April 14, 2013
Community Connection
This week shared some significant program announcements for our upcoming school year. The process of program planning continues to be very challenging for our city. Our schools host a variety of alternative programs and with them also comes the challenge of supporting the diverse needs of our students as programs continue to grow exponentially.
We were very pleased to announce that Bishop Pinkham is looking forward to welcoming the Grade 5 Spanish Bilingual and French Immersion students from Westgate beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. As we are now able to move forward with our planning, we will work closely with Westgate in order to plan for a smooth transition into our community. We have moved quickly this week to ensure that we are planning thoughtfully and are creating opportunities for community voice and connection.
Thanks to the administration of Westgate, Ms. J. Shantz and myself were invited to meet with all of the Grade 5 and 6 classes at Westgate on Tuesday morning and we were also invited to attend a parent evening at Westgate on Thursday evening. Some common areas of discussion focused on how we are planning to support the unique needs of our incoming younger learners while also integrating our students into our BP community.
Our upcoming staff retreat this Thursday and Friday is well-timed and will focus on reviewing our values, welcoming our new grade 5 teachers and beginning to discuss the essential components that will be necessary to build a successful program for next year.
We look forward to sharing these conversations at our upcoming Open House, which will take place on Thursday, May 9th. We will invite the grade 4 and 5 students from Westgate to join us during the day and for the parents of those students to come to Bishop Pinkham for a conversation regarding the transition from 5:30-6:30pm. Our regular Open House will then take place from 6:30pm-8:30pm for the remainder of our community. This will be a great opportunity to experience our school with your students and to meet with our teachers and staff to learn about the culture of Bishop Pinkham.
the week that was...
Outdoor Education
For 3 days last week, 24 of our Grade 9 students successfully participated in the winter camping trip to Mosquito Creek in Banff National Park. Mr. D. Jordan, Mme. A. MacPhee and Mr. S. Paget reported that all of the students began to build their quinzhee shelters on the first day and by the second evening, were able to sleep inside them for the night. Aside from a few wet sleeping bags, and some very red faces from the reflection of the sun on the snow, the students arrived home happy and healthy! Thank you to everyone for his or her efforts supporting this trip. We look forward to sharing some photos of the students once they are ready to be distributed.
Community Connection
This week shared some significant program announcements for our upcoming school year. The process of program planning continues to be very challenging for our city. Our schools host a variety of alternative programs and with them also comes the challenge of supporting the diverse needs of our students as programs continue to grow exponentially.
We were very pleased to announce that Bishop Pinkham is looking forward to welcoming the Grade 5 Spanish Bilingual and French Immersion students from Westgate beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. As we are now able to move forward with our planning, we will work closely with Westgate in order to plan for a smooth transition into our community. We have moved quickly this week to ensure that we are planning thoughtfully and are creating opportunities for community voice and connection.
Thanks to the administration of Westgate, Ms. J. Shantz and myself were invited to meet with all of the Grade 5 and 6 classes at Westgate on Tuesday morning and we were also invited to attend a parent evening at Westgate on Thursday evening. Some common areas of discussion focused on how we are planning to support the unique needs of our incoming younger learners while also integrating our students into our BP community.
Our upcoming staff retreat this Thursday and Friday is well-timed and will focus on reviewing our values, welcoming our new grade 5 teachers and beginning to discuss the essential components that will be necessary to build a successful program for next year.
We look forward to sharing these conversations at our upcoming Open House, which will take place on Thursday, May 9th. We will invite the grade 4 and 5 students from Westgate to join us during the day and for the parents of those students to come to Bishop Pinkham for a conversation regarding the transition from 5:30-6:30pm. Our regular Open House will then take place from 6:30pm-8:30pm for the remainder of our community. This will be a great opportunity to experience our school with your students and to meet with our teachers and staff to learn about the culture of Bishop Pinkham.
the week that was...
Outdoor Education
For 3 days last week, 24 of our Grade 9 students successfully participated in the winter camping trip to Mosquito Creek in Banff National Park. Mr. D. Jordan, Mme. A. MacPhee and Mr. S. Paget reported that all of the students began to build their quinzhee shelters on the first day and by the second evening, were able to sleep inside them for the night. Aside from a few wet sleeping bags, and some very red faces from the reflection of the sun on the snow, the students arrived home happy and healthy! Thank you to everyone for his or her efforts supporting this trip. We look forward to sharing some photos of the students once they are ready to be distributed.
BP Language Fair
A special thank you to everyone for a most impressive event at Bishop Pinkham on Thursday and Friday. It goes without saying that it took many hours of planning and the quality of the student projects at the end of the two days was significant. We would like to thank our Language Leaders, Mme. S. Abboud and Srta. K. Gilbertson for leading this initiative and also thank the teachers and parent volunteers for organizing and supporting such creative and engaging sessions for our community of learners.
It was the first time in my career as a language leader that I saw such a natural bridge between complex programs in a multi-track school. Without exception, throughout the Language Fair students were able to work across grades and languages to create high quality products of learning in their target languages. We are planning on sharing some of the experiences that we captured on camera with our parent community shortly, please stay-tuned for the upcoming presentation.
A special thank you to everyone for a most impressive event at Bishop Pinkham on Thursday and Friday. It goes without saying that it took many hours of planning and the quality of the student projects at the end of the two days was significant. We would like to thank our Language Leaders, Mme. S. Abboud and Srta. K. Gilbertson for leading this initiative and also thank the teachers and parent volunteers for organizing and supporting such creative and engaging sessions for our community of learners.
It was the first time in my career as a language leader that I saw such a natural bridge between complex programs in a multi-track school. Without exception, throughout the Language Fair students were able to work across grades and languages to create high quality products of learning in their target languages. We are planning on sharing some of the experiences that we captured on camera with our parent community shortly, please stay-tuned for the upcoming presentation.
Québec capers and crêpes
Thank you to the wonderful actors who participated in our Lunchbox Variety Show this week and once again, for the delicious crêpes breakfast on Friday morning. The lunchtime performances were very impressive and it was wonderful to see, not only the enthusiastic student performances, but also how many students took time during their lunch hour to support their friends. It’s not easy to perform in front of an audience at the best of times, and to do so in a second language is especially significant. Bravo! Thank you to Mme. E. Ungureanu for her leadership supporting this fundraiser.
Track Season
Snow or no snow, the track season is on! Practices are running at lunchtime, with the exception of high jump, and students in Grades 6-9 are encouraged to participate and try out for as many teams as possible. For information about the track schedule please contact Mr. L. Holland with any questions. The track meet will be held on May 8th. Go Panthers!
this week...
Learning Centre
The Learning Centre will be open on Monday from 3:00-4:30pm in the Learning Commons for all students.
Shave Your Lid for a Kid
As part of the ongoing fundraiser for this event, there will be a bake sale from April 15-17 this week. All money raised from the baked goods will go towards the Shave Your Lid for a Kid event. Students will be hosting the Shave Your Lid for a Kid event at Bishop Pinkham on April 26. This event, which will raise funds to support young people affected by cancer, has been in full swing at BP and, at the last count, students have been able to raise over $26 000.00!!!!
Recycled Art Contest
Our recycled art contest is back! All students will have the entire month of April to create an artwork made entirely from recycled or up cycled materials. The deadline to submit this work to the library will be on Monday, May 6.
Pinkham at Night Student Art Show
This Art Show evening event is open to all students and staff at Bishop Pinkham. The deadline to share all submissions to Ms. Tuttle or Ms. Buchanan will be on Monday, May 6th
Thank you to the wonderful actors who participated in our Lunchbox Variety Show this week and once again, for the delicious crêpes breakfast on Friday morning. The lunchtime performances were very impressive and it was wonderful to see, not only the enthusiastic student performances, but also how many students took time during their lunch hour to support their friends. It’s not easy to perform in front of an audience at the best of times, and to do so in a second language is especially significant. Bravo! Thank you to Mme. E. Ungureanu for her leadership supporting this fundraiser.
Track Season
Snow or no snow, the track season is on! Practices are running at lunchtime, with the exception of high jump, and students in Grades 6-9 are encouraged to participate and try out for as many teams as possible. For information about the track schedule please contact Mr. L. Holland with any questions. The track meet will be held on May 8th. Go Panthers!
this week...
Learning Centre
The Learning Centre will be open on Monday from 3:00-4:30pm in the Learning Commons for all students.
Shave Your Lid for a Kid
As part of the ongoing fundraiser for this event, there will be a bake sale from April 15-17 this week. All money raised from the baked goods will go towards the Shave Your Lid for a Kid event. Students will be hosting the Shave Your Lid for a Kid event at Bishop Pinkham on April 26. This event, which will raise funds to support young people affected by cancer, has been in full swing at BP and, at the last count, students have been able to raise over $26 000.00!!!!
Recycled Art Contest
Our recycled art contest is back! All students will have the entire month of April to create an artwork made entirely from recycled or up cycled materials. The deadline to submit this work to the library will be on Monday, May 6.
Pinkham at Night Student Art Show
This Art Show evening event is open to all students and staff at Bishop Pinkham. The deadline to share all submissions to Ms. Tuttle or Ms. Buchanan will be on Monday, May 6th
Badminton
There are two more practices this week on Wednesday and Thursday morning, from 7:00-7:55am. Please make sure that players are on time and ready to start at 7:00am.
The badminton tournament will be held on Wednesday, April 17th for mixed doubles/singles and on Thursday, April 18th for doubles only. Both tournament dates will be at Vincent Massey School [939- 45 Street SW]. Students are asked to find their own rides to the school. Games at Vincent Massey will start at 4:15pm; however, players do not need to arrive until 3:45pm. During the tournament, students should bring snacks and water as they will not be able to leave the school. Please ensure that all permission forms have been submitted to Mr. D. Jordan or Mme. J. Somers in order to participate in the tournament this week.
Staff Retreat
Please note that there will be no school on Thursday, April 18 and Friday, April 19 this week. As I already mentioned at the beginning of this week’s blog, we will be using these two days to work together as a staff to review our school values, meet our new Grade 5 community of teachers and discuss the significant steps that we will need to take as we plan ahead for next year.
a little further ahead...
Open house
We will be hosting our general Open House this year on Thursday, May 9 from 6:30-8:30pm. Please note that the Grade 4 and 5 parents of Westgate students are welcome to join us from 5:30-6:30pm in the library. This meeting will focus on providing updates on the planning process for next year and we would appreciate hearing feedback from parents in regards to the specific needs of our early learners.
Student Heath - Wellness Day
Our Health Initiatives Learning Leader, Mr. D. Jordan, is coordinating a half-day student health and wellness day on April 23, in conjunction with the outstanding Grade 9 PARTY [Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth] program. Teachers are working in grade teams to build a program for all our students that will focus on a targeted adolescent physical or emotional health issue most relevant to each age group. I would like to acknowledge the considerable support of our School Nurse, Ms S. Ewaskiw.
Volunteer-a-Thon
Earlier this school year, one of our parents contacted us with an innovative fund-raising idea. This idea builds on the Think-a-Thons that many of our students were involved in during their elementary school experiences. This idea, though, is for students to commit volunteer hours and to raise money for the school by getting people to sponsor them for those hours.
This initial idea has evolved through continued work by this parent and Srta. Gilbertson. We are now making concrete plans for our first ever - THE first ever - Volunteer-a-Thon, which will be held May 4 through May 20. More information about specific volunteer opportunities will be available soon.
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
There are two more practices this week on Wednesday and Thursday morning, from 7:00-7:55am. Please make sure that players are on time and ready to start at 7:00am.
The badminton tournament will be held on Wednesday, April 17th for mixed doubles/singles and on Thursday, April 18th for doubles only. Both tournament dates will be at Vincent Massey School [939- 45 Street SW]. Students are asked to find their own rides to the school. Games at Vincent Massey will start at 4:15pm; however, players do not need to arrive until 3:45pm. During the tournament, students should bring snacks and water as they will not be able to leave the school. Please ensure that all permission forms have been submitted to Mr. D. Jordan or Mme. J. Somers in order to participate in the tournament this week.
Staff Retreat
Please note that there will be no school on Thursday, April 18 and Friday, April 19 this week. As I already mentioned at the beginning of this week’s blog, we will be using these two days to work together as a staff to review our school values, meet our new Grade 5 community of teachers and discuss the significant steps that we will need to take as we plan ahead for next year.
a little further ahead...
Open house
We will be hosting our general Open House this year on Thursday, May 9 from 6:30-8:30pm. Please note that the Grade 4 and 5 parents of Westgate students are welcome to join us from 5:30-6:30pm in the library. This meeting will focus on providing updates on the planning process for next year and we would appreciate hearing feedback from parents in regards to the specific needs of our early learners.
Student Heath - Wellness Day
Our Health Initiatives Learning Leader, Mr. D. Jordan, is coordinating a half-day student health and wellness day on April 23, in conjunction with the outstanding Grade 9 PARTY [Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth] program. Teachers are working in grade teams to build a program for all our students that will focus on a targeted adolescent physical or emotional health issue most relevant to each age group. I would like to acknowledge the considerable support of our School Nurse, Ms S. Ewaskiw.
Volunteer-a-Thon
Earlier this school year, one of our parents contacted us with an innovative fund-raising idea. This idea builds on the Think-a-Thons that many of our students were involved in during their elementary school experiences. This idea, though, is for students to commit volunteer hours and to raise money for the school by getting people to sponsor them for those hours.
This initial idea has evolved through continued work by this parent and Srta. Gilbertson. We are now making concrete plans for our first ever - THE first ever - Volunteer-a-Thon, which will be held May 4 through May 20. More information about specific volunteer opportunities will be available soon.
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