December 8, 2014
I hope that everyone enjoyed the lovely weather and had a chance to get outdoors this weekend. Our family has already begun to take advantage of the outdoor skating rinks to play hockey. I’m proud to say that my ‘goalie’ skills have been slowly improving with practice…with any luck, by the end of the season I may be able to stay upright for the majority of the game! Please enjoy this week’s updates and, as always, please contact me should you have any questions.
Accommodation Spanish Bilingual Program & French Immersion Update
On Saturday, November 29th, two open houses were held by the Calgary Board of Education to elicit parent and community feedback regarding the accommodation of the two language programs within Area IV. The feedback will become part of the data that CBE Senior Administration will use to make a final decision in the New Year. The highlights of the proposed plan are:
For full details see the CBE website at http://www.cbe.ab.ca/schools/managing-space-students/school-planning-engagements/Pages/westgate-school.aspx. under the engagement materials tab.
On Saturday, November 29th, two open houses were held by the Calgary Board of Education to elicit parent and community feedback regarding the accommodation of the two language programs within Area IV. The feedback will become part of the data that CBE Senior Administration will use to make a final decision in the New Year. The highlights of the proposed plan are:
- In the long-term the Spanish Bilingual program will be situated at Glenmeadows School (K-4 or K-6) while the French Immersion program will remain at Westgate (K-6). The French Immersion and English Programs will be situated at Bishop Pinkham from Grades 7-9.
- Beginning in September 2015, Westgate will offer programming for Grades 1-5 in both Spanish Bilingual and French Immersion language programs. Bishop Pinkham will continue to offer programming for Grades 6-9 in both programs.
- Students currently registered at Westgate School in the Spanish Bilingual Program will go to A.E. Cross School for Middle or Junior High School [please note: this does not include students registered at Bishop Pinkham].
- French Immersion students will go to Bishop Pinkham School for Junior High.
For full details see the CBE website at http://www.cbe.ab.ca/schools/managing-space-students/school-planning-engagements/Pages/westgate-school.aspx. under the engagement materials tab.
Communication Request
We are asking parents for help to efficiently communicate with their students in regards to appointments and lunch pick-ups. We are losing up to 10 minutes of instructional time a day with announcements calling students to the office.
Please consider the following:
We thank you for helping us maximize our instructional time.
Website Updates
We are asking parents for help to efficiently communicate with their students in regards to appointments and lunch pick-ups. We are losing up to 10 minutes of instructional time a day with announcements calling students to the office.
Please consider the following:
- Appointment Messages - Please make sure your child knows if you are planning to pick them up for a medical appointment before they leave for school that day. Your child could use their phone to set a reminder alarm or put a sticky note on their binder.
- Lunches/snacks/homework - If you plan on dropping off items please tell your child and label the item with the students first and last name and homeroom. Labelled items can be left on the front counter in the office but no announcement or phone call to the classroom will be made. Students can come to the office to pick up their items at nutrition break or during the lunch period.
We thank you for helping us maximize our instructional time.
Website Updates
New Parent Volunteer Clearance Process
The Calgary Police Service [CPS] will be ready to launch a new online parent volunteer clearance process that the Calgary Board of Education will be following on January 1, 2015 [Parents who are currently approved will not need to resubmit their application. This is for new requests moving forward only].
The following is a brief summary:
The Calgary Police Service [CPS] will be ready to launch a new online parent volunteer clearance process that the Calgary Board of Education will be following on January 1, 2015 [Parents who are currently approved will not need to resubmit their application. This is for new requests moving forward only].
The following is a brief summary:
- This is a CPS initiative and the CBE must follow the new process.
- Volunteers can request their own clearances online or directly at any of the CPS districts.
- The school enters new information into the database, then generates an automated ePIC (electronic police information check) letter for the applicant. It has a VOAN # on it, which identifies that it is from the CBE, therefore there is no cost to the applicant.
- The applicant can then either apply online with a picture of the ePIC letter, or take it to any of the CPS districts.
- The applicant will receive an email response directly from CPS- about a 7-day turnaround.
- The Annual Volunteer Registration form for the school is still required
- As the CPS now controls this, the applicant information can be shared between multiple organizations. Thus, multiple security checks/searches are no longer required.
From the School Council
December Teacher Appreciation Event!
Parents, please join us in helping our hard working Bishop Pinkham teachers enjoy the holidays by dropping off: chocolates, wine and coffee gift cards to the office from now until Dec 18th.
Thank you,
School Council
The week that was…
December Teacher Appreciation Event!
Parents, please join us in helping our hard working Bishop Pinkham teachers enjoy the holidays by dropping off: chocolates, wine and coffee gift cards to the office from now until Dec 18th.
Thank you,
School Council
The week that was…
Albuquerque Parent Meeting
On Tuesday December 2, Srta. Gilbertson hosted a parent meeting for students attending the upcoming Albuquerque trip. This is the first time that Bishop Pinkham has coordinated this Spanish enrichment opportunity and we are most fortunate that Srta. Gilbertson, Ms. Shantz, Sr. Menjivar will be taking 23 students from the Grade 8 & 9 Spanish Bilingual Program. The students will be attending the Instituto Cervantes of Albuquerque from April 25-May 2, 2015 and will experience a variety of local activities in a Spanish immersion environment. If any parents were not able to make it to this meeting, please contact Srta. Gilbertson at your earliest convenience.
Winter Concert – Part I
On Wednesday December 3, we had over 400 parents and family members attend the Grade 5 & 6 Winter Concert. There is so much preparation involved in these concerts and we were proud of our students for their enthusiasm and dedication. In combination with the traditional winter festivities songs, the students also chose current songs that were meaningful to them. The result was a variety of the past and present – we hope that our families enjoyed this musical experience!
Arts Day & Talent Show Success!
On Tuesday December 2, Srta. Gilbertson hosted a parent meeting for students attending the upcoming Albuquerque trip. This is the first time that Bishop Pinkham has coordinated this Spanish enrichment opportunity and we are most fortunate that Srta. Gilbertson, Ms. Shantz, Sr. Menjivar will be taking 23 students from the Grade 8 & 9 Spanish Bilingual Program. The students will be attending the Instituto Cervantes of Albuquerque from April 25-May 2, 2015 and will experience a variety of local activities in a Spanish immersion environment. If any parents were not able to make it to this meeting, please contact Srta. Gilbertson at your earliest convenience.
Winter Concert – Part I
On Wednesday December 3, we had over 400 parents and family members attend the Grade 5 & 6 Winter Concert. There is so much preparation involved in these concerts and we were proud of our students for their enthusiasm and dedication. In combination with the traditional winter festivities songs, the students also chose current songs that were meaningful to them. The result was a variety of the past and present – we hope that our families enjoyed this musical experience!
Arts Day & Talent Show Success!
The 2014 Arts Day and Talent Show that occurred on Thursday December 4, was a wonderful success! We would like to thank Ms. Blitt, Mr. Khubyar, the many teacher-presenters and parent volunteers who helped to support the day. We will be sure to share some of the photos from the day shortly on my Principal Weblog. In the meantime, if your child has not already shared some highlights of the day, we encourage parents to ask for details.
As well, we would like to thank Ms. Cheryl Burgess and the parent volunteers for distributing the Kernels Popcorn treats for students at lunch. As always, we encourage interested parents to register at www.healthyhunger.ca for future lunches. Please note, the next Healthy Hunger lunch will be on January 23, 2015.
This week…
Learning Commons Steering Committee Presentation
On Monday December 8, the students on the learning commons steering committee will have their next meeting at lunch. Students will hear from a variety of book distributers and will be asked to compile a list of books that they would like to see ordered for the Learning Commons. We would like to thank the steering committee and Mme. Leblanc and Srta. Gilbertson for their help.
Winter Concert- Part II
Our second Winter Concert for the Grade 7-9s will be on Tuesday December 9 at 7:00pm. We invite all parents and family members to experience the eclectic concert and jazz band selections – we are looking forward to it!
Our second Winter Concert for the Grade 7-9s will be on Tuesday December 9 at 7:00pm. We invite all parents and family members to experience the eclectic concert and jazz band selections – we are looking forward to it!
Gr 9 Outdoor Ed Trip
On Tuesday December 9, the Grade 9 Outdoor Ed students will attend a field trip in Banff to gain a better understanding of the wildlife corridors. Students will study research techniques used by park staff to track some of the key indicator species in Banff National Park. We hope that they have a great learning experience!
Gr 7 Outdoor Ed Trip
On Wednesday December 10, Grade 7 Outdoor Ed students will attend an environmental education snowshoe trip in Kananaskis. Students will gain a better understanding of the winter environment and explore the relationship with winter as they look into the characteristics of snow and learn how plants and animals have adapted for winter survival. Thanks to Mr. Jordan for coordinating this trip.
OSEF
A reminder to interested parents that on Wednesday December 10 at 7:00pm in the Learning Commons, there will be an information meeting for Grade 8 & 9 French Immersion and Spanish Bilingual families interested in participating in this language exchange program. Students will also hear about the program on Monday December 8 during the day.
On Tuesday December 9, the Grade 9 Outdoor Ed students will attend a field trip in Banff to gain a better understanding of the wildlife corridors. Students will study research techniques used by park staff to track some of the key indicator species in Banff National Park. We hope that they have a great learning experience!
Gr 7 Outdoor Ed Trip
On Wednesday December 10, Grade 7 Outdoor Ed students will attend an environmental education snowshoe trip in Kananaskis. Students will gain a better understanding of the winter environment and explore the relationship with winter as they look into the characteristics of snow and learn how plants and animals have adapted for winter survival. Thanks to Mr. Jordan for coordinating this trip.
OSEF
A reminder to interested parents that on Wednesday December 10 at 7:00pm in the Learning Commons, there will be an information meeting for Grade 8 & 9 French Immersion and Spanish Bilingual families interested in participating in this language exchange program. Students will also hear about the program on Monday December 8 during the day.
Art Market
The Art Market is this week! On Friday December 12, there will be 45 booths of handmade arts and crafts for sale during Periods 3 & 4. All crafts have been designed by our talented students from grades 5-9. Please note that on Thursday December 11, there will be a preview at lunch.
Warm Feet for the Street
As mentioned in last week’s update, please don't forget to pick up some items to donate for the Warm Feet for the Street campaign! Donations can be given to your homeroom teacher until Friday December 12!
The week-at-a-glance
As mentioned in last week’s update, please don't forget to pick up some items to donate for the Warm Feet for the Street campaign! Donations can be given to your homeroom teacher until Friday December 12!
The week-at-a-glance
Monday Dec 8 • OSEF student presentation Tuesday Dec 9 • Gr 9 Outdoor Ed Banff Wildlife Corridors Trip • Winter Concert at 7:00pm Wednesday Dec 10 • OSEF Parent Presentation at 7:00-8:00pm • Gr 7 Outdoor Ed Kananaskis Snowshoe Trip | Thursday Dec 11 · Art Market Preview Friday Dec 12 · Art Market Sale · Warm Feet for the Street Donations Due Date |
A little later…
Rafiki Chain Fundraiser
The BPLC will be selling Rafiki Chains at lunch from December 15-18. Great for gifts, stocking stuffers, or yourself!! ONLY $15.00 Feel good about buying an ethically produced item and also help purchase a goat for a family in Africa!!
Holiday Celebration
The BP Holiday Celebration will be on Friday December 19! Come dressed in your best holiday themed attire and enjoy a party in the gymnasium with your grade hosted by the BPLC! There will a bake sale, free egg nog, photobooth with Santa, games, Karaoke and SO MUCH MORE!
Rafiki Chain Fundraiser
The BPLC will be selling Rafiki Chains at lunch from December 15-18. Great for gifts, stocking stuffers, or yourself!! ONLY $15.00 Feel good about buying an ethically produced item and also help purchase a goat for a family in Africa!!
Holiday Celebration
The BP Holiday Celebration will be on Friday December 19! Come dressed in your best holiday themed attire and enjoy a party in the gymnasium with your grade hosted by the BPLC! There will a bake sale, free egg nog, photobooth with Santa, games, Karaoke and SO MUCH MORE!
Monday December 15
| Thursday December 18
|
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