later than Monday, May 6. You can order the lunch at www.HealthyHunger.ca. Thank you to the School Council for this fundraising initiative.
Grade 4&5 Tour and Open House
On Thursday May 9, the Grade 4 and 5s from Westgate will be coming to tour Bishop Pinkham in the morning and afternoon consecutively. This will be the first experience for these new students to tour our school and we look forward to sharing the programs and community of Bishop Pinkham.
We will be hosting our general Open House this year on Thursday, May 9 from 6:30-8:30pm. Please note that the Grade 4 and 5 parents of Westgate students are welcome to join us from 5:30-6:30pm in the library. This meeting will focus on providing updates on the planning process for next year and we would appreciate hearing feedback from parents in regards to the specific needs of our early learners.
Volunteer-a-thon
Beginning on May 6-16th, our students will be participating in our very first Volunteer-a-thon! Originally a fundraising idea brought forward from Parent Council, this year’s Volunteer-a-thon will focus on volunteering for its intrinsic rewards. Volunteer opportunities will be offered within the school, and students will be encouraged to get out into the community on their own time to further contribute.
This week, parents will be receiving a tracking sheet and email explaining some of the different ways that students can participate in this initiative. We encourage families to also take advantage of some of the links that we will share and volunteer as a family! The tracking sheet will be used on an honour system and each grade’s contributions will be featured loud and proud on a visual display in the front hallway.
Please note some of the upcoming dates for the Volunteer-a-thon:
- Friday, May 3: Short kickoff assembly
- May 6-16: All sorts of wonderful volunteering in and around the school!
- May 8-9: Grade 8s volunteer trip to The Mustard Seed
Friday June 21 Schedule Update
This year, the Farewell Day that we have planned for our Grade 9s has fallen on a Friday. We recognize that this is a day of celebration and goodbyes for our students and that there is a great deal of planning that is required for the day to be a success. Due to this, we are planning on extending the hours on Friday June 21 to fall under the Monday-Thursday school schedule. We will also be sending this notice home in an email and including it in our webpage. Please note that for Grade 6-8, this will be a Sports Day.
Final Examinations
Students at Bishop Pinkham have final assessments in all their core classes. These assessments are all comprised of multiple parts which, when taken together, will assess students across a full rage of knowledge levels and allow students to demonstrate their learning in a number of different ways. The assessments will also be conducted across time.
The written component of the Grades 6 and 9 English Language Arts and French Language Arts Provincial Achievement Tests are scheduled in Mid-May. Students in grade 6 will write French Language Arts on Monday May 13 and English Language Arts on Wednesday May 15. For our grade 9 students, the order is reversed. We also have students write part of their final assessment in grades 7 and 8 while the PATs are scheduled, we will update you with that schedule when it has been confirmed. So, students will write according to the following schedule:
Monday May 13
grade 6 FLA PAT
grade 9 ELA PAT
grade 7 ELA Part A
grade 8 ELA Part A
Wednesday May 15
grade 6 ELA PAT
grade 9 [French] FLA PAT
grade 7 FLA Part A
grade 8 FLA Part A
Alternative arrangements are being made by the teachers for students who will miss scheduled tests because of school trips or other unavoidable causes.
The June assessments are found on the school calendar, which is available on our webpage.
communication
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