October 6, 2014
Happy World Teacher’s Day! Today is a day where teachers are honoured for their work around the world. I would like to take this time to thank our teachers at Bishop Pinkham for their dedication, passion and commitment and for engaging our students to be the amazing people they are…we are lucky to have such an amazing team at Bishop Pinkham and I continue to be inspired by their work on a daily basis!
Terry Fox Run
On Friday October 10, we will be participating in the Terry Fox National School Run Day. I always look forward to this day at school and feel proud to see how our students are able to come together and contribute to cancer research. It is also a special day because it celebrates the legacy and strength of our youth and reminds us about the impact that our students can have as individuals or together as a powerful community. This year, we have asked our students to donate a ‘Toonie for Terry’; our goal is to raise $1,350.00. For those who are interested, students can give their donations to their homeroom teachers on Friday, October 10.
The following is a video that was shared with me last week by a parent at Bishop Pinkham. It is a great example of we can all make an enormous difference to help support cancer research:
Happy World Teacher’s Day! Today is a day where teachers are honoured for their work around the world. I would like to take this time to thank our teachers at Bishop Pinkham for their dedication, passion and commitment and for engaging our students to be the amazing people they are…we are lucky to have such an amazing team at Bishop Pinkham and I continue to be inspired by their work on a daily basis!
Terry Fox Run
On Friday October 10, we will be participating in the Terry Fox National School Run Day. I always look forward to this day at school and feel proud to see how our students are able to come together and contribute to cancer research. It is also a special day because it celebrates the legacy and strength of our youth and reminds us about the impact that our students can have as individuals or together as a powerful community. This year, we have asked our students to donate a ‘Toonie for Terry’; our goal is to raise $1,350.00. For those who are interested, students can give their donations to their homeroom teachers on Friday, October 10.
The following is a video that was shared with me last week by a parent at Bishop Pinkham. It is a great example of we can all make an enormous difference to help support cancer research:
Parent Teacher Interviews
Our Parent-Teacher Interviews are fast approaching and will be on Thursday October 16- Friday October 17. These interviews provide an opportunity to meet with individual teachers to discuss your child’s academic progress. For the first time, teachers will also use Iris to share student academic goals that were developed in discussion with homeroom teachers last week. We strongly encourage parents to bring your child to the interviews. Group discussions allow for a collaborative opportunity to discuss student-learning plans moving forward.
Attached to this week’s emailed update were the instructions for setting up an account and to book interviews. We will also be posting this information on the Bishop Pinkham Website this week.
A couple of important pieces of information to note:
October 8-9: Parents of students on IPPs call Kori Devost to book interviews.
October 10: Appointment Scheduler opens for all students at 6:00am.
October 15: Appointment Scheduler closes at 11:59pm.
October 16: Parent-Teacher Interviews [1:30pm-8:30pm]
October 17: Parent-Teacher Interviews [8:00am-3:00pm]
Our Parent-Teacher Interviews are fast approaching and will be on Thursday October 16- Friday October 17. These interviews provide an opportunity to meet with individual teachers to discuss your child’s academic progress. For the first time, teachers will also use Iris to share student academic goals that were developed in discussion with homeroom teachers last week. We strongly encourage parents to bring your child to the interviews. Group discussions allow for a collaborative opportunity to discuss student-learning plans moving forward.
Attached to this week’s emailed update were the instructions for setting up an account and to book interviews. We will also be posting this information on the Bishop Pinkham Website this week.
A couple of important pieces of information to note:
- The Appointment Scheduler will open at 6:00am on Friday Oct. 10.
- Parents of students on an IPP [Individual Program Plan] are asked to phone the office [403.777.7840 ext 0] on Wednesday October 8 – Thursday October 9. Kori Devost will book all of your interviews directly to coordinate an additional 20-minute interview with your child’s key contact teacher.
- If you have more than one child with the same teacher, please contact the office to speak with Kori Devost on Thursday October 9.
- When booking interviews, there will be 2 schedules to select from:
- Includes all teachers except M. Langlois and M. Fiset
- Time-slots will be in 15 minutes blocks to allow for a longer discussion to accommodate teachers who teach more than one subject to your child.
- Includes M. Langlois and M. Fiset.
- Time-slots will be in 10-minute blocks, as these teachers only teach one subject per class.
October 8-9: Parents of students on IPPs call Kori Devost to book interviews.
October 10: Appointment Scheduler opens for all students at 6:00am.
October 15: Appointment Scheduler closes at 11:59pm.
October 16: Parent-Teacher Interviews [1:30pm-8:30pm]
October 17: Parent-Teacher Interviews [8:00am-3:00pm]
From the School Council
Communication Coordinator Distribution List
This year, parent communication coordinators will assist to recruit parents who are willing to find volunteers in each particular grade for upcoming events/field trips/special lunches, etc. As part of this role, the communication 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 or be part of communication updates, please send your email information to the appropriate communication coordinator below. Thank you!
Grade 5: Tammy Peter [[email protected]]
Grade 6: Sarah Nicholson [[email protected]]
Grade 7: Susan Fatovich [[email protected]]
Grade 8: Michelle Sanchez [[email protected]]
Grade 9: Pamela Gee [[email protected]]
Next School Meeting
Please join us at our next School Council Meeting on Tuesday October 21 at 6:30pm in the Learning Commons.
Communication Coordinator Distribution List
This year, parent communication coordinators will assist to recruit parents who are willing to find volunteers in each particular grade for upcoming events/field trips/special lunches, etc. As part of this role, the communication 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 or be part of communication updates, please send your email information to the appropriate communication coordinator below. Thank you!
Grade 5: Tammy Peter [[email protected]]
Grade 6: Sarah Nicholson [[email protected]]
Grade 7: Susan Fatovich [[email protected]]
Grade 8: Michelle Sanchez [[email protected]]
Grade 9: Pamela Gee [[email protected]]
Next School Meeting
Please join us at our next School Council Meeting on Tuesday October 21 at 6:30pm in the Learning Commons.
From the BPMPA
Entertainment Books Update
Thank you to all of the parents who have been able to return your books and support this fundraiser. To date, we have now sold 554 books and are waiting to collect the remaining 64 books. We appreciate your support returning any unsold books. We would also like to congratulate Sophia C in 6C2 for selling over 10 books! This Thursday, Sophia’s class will get to watch her go into the cash machine to collect as many flying dollars as she can catch…it will be fun to watch!
Next BPMPA Meeting
Please join us at our next BPMPA Meeting on Wednesday October 22 at 7pm in the Music Room.
Entertainment Books Update
Thank you to all of the parents who have been able to return your books and support this fundraiser. To date, we have now sold 554 books and are waiting to collect the remaining 64 books. We appreciate your support returning any unsold books. We would also like to congratulate Sophia C in 6C2 for selling over 10 books! This Thursday, Sophia’s class will get to watch her go into the cash machine to collect as many flying dollars as she can catch…it will be fun to watch!
Next BPMPA Meeting
Please join us at our next BPMPA Meeting on Wednesday October 22 at 7pm in the Music Room.
Noon Hour Supervision: Recruiting Gr. 9 Supervisors!
As part of our lunch hour supervision, we always have at least 2 teacher-supervisors outdoors. As part of a discussion with 5C1 last week, these students had some excellent suggestions to improve the accessibility of supervisors during the lunch-hour:
As part of our lunch hour supervision, we always have at least 2 teacher-supervisors outdoors. As part of a discussion with 5C1 last week, these students had some excellent suggestions to improve the accessibility of supervisors during the lunch-hour:
- Beginning on Monday, teacher-supervisors will wear a fluorescent orange vest that will allow students to more-easily locate them in the field or on the playground.
- Next week, we will also be recruiting interested gr. 9 students who would like to assist with outdoor supervision. This will be a great opportunity to provide leadership and build relationships among our student community. Interested students will be asked to submit a letter of interest to Ms.Shantz, beginning on Tuesday.
Digital Citizenship
As part of a safe learning environment, it is important that schools emphasize the importance of developing a community of strong digital citizens. Digital Citizenship according to the CBE is having the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to demonstrate responsible and respectful behaviour when using technology or participating in digital environments. As part of this ongoing discussion, we are also planning on coordinating a formal presentation for students and parents on the importance of demonstrating good decisions when using technology.
We would also encourage parents to have a discussion with their children about these expectations and to be a part of their children’s digital world. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and using cell phones to text are common forms of communication between students. Schools do not monitor these interactions and yet, we also understand parents’ frustration when conversations can sometimes become disrespectful.
The following are some good resources to consider when having these discussions as a family:
I. Web Awareness:
http://www.cbe.ab.ca/learninginnovation/digitalsafety.asp
II. Digital Citizenship:
http://www.cbe.ab.ca/learninginnovation/digitalsafety-digitalcitizenship.asp
III. Media Awareness Network Resources:
http://www.cbe.ab.ca/learninginnovation/digitalsafety-digitalcitizenship-mediaawareness.asp
As part of a safe learning environment, it is important that schools emphasize the importance of developing a community of strong digital citizens. Digital Citizenship according to the CBE is having the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to demonstrate responsible and respectful behaviour when using technology or participating in digital environments. As part of this ongoing discussion, we are also planning on coordinating a formal presentation for students and parents on the importance of demonstrating good decisions when using technology.
We would also encourage parents to have a discussion with their children about these expectations and to be a part of their children’s digital world. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and using cell phones to text are common forms of communication between students. Schools do not monitor these interactions and yet, we also understand parents’ frustration when conversations can sometimes become disrespectful.
The following are some good resources to consider when having these discussions as a family:
I. Web Awareness:
http://www.cbe.ab.ca/learninginnovation/digitalsafety.asp
II. Digital Citizenship:
http://www.cbe.ab.ca/learninginnovation/digitalsafety-digitalcitizenship.asp
III. Media Awareness Network Resources:
http://www.cbe.ab.ca/learninginnovation/digitalsafety-digitalcitizenship-mediaawareness.asp
The week that was…
Gr. 5 Vaccinations
On Tuesday Sept 30, Nancy McCaig, our Community Health Nurse met with our Grade 5 students to discuss this year’s vaccinations. Consent forms were due on Friday October 3. Please note that the first vaccination date will be on Tuesday October 21.
SALTS
Welcome back sailors! Our gr. 9 sailing crew had a wonderful week sailing with Sail and Life Training Society [SALTS]. Thanks to Mme J. Tuttle, Ms. J. Sutherland and M. M. Julien for supporting this trip. The following are some photos that Ms. Tuttle share with us over the week...enjoy!
Gr. 5 Vaccinations
On Tuesday Sept 30, Nancy McCaig, our Community Health Nurse met with our Grade 5 students to discuss this year’s vaccinations. Consent forms were due on Friday October 3. Please note that the first vaccination date will be on Tuesday October 21.
SALTS
Welcome back sailors! Our gr. 9 sailing crew had a wonderful week sailing with Sail and Life Training Society [SALTS]. Thanks to Mme J. Tuttle, Ms. J. Sutherland and M. M. Julien for supporting this trip. The following are some photos that Ms. Tuttle share with us over the week...enjoy!
Iris
As mentioned last week, our homerooms met again on Friday October 3 to discuss the importance of goal setting and students developed goals that they will share with parents in Iris during our Parent Teacher Interviews. We encourage parents to ask your students to share this with you in order to build effective goals for this year.
Panther Pride
Congratulations to our BP Panthers for their hard work last week. Our boys soccer team defeated Elboya 3-1 on Tuesday, we had about 20 runners participate in the Cross Country race at Elliston Park on Wednesday and our Junior Boys, Girls and Senior Girls all performed very competitively in volleyball over the week – great job…you make us very proud!
This week…
Individual Program Plans [IPPs]
On Tuesday October 7, students on IPPs will be bringing home a copy of their IPP for this year. Please note that this is a draft that was created by the key contact teacher in consultation with teachers and the student. This is a working document that will be adjusted to reflect current learning needs throughout the year. Parents are asked to review the IPP and to bring it with them to interviews on Oct. 16-17.
Outdoor School
Also on Tuesday October 7 at 6:30pm, we will be hosting a Grade 6 Parent Information Meeting for our upcoming Outdoor School experience at Kamp Kiwanis. All of our grade 6 students are scheduled to attend Outdoor School from November 4-7, 2014. The Grade 6 team will share information about the details of the trip, the cost and connections to the Program of Study.
Quebec Meeting
Bishop Pinkham will be organizing a trip to Québec in May, for Grade 8 French Immersion students! We would like to invite you to a Parent Information meeting on Wednesday October 8, 2014 at 6:30pm, in the Learning Commons. We will discuss the major details of the trip, so that you may decide if this is something that interests you and your child. Le Voyage au Québec will take place on May 3-May 8, 2015 and will cost approximately $2100.00.
Gr. 9 Vaccination Presentation
On Friday October 10, Nancy McCaig, our Community Health Nurse will be meeting with our Grade 9 students to discuss this year’s vaccinations. Students will be given more information regarding the vaccinations and will bring home consent forms that are due on Wednesday, October 15. Should you have any questions, please contact Nancy McCaig [[email protected]]
As mentioned last week, our homerooms met again on Friday October 3 to discuss the importance of goal setting and students developed goals that they will share with parents in Iris during our Parent Teacher Interviews. We encourage parents to ask your students to share this with you in order to build effective goals for this year.
Panther Pride
Congratulations to our BP Panthers for their hard work last week. Our boys soccer team defeated Elboya 3-1 on Tuesday, we had about 20 runners participate in the Cross Country race at Elliston Park on Wednesday and our Junior Boys, Girls and Senior Girls all performed very competitively in volleyball over the week – great job…you make us very proud!
This week…
Individual Program Plans [IPPs]
On Tuesday October 7, students on IPPs will be bringing home a copy of their IPP for this year. Please note that this is a draft that was created by the key contact teacher in consultation with teachers and the student. This is a working document that will be adjusted to reflect current learning needs throughout the year. Parents are asked to review the IPP and to bring it with them to interviews on Oct. 16-17.
Outdoor School
Also on Tuesday October 7 at 6:30pm, we will be hosting a Grade 6 Parent Information Meeting for our upcoming Outdoor School experience at Kamp Kiwanis. All of our grade 6 students are scheduled to attend Outdoor School from November 4-7, 2014. The Grade 6 team will share information about the details of the trip, the cost and connections to the Program of Study.
Quebec Meeting
Bishop Pinkham will be organizing a trip to Québec in May, for Grade 8 French Immersion students! We would like to invite you to a Parent Information meeting on Wednesday October 8, 2014 at 6:30pm, in the Learning Commons. We will discuss the major details of the trip, so that you may decide if this is something that interests you and your child. Le Voyage au Québec will take place on May 3-May 8, 2015 and will cost approximately $2100.00.
Gr. 9 Vaccination Presentation
On Friday October 10, Nancy McCaig, our Community Health Nurse will be meeting with our Grade 9 students to discuss this year’s vaccinations. Students will be given more information regarding the vaccinations and will bring home consent forms that are due on Wednesday, October 15. Should you have any questions, please contact Nancy McCaig [[email protected]]
Western Volleyball Tournament
On Friday October 10, our Senior Girls Volleyball team will be participating in a volleyball tournament at Western Canada at 2:30pm. This tournament is open to all feeder schools and is a great opportunity to develop relationships between schools and skills for the season.
The Week at a Glance
o Junior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00pm at Harold Panabaker)
o BPLC meeting at lunch in the art studio
o Boys Soccer Game (4:30pm at Vincent Massey)
o Junior Girls Volleyball (4:15/5:00pm at Harold Panabaker)
o Senior Girls Volleyball (5:00/5:40pm at John Ware)
o Outdoor School Meeting – All Grade 6 parents (6:30pm in the Learning Commons)
o Girls Soccer Game (4:30pm at Bishop Pinkham)
o Senior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00pm at Harold Panabaker)
o Grade 8 Québec Parent Information Meeting (6:30pm in the Learning Commons)
o Terry Fox run at 2:00pm
o Senior Girls Volleyball Tournament (2:30pm at Western Canada)
A Little Later…
o Senior Girls Volleyball (4:15pm at Vincent Massey)
o Boys Soccer (4:30pm at BP)
o Senior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00/5:40pm at BP)
o Girls Soccer (4:30pm at A.E. Cross)
o Parent-Teacher Interviews (1:30pm-8:30pm)
From the Chief Superintendent
On Friday October 10, our Senior Girls Volleyball team will be participating in a volleyball tournament at Western Canada at 2:30pm. This tournament is open to all feeder schools and is a great opportunity to develop relationships between schools and skills for the season.
The Week at a Glance
- Monday October 6
o Junior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00pm at Harold Panabaker)
o BPLC meeting at lunch in the art studio
- Tuesday October 7
o Boys Soccer Game (4:30pm at Vincent Massey)
o Junior Girls Volleyball (4:15/5:00pm at Harold Panabaker)
o Senior Girls Volleyball (5:00/5:40pm at John Ware)
o Outdoor School Meeting – All Grade 6 parents (6:30pm in the Learning Commons)
- Wednesday October 8
o Girls Soccer Game (4:30pm at Bishop Pinkham)
o Senior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00pm at Harold Panabaker)
o Grade 8 Québec Parent Information Meeting (6:30pm in the Learning Commons)
- Thursday October 9
- Friday October 10
o Terry Fox run at 2:00pm
o Senior Girls Volleyball Tournament (2:30pm at Western Canada)
A Little Later…
- Monday October 13
- Tuesday October 14
o Senior Girls Volleyball (4:15pm at Vincent Massey)
o Boys Soccer (4:30pm at BP)
- Wednesday October 15
o Senior Boys Volleyball (4:15/5:00/5:40pm at BP)
o Girls Soccer (4:30pm at A.E. Cross)
- Thursday October 16
o Parent-Teacher Interviews (1:30pm-8:30pm)
- Friday October 17
From the Chief Superintendent
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