October 13, 2014
This week we are looking forward to meeting with parents and students during our Parent-Teacher Interviews. As mentioned last week, we hope that parents bring their students to the interviews, as this will allow for a more collaborative and direct conversation about student learning.
During homeroom discussions that occur on Fridays, students have worked with their teachers to develop learning goals using Iris a CBE-designed website. In preparation for the interviews, we encourage parents to ask students to share their Iris page and to discuss the goals that they have shared.
From grades 7-9, some of the homeroom teachers asked students to complete the submission of their goals as a homework assignment. For cases where students have not yet completed this task, we are encouraging parents to have a discussion with students to help support their thinking. Some students are still struggling to understand their areas of strength and growth. The following article from edutopia provides some strategies for discussion that will allow them to reflect on their hidden strengths and passions:
BP Passport Club
An important component to learning a second-language is to use the target language throughout the day. At Bishop Pinkham, all students in French Immersion and the Spanish Bilingual programs are given a ‘language passport’ that is stamped by teachers when they recognize that students are making an effort to speak in their target language.
Beginning in November, we will be offering an opportunity to join the Passport Club, an association of clubs sponsored by teachers, in which students are provided with out-of-class opportunities to participate in various activities in their target language. Stay-tuned for some upcoming opportunities for students to be able to practice their target language during lunchtime club activities.
I hope that these clubs continues to grow. These opportunities for students to engage in their target language through activities that are unlike those they have in class helps both to build their fluency and to increase the enjoyment of using their new language.
An important component to learning a second-language is to use the target language throughout the day. At Bishop Pinkham, all students in French Immersion and the Spanish Bilingual programs are given a ‘language passport’ that is stamped by teachers when they recognize that students are making an effort to speak in their target language.
Beginning in November, we will be offering an opportunity to join the Passport Club, an association of clubs sponsored by teachers, in which students are provided with out-of-class opportunities to participate in various activities in their target language. Stay-tuned for some upcoming opportunities for students to be able to practice their target language during lunchtime club activities.
I hope that these clubs continues to grow. These opportunities for students to engage in their target language through activities that are unlike those they have in class helps both to build their fluency and to increase the enjoyment of using their new language.
Free Access to Microsoft Office 365
We are pleased to share that the CBE will be offering free access to Microsoft Student Advantage Program to our students. This program provides free access to Office 365 for CBE students. Office 365 is available for download on up to 5 devices (Windows, Mac, and/or mobile devices). This suite includes Word, Excel, One Note and Powerpoint. For details, please view the following link
We are pleased to share that the CBE will be offering free access to Microsoft Student Advantage Program to our students. This program provides free access to Office 365 for CBE students. Office 365 is available for download on up to 5 devices (Windows, Mac, and/or mobile devices). This suite includes Word, Excel, One Note and Powerpoint. For details, please view the following link
The week that was…
Lockdown Practice Drill
An email was sent to parents last week, on Tuesday October 7, to make parents aware that we had had a practice lockdown at Bishop Pinkham. Two strategies to improve our process included adjusting the volume of the internal alarm and to clarify the safest location where students should sit in a classroom. We have since been able to adjust the volume of the alarm and have provided all classrooms with a green lockdown poster that will be displayed on the safest wall in each classroom. We would like to thank the Calgary Police Service and Constable Kruger for these excellent suggestions!
Gr. 6 Outdoor School Parent Meeting
On Tuesday October 7, Mme. Neeser and the Grade 6 team coordinated an information meeting for all Grade 6 parents to discuss our upcoming Outdoor School that will occur on November 4-7. We would like to thank Monique from kamp kiwanis for her presentation about the learning opportunities that our students will experience. Please note that all forms are due on Wednesday October 15 and should be given to the Grade 6 homeroom teachers. If parents were not able to attend the meeting, they should contact their child’s homeroom teacher for information.
Québec Parent Information Meeting
Thank you to all of the parents and students who were able to attend our Parent Information Evening on Wednesday October 8. Mme. Fulton presented the details of our upcoming trip that will take place from May 3 – May 8, 2015. As well as details of the trip, Mme. Fulton shared information and dates regarding the application process. As suggested by parents who attended the meeting, this week, on Wednesday October 15 at lunch in rm. 8, Mme. Fulton will have a follow-up student meeting to answer any questions regarding the trip and application process.
Thank you to all of the parents and students who were able to attend our Parent Information Evening on Wednesday October 8. Mme. Fulton presented the details of our upcoming trip that will take place from May 3 – May 8, 2015. As well as details of the trip, Mme. Fulton shared information and dates regarding the application process. As suggested by parents who attended the meeting, this week, on Wednesday October 15 at lunch in rm. 8, Mme. Fulton will have a follow-up student meeting to answer any questions regarding the trip and application process.
Gr. 9 Vaccinations
On Friday October 10, Nancy McCaig, our Community Health Nurse met with our Grade 9 students to discuss this year’s vaccinations. Students were given information regarding the upcoming vaccinations in November. Please note that consent forms that are due on Wednesday, October 15. If students missed the forms or the presentation, please have them come to Main Office to receive another copy. Should you have any questions, please contact Nancy McCaig [[email protected]].
Entertainment Book Finale!
We are very pleased to share that Bishop Pinkham sold 572 Entertainment Books for a final profit of $11,440. Yay! As well, Mrs. Holland from 6S1 will receive a $50 gift certificate for a delicious meal at Notable, as her homeroom 6S1 sold the most books. A special mention to Srta. Rosa from 6S2 who was a close 2nd place! As a final activity, on Thursday October 9, 6C2 got to watch Sophia C. collect her prizes in the flying Cash Box. It was so much fun to see her fly as fast as she could to collect her winnings!
On Friday October 10, Nancy McCaig, our Community Health Nurse met with our Grade 9 students to discuss this year’s vaccinations. Students were given information regarding the upcoming vaccinations in November. Please note that consent forms that are due on Wednesday, October 15. If students missed the forms or the presentation, please have them come to Main Office to receive another copy. Should you have any questions, please contact Nancy McCaig [[email protected]].
Entertainment Book Finale!
We are very pleased to share that Bishop Pinkham sold 572 Entertainment Books for a final profit of $11,440. Yay! As well, Mrs. Holland from 6S1 will receive a $50 gift certificate for a delicious meal at Notable, as her homeroom 6S1 sold the most books. A special mention to Srta. Rosa from 6S2 who was a close 2nd place! As a final activity, on Thursday October 9, 6C2 got to watch Sophia C. collect her prizes in the flying Cash Box. It was so much fun to see her fly as fast as she could to collect her winnings!
Terry Fox Run
Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the Terry Fox Run on Friday October 10 and for all of those who brought in a ‘Toonie for Terry’. We had a spectacular afternoon to complete the run and it was a wonderful way to support the ongoing need for cancer research. We will proudly display our ‘Participation Board’ in the Main Entrance of our school. All of the student names who participated in the event are displayed on the board. I would like to congratulate all of our students for their positive attitude and amazing effort! As well, a special thank you to Mr. Holland for coordinating the event – well done!
Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the Terry Fox Run on Friday October 10 and for all of those who brought in a ‘Toonie for Terry’. We had a spectacular afternoon to complete the run and it was a wonderful way to support the ongoing need for cancer research. We will proudly display our ‘Participation Board’ in the Main Entrance of our school. All of the student names who participated in the event are displayed on the board. I would like to congratulate all of our students for their positive attitude and amazing effort! As well, a special thank you to Mr. Holland for coordinating the event – well done!
Panther Pride
It was a busy week of athletics! Both the girls and boys soccer teams and the junior and senior girls and boys volleyball teams played games throughout the week.
A big congratulations to all of our Cross Country participants. We are proud to share that after the final race at Glenmore Park on Thursday, both our Junior and Intermediate boys won the South Division finals. Great job!
As well, felicitations to our Senior Girls Volleyball team for participating in the Western Canada Volleyball Tournament on Friday. Our girls played for over 4 hours against our feeder schools and M. Fiset anticipated a strong turnout of participants from all of the schools.
It was a busy week of athletics! Both the girls and boys soccer teams and the junior and senior girls and boys volleyball teams played games throughout the week.
A big congratulations to all of our Cross Country participants. We are proud to share that after the final race at Glenmore Park on Thursday, both our Junior and Intermediate boys won the South Division finals. Great job!
As well, felicitations to our Senior Girls Volleyball team for participating in the Western Canada Volleyball Tournament on Friday. Our girls played for over 4 hours against our feeder schools and M. Fiset anticipated a strong turnout of participants from all of the schools.
This Week…
Pizza Fun Lunch
Bishop Pinkham School Council is having the next Pizza Fun Lunch fundraiser on Friday October 24. If you would like your child to participate you will need to go to healthyhunger.ca to place your order. All orders must be in by midnight Sunday October 19. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Cheryl Burgess at [email protected] or call me at 403-804-0809.
‘Generation Genesis’
The BP Art Department is excited to offer Grade 7-9 students the opportunity to be a part of a youth art show entitled ‘Generation Genesis” hosted by the Leighton Art Centre. The Leighton Art Centre is opening its doors to the next generation of Alberta artists by calling out to schools across the Foothills and Calgary area to curate a wall space with student artwork. The Bishop Pinkham Art Department has reserved a 5’ x 8’ wall space to display the talent of our young artists. There will be an information meeting at lunch in the Art Room on Tuesday October 14. Please note that the Application Forms are due on Tuesday October 21.
Sketchbook Club
Beginning on Wednesday, October 15 from 3:00-4:00pm all students are invited to The Sketchbook Club in the Art Room. This is a drop-in club in the Art Studio and is open to all students in all grades. It is an opportunity to get extra time to work on art assignments, get some one-on-one help with your art skills with Ms. Tuttle, or to just get more art in your life!
Pizza Fun Lunch
Bishop Pinkham School Council is having the next Pizza Fun Lunch fundraiser on Friday October 24. If you would like your child to participate you will need to go to healthyhunger.ca to place your order. All orders must be in by midnight Sunday October 19. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Cheryl Burgess at [email protected] or call me at 403-804-0809.
‘Generation Genesis’
The BP Art Department is excited to offer Grade 7-9 students the opportunity to be a part of a youth art show entitled ‘Generation Genesis” hosted by the Leighton Art Centre. The Leighton Art Centre is opening its doors to the next generation of Alberta artists by calling out to schools across the Foothills and Calgary area to curate a wall space with student artwork. The Bishop Pinkham Art Department has reserved a 5’ x 8’ wall space to display the talent of our young artists. There will be an information meeting at lunch in the Art Room on Tuesday October 14. Please note that the Application Forms are due on Tuesday October 21.
Sketchbook Club
Beginning on Wednesday, October 15 from 3:00-4:00pm all students are invited to The Sketchbook Club in the Art Room. This is a drop-in club in the Art Studio and is open to all students in all grades. It is an opportunity to get extra time to work on art assignments, get some one-on-one help with your art skills with Ms. Tuttle, or to just get more art in your life!
WE Day
This year WE Day will be held on Monday November 3. Srta. Sutherland and Mme. LeBlanc will be taking18 students to the Saddledome for the day. 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. The participant, wait and live stream list has been posted on the BPLC bulletin board, near the office. Everyone on all lists must attend all meetings. Please note that the first meeting is Wednesday October 15th.
This year WE Day will be held on Monday November 3. Srta. Sutherland and Mme. LeBlanc will be taking18 students to the Saddledome for the day. 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. The participant, wait and live stream list has been posted on the BPLC bulletin board, near the office. Everyone on all lists must attend all meetings. Please note that the first meeting is Wednesday October 15th.
Calling all Cadets
If you are a cadet and interested in participating in the Flag Ceremony on Friday November 7, for our Remembrance Day ceremony, please see Ms. Crisp in the Learning Commons at lunch on Wednesday October 15.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Just a reminder that as a result of our Parent-Teacher Interviews on Thursday and Friday this week that there will be an early-dismissal for students at 12:20pm on Thursday October 16.
The week at-a-glance
· Monday October 13
o Thanksgiving (no students)
· Tuesday October 14
o Junior Girls Volleyball (4:15/5:00pm at BP)
o Senior Girls Volleyball (4:15pm at Vincent Massey)
o Boys Soccer (4:30pm at BP)
· Wednesday October 15
o Gr 8 Québec Information Student Meeting (11:30am in rm.8)
o WE Day meeting in the Art Room at lunch
o Appointment Scheduler closes at 11:59pm
o Senior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00/5:40pm at BP)
o Girls Soccer (4:30pm at A.E. Cross)
o Sketchbook Club (3:00-4:00pm in the Art Room)
· Thursday October 16
o Early dismissal at 12:20pm
o Parent-Teacher Interviews (1:30pm-8:30pm)
· Friday October 17
o Parent-Teacher Interviews (8:00am-3:00pm)
· Sunday October 19
o Last day to register for pizza fun lunch at www.healthyhunger.ca
A Little Later…
· Monday October 20
o Junior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00/5:40pm at BP)
· Tuesday October 21
o Grade 5 Vaccinations in the morning
o Junior Girls Volleyball (4:15/5:00pm at Vincent Massey)
o Boys Soccer (4:30pm at BP)
o School Council Meeting at 6:30pm in the Learning Commons
· Wednesday October 22
o Senior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00pm at Vincent Massey)
o BPMPA Meeting at 7:00pm in the Music Room
· Thursday October 23
o Senior Girls Volleyball (4:15/5:00/5:40 at Bishop Pinkham)
· Friday October 24
o Healthy Hunger Pizza Fun Lunch
Communication
If you are a cadet and interested in participating in the Flag Ceremony on Friday November 7, for our Remembrance Day ceremony, please see Ms. Crisp in the Learning Commons at lunch on Wednesday October 15.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Just a reminder that as a result of our Parent-Teacher Interviews on Thursday and Friday this week that there will be an early-dismissal for students at 12:20pm on Thursday October 16.
The week at-a-glance
· Monday October 13
o Thanksgiving (no students)
· Tuesday October 14
o Junior Girls Volleyball (4:15/5:00pm at BP)
o Senior Girls Volleyball (4:15pm at Vincent Massey)
o Boys Soccer (4:30pm at BP)
· Wednesday October 15
o Gr 8 Québec Information Student Meeting (11:30am in rm.8)
o WE Day meeting in the Art Room at lunch
o Appointment Scheduler closes at 11:59pm
o Senior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00/5:40pm at BP)
o Girls Soccer (4:30pm at A.E. Cross)
o Sketchbook Club (3:00-4:00pm in the Art Room)
· Thursday October 16
o Early dismissal at 12:20pm
o Parent-Teacher Interviews (1:30pm-8:30pm)
· Friday October 17
o Parent-Teacher Interviews (8:00am-3:00pm)
· Sunday October 19
o Last day to register for pizza fun lunch at www.healthyhunger.ca
A Little Later…
· Monday October 20
o Junior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00/5:40pm at BP)
· Tuesday October 21
o Grade 5 Vaccinations in the morning
o Junior Girls Volleyball (4:15/5:00pm at Vincent Massey)
o Boys Soccer (4:30pm at BP)
o School Council Meeting at 6:30pm in the Learning Commons
· Wednesday October 22
o Senior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00pm at Vincent Massey)
o BPMPA Meeting at 7:00pm in the Music Room
· Thursday October 23
o Senior Girls Volleyball (4:15/5:00/5:40 at Bishop Pinkham)
· Friday October 24
o Healthy Hunger Pizza Fun Lunch
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