November 3, 2014
Happy snowy Monday to everyone! It has finally arrived, though perhaps not yet here to stay. We have many activities to share this week and as always, we welcome your comments and feedback on the daily happenings at school.
On Friday October 31, we had a very productive and collaborative PD day at school. During the morning, our conversation focused on the importance of feedback and developing classroom tasks that encourage curiosity and deepen understanding. Subject groups also developed common rubrics that will help students understand the next steps in their learning and provide a clear connection to the report card outcomes. In the afternoon, teachers participated in a series of ‘speed-geeking’ technology and learning sessions that focused on sharing a variety of tools that will improve student engagement and create improved access to content.
As I was catching up with twitter this weekend, I thought the following article highlighted the importance of teacher collaboration and how it leads to learning new ideas and encourages innovation:
Happy snowy Monday to everyone! It has finally arrived, though perhaps not yet here to stay. We have many activities to share this week and as always, we welcome your comments and feedback on the daily happenings at school.
On Friday October 31, we had a very productive and collaborative PD day at school. During the morning, our conversation focused on the importance of feedback and developing classroom tasks that encourage curiosity and deepen understanding. Subject groups also developed common rubrics that will help students understand the next steps in their learning and provide a clear connection to the report card outcomes. In the afternoon, teachers participated in a series of ‘speed-geeking’ technology and learning sessions that focused on sharing a variety of tools that will improve student engagement and create improved access to content.
As I was catching up with twitter this weekend, I thought the following article highlighted the importance of teacher collaboration and how it leads to learning new ideas and encourages innovation:
Internet Safety – Parent & Student Invitation
As part of our ongoing conversation with our students, understanding digital citizenship is key to learning how to safely navigate the social networking world. This year, in addition to the resources that we have provided parents and the conversations that we have had with our homerooms, we will also be coordinating two school presentations with the Calgary Police Service. Constable Carter Duchesney, a Community and Youth Services presenter, will be speaking with students on Friday November 28 in 2 separate presentations for grades 5 & 6 and 7-9. As well, Cstb. Duchesney will also be presenting to parents during our School Council meeting on Tuesday November 25 at 7pm. All parents are encouraged to attend.
Immunization Information
Please note that in this week's update, we emailed a letter from the Alberta Health Services regarding immunizations. Last year, the CBE had cases of measles exposure in some of our schools and the impact on those schools was significant. Many students and some staff were required to be absent from school for a period of three weeks. Please discuss this information with your family.
As part of our ongoing conversation with our students, understanding digital citizenship is key to learning how to safely navigate the social networking world. This year, in addition to the resources that we have provided parents and the conversations that we have had with our homerooms, we will also be coordinating two school presentations with the Calgary Police Service. Constable Carter Duchesney, a Community and Youth Services presenter, will be speaking with students on Friday November 28 in 2 separate presentations for grades 5 & 6 and 7-9. As well, Cstb. Duchesney will also be presenting to parents during our School Council meeting on Tuesday November 25 at 7pm. All parents are encouraged to attend.
Immunization Information
Please note that in this week's update, we emailed a letter from the Alberta Health Services regarding immunizations. Last year, the CBE had cases of measles exposure in some of our schools and the impact on those schools was significant. Many students and some staff were required to be absent from school for a period of three weeks. Please discuss this information with your family.
The week that was…
School Photo Orders – it’s not too late!
Winter break is quickly creeping up and for those who are thinking of sharing this year’s school pictures, we have good news. In addition to students who had retakes on Monday October 27, all students can still order school portraits at MyLifetouch.ca. Online orders will be shipped home when there is a shipping fee applied to the order and will ship to school if there is no shipping fee applied.
School Photo Orders – it’s not too late!
Winter break is quickly creeping up and for those who are thinking of sharing this year’s school pictures, we have good news. In addition to students who had retakes on Monday October 27, all students can still order school portraits at MyLifetouch.ca. Online orders will be shipped home when there is a shipping fee applied to the order and will ship to school if there is no shipping fee applied.
Halloween Festivities!
I would like to thank the Bishop Pinkham Leadership Committee for the amazing day that we had last Thursday. It was a ‘treat’ to see all of the creative costumes and to celebrate Halloween and school spirit during the afternoon activities. As well, I would like to thank all of the parents for supporting an afternoon where we can build our school community by allowing students and staff to bond – it’s amazing to experience the impact of a dance and the enthusiasm that it brings to all our students!
I would like to thank the Bishop Pinkham Leadership Committee for the amazing day that we had last Thursday. It was a ‘treat’ to see all of the creative costumes and to celebrate Halloween and school spirit during the afternoon activities. As well, I would like to thank all of the parents for supporting an afternoon where we can build our school community by allowing students and staff to bond – it’s amazing to experience the impact of a dance and the enthusiasm that it brings to all our students!
Panther Pride
Congratulations on the end of the season for our cross-country, soccer and volleyball teams. Both our Senior Girls and Junior Boys Volleyball teams will be playing this week in the upcoming semi-finals. Junior Boys will be playing on Mon Nov. 3 / Wed Nov. 5 and Senior Girls will be playing on Tues Nov 4 / Thurs Nov. 6. We encourage all parents to attend and show our Panther Pride!
I would like to thank all of our AMAZING coaches for their commitment and dedication this season. Please join me in thanking the following coaches for their time and enthusiasm. Without dedicated teachers, we would not have these wonderful learning opportunities:
Congratulations on the end of the season for our cross-country, soccer and volleyball teams. Both our Senior Girls and Junior Boys Volleyball teams will be playing this week in the upcoming semi-finals. Junior Boys will be playing on Mon Nov. 3 / Wed Nov. 5 and Senior Girls will be playing on Tues Nov 4 / Thurs Nov. 6. We encourage all parents to attend and show our Panther Pride!
I would like to thank all of our AMAZING coaches for their commitment and dedication this season. Please join me in thanking the following coaches for their time and enthusiasm. Without dedicated teachers, we would not have these wonderful learning opportunities:
- Senior Girls Volleyball – M. Fiset
- Senior Boys Volleyball – Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Shantz
- Junior Girls Volleyball – Srta. Gilbertson
- Junior Boys Volleyball – Srta. Ell / Mme. Fulton
- Boys Soccer – Mr. Palkovits / Mr. Jordan
- Girls Soccer – Sr. Menjivar / Mme. Turner
- Cross Country – Mr. Holland
This week…
WE Day
On Monday November 3, Srta. Sutherland and Mme. LeBlanc will be taking 18 lucky students to WE Day that will be held at the Scotiabank Saddledome. As we are given a limited number of tickets, the students on the wait list will be able to watch the live streaming at school in the cafeteria.
Mia Farrow, Silken Laumann, astronaut Dave Williams, We Day founders Craig and Marc Kielburger, and a host of music stars, ranging from award-winning rapper Kardinal Offishall, Juno winner Shawn Desman, Juno-nominated Alyssa Reid, jazz-pop singer Nikki Yanofsky, pop-rock band Neverest and recording artist Karl Wolf. Cast members from Degrassi, 11-year-old youth activist Hannah Alper, Mustafa the Poet and motivational speaker Spencer West — among numerous others — will also hit the stage at the Dome.
WE Day
On Monday November 3, Srta. Sutherland and Mme. LeBlanc will be taking 18 lucky students to WE Day that will be held at the Scotiabank Saddledome. As we are given a limited number of tickets, the students on the wait list will be able to watch the live streaming at school in the cafeteria.
Mia Farrow, Silken Laumann, astronaut Dave Williams, We Day founders Craig and Marc Kielburger, and a host of music stars, ranging from award-winning rapper Kardinal Offishall, Juno winner Shawn Desman, Juno-nominated Alyssa Reid, jazz-pop singer Nikki Yanofsky, pop-rock band Neverest and recording artist Karl Wolf. Cast members from Degrassi, 11-year-old youth activist Hannah Alper, Mustafa the Poet and motivational speaker Spencer West — among numerous others — will also hit the stage at the Dome.
Band Camp
From November 3-5, Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Tuttle 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
The time has arrived! 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. Please contact gr. 6 homeroom teachers for any questions.
Grade 5 & 7 Outdoor Ed Climbing Trip
On Wednesday November 5, and Friday November 7, Mr. Jordan will be taking Grade 7 & 5 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.
From November 3-5, Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Tuttle 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
The time has arrived! 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. Please contact gr. 6 homeroom teachers for any questions.
Grade 5 & 7 Outdoor Ed Climbing Trip
On Wednesday November 5, and Friday November 7, Mr. Jordan will be taking Grade 7 & 5 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.
Take Our Kids to Work Day
On Wednesday November 5, thousands of Grade 9 students from across Canada will be participating in Take Our Kids to Work Day (TOKW). For parents who are interested, we strongly encourage them to support this initiative by allowing their students to better understand the world of work and future career opportunities. Should parents be interested in participating, please note that we will ask students to submit the permission form to the office from the brochure to the Main Office. More information can be found at www.thelearningpartnership.ca.
On Wednesday November 5, thousands of Grade 9 students from across Canada will be participating in Take Our Kids to Work Day (TOKW). For parents who are interested, we strongly encourage them to support this initiative by allowing their students to better understand the world of work and future career opportunities. Should parents be interested in participating, please note that we will ask students to submit the permission form to the office from the brochure to the Main Office. More information can be found at www.thelearningpartnership.ca.
Remembrance Day Assembly
On Friday November 7, we will be having two Remembrance Day Assemblies. Parents are welcome to attend. Please note that Grade 6 students away at Outdoor School will be participating in a Remembrance Day discussion during the evening debriefings. The following schedule will be the assembly times for all grades. All assemblies are trilingual and have been coordinated by our Remembrance Day committee of teachers:
Grade 5 & 7
The week-at-a-glance
Monday November 3
o Gr.8/9 Band Camp
o BPLC meeting in the art room at lunch.
o WE Day
o Junior Boys Volleyball Semi-Finals
Tuesday November 4
o Gr.8/9 Band Camp
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Senior Girls Volleyball Semi-Finals
Wednesday November 5
o Gr.8/9 Band Camp returns
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Take your kid to work day
o Grade 7 Climbing Trip
o Junior Boys Volleyball Finals
Thursday November 6
o Jazz band rehearsal Thursday at 7:00 am
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Senior Girls Volleyball Finals
Friday November 7
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School returns
o Remembrance Day Assembly
o Gr. 5 Climbing Trip
A Little Later…
Monday & Tuesday November 10 & 11
o Non-Instructional Days
Wednesday November 12
o Gr. 9 Boys Vaccinations
o Art Market Applications Due
o Sketchbook Club
Communication
On Friday November 7, we will be having two Remembrance Day Assemblies. Parents are welcome to attend. Please note that Grade 6 students away at Outdoor School will be participating in a Remembrance Day discussion during the evening debriefings. The following schedule will be the assembly times for all grades. All assemblies are trilingual and have been coordinated by our Remembrance Day committee of teachers:
Grade 5 & 7
- 10:50-11:50am
- 1:00-2:00pm
The week-at-a-glance
Monday November 3
o Gr.8/9 Band Camp
o BPLC meeting in the art room at lunch.
o WE Day
o Junior Boys Volleyball Semi-Finals
Tuesday November 4
o Gr.8/9 Band Camp
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Senior Girls Volleyball Semi-Finals
Wednesday November 5
o Gr.8/9 Band Camp returns
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Take your kid to work day
o Grade 7 Climbing Trip
o Junior Boys Volleyball Finals
Thursday November 6
o Jazz band rehearsal Thursday at 7:00 am
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School
o Senior Girls Volleyball Finals
Friday November 7
o Gr. 6 Outdoor School returns
o Remembrance Day Assembly
o Gr. 5 Climbing Trip
A Little Later…
Monday & Tuesday November 10 & 11
o Non-Instructional Days
Wednesday November 12
o Gr. 9 Boys Vaccinations
o Art Market Applications Due
o Sketchbook Club
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