October 27, 2013
The snow has arrived! All this week, I will have the pleasure of joining 27 of our Grade 9 students who will be sailing the high seas on the West Coast. Should you have any questions about this week’s update, please contact Ms. J Shantz or feel free to wait until my return on Monday, November 4.
As well, this week we are using a new message system to send home the weekly update. Our previous system was not able to send any more than one email per family, which does not support our communication model. Please contact the Main Office if you are experiencing any difficulties with this new system at 403.777.7840 ext 0.
At last week’s School Council meeting, we discussed many topics of interest which included the 2014-2015 system-wide K-9 report card, the Tell Them From Me survey results, the upcoming Community Engagement meetings as well as some important traffic and bus concerns. I would like to take this time to thank all of the parents who were able to attend the meeting; it is an important opportunity for our school to hear back from our community and the conversations from the meetings greatly help to move our work ahead.
The snow has arrived! All this week, I will have the pleasure of joining 27 of our Grade 9 students who will be sailing the high seas on the West Coast. Should you have any questions about this week’s update, please contact Ms. J Shantz or feel free to wait until my return on Monday, November 4.
As well, this week we are using a new message system to send home the weekly update. Our previous system was not able to send any more than one email per family, which does not support our communication model. Please contact the Main Office if you are experiencing any difficulties with this new system at 403.777.7840 ext 0.
At last week’s School Council meeting, we discussed many topics of interest which included the 2014-2015 system-wide K-9 report card, the Tell Them From Me survey results, the upcoming Community Engagement meetings as well as some important traffic and bus concerns. I would like to take this time to thank all of the parents who were able to attend the meeting; it is an important opportunity for our school to hear back from our community and the conversations from the meetings greatly help to move our work ahead.
Upcoming K-9 Report Card
2014-2015 Report Card Information:
The Calgary Board of Education intends to implement a new report card for Kindergarten through Grade 9 in September 2014. While the report card has not yet been finalized, detailed information is becoming available. Beginning in 2014-15, all students in Kindergarten through Grade 9 will have the same report card. Similarly to this year, report cards will be issued twice a year in January and June. The new report card will be outcomes-based and will have three or four stems for each subject.
The following is an example of stems that teachers will use to comment on students’ progress in Math:
Math
Understands mathematical concepts and relationships
Uses mathematical reasoning to analyze and solve problems
Develops effective strategies for mental mathematics, estimation and computation
Visualizes, models and communicates mathematical ideas
In addition to the report cards and parent-teacher interviews, teachers at Bishop Pinkham will continue to use D2L as means to share marks and feedback with students and parents on an ongoing basis throughout the year. As well, Student Learning Team meetings will continue to be held when students are experiencing serious difficulties. Such a meeting includes parents, teaching staff, administration, the student if appropriate and perhaps a specialist from the Area if needed.
2013-2014 Transition Plan for the New Report Card:
What’s going to be the same?
What’s going to be new?
At last week’s School Council meeting, we shared the full list of outcomes-based stems for each subject. We received clear feedback that the new report card stems alone were not sufficient information to report on each student’ assessment. As a result, our work this year will focus on how teachers will connect their ongoing assessments in D2L to the outcome-based objectives in each respective discipline. While we have opted not to use the new report stems in our report cards this year, we have asked teachers to use the stems as a base for their comments in January and June.
We would like to use this year as an opportunity to build an effective communication plan about student learning. In order to do this, we have asked teachers to be communicating with students and parents and to gather direct feedback. Parents and students will see that teachers will be trying a variety of methods to communicate about the connections between their assessments and the outcomes from the program of studies. We look forward to hearing back from students and parents and we will continue to have these conversations as a professional community so that we are ready for the report card when it becomes official in September 2014.
2014-2015 Report Card Information:
The Calgary Board of Education intends to implement a new report card for Kindergarten through Grade 9 in September 2014. While the report card has not yet been finalized, detailed information is becoming available. Beginning in 2014-15, all students in Kindergarten through Grade 9 will have the same report card. Similarly to this year, report cards will be issued twice a year in January and June. The new report card will be outcomes-based and will have three or four stems for each subject.
The following is an example of stems that teachers will use to comment on students’ progress in Math:
Math
Understands mathematical concepts and relationships
Uses mathematical reasoning to analyze and solve problems
Develops effective strategies for mental mathematics, estimation and computation
Visualizes, models and communicates mathematical ideas
In addition to the report cards and parent-teacher interviews, teachers at Bishop Pinkham will continue to use D2L as means to share marks and feedback with students and parents on an ongoing basis throughout the year. As well, Student Learning Team meetings will continue to be held when students are experiencing serious difficulties. Such a meeting includes parents, teaching staff, administration, the student if appropriate and perhaps a specialist from the Area if needed.
2013-2014 Transition Plan for the New Report Card:
What’s going to be the same?
- 2 report cards
- 2 opportunities to meet for parent-teacher interviews
- Marks will be included for each subject
What’s going to be new?
- D2L Assessment
- Report Card Comments
At last week’s School Council meeting, we shared the full list of outcomes-based stems for each subject. We received clear feedback that the new report card stems alone were not sufficient information to report on each student’ assessment. As a result, our work this year will focus on how teachers will connect their ongoing assessments in D2L to the outcome-based objectives in each respective discipline. While we have opted not to use the new report stems in our report cards this year, we have asked teachers to use the stems as a base for their comments in January and June.
We would like to use this year as an opportunity to build an effective communication plan about student learning. In order to do this, we have asked teachers to be communicating with students and parents and to gather direct feedback. Parents and students will see that teachers will be trying a variety of methods to communicate about the connections between their assessments and the outcomes from the program of studies. We look forward to hearing back from students and parents and we will continue to have these conversations as a professional community so that we are ready for the report card when it becomes official in September 2014.
Tell Them From Me Survey Results
At our PD Day on Monday, October 21, as part of our review of the upcoming report card changes, we reviewed what our students shared with us about their learning in the Tell Them From Me survey that they completed last May. This was the 3rd opportunity that our students completed this survey since June 2012 and provides important feedback about student engagement specifically related to social, intellectual and academic engagement.
Some themes that emerged from the survey were that students are highly engaged in school clubs, have positive relationships with friends, value school outcomes and show positive school behavior.
Some areas of concern also emerged from the data from Bishop Pinkham and also from CBE middle school data; it was fairly consistent that from grade 7-9, there seems to be a steady decline in general motivation and interest in school. As well, levels of anxiety and depression seem to increase significantly.
The following chart highlights 2 areas of the survey; Intellectual Engagement and Interest and Motivation. As we shared with the staff and also at the School Council meeting, ensuring that students who are intellectually engaged, find learning interesting, enjoyable and relevant is very important and clearly, this is an area that we intend to focus on during this upcoming year.
At our PD Day on Monday, October 21, as part of our review of the upcoming report card changes, we reviewed what our students shared with us about their learning in the Tell Them From Me survey that they completed last May. This was the 3rd opportunity that our students completed this survey since June 2012 and provides important feedback about student engagement specifically related to social, intellectual and academic engagement.
Some themes that emerged from the survey were that students are highly engaged in school clubs, have positive relationships with friends, value school outcomes and show positive school behavior.
Some areas of concern also emerged from the data from Bishop Pinkham and also from CBE middle school data; it was fairly consistent that from grade 7-9, there seems to be a steady decline in general motivation and interest in school. As well, levels of anxiety and depression seem to increase significantly.
The following chart highlights 2 areas of the survey; Intellectual Engagement and Interest and Motivation. As we shared with the staff and also at the School Council meeting, ensuring that students who are intellectually engaged, find learning interesting, enjoyable and relevant is very important and clearly, this is an area that we intend to focus on during this upcoming year.
Please note that we will be conducting this survey again in November and will share the full results with the community on our school website. For more information on the survey, Alberta Education has been using this survey as a means to communicate student perspective on learning for the last 3 years.
Community Engagement
Last year, there were extensive conversations facilitated by the CBE's Community Engagement group about school program planning for Westgate and Bishop Pinkham. The Grade 5 Spanish and French program move to Bishop Pinkham was s 2-year commitment by the CBE with an understanding that conversations to determine a more long-term solution would continue this year. It is our understanding that it is likely that the first of these meeting may take place before the winter break. We will make sure to communicate the date of the meeting on the school website as well as through our weekly updates.
Community Engagement
Last year, there were extensive conversations facilitated by the CBE's Community Engagement group about school program planning for Westgate and Bishop Pinkham. The Grade 5 Spanish and French program move to Bishop Pinkham was s 2-year commitment by the CBE with an understanding that conversations to determine a more long-term solution would continue this year. It is our understanding that it is likely that the first of these meeting may take place before the winter break. We will make sure to communicate the date of the meeting on the school website as well as through our weekly updates.
Traffic and Bus Safety
It has come to our attention that there continues to be some significant traffic and bus concerns that need to be shared.
Traffic
Before and after school, parents are often dropping students off in front of the school or in our school parking lot. Quite often, when parents are dropping students off across the street from the school, students run directly in front of traffic and between buses to get to the school. This is of HUGE concern to us and as the roads turn slippery and the mornings get darker, it is obvious that our students are in serious danger of getting hit by a bus or car.
Please, please, please do not allow your student to run across the street. If you are unable to park directly in front of the school, please use our staff parking lot to drop them off. Saying this, please drop them off at the 2nd door furthest down the school. Our staff has communicated that doors closest to the street is not a safe destination, as staff come across the same dangers of being hit by a car. Thank you for your support.
Bus
We are continuing to receive concerns that some buses are over-filled or are arriving late. By now, most routes have been adjusted to balance the number of students and number of bus stops. There continues to be challenges this year with finding consistent bus drivers and as a result, there have been instances where the stop routes were not followed and buses were arriving late. The CBE Transportation Department works directly with Southland Transportation to assure that our students are safe and also accepts conversations with parents who have concerns. For example, if students are sitting with any more than 3 students to a seat, this is an obvious concern and will need to be rectified. Please contact Southland Transportation if you have any questions at 403.287.1335 or the CBE Transportation Department at [email protected].
It has come to our attention that there continues to be some significant traffic and bus concerns that need to be shared.
Traffic
Before and after school, parents are often dropping students off in front of the school or in our school parking lot. Quite often, when parents are dropping students off across the street from the school, students run directly in front of traffic and between buses to get to the school. This is of HUGE concern to us and as the roads turn slippery and the mornings get darker, it is obvious that our students are in serious danger of getting hit by a bus or car.
Please, please, please do not allow your student to run across the street. If you are unable to park directly in front of the school, please use our staff parking lot to drop them off. Saying this, please drop them off at the 2nd door furthest down the school. Our staff has communicated that doors closest to the street is not a safe destination, as staff come across the same dangers of being hit by a car. Thank you for your support.
Bus
We are continuing to receive concerns that some buses are over-filled or are arriving late. By now, most routes have been adjusted to balance the number of students and number of bus stops. There continues to be challenges this year with finding consistent bus drivers and as a result, there have been instances where the stop routes were not followed and buses were arriving late. The CBE Transportation Department works directly with Southland Transportation to assure that our students are safe and also accepts conversations with parents who have concerns. For example, if students are sitting with any more than 3 students to a seat, this is an obvious concern and will need to be rectified. Please contact Southland Transportation if you have any questions at 403.287.1335 or the CBE Transportation Department at [email protected].
From the School Council…
This year, parent volunteer coordinators will assist to recruit parents who are willing to find volunteers in each grade for upcoming events/field trips/special lunches, etc. As part of this role, the volunteer coordinators would like to create an email distribution list for each grade. Due to FOIP regulations, Bishop Pinkham is unable to provide parent contact information directly from the school. So, if you are a parent who would like to volunteer, please send your email information to appropriate volunteer coordinator below. Thank you!
Grade 5 –Sarah Nicholson ([email protected])
Grade 6 – *Gr. 6 coordinator email will be shared next week
Grade 7 –Michelle Sanchez ([email protected])
Grade 8 –Pamela Gee ([email protected])
Grade 9 –Lydia Palmer ([email protected]]
- Parent Volunteer Coordinator Distribution List Reminder
This year, parent volunteer coordinators will assist to recruit parents who are willing to find volunteers in each grade for upcoming events/field trips/special lunches, etc. As part of this role, the volunteer coordinators would like to create an email distribution list for each grade. Due to FOIP regulations, Bishop Pinkham is unable to provide parent contact information directly from the school. So, if you are a parent who would like to volunteer, please send your email information to appropriate volunteer coordinator below. Thank you!
Grade 5 –Sarah Nicholson ([email protected])
Grade 6 – *Gr. 6 coordinator email will be shared next week
Grade 7 –Michelle Sanchez ([email protected])
Grade 8 –Pamela Gee ([email protected])
Grade 9 –Lydia Palmer ([email protected]]
- Next Parent Council Meeting
Healthy Hunger
- Kernels Popcorn – Thursday, October 31
- Subway Lunch – Friday, November 29
The week that was…
About Face
On Wednesday, October 16, all of our students had the opportunity to participate in, About Face, a presentation organized by the Calgary Police Service. It was an interesting presentation that asked students to role-play and put themselves in the position to think about their impact on others. Teachers followed up last week by asking them to give us some feedback about the presentation and if it will have an impact on the choices that they make. Especially after reviewing the survey data from Tell Them From Me, opportunities like this presentation are great reminders about creating an inclusive environment where students feel safe. Thank you to Mr. K. Khubyar for organizing this presentation,
Athletics
About Face
On Wednesday, October 16, all of our students had the opportunity to participate in, About Face, a presentation organized by the Calgary Police Service. It was an interesting presentation that asked students to role-play and put themselves in the position to think about their impact on others. Teachers followed up last week by asking them to give us some feedback about the presentation and if it will have an impact on the choices that they make. Especially after reviewing the survey data from Tell Them From Me, opportunities like this presentation are great reminders about creating an inclusive environment where students feel safe. Thank you to Mr. K. Khubyar for organizing this presentation,
Athletics
- Soccer Photos - As promised, here are some photos from the girls soccer finals. Once we receive photos from the boys soccer finals, we will be sure to share them!
- Volleyball
Our students had a busy weekend participating in volleyball tournaments at Western Canada, Branton Junior High and Midsun Junior High. Thanks to coaches, M. E. Fiset, Mr. M. Kennedy and Srta. K. Ell for organizing these additional events on top or your already-busy volleyball schedules, well done!
Vaccinations
Our Grade 5 students and about 25 grade 9 students had the pleasure of receiving their vaccinations last Tuesday, October 22. This will be the first of 3 vaccination days in total this year for the grade 5s. Should you have any questions, please contact our Community Health Nurse, Nancy McCaig at [email protected].
Quebec Trip Update
Thanks to all 48 students who submitted applications in anticipation of attending this year’s ‘Voyage au Québec’. As the trip will not be able to support more than 40 students, Mme. S. Abboud will send information home regarding the lottery process that we will follow when selecting the students. Thank you to all parents and students who attended the information meeting.
We Day
On Thursday, October 24, it was a very successful day for 23 of our BP Leadership students who attended the 2nd annual We Day. Sponsored by Free the Children, We Day has mobilized youth in many cities to action in support of local and global issues. Thanks to Ms J. Tuttle and Mme. K. Woodworth for sponsoring this event for our students.
On Thursday, October 24, it was a very successful day for 23 of our BP Leadership students who attended the 2nd annual We Day. Sponsored by Free the Children, We Day has mobilized youth in many cities to action in support of local and global issues. Thanks to Ms J. Tuttle and Mme. K. Woodworth for sponsoring this event for our students.
This week…
Photo Reminder
Reminder that all photo orders are due on Tuesday, October 29. For online ordering information, please go to mylifetouch.ca and order using their Portrait ID and Access Code. As well, retakes will be on Tuesday, November 12.
‘Wild for Wetlands’
The Grade 5 Spanish and French students will have the opportunity to go on the field trip, ‘ Wild for Wetlands’, Wilderness Hike, to Fish Creek Park on Tuesday, October 29th. The trip is facilitated by CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) and involves a hike outdoors.
Central Memorial PVA Presentation
Once again, we are fortunate enough to be able to host this year’s Central Performing and Visual Arts Program on Wednesday, October 30th. This is a great opportunity for our Grade 9 students to experience the PVA program offered at Central Memorial High School. Thank you to Central Memorial for encouraging our students to consider such a great program.
Photo Reminder
Reminder that all photo orders are due on Tuesday, October 29. For online ordering information, please go to mylifetouch.ca and order using their Portrait ID and Access Code. As well, retakes will be on Tuesday, November 12.
‘Wild for Wetlands’
The Grade 5 Spanish and French students will have the opportunity to go on the field trip, ‘ Wild for Wetlands’, Wilderness Hike, to Fish Creek Park on Tuesday, October 29th. The trip is facilitated by CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) and involves a hike outdoors.
Central Memorial PVA Presentation
Once again, we are fortunate enough to be able to host this year’s Central Performing and Visual Arts Program on Wednesday, October 30th. This is a great opportunity for our Grade 9 students to experience the PVA program offered at Central Memorial High School. Thank you to Central Memorial for encouraging our students to consider such a great program.
Halloween!
Halloween at Bishop Pinkham is truly a goolish event! We will have regular classes in the morning and have planned an afternoon of halloween-themed activities. Amongst the activities, will be 2 separate dances; the Grade 7-9s will be in the main gym while the Grade 5-6s will be in the cafeteria. Both dances will have student 'dj's' who have taken great care in selecting their music and allow students to show off their creative costumes.
A couple of important notes about the day:
SALTS
It has finally arrived! The Grade 9 sailing group will leave this week for the sailing trip in the Georgia Strait with the Sail and Life Training Society [SALTS]. Mme J. Tuttle, Mr K. Khubyar and I will join 27 students on this adventure October 28-November 1. Bon voyage!
To follow the updates on the trip, please use our Twitter feed [@bpbulletin - twitter.com/bpbulletin] or view the updates on our Facebook page at the end of the day.
Next week and a little later…
Just a few reminders about some upcoming events - more information to follow in next week’s update!
Halloween at Bishop Pinkham is truly a goolish event! We will have regular classes in the morning and have planned an afternoon of halloween-themed activities. Amongst the activities, will be 2 separate dances; the Grade 7-9s will be in the main gym while the Grade 5-6s will be in the cafeteria. Both dances will have student 'dj's' who have taken great care in selecting their music and allow students to show off their creative costumes.
A couple of important notes about the day:
- Attendance: This is a regular school day and all students are expected to attend the entire day. We are hearing rumours of some students who would like to be excused and are asking parents to support this school-sponsored event. Events such as this one build community amongst our students and staff and are also important to help our students learn how to make those important connections.
- Costumes: No weapons, masks or inappropriate costumes (the dress code still applies!).
- Popcorn: Students will have an opportunity to buy Kettle Corn Popcorn sold by the School Council. Great for snacks and for movies!
SALTS
It has finally arrived! The Grade 9 sailing group will leave this week for the sailing trip in the Georgia Strait with the Sail and Life Training Society [SALTS]. Mme J. Tuttle, Mr K. Khubyar and I will join 27 students on this adventure October 28-November 1. Bon voyage!
To follow the updates on the trip, please use our Twitter feed [@bpbulletin - twitter.com/bpbulletin] or view the updates on our Facebook page at the end of the day.
Next week and a little later…
Just a few reminders about some upcoming events - more information to follow in next week’s update!
- Grade 8&9 Band Camp - November 4-6
- Grade 6 students to City Hall – Tuesday, November 5
- Remembrance Day Assembly – Thursday, November 8
- No School – Monday, November 11
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
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