November 18, 2013
Happy Monday to everyone! There is much to report this week and, as always, we look forward to hearing any questions or comments that you may have. Please feel free to contact me by email [[email protected]] or to call the Main Office [403.777.7840 ext 0] at your convenience.
Take note of the image to the left. It is our very own Ms. J. Tuttle's artwork that is currently being displayed at the Art Gallery of Calgary until December 20th. Congratulations, Ms. Tuttle, well done!
Happy Monday to everyone! There is much to report this week and, as always, we look forward to hearing any questions or comments that you may have. Please feel free to contact me by email [[email protected]] or to call the Main Office [403.777.7840 ext 0] at your convenience.
Take note of the image to the left. It is our very own Ms. J. Tuttle's artwork that is currently being displayed at the Art Gallery of Calgary until December 20th. Congratulations, Ms. Tuttle, well done!
BP is going Green…
The solar panels have arrived! We are so pleased and excited to share that thanks to Skyfire Energy, we are now beginning to harness the power of the sun and generate solar power. As of this week, we will begin to benefit from the 42 solar panels that have been installed on the roof of Bishop Pinkham. This has been a 2-year endeavor that was spearheaded by our Leadership Committee, Ms. J. Tuttle and Mr. D. Jordan. As a result of student fundraising efforts, a $10 000.00 BP Energy Grant, a $6000.00 contribution from the School Council and $2000.00 from our school funds, our school and students will understand first-hand the benefits of solar power energy. Congratulations to our leadership students for their dedicated efforts!
The solar panels have arrived! We are so pleased and excited to share that thanks to Skyfire Energy, we are now beginning to harness the power of the sun and generate solar power. As of this week, we will begin to benefit from the 42 solar panels that have been installed on the roof of Bishop Pinkham. This has been a 2-year endeavor that was spearheaded by our Leadership Committee, Ms. J. Tuttle and Mr. D. Jordan. As a result of student fundraising efforts, a $10 000.00 BP Energy Grant, a $6000.00 contribution from the School Council and $2000.00 from our school funds, our school and students will understand first-hand the benefits of solar power energy. Congratulations to our leadership students for their dedicated efforts!
Tell Them from Me Survey…
As mentioned in our last update, this week we will ask students to complete the Tell Them from Me Survey. This is the first of two opportunities this year, where students will provide important feedback about student engagement specifically related to social, intellectual and academic engagement. This is an anonymous survey and we look forward to hearing from students about their learning experiences at Bishop Pinkham. We will be sharing this information back to our community shortly.
As mentioned in our last update, this week we will ask students to complete the Tell Them from Me Survey. This is the first of two opportunities this year, where students will provide important feedback about student engagement specifically related to social, intellectual and academic engagement. This is an anonymous survey and we look forward to hearing from students about their learning experiences at Bishop Pinkham. We will be sharing this information back to our community shortly.
Provincial Achievement Test Results...
The Grade 6 and 9 results for students have been received and as you may be are aware, we have already distributed the individual results to the students. Although the Grade 9 students wrote the French Language Arts test, no other grade 9 tests were written due to the floods.
When used in conjunction with other data, such as the Accountability Pillar and the Tell Them From Me surveys, the PATs are a valuable statistic that effectively demonstrates trends, areas of excellence and areas for improvement.
The following is video that summarizes the 2012-2013 results in Grade 6 and 9 as well as the multiyear results. While individual teachers have already received their own data, in November, we will also be working together in curriculum groups and as a staff to determine how we may continue to improve our results.
The Grade 6 and 9 results for students have been received and as you may be are aware, we have already distributed the individual results to the students. Although the Grade 9 students wrote the French Language Arts test, no other grade 9 tests were written due to the floods.
When used in conjunction with other data, such as the Accountability Pillar and the Tell Them From Me surveys, the PATs are a valuable statistic that effectively demonstrates trends, areas of excellence and areas for improvement.
The following is video that summarizes the 2012-2013 results in Grade 6 and 9 as well as the multiyear results. While individual teachers have already received their own data, in November, we will also be working together in curriculum groups and as a staff to determine how we may continue to improve our results.
From the Bishop Pinkham Music Parent Association…
As everyone is already aware, all students at Bishop Pinkham benefit from the music program from grades 5-7 and also have the opportunity to continue in Band or Guitar in Grades 8 and 9. We are very proud and fortunate to have Mr. M. Kennedy as an accomplished musician and music teacher to lead the music program at BP. As a result, not only do our students develop their musical skills, but they also develop a love and appreciation for the Fine Arts.
Leading a music program also requires the direct investment of our parent community. Our parents participate in the vision for this program and also determine how our casino funds are allocated according to the needs of the program.
If you are interested in supporting the BPMPA, please contact Kathy Warren [[email protected]] or me at your earliest convenience. We thank you for your help.
As everyone is already aware, all students at Bishop Pinkham benefit from the music program from grades 5-7 and also have the opportunity to continue in Band or Guitar in Grades 8 and 9. We are very proud and fortunate to have Mr. M. Kennedy as an accomplished musician and music teacher to lead the music program at BP. As a result, not only do our students develop their musical skills, but they also develop a love and appreciation for the Fine Arts.
Leading a music program also requires the direct investment of our parent community. Our parents participate in the vision for this program and also determine how our casino funds are allocated according to the needs of the program.
- Help!
If you are interested in supporting the BPMPA, please contact Kathy Warren [[email protected]] or me at your earliest convenience. We thank you for your help.
- Next BPMPA Meeting
From our School Council…
Grade 5 –Sarah Nicholson ([email protected])
*Grade 6 – Angele Belsham ([email protected])
Grade 7 –Michelle Sanchez ([email protected])
Grade 8 –Pamela Gee ([email protected])
Grade 9 –Lydia Palmer ([email protected]]
- Direct Donation
- Volunteer Coordinator Distribution List
Grade 5 –Sarah Nicholson ([email protected])
*Grade 6 – Angele Belsham ([email protected])
Grade 7 –Michelle Sanchez ([email protected])
Grade 8 –Pamela Gee ([email protected])
Grade 9 –Lydia Palmer ([email protected]]
- 2013-14 Excellence in Teaching Awards
- Next School Council Meeting
Healthy Hunger
- A special thanks to Cheryl Burgess for coordinating Kernels Popcorn for our Halloween Extravaganza on Oct. 31!
- Subway Lunch - Friday, November 29
The week that was…
Gr. 6 Civic Centre
In connection with the Grade 6 Social Studies unit, Grade 6 students had the opportunity to see Calgary’s Municipal government in action! On Tuesday, November 5th, our students visited the Calgary Civic Centre to participate in their Civic Complex tour.
Voyage au Québec – May 4 – May 9, 2014
As a result of the increased interest in the trip this year, we are pleased to share that we have been able to increase the number of students from 40 to 48 and still maintain a high quality program without increased costs. Although this still leaves us with a waiting list of 5 students, this is the largest number of students that we will be able to bring without a significant impact on the program and proposed costs to individual students and the school.
We would ask that students who are on the waiting list continue to attend any future informational meetings with the understanding that should there be a student who is no longer able to go, that their name will be selected from the sequential order that they are listed.
Band Camp
Welcome back to our Grade 8 and 9 students who attended 2013 band camp from Monday, November 4-Wednesday, November 6. Mr. M. Kennedy was very proud of all of the students and reported that the clinicians who worked with the students were very impressed with the quality of musicians from our school. We look forward to hearing them play at our Music Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 10.
Gr. 6 Civic Centre
In connection with the Grade 6 Social Studies unit, Grade 6 students had the opportunity to see Calgary’s Municipal government in action! On Tuesday, November 5th, our students visited the Calgary Civic Centre to participate in their Civic Complex tour.
Voyage au Québec – May 4 – May 9, 2014
As a result of the increased interest in the trip this year, we are pleased to share that we have been able to increase the number of students from 40 to 48 and still maintain a high quality program without increased costs. Although this still leaves us with a waiting list of 5 students, this is the largest number of students that we will be able to bring without a significant impact on the program and proposed costs to individual students and the school.
We would ask that students who are on the waiting list continue to attend any future informational meetings with the understanding that should there be a student who is no longer able to go, that their name will be selected from the sequential order that they are listed.
Band Camp
Welcome back to our Grade 8 and 9 students who attended 2013 band camp from Monday, November 4-Wednesday, November 6. Mr. M. Kennedy was very proud of all of the students and reported that the clinicians who worked with the students were very impressed with the quality of musicians from our school. We look forward to hearing them play at our Music Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 10.
Remembrance Day Assembly
On Friday, November 8, we had 2 Remembrance Day assemblies that were facilitated by our Grade 9 students in English, French and Spanish. We welcomed Sgt. Lorelei Arnett who shared her experiences working around the world as a peacekeeper from Canada. A special thank you to Mr. M. Kennedy, his band students and Mr. K. Khubyar, who coordinated the event. It was a very significant day for our students and it was touching to also include a hand-sewn Union Jack flag in our ceremony. Canada fought under this flag during WW1 and the flag was used during funeral ceremonies for fallen soldiers during the war. Thanks so much to the Macleod family for this special contribution from your great-grandfather.
On Friday, November 8, we had 2 Remembrance Day assemblies that were facilitated by our Grade 9 students in English, French and Spanish. We welcomed Sgt. Lorelei Arnett who shared her experiences working around the world as a peacekeeper from Canada. A special thank you to Mr. M. Kennedy, his band students and Mr. K. Khubyar, who coordinated the event. It was a very significant day for our students and it was touching to also include a hand-sewn Union Jack flag in our ceremony. Canada fought under this flag during WW1 and the flag was used during funeral ceremonies for fallen soldiers during the war. Thanks so much to the Macleod family for this special contribution from your great-grandfather.
Broom Ball
Our students continue to take advantage of the crisp weather outdoors. To the left is a picture taken by Srta. K. Gilbertson who played Broom Ball with her Phys. Ed. students last week.
Athletics
This week…
Our students continue to take advantage of the crisp weather outdoors. To the left is a picture taken by Srta. K. Gilbertson who played Broom Ball with her Phys. Ed. students last week.
Athletics
- Volleyball – Congratulations to our amazing teams this year! It was a very successful volleyball season for our teams that concluded last week. A special mention to our Junior Girls team who powered through a nail-biter finish for 2nd place against Vincent Massey – well done!
This week…
High School Tour Information
All grade 9 students will be registering for high school in February and March 2014. This is often an exciting and stressful time for students as they will be making a number of choices that will ultimately affect their futures. To make this process as smooth and as painless as possible, Mme. A. MacPhee will be working closely with students and parents to ensure that the transition between schools is as trouble-free as possible.
Please take note of the following sessions and information regarding High School Registration :
- High school tours in November –
- Ernest Manning – Tuesday, November 19
- Western Canada – Wednesday, November 20
- Central Memorial – Thursday, November 21
- Parent Information Nights in November at various high schools
- Bishop Pinkham’s Parent Information Night Monday, December 2. where counselors from designated high schools will answer questions and talk about the unique programs offered at their schools.
Gr. 5 CPAWS presentations - ‘Wild for Wetlands’
On Tuesday, November 19 and on Wednesday, November 27, as a continuation from their field trip to Fish Creek Park, the Grade 5 Spanish and French students will have the opportunity to hear from CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society).
Music Feeder Concert
During the evening of Tuesday, November 19, our band students will be going to Western Canada High School to play in the Music Feeder Concert. This event is an excellent way to build a connection with one of our feeder high schools and to build a transition for our outgoing students as they plan for next year. As well, it will be a fun opportunity to show off our musical talents with the community.
Gr. 8 Outdoor Ed WIldland Overnight Trip
Please note, that there will be a parent meeting on Wednesday, November 20 at 6:30pm in the Learning Commons to discuss the upcoming Grade 8 Outdoor Ed trip. On Wednesday, November 27-Thursday, November 28, the grade 8 Outdoor Ed students will go on an overnight trip to Paddy’s Flats. There, they will learn to develop important wilderness camping and survival skills and learn the importance of proper clothing, packing their backpack, how to build their own shelter, and cooking meals with a backcountry stove. Students will also learn and practice low impact camping techniques.
Get Involved!
The following are the November activities that all students are encouraged to attend:
Professional Development Day - Friday, November 22
Just a reminder that there will be no school this Friday as we will be combining the day with Nichol Middle School. During the day, we will be working in collaborative groups to build quality learning tasks that reflect our upcoming outcomes-based assessment in January.
A little later…
Just a reminder that there will be no school this Friday as we will be combining the day with Nichol Middle School. During the day, we will be working in collaborative groups to build quality learning tasks that reflect our upcoming outcomes-based assessment in January.
A little later…
- November is Movember - Monday ,November 25 & Friday, November 29
- Gr. 5 Vaccinations - Wednesday, November 4
- Arts Day - Thursday, December 5
- Professional Development Day - Friday, December 6
- Winter Music Concert - Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00pm
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