December 1, 2014
Welcome to December! I would like to begin by thanking parents for their feedback about the weekly school updates. We are always conscious of parents’ busy worlds and I had wondered if parents were finding it difficult to keep up with the weekly emailed updates. It was for this reason that I had thought to go back to a monthly update. After talking with a few parents, I understand that they prefer the weekly updates, so that they can keep up to date with the upcoming events. We value our parent involvement and will continue to share our ongoing news updates. I would also like to encourage parents to keep up to date by visiting the Bishop Pinkham School Website, our Facebook Page, Twitter Feed [@bpbulletin] or my Principal Weblog.
We have many things to share about the upcoming celebrations this month. I would like to thank our staff, students and parents for all of the support that it requires to put our events together. This month alone, we have 2 upcoming Winter Concerts, Arts Day, Talent Show, the opening of ‘Generation Genesis’ at the Leighton Centre, the Art Market, Rafiki Necklace fundraiser, Warm Feet for the Street and the Holiday Celebration on December 19!
Warm Feet for the Street
Bishop Pinkham is a caring community that contributes to local and global initiatives. This year, we have committed to supporting “Warm Feet for the Street” a program that collects pairs of socks, stuffed with helpful items for a homeless person through the Mustard Seed Homeless Shelter. Three years ago, Bishop Pinkham students and staff donated a total of 468 stuffed socks to the homeless in Calgary!
We will be collecting these socks from Monday, December 1st to Thursday, December 11th. Students can drop off their donations to their homeroom teacher. On Friday December 12, all students will attend a special homeroom period to stuff socks and count their donations! We are very excited to collect as many as we can and see which homeroom can stuff the most socks!
The following are items that the Mustard Seed has requested:
Bishop Pinkham is a caring community that contributes to local and global initiatives. This year, we have committed to supporting “Warm Feet for the Street” a program that collects pairs of socks, stuffed with helpful items for a homeless person through the Mustard Seed Homeless Shelter. Three years ago, Bishop Pinkham students and staff donated a total of 468 stuffed socks to the homeless in Calgary!
We will be collecting these socks from Monday, December 1st to Thursday, December 11th. Students can drop off their donations to their homeroom teacher. On Friday December 12, all students will attend a special homeroom period to stuff socks and count their donations! We are very excited to collect as many as we can and see which homeroom can stuff the most socks!
The following are items that the Mustard Seed has requested:
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o Please do NOT include any alcohol-based products such as mouthwash, rubbing alcohol, etc. Also, we ask you not to include any sharp objects such as razors or nail clippers.
Arts Day has finally arrived!
Arts Day has finally arrived!
For families new to Bishop Pinkham, the Arts Day and student talent show is an annual event where students are able to celebrate and experience the arts in a truly authentic way. This year, Arts Day will be on Thursday December 4 and will begin with a student talent show with over 15 student presentations. Please note that parents are welcome to attend the Talent Show.
Following the talent show students will participate in two extended Arts-Day sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Students chose from among twenty arts-based workshops for each of these two sessions.
Workshops include:
archery – artist trading cards – beaded creatures - cartooning – creative cards – culinary adventure – duct tape bouquet - fibre arts – garage band – gourmet cooking – hip hop – improvisation – iSPY photography – jazz master class - jewelry making – latin heat - magic – marshmallow architecture – poi - printmaking experience – piñatas – puppets & poetry - bollywood dancing – super clip – ukuleles - watercolour painting – yoga – zumba
For details about the sessions, please visit the Bishop Pinkham School Website for the Grade 5/6 Session Information and the Grade 7-9 Session Information.
thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thanks to Ms D. Blitt, all our teacher presenters and parent volunteers who work to make Arts Day a success. We would also like to thank Mr. Khubyar for allowing the talent of our students to shine. There were over 40 students who tried out for the talent show this year and it was not easy for him to select the final list of participants. We appreciate and look forward to the show! As well, we would also like to thank the BPMPA who sponsors all of the presenters for the day through the casino funds.
‘Generation Genesis’ Opening Reception
We are so excited to share that thanks to the leadership of Ms. Tuttle, Bishop Pinkham will be participating in ‘Generation Genesis’ a youth art show at the Leighton Centre. Bishop Pinkham’s Art Department has reserved an 8x10’ wall space that will display the mural shown above. Sadie A., a grade 9 student, designed and curated a large-scale collaborative artwork speaking about multiculturalism and gender. Over 30 students from grades 7-9 worked on small sections of the larger mural. The exhibition will run from December 6th - January 31st. We would like to invite any interested parents and students to join us at the Opening Reception on Saturday December 6, at the Leighton Centre from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. |
Calendar Update
Please note that on Friday December 19, school will start at 8:05am and students will be dismissed at 12:20pm. This has also been updated on the Bishop Pinkham School Website.
Free Library Cards Coming Soon to all CBE students
The Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Public Library have teamed up to get free library cards into the hands of all CBE students. Enough cards for every student will be shipped to all CBE schools in the new year. All cards are expected to be delivered to each student by February 2015. Cards can be activated online, by mobile devices or at your local community library. More details to come in January.
Please note that on Friday December 19, school will start at 8:05am and students will be dismissed at 12:20pm. This has also been updated on the Bishop Pinkham School Website.
Free Library Cards Coming Soon to all CBE students
The Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Public Library have teamed up to get free library cards into the hands of all CBE students. Enough cards for every student will be shipped to all CBE schools in the new year. All cards are expected to be delivered to each student by February 2015. Cards can be activated online, by mobile devices or at your local community library. More details to come in January.
From the School Council
Direct Donation Update
We would like to thank all of the parents for their contribution to Direct Donation this year. As of Tuesday November 25, Bishop Pinkham received $1450.00 in donations.
These donations are directly contributing to building our library resources for the Learning Commons. Monday December 1 will be the first meeting of the Learning Commons Steering Committee. In coordination with Mme. Renee LeBlanc and Srta. Gilbertson, 13 students, one student per program and per grade, have been selected to continue to build our Learning Commons resources. This will include resources for all language programs from Grade 5-9.
Our goal is to allocate $10 000.00 to ordering current resources that are engaging and meaningful for our students. Thank you for your support.
Should parents be interested in donating and supporting our initiative, please make cheques out to The Calgary Board of Education and delivered to the Bishop Pinkham school office. The charitable number used by the CBE is 106830128RR0002. Please include this number on your cheque. Tax receipts will be issued for contributions.
Bench Mark Project
Direct Donation Update
We would like to thank all of the parents for their contribution to Direct Donation this year. As of Tuesday November 25, Bishop Pinkham received $1450.00 in donations.
These donations are directly contributing to building our library resources for the Learning Commons. Monday December 1 will be the first meeting of the Learning Commons Steering Committee. In coordination with Mme. Renee LeBlanc and Srta. Gilbertson, 13 students, one student per program and per grade, have been selected to continue to build our Learning Commons resources. This will include resources for all language programs from Grade 5-9.
Our goal is to allocate $10 000.00 to ordering current resources that are engaging and meaningful for our students. Thank you for your support.
Should parents be interested in donating and supporting our initiative, please make cheques out to The Calgary Board of Education and delivered to the Bishop Pinkham school office. The charitable number used by the CBE is 106830128RR0002. Please include this number on your cheque. Tax receipts will be issued for contributions.
Bench Mark Project
We are very pleased to share that as a shared initiative, the School Council and Bishop Pinkham will be coordinating a student-led beautification initiative. This initiative will be providing some much needed hallway seating within our school for years to come. Beginning in the New Year, each homeroom will be provided a bench and will be responsible for agreeing on a theme that represents them and to decorate their bench. There will be 26 benches in total.
This project will require some parent support to construct the IKEA benches, we will be contacting parents shortly with the some specific dates and with some additional information. We would like to thank Ms. Amy MacKee and Ms. Elizabeth Nodwell for their leadership on this initiative! We are looking forward to it!
Healthy Hunger
Thank you to Cheryl Burgess and all of the parent volunteers who coordinated the Subway Healthy Hunger lunch last Friday. We are always appreciative of the work that goes into this organization and the students are very lucky to be able to enjoy the special treat!
Cheryl Burgess also wanted to let parents know that there have been some issues with children being set up in the wrong class for these lunches. If you have ordered a lunch for your child and they see that there name is not on their class list please have them look at all other lists as mistakes due happen and we do want to make sure that every child receives their lunch that they ordered.
The next special lunch will be this week on Thursday December 4. We will be distributing popcorn on Arts Day! If you would like your child to participate go to healthyhunger.ca to order.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Cheryl Burgess at [email protected] or call her at 403-804-0809.
Next School Council Meeting
The next School Council meeting will be on Tuesday January 13 at 6:30pm. We will also be inviting Ms. Jill Tuttle our Learning Leader of Assessment to join us to discuss the upcoming report cards.
The School Council Minutes can be found on our website under Parents and School Council. The October Minutes were posted just prior to our meeting last week.
The month that was…
High School Tours and Registration
Thank you to Cheryl Burgess and all of the parent volunteers who coordinated the Subway Healthy Hunger lunch last Friday. We are always appreciative of the work that goes into this organization and the students are very lucky to be able to enjoy the special treat!
Cheryl Burgess also wanted to let parents know that there have been some issues with children being set up in the wrong class for these lunches. If you have ordered a lunch for your child and they see that there name is not on their class list please have them look at all other lists as mistakes due happen and we do want to make sure that every child receives their lunch that they ordered.
The next special lunch will be this week on Thursday December 4. We will be distributing popcorn on Arts Day! If you would like your child to participate go to healthyhunger.ca to order.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Cheryl Burgess at [email protected] or call her at 403-804-0809.
Next School Council Meeting
The next School Council meeting will be on Tuesday January 13 at 6:30pm. We will also be inviting Ms. Jill Tuttle our Learning Leader of Assessment to join us to discuss the upcoming report cards.
The School Council Minutes can be found on our website under Parents and School Council. The October Minutes were posted just prior to our meeting last week.
The month that was…
High School Tours and Registration
Thank you to Ms. Boutilier, Ms. Backman and Mme. MacPhee for coordinating the high school tours this year. With the exception of the William Aberhart tour for the Gr. 9 Spanish Bilingual Program that will take place on Thursday December 4, we have now concluded the official tours this year. For ongoing information, we encourage parents to go to the High School Overview Site on the CBE Webpage.
This year, our Grade 9 students received the High School Introduction Guide before they went on their tours. We asked the students to share this guide with parents prior to attending the evening open house tour. The purpose of this guide is to share a consistent message about what is available to students in all of our high schools.
The following are some key points to share:
Please note that we will be inviting our feeder high school counselors to a Parent-Evening in January. The purpose of this evening is to provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions in a smaller setting. We will let you know when we have confirmed a date for this evening.
This year, our Grade 9 students received the High School Introduction Guide before they went on their tours. We asked the students to share this guide with parents prior to attending the evening open house tour. The purpose of this guide is to share a consistent message about what is available to students in all of our high schools.
The following are some key points to share:
- there are a multitude of choices available to students to build a high school program that speaks to their interests and future aspirations;
- there are plenty of supports available to students to help them guide their choices;
- there are a number of ways that students meet success in high school;
- our high schools are continually exploring ways to offer flexible programming that meets the needs and interests of each student;
- there are a number of learning experiences available to all students in the CBE that will provide for meaningful and relevant learning.
Please note that we will be inviting our feeder high school counselors to a Parent-Evening in January. The purpose of this evening is to provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions in a smaller setting. We will let you know when we have confirmed a date for this evening.
Remembrance Day Appreciation
On Friday November 7, we had two Remembrance Day assemblies to commemorate the heroes of our nation. I would like to thank the following students for their role supporting the assembly and also our teacher committee who coordinating both assemblies:
On Friday November 7, we had two Remembrance Day assemblies to commemorate the heroes of our nation. I would like to thank the following students for their role supporting the assembly and also our teacher committee who coordinating both assemblies:
Internet Safety – Digital Citizenship Presentation
Last week, Constable Carter Duchesney presented both to parents on Tuesday November 25 and to our students on Friday November 28. The focus of his message was to help students understand how to keep their information private on the web and also their responsibilities in regards to being a digital citizen. After the student presentation, all students went back to homerooms to have a follow-up conversation in small groups.
This week's school update included 2 attachments that Constable Duchesney provided as a reference for families; in the first reference, Message to parents, there are many helpful links and a summary of topics that families could discuss about internet safety. In the second reference, there is also a ‘digital learning plan’ that parents and students are encouraged to sign. I would like to thank Mr. D Jordan for coordinating this presentation – it was extremely valuable!
Gr 8 Outdoor Ed Wildland Overnight Trip
On Tuesday November 18 and November 25, Mr. Jordan took 25 students on a 2-day overnight camping trip to West Bragg Creek Recreation Centre. Students learned how to construct shelters and took part in how to learn how to build fires, survival skills and group games. This trip also included Leadership students from Ernest Manning who served as Mentors for our students.
This week's school update included 2 attachments that Constable Duchesney provided as a reference for families; in the first reference, Message to parents, there are many helpful links and a summary of topics that families could discuss about internet safety. In the second reference, there is also a ‘digital learning plan’ that parents and students are encouraged to sign. I would like to thank Mr. D Jordan for coordinating this presentation – it was extremely valuable!
Gr 8 Outdoor Ed Wildland Overnight Trip
On Tuesday November 18 and November 25, Mr. Jordan took 25 students on a 2-day overnight camping trip to West Bragg Creek Recreation Centre. Students learned how to construct shelters and took part in how to learn how to build fires, survival skills and group games. This trip also included Leadership students from Ernest Manning who served as Mentors for our students.
This week…
Learning Commons Steering Committee
As part of our Learning Commons Redesign, Mme. Leblanc and Srta. Gilbertson have coordinated a steering committee of students. The committee has at least one representative per grade and language program. The purpose of this committee is to decide how to properly allocate $10 000.00 to order new and amazing resources and books for students. Mme. Leblanc and Srta Gilbertson will be having their first meeting on Monday December 1, to discuss and share feedback about the current books. As well, on Monday December 8, we have invited United Library Services and our CBE Spanish Specialist to present a variety of books to the committee.
As mentioned in the School Council update, all funds collected from the Direct Donation Campaign will support this work.
Winter Concert
A special thank you to Mr. Kennedy for coordinating 2 fabulous concert experiences on Wednesday December 3 at 7:00pm for Grades 5&6 and Tuesday December 9 at 6:30pm for Grades 7-9. This year, we will be treated to an array of choir, guitar, jazz and band performances in English, Spanish and French languages. This is one of my favorite events. It is truly an impressive experience to hear the students from all grades perform and to hear how far they have come since September.
We look forward to seeing our parents and families at both concerts – please feel free to invite your friends!
PD Day Reminder – Friday December 5
It feels like we have had a series of closely timed non-instructional days this month! We always appreciate the time to work together as a staff and collaborate about how to continue to create high-quality tasks for our students.
This Friday, we will be working with 5 other middle schools to focus on the new report cards and how to create consistent and meaningful feedback with the new indicator scale and outcomes-based report card. By working with A.E. Cross, Mount Royal, Sherwood and Vincent Massey schools, teachers will have a genuine opportunity to understand and discuss how assessment is being utilized among our schools and to work with their subject and grade-teams to develop on-going student tasks. We are very much looking forward to this day!
Learning Commons Steering Committee
As part of our Learning Commons Redesign, Mme. Leblanc and Srta. Gilbertson have coordinated a steering committee of students. The committee has at least one representative per grade and language program. The purpose of this committee is to decide how to properly allocate $10 000.00 to order new and amazing resources and books for students. Mme. Leblanc and Srta Gilbertson will be having their first meeting on Monday December 1, to discuss and share feedback about the current books. As well, on Monday December 8, we have invited United Library Services and our CBE Spanish Specialist to present a variety of books to the committee.
As mentioned in the School Council update, all funds collected from the Direct Donation Campaign will support this work.
Winter Concert
A special thank you to Mr. Kennedy for coordinating 2 fabulous concert experiences on Wednesday December 3 at 7:00pm for Grades 5&6 and Tuesday December 9 at 6:30pm for Grades 7-9. This year, we will be treated to an array of choir, guitar, jazz and band performances in English, Spanish and French languages. This is one of my favorite events. It is truly an impressive experience to hear the students from all grades perform and to hear how far they have come since September.
We look forward to seeing our parents and families at both concerts – please feel free to invite your friends!
PD Day Reminder – Friday December 5
It feels like we have had a series of closely timed non-instructional days this month! We always appreciate the time to work together as a staff and collaborate about how to continue to create high-quality tasks for our students.
This Friday, we will be working with 5 other middle schools to focus on the new report cards and how to create consistent and meaningful feedback with the new indicator scale and outcomes-based report card. By working with A.E. Cross, Mount Royal, Sherwood and Vincent Massey schools, teachers will have a genuine opportunity to understand and discuss how assessment is being utilized among our schools and to work with their subject and grade-teams to develop on-going student tasks. We are very much looking forward to this day!
Panther Pride
The basketball season has arrived and tryouts will begin this week! Students should have attended the information meeting last week for details about when their tryouts begin. For any questions, please contact Mr. Holland.
The following will be the basketball schedule for this season. We will also upload the schedule onto our Bishop Pinkham School Website this week.
The basketball season has arrived and tryouts will begin this week! Students should have attended the information meeting last week for details about when their tryouts begin. For any questions, please contact Mr. Holland.
The following will be the basketball schedule for this season. We will also upload the schedule onto our Bishop Pinkham School Website this week.
The week-at-a-glance
Monday December 1
A Little Later…
Monday December 1
- Learning Commons Steering Committee Meeting at lunch
- Grade 7 band rehearsal at 3-4pm
- Québec meeting at 3pm
- Winter Concert [Grade 5&6] at 7:00pm
- William Aberhart Tour [Gr.9 Spanish Program only]
- Arts Day!
- Non Instructional Day – no students
A Little Later…
OSEF
On Monday December 8, we will be having a Language Exchange Presentation for our French Immersion and Spanish Bilingual gr. 8 and 9 students. This year 4 of our students will be going to France on a 3-month exchange. This is a wonderful way to enrich language learning and now also includes an opportunity to go on a 2-month exchange program to Spain, as well as a 1-month summer program option. This will be limited to only a few students, as we can only support a small number of students to attend our school from France and Spain.
Parents who are interested in attending an information meeting, are
welcome to join us on Wednesday December 10 from 7-8pm in
the Learning Commons.
Art Market
The Art Market is approaching! On Friday December 12, there will be 45 booths of handmade arts and crafts all designed by our talented students from grades 5-9. December 11th at lunch is the preview, and then sales will open on December 12th during Periods 3 & 4.
On Monday December 8, we will be having a Language Exchange Presentation for our French Immersion and Spanish Bilingual gr. 8 and 9 students. This year 4 of our students will be going to France on a 3-month exchange. This is a wonderful way to enrich language learning and now also includes an opportunity to go on a 2-month exchange program to Spain, as well as a 1-month summer program option. This will be limited to only a few students, as we can only support a small number of students to attend our school from France and Spain.
Parents who are interested in attending an information meeting, are
welcome to join us on Wednesday December 10 from 7-8pm in
the Learning Commons.
Art Market
The Art Market is approaching! On Friday December 12, there will be 45 booths of handmade arts and crafts all designed by our talented students from grades 5-9. December 11th at lunch is the preview, and then sales will open on December 12th during Periods 3 & 4.
Rafiki Chain Fundraiser
The BPLC will be selling Rafiki Chains at lunch from December 15-18. Great for gifts, stocking stuffers, or yourself!! ONLY $15.00 Feel good about buying an ethically produced item and also help purchase a goat for a family in Africa!!
The BPLC will be selling Rafiki Chains at lunch from December 15-18. Great for gifts, stocking stuffers, or yourself!! ONLY $15.00 Feel good about buying an ethically produced item and also help purchase a goat for a family in Africa!!
Holiday Celebration
The BP Holiday Celebration will be on Friday December 19th! Come dressed in your best holiday themed attire and enjoy a party in the gymnasium with your grade hosted by the BPLC! There will a bake sale, free egg nog, photobooth with Santa, games, Karaoke and SO MUCH MORE!
Monday Dec 8
Tuesday Dec 9
| Wednesday Dec 10
Thursday Dec 11
Friday Dec 12
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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