October 27, 2014
Parent-Teacher Interview Survey Feedback
Thanks to the parents who provided feedback to us regarding our Parent-Teacher Interviews. Parents shared that they liked the 15-minute interview blocks for teachers who taught more than one subject to their child, but preferred 10 minutes for teachers who only taught one subject. As well, parents shared that they felt that they could contact teachers informally if they had questions but preferred to meet during formal opportunities, such as the interviews.
We found that increasing the interview time to 15 minutes blocks, led to some teachers schedules being filled-up. For parents who were not able to meet with teachers, we would encourage you to contact teachers directly to coordinate a conversation about your child’s progress. We value these conversations and also would like to highlight that these discussions can take place throughout the year.
Inspiration...
Speaking of feedback...this Ted Talk video grabbed my attention this week when I heard 15 year-old Tavi Gevinson share her thoughts on finding strong female, teenage role models. I hope that our students take the time to listen to this wise girl speak!
Speaking of feedback...this Ted Talk video grabbed my attention this week when I heard 15 year-old Tavi Gevinson share her thoughts on finding strong female, teenage role models. I hope that our students take the time to listen to this wise girl speak!
Direct Donation - Library Resources
Each year, through the School Council, we rely on Direct Donation to purchase much needed learning tools, which are used by the entire student body. Last year, parents donated over $11,000.00, which was used to purchase comfortable and versatile furniture for the Learning Commons. This is traditionally known as the library although it also houses the computer lab and provides essential space for students to work independently or in small groups.
This year the consensus from teachers was that our students would greatly benefit with updates to our library resources. These resources would include fiction and non-fiction in English, French and Spanish as well as dictionaries and professional learning resources. The second priority from Direct Donation dollars is the purchase of 30 laptops to be used by all classes.
Please see the Direct Donation letter that was emailed in this week's update for information regarding this year’s campaign. Although we are asking families to contribute $100 per child, we would gratefully accept any amount that families can donate. Thank you so much!
Staffing Update
We are pleased to share that based on our extra enrolment as of the end of September, we received some additional funding to hire a .5 teacher. After reviewing our current timetable, we have chosen to offer more support in Resource, as well as 4 additional complementary classes.
We have now hired Jennifer LeBlanc, who is a graduate from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Education and also received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Lethbridge. Ms. LeBlanc will also be teaching two ELA 7 classes, Drama 7 and an Exploration of the Fine & Performing Arts 8 class.
Noon Hour Supervision – Thank You!
As already mentioned in previous updates, in consultation with the Grade 5 students, we were seeking Grade 9 student supervisors to assist with outdoor supervision. We are very pleased to announce that some wonderful Grade 9 volunteers did step forward and have now begun to assist with this leadership opportunity. Please join me in thanking the following students for their dedication and leadership in our community:
High School Tour Dates - Updated
Each year, through the School Council, we rely on Direct Donation to purchase much needed learning tools, which are used by the entire student body. Last year, parents donated over $11,000.00, which was used to purchase comfortable and versatile furniture for the Learning Commons. This is traditionally known as the library although it also houses the computer lab and provides essential space for students to work independently or in small groups.
This year the consensus from teachers was that our students would greatly benefit with updates to our library resources. These resources would include fiction and non-fiction in English, French and Spanish as well as dictionaries and professional learning resources. The second priority from Direct Donation dollars is the purchase of 30 laptops to be used by all classes.
Please see the Direct Donation letter that was emailed in this week's update for information regarding this year’s campaign. Although we are asking families to contribute $100 per child, we would gratefully accept any amount that families can donate. Thank you so much!
Staffing Update
We are pleased to share that based on our extra enrolment as of the end of September, we received some additional funding to hire a .5 teacher. After reviewing our current timetable, we have chosen to offer more support in Resource, as well as 4 additional complementary classes.
We have now hired Jennifer LeBlanc, who is a graduate from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Education and also received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Lethbridge. Ms. LeBlanc will also be teaching two ELA 7 classes, Drama 7 and an Exploration of the Fine & Performing Arts 8 class.
Noon Hour Supervision – Thank You!
As already mentioned in previous updates, in consultation with the Grade 5 students, we were seeking Grade 9 student supervisors to assist with outdoor supervision. We are very pleased to announce that some wonderful Grade 9 volunteers did step forward and have now begun to assist with this leadership opportunity. Please join me in thanking the following students for their dedication and leadership in our community:
- Rachel B.– 9F2
- Megan K. – 9F2
- Vanessa C. - 9F2
- Sydney K. – 9E2
- Dania V.– 9F2
High School Tour Dates - Updated
Please note that some of the high school tour dates have been changed since last week’s update. The following are the correct dates. As well, we have added William Aberhart’s tour date, which is the designated school for our Spanish Bilingual students.
Should there be French Immersion or Spanish Bilingual students seriously interested in attending their English designated school next year, we will ask parents to email Mme. MacPhee [French Immersion Program] or Srta. Gilbertson [Spanish Bilingual Program] to give your child permission to attend an additional tour. This is to ensure that we have accurate student numbers for appropriate transportation and supervision ratios.
Central Memorial [All Programs]
- November 19 [Student Tour]
- November 20 [Open House at 7pm]
- November 18 [Student Tour]
- November 27 [Open House at 7pm
- November 19 [Student Tour]
- November 19 [Open House at 7pm]
- December 4 [Student Tour]
- December 4 [Open House at 7pm]
French Immersion & IB Information Meeting
As well, a friendly reminder that there will be an IB info meeting in rm. 24 on Tuesday October 28. Martin Poirier, Principal of Western Canada, will be hosting the meeting and answer any questions that our Grade 9 students may have.
Nominate a Teacher for Excellence in Teaching
The 2015 Excellence in Teaching Awards program is now open and accepting nominations for outstanding teachers and principals. These annual awards recognize and celebrate the many contributions teachers and principals make to student learning. We encourage you to consider nominating an outstanding CBE teacher. Let them know how much you appreciate their dedication to teaching excellence and the difference they are making in the lives of our students.
For more information on how you can nominate, visit: http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/excellence.aspx
The 2015 Excellence in Teaching Awards program is now open and accepting nominations for outstanding teachers and principals. These annual awards recognize and celebrate the many contributions teachers and principals make to student learning. We encourage you to consider nominating an outstanding CBE teacher. Let them know how much you appreciate their dedication to teaching excellence and the difference they are making in the lives of our students.
For more information on how you can nominate, visit: http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/excellence.aspx
The week that was…
From the School Council
Thank you to all parents who attended our meeting this week. We would like to thank Mme. R. LeBlanc for sharing all of the Grade 5 & 6 updates and for answering our questions. As well, we would like to thank the BPMPA for their role in the Entertainment Book fundraiser. We are very appreciative to be sharing the $11, 440.00 profit and will now be able to purchase some soft seating options for the Learning Commons.
Please note that our next meeting will be on Tuesday November 25. This will be a shortened meeting, as we have tentatively invited Constable Duchesney, a Calgary Police Service Cybercrime Education Officer, to speak about Internet Safety with our parents. Once we confirm this date, we will share further details about the agenda.
We have been asked by our Communication Coordinators that all parents, interested in receiving communication about grade-specific events, please share their emails with the following parents.
Grade 5: Tammy Peter [[email protected]]
Grade 6: Sarah Nicholson [[email protected]]
Grade 7: Susan Fatovich [[email protected]]
Grade 8: Michelle Sanchez [[email protected]]
Grade 9: Pamela Gee [[email protected]]
The teachers and administration would also like to thank the School Council for a brand new toaster oven that was donated to the staff room. It was very kind of the parents to give us this wonderful gift and we are very appreciative of the generosity from our parent community!
From the School Council
Thank you to all parents who attended our meeting this week. We would like to thank Mme. R. LeBlanc for sharing all of the Grade 5 & 6 updates and for answering our questions. As well, we would like to thank the BPMPA for their role in the Entertainment Book fundraiser. We are very appreciative to be sharing the $11, 440.00 profit and will now be able to purchase some soft seating options for the Learning Commons.
Please note that our next meeting will be on Tuesday November 25. This will be a shortened meeting, as we have tentatively invited Constable Duchesney, a Calgary Police Service Cybercrime Education Officer, to speak about Internet Safety with our parents. Once we confirm this date, we will share further details about the agenda.
We have been asked by our Communication Coordinators that all parents, interested in receiving communication about grade-specific events, please share their emails with the following parents.
Grade 5: Tammy Peter [[email protected]]
Grade 6: Sarah Nicholson [[email protected]]
Grade 7: Susan Fatovich [[email protected]]
Grade 8: Michelle Sanchez [[email protected]]
Grade 9: Pamela Gee [[email protected]]
The teachers and administration would also like to thank the School Council for a brand new toaster oven that was donated to the staff room. It was very kind of the parents to give us this wonderful gift and we are very appreciative of the generosity from our parent community!
From the Bishop Pinkham Music Parents Association
The BPMPA is the primary parent fundraising body for Bishop Pinkham School. We are the stewards of a large budget that is used to support Bishop Pinkham's music and many other complimentary programs.
On Wednesday, October 22, the BPMPA voted to spend almost $23,000.00 in support of the Bishop Pinkham Phys Ed and Complementary Programs, which will benefit our entire school community.
Specific items approved include:
Katy Warke - President
Kathy Warren - Vice-President
Judy Kondo-Turner - Treasurer
Kara Wilfley - Secretary
Jodi Rea - General Director
Hooman Mahjoobi - General Director
Carol Davies - Casino Co-ordinator
Please note that our next meeting will be on Wednesday November 26 at 7:00pm in the Music Room.
The BPMPA is the primary parent fundraising body for Bishop Pinkham School. We are the stewards of a large budget that is used to support Bishop Pinkham's music and many other complimentary programs.
On Wednesday, October 22, the BPMPA voted to spend almost $23,000.00 in support of the Bishop Pinkham Phys Ed and Complementary Programs, which will benefit our entire school community.
Specific items approved include:
- Class set Cross-Country Skis ($3,800)
- Class set Snowshoes ($2,600)
- 2 High Jump Crash mats ($2,700)
- Miscellaneous Phys Ed equipment ($500)
- Transportation to Western Matinee (Drama) ($600)
- 70 Chairs for Foods and Art Classrooms ($6,600)
- Artist-in-Residence 8-day residency program ($5,600)
Katy Warke - President
Kathy Warren - Vice-President
Judy Kondo-Turner - Treasurer
Kara Wilfley - Secretary
Jodi Rea - General Director
Hooman Mahjoobi - General Director
Carol Davies - Casino Co-ordinator
Please note that our next meeting will be on Wednesday November 26 at 7:00pm in the Music Room.
Panther Pride
As our Fall athletics are coming to a close, we would like to congratulate our teams and coaches on an outstanding season. Both our boys and girls soccer teams played their final games on October 21 and October 15. As well, this is the final week of our regular season games for volleyball and next week will be the playoffs for the top 4 schools in each of our volleyball leagues. Good luck to our teams – Go Panthers!
This week…
Photo Retakes
This is a final reminder that photo retakes will be on Monday October 27. For online ordering information, please go to mylifetouch.ca and order using their Portrait ID and Access Code.
As our Fall athletics are coming to a close, we would like to congratulate our teams and coaches on an outstanding season. Both our boys and girls soccer teams played their final games on October 21 and October 15. As well, this is the final week of our regular season games for volleyball and next week will be the playoffs for the top 4 schools in each of our volleyball leagues. Good luck to our teams – Go Panthers!
This week…
Photo Retakes
This is a final reminder that photo retakes will be on Monday October 27. For online ordering information, please go to mylifetouch.ca and order using their Portrait ID and Access Code.
Take Our Kids to Work Day
On Monday October 27, Grade 9 students will be receiving information regarding the national initiative Take Our Kids to Work Day (TOKW). On Wednesday November 5, thousands of students from across Canada will be going to their parent/guardian workplaces to better understand the world of work and future career opportunities. Should you be interested in participating, please note that we will ask students to submit the permission form to the office from the brochure that they will bring home on Monday. More information can be found at www.thelearningpartnership.ca.
2014 BP Art Market
On Tuesday October 28, there will be an information meeting for students interested in participating in our 2nd annual BP Art Market. Inspired by the local monthly Calgary Market Collective, On Friday December 12, students will have an opportunity to display a collection of their work, share with their peers, learn from fellow artists, experience the reality of artwork sales, and potentially make some money! This is open to all grades but space is limited. Please attend Tuesday’s meeting for more information.
On Monday October 27, Grade 9 students will be receiving information regarding the national initiative Take Our Kids to Work Day (TOKW). On Wednesday November 5, thousands of students from across Canada will be going to their parent/guardian workplaces to better understand the world of work and future career opportunities. Should you be interested in participating, please note that we will ask students to submit the permission form to the office from the brochure that they will bring home on Monday. More information can be found at www.thelearningpartnership.ca.
2014 BP Art Market
On Tuesday October 28, there will be an information meeting for students interested in participating in our 2nd annual BP Art Market. Inspired by the local monthly Calgary Market Collective, On Friday December 12, students will have an opportunity to display a collection of their work, share with their peers, learn from fellow artists, experience the reality of artwork sales, and potentially make some money! This is open to all grades but space is limited. Please attend Tuesday’s meeting for more information.
Halloween Activities
We are very much looking forward to our upcoming Halloween extravaganza on Thursday October 30! Please review the following notes about the day with your child:
• Attendance: This is a regular school day and all students are expected to attend the entire day. Events such as this one build community amongst our students and staff and are also important to help our students learn how to make those important connections. Thank you for your support!
• Costumes: This is a dress-up day! No weapons, masks or inappropriate costumes (the dress code still applies!).
• Dance: All grades will be invited to dance together in the Main Gym. We have hired a DJ company that has been paid for with some of the funds from the Entertainment Books.
• Photobooth: Students can have their photo taken in the band hallway (.25 cents per photo)
• Costume Contest: The BPLC will host a costume contest in the gymnasium.
• Other Activities: Additionally, there will be other activities around the school such as a craft room, games room and movie room.
Reminder – Non-Instructional Day
We would like to remind parents that there will be no school on Friday October 31. During their day off, students will be able to fully get into the Halloween spirit, while teachers work together to focus on developing meaningful tasks for students.
The week-at-a-glance
Monday October 27
o Picture Retakes
o Junior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00/5:40pm at Vincent Massey)
Tuesday October 28
o Art Market Information Meeting
o Gr. 9 French Immersion and IB meeting at lunch
o Junior Girls Volleyball (4:15/5:00/5:40pm at BP)
Thursday October 30
o Halloween Activities [pm only]
Friday October 31
o Non-Instructional Day - no students
We are very much looking forward to our upcoming Halloween extravaganza on Thursday October 30! Please review the following notes about the day with your child:
• Attendance: This is a regular school day and all students are expected to attend the entire day. Events such as this one build community amongst our students and staff and are also important to help our students learn how to make those important connections. Thank you for your support!
• Costumes: This is a dress-up day! No weapons, masks or inappropriate costumes (the dress code still applies!).
• Dance: All grades will be invited to dance together in the Main Gym. We have hired a DJ company that has been paid for with some of the funds from the Entertainment Books.
• Photobooth: Students can have their photo taken in the band hallway (.25 cents per photo)
• Costume Contest: The BPLC will host a costume contest in the gymnasium.
• Other Activities: Additionally, there will be other activities around the school such as a craft room, games room and movie room.
Reminder – Non-Instructional Day
We would like to remind parents that there will be no school on Friday October 31. During their day off, students will be able to fully get into the Halloween spirit, while teachers work together to focus on developing meaningful tasks for students.
The week-at-a-glance
Monday October 27
o Picture Retakes
o Junior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00/5:40pm at Vincent Massey)
Tuesday October 28
o Art Market Information Meeting
o Gr. 9 French Immersion and IB meeting at lunch
o Junior Girls Volleyball (4:15/5:00/5:40pm at BP)
Thursday October 30
o Halloween Activities [pm only]
Friday October 31
o Non-Instructional Day - no students
A Little Later…
Band Camp
On November 3-5, Mr. Kennedy will be taking our Grade 8 & 9 students to band camp at Camp Caroline. This is an opportunity for students to attend the residential music workshop to further their musical ability by participating in intensive rehearsals with professional musicians, work with a guest conductor, and grow and bond as a team.
Grade 6 Outdoor School
Our Grade 6 team is looking forward to taking our students to Kamp Kiwanis for the upcoming Outdoor School trip. All of our grade 6 students are scheduled to attend Outdoor School from November 4-7. Thank you to Mme. Neeser and the Grade 6 team for coordinating this amazing learning opportunity.
Grade 7 Outdoor Ed Climbing Trip
On Wednesday November 5, Mr. Jordan will be taking interested Grade 7 Outdoor Ed students on a half-day trip to the Calgary Climbing Center. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their skills and put into practice what they have learning on our school climbing wall.
Band Camp
On November 3-5, Mr. Kennedy will be taking our Grade 8 & 9 students to band camp at Camp Caroline. This is an opportunity for students to attend the residential music workshop to further their musical ability by participating in intensive rehearsals with professional musicians, work with a guest conductor, and grow and bond as a team.
Grade 6 Outdoor School
Our Grade 6 team is looking forward to taking our students to Kamp Kiwanis for the upcoming Outdoor School trip. All of our grade 6 students are scheduled to attend Outdoor School from November 4-7. Thank you to Mme. Neeser and the Grade 6 team for coordinating this amazing learning opportunity.
Grade 7 Outdoor Ed Climbing Trip
On Wednesday November 5, Mr. Jordan will be taking interested Grade 7 Outdoor Ed students on a half-day trip to the Calgary Climbing Center. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their skills and put into practice what they have learning on our school climbing wall.
Remembrance Day Assembly
On Friday November 7, we will be having a Remembrance Day Assembly. There will be more information to follow.
Monday November 3
o Gr.8/9 Band Camp
o WE Day
o Junior Boys Volleyball Semi-Finals
Tuesday November 4
o Gr.8/9 Band Camp
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Junior Girls Volleyball Semi-Finals
Wednesday November 5
o Gr.8/9 Band Camp
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Grade 7 Climbing Trip
o Junior Boys Volleyball Finals
Thursday November 6
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Senior Girls Volleyball Finals
Friday November 7
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Remembrance Day Assembly
Communication
On Friday November 7, we will be having a Remembrance Day Assembly. There will be more information to follow.
Monday November 3
o Gr.8/9 Band Camp
o WE Day
o Junior Boys Volleyball Semi-Finals
Tuesday November 4
o Gr.8/9 Band Camp
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Junior Girls Volleyball Semi-Finals
Wednesday November 5
o Gr.8/9 Band Camp
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Grade 7 Climbing Trip
o Junior Boys Volleyball Finals
Thursday November 6
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Senior Girls Volleyball Finals
Friday November 7
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Remembrance Day Assembly
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