June 30, 2014
Before the summer begins, we wanted to provide a few updates in regards to our upcoming school year that may be helpful when planning ahead. Please note that you will also be mailed a summer letter in the middle of August with more information about the first week of school. In the interim, please feel free to the Back-to-School information link on our website.
I. Grade 5&6 Program Updates:
In May, we asked parents and students to complete a survey sharing their feedback about their experience at Bishop Pinkham. We shared this survey with the staff, and discussed how we could continue to best support the Grade 5&6 students for the 2014-2015 school year. Please take a moment to review the comments below:
Based on the feedback provided above, we will continue to offer opportunities for the Grade 5 & 6s to participate in school-wide activities such as clubs and intramurals, as well as special days such as Arts Day, Health Day(s) and Language Fair. We received very positive feedback regarding our option programs and will continue to offer music and art for the Grade 6s next year. Grade 7 students will select their options when they arrive in September. As well, we will continue to stagger lunchtime to begin at 11:20am for Grade 5&6 students and 11:30am for Grade 7-9 students. Grade 5&6 classrooms will also remain close together in the South hallway.
Some changes that we intend to implement include the following:
II. Teacher & Class Size Information:
The following are the teachers and class sizes for next year:
Some changes that we intend to implement include the following:
- One main core teacher, who will teach English Language Arts, French Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Math [French program only].
- A formal recess time where all Grade 5 & 6 students will go outside and play.
- Daily Physical Activity [DPA], will be taught by the homeroom teacher.
II. Teacher & Class Size Information:
The following are the teachers and class sizes for next year:
III. Class Supplies
Grade 5: All classroom supplies have been ordered for the Grade 5s.
Grade 6: Please note that we have attached the Grade 6 Suggested Supplies List to this email. Teachers will also provide another copy for the students when they arrive in September.
Grade 7: Teachers will provide a list of supplies to students during the first week of school. Supplies are specific to each class and will be detailed on the course syllabus for each class.
IV. Fee Information, Transportation and Noon Supervision forms:
Fees: Fee forms will be distributed the first of school in the Parent Information Package. For information about fees for next year, please refer to the CBE website for Fees and Waivers
Transportation: If you were not able to submit your transportation form to Bishop Pinkham by June 26, CBE transportation will require these forms to be mailed by parents. These forms help assist with the building of the bus routes over the summer.
Noon Supervision - As well, Grade 5&6 students will also be required to pay a noon supervision fee. Please fill in the Noon Supervision Form and mail to the CBE.
I would like to take the time to thank all parents for their support during this school year. Congratulations on your success in making this a very special year for our students and for supporting their learning. We look forward to seeing you again in September, and to having another fantastic year together. We will be sending out the calendar in September, but I would like to let you know that there will be a couple of opportunities to meet the teachers and come to the school.
Grade 5: All classroom supplies have been ordered for the Grade 5s.
Grade 6: Please note that we have attached the Grade 6 Suggested Supplies List to this email. Teachers will also provide another copy for the students when they arrive in September.
Grade 7: Teachers will provide a list of supplies to students during the first week of school. Supplies are specific to each class and will be detailed on the course syllabus for each class.
IV. Fee Information, Transportation and Noon Supervision forms:
Fees: Fee forms will be distributed the first of school in the Parent Information Package. For information about fees for next year, please refer to the CBE website for Fees and Waivers
Transportation: If you were not able to submit your transportation form to Bishop Pinkham by June 26, CBE transportation will require these forms to be mailed by parents. These forms help assist with the building of the bus routes over the summer.
Noon Supervision - As well, Grade 5&6 students will also be required to pay a noon supervision fee. Please fill in the Noon Supervision Form and mail to the CBE.
I would like to take the time to thank all parents for their support during this school year. Congratulations on your success in making this a very special year for our students and for supporting their learning. We look forward to seeing you again in September, and to having another fantastic year together. We will be sending out the calendar in September, but I would like to let you know that there will be a couple of opportunities to meet the teachers and come to the school.
- September 4 - Meet the principal evening (6:30 – 8:00)
- September 17- Meet the teacher evening (7:00 – 8:30)
- 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