Gratitude, Kudos, & Appreciation
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful swimming volunteers, particularly the courageous fathers, who stepped up to assist with swimming lessons for our Kindergarten to Grade 2 students this week. Your efforts are deeply appreciated, and we eagerly anticipate the next set of lessons. Additionally, our gratitude extends to every parent who participated in off-site events, ensuring student safety at the Calgary Zoo, Leighton Art Centre, and Vincent Massey Junior High. Your dedication is both recognized and valued!
We were also blessed with the presence of Knowledge Keeper "Elder Hal" from the Tsuut’ina Nation, who imparted his wisdom on Monday and Tuesday. His lessons ranged from tipi construction to drumming, singing, and sharing Indigenous viewpoints on the eclipse. His contributions, including the remarkable visit from an eagle, have left a lasting impression on us all.
Kudos to the Alien In-line Skating instructors, Shaun and Zion, for their excellent organizational skills and classroom management. Their innovative use of coloured lines and hula hoops for equipment organization kept the students captivated and eager to learn. Shaun's praise for the OHS students' ability to transition swiftly from listening to practicing is especially noteworthy.
Lastly, we cannot forget to commend our Fun Lunch volunteers. Their dedication extends beyond event planning; they personally ensure each student receives a delicious meal in their classroom. Yesterday's pizza was a testament to their commitment and care.
Thank you, everyone, for your continued support and engagement!
Community and Commitment: Celebrating Our School's Collaborative Spirit
It was wonderful to have everyone gathered at the School Council & Parents Association meeting yesterday evening. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the devoted members of both the School Council and the Parents Association for their consistent dedication and meaningful contributions. A round of applause for our Grade 4 teachers is in order; their presentation offered a glimpse into their classrooms, shedding light on not only upcoming off-site excursions but also their innovative Tomatosphere science project and the engaging way students are exploring music through the Breezin' Thru Theory program. Additionally, our volunteer-led committees deserve immense praise. They've been the driving force behind a host of special events and fundraising initiatives, with the eagerly awaited casino event among them. We recognize and sincerely appreciate the relentless commitment of our volunteers – as Elder Hal has taught us, siyisgass! Thank you!
Spring Concert Right Around the Corner
Our Spring Concert is next week! As shared previously, the concert is scheduled for Thursday, April 18th and will feature performances by students in grades 1, 2, and 3. These young musicians have been diligently preparing in their music classes to present a captivating show for the community, with two showings at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM. While our kindergarteners will have their spotlight in June, this event for Div. I students promises to showcase their hard work and talent, under the guidance of Mrs. Tran. If your child cannot attend, please inform Mrs. Tran at lmtran@cbe.ab.ca as soon as possible. The Spring Concert is a tribute to our students' dedication and our community's support, and we're looking forward to sharing this musical event with you. See you on April 18th!
Active School Club presents the ReRUN Shoe Project with Olympian Julie-Anne Staehli
The Active School Club is excited to partner with The ReRUN Shoe Project for a donation drive. We're welcoming contributions of new or gently used and clean sneakers for a good cause. Join us in this effort by bringing running shoes suitable for all ages - from children to adults - on the evening of our Spring Concert, which is on Thursday, April 18th. Additionally, we will be gathering these athletic shoe donations in the plaza right up until Earth Day, Monday, April 22nd.
Here's a quick snapshot of The ReRUN Shoe Project:
- They've successfully gathered over 5,800 pairs of running shoes across five Canadian cities, aiding numerous families in maintaining an active lifestyle.
- The initiative was co-founded by Julie-Anne Staehli, a remarkable Canadian Olympian.
- A special gathering is set for Wednesday, April 24th, at 1:00 pm, where Julie-Anne Staehli will meet with the Active School Club to recognize and celebrate our collective contribution to helping others.
Book Bonanza: A Reading Gift for OHS Families
Are you planning to attend the spring concert on Thursday, April 18th? We'd love for you to visit our complimentary book station located in the plaza by the glass wall. We're passing on a selection of books retired from our library's collection, including novels perfect for Grade 1 to 3 students, as well as home reading books, for your family to enjoy and keep. This initiative supports ongoing reading and literacy, giving students the chance to dive into stories that might be new to them. Feel free to select a book (or books!) to take home - they are a gift from us to you, with no returns necessary.
Calgary Youth Science Fair Tomorrow at Olympic Oval
Prepare to be captivated by the ingenuity of our grade 5 and 6 students at the Calgary Youth Science Fair (CYSF). Showcasing their commitment and effort, our Olympic Heights Science Fair on February 21st resulted in five stellar projects advancing to the city-wide competition. But the excitement isn't limited to the contestants—it's an event for everyone! Join us on Saturday, April 13th, at the Olympic Oval, from 8:30 am until noon. Come with your friends and family, and bring a sense of wonder to cheer on OHS's bright young minds, and find inspiration from the emerging scientists and engineers of our community.
The Turtle Teaches Us Truth
As part of our ongoing exploration of the Seven Sacred Teachings, which guide our character education program, this month we focus on the turtle and it’s teachings, representing truth. This teaching is a cornerstone of the values we cherish and teach at our school, drawing on the rich wisdom of Indigenous cultures.
Highlights of the Turtle's Teaching:
- Symbol of Unchanging Truth: The Turtle, known for its longevity and stable presence, teaches us about the unchanging truth and the foundational laws of nature. Just as the Turtle has remained unchanged through the ages, it reminds us to uphold truth and integrity in all our actions.
- Bearer of Natural Laws: The Turtle's shell, adorned with the 13 moons representing the yearly lunar cycles, symbolizes the natural laws that govern our lives. It teaches us to live in harmony with these laws and the world around us.
- Guidance in Life's Cycles: The cycles represented by the Turtle's shell illustrate the importance of understanding life's natural rhythms and adapting to them without losing our essence - showing resilience in the face of change.
- The Foundation of Virtues: Truth is not only about honesty, but is the base upon which other virtues such as wisdom, respect, bravery, love, humility, and honesty are built. It guides us toward a balanced and harmonious life.
- Connection to Earth and Creation: The Turtle plays a crucial role in many Indigenous creation stories, notably the story of Turtle Island, where it serves as the literal foundation of the Earth. This teaches us about the interconnectedness of all life and our responsibility to the planet.
At Olympic Heights, we encourage our students to embody the teachings about truth by:
- Being honest and accountable in their actions both at school and at home.
- Respecting the natural environment and learning about the cycles of life.
- Using their knowledge and wisdom to benefit their communities in practical ways.
We invite you to discuss this teaching with your children: ask them about the Turtle and what it symbolizes, and explore ways to incorporate these values into daily life. Together, let's inspire our children to live authentically and harmoniously, guided by the enduring wisdom of the Turtle.
Earth Day Celebrations
As Earth Day approaches on April 22nd, we are excited to share the unique ways our school will be celebrating this important day dedicated to appreciating and protecting our planet. This year, the OHS SWAT (Social Wellness Action Team) has planned a series of engaging and meaningful activities that we hope will inspire our students and families alike.
Spirit Day - Elements of Nature: Get ready to show your spirit and creativity! On Earth Day, we encourage all students and staff to participate in our Elements Spirit Day by dressing up to represent the natural elements:
- Earth: Wear green, brown, or floral patterns. Think flower crowns, leaf-patterned attire, and jewelry made from natural materials like stone or wood.
- Air: Choose light blue or white, accessorized with feathers, bird motifs, or anything symbolizing the air's flow and grace.
- Water: Dress in shades of blue and aquamarine, complemented by wave patterns or sea creature designs. Water droplet-shaped accessories will highlight this theme beautifully.
- Fire: Show the fiery side with red, orange, and yellow, and incorporate designs like suns, flames, or volcanoes.
Classes will choose one of these elements to foster a sense of unity and friendly competition. We can't wait to see how each class brings their element to life!
Art and Poetry Contest: Express your love for Earth through art and poetry! Students are invited to submit their works inspired by the four elements and the essence of Earth Day. These creations will be displayed around the school to promote environmental awareness. Students, talk to your teacher if you are interested!
Recycling and Cleanup Challenge: Join in our school-wide cleanup effort, and let’s make our school and community cleaner and greener. In line with our Air theme, Ms. Radomki's Active School Club is organizing a BikeWalkRoll challenge on April 22. Participate by choosing eco-friendly ways to come to school and reduce air pollution.
We hope these activities will not only celebrate Earth Day but also instill a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship in our students. Keep an eye out for posters and additional information from our SWAT students as the date approaches. Let’s make Earth Day 2024 impactful, both at school and at home!
Departing from OHS for the 2024-25 School Year?
Are you planning to leave OHS at the conclusion of this school year? Perhaps your family is relocating, your child is transferring schools, or you're embarking on a global adventure. Whatever the reason, we would love to know in advance so we can plan effectively for the coming school year. Kindly fill out the form provided below - your cooperation is greatly appreciated! (If you child is in Grade 6 and is heading off due to the transition to Grade 7, don't worry, we already know!) The form can be accessed here: https://forms.office.com/r/axmGPzE081
Emergency Preparedness – Lockdown Practice Next Week
On Wednesday, April 17, we will be conducting an emergency preparedness drill as part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. During this drill, an internal lockdown procedure will be practiced with the assistance of Const. Gary Burrows and other CPS constables. The drill is scheduled for approximately 11:00 AM, and we kindly request that families and community members refrain from visiting or entering the school during this time.
The primary goal of this drill is to ensure that our students and staff can swiftly and safely relocate to secure areas within the building in case of any intruder-related situations. It's important to note that this drill has been thoughtfully planned through collaboration between Calgary Police Services, school administration, and our dedicated staff. As well, it will be our second time practicing this type of emergency drill this school year.
We want to emphasize that our intention with these emergency preparedness drills is not to cause alarm among our students. Instead, we aim to be well-prepared for a range of potential scenarios and to take a proactive approach to unexpected events. We encourage families to engage in conversations with their children about these practice events to help them better understand the importance of safety and preparedness, particularly with our younger students.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the drill or our emergency preparedness measures, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in our ongoing commitment to the well-being of our students.
School Council | Immediate Action Required: OHS Casino Night Needs You!
To the extraordinary parent community of Olympic Heights,
We find ourselves at a crossroads with our much-anticipated Casino Night at Elbow River Casino on the 20th and 21st of April, 2024. The event is fast approaching, and yet we are faced with a pressing shortage of volunteers for the final two pivotal night shift roles—each just 5 hours long.
This is a rallying call to each of you — our heroes — to come forward. If you can spare just a sliver of your evening to fill one of these 5-hour shifts, you could be the game-changer we need. The night shift is calling for heroes, and we know our community is full of them!
The clock is ticking, and every moment counts. Step forward, join forces with us, and play a starring role in securing the triumph of this critical fundraiser. Let's band together for just a few hours and ensure a win for our school!
Respond to our call of duty. Secure our future. Be the hero our students need—for just one 5-hour shift.
#VolunteerSOS #CasinoNightCrisis #OlympicHeightsUnite
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050F4AA9AC29A4FE3-47077490-casino#
School Council | Spring Dance at Olympic Heights School
The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and the OHS School Council and Parents Association are thrilled to invite you to our annual Spring Dance! Let’s shake off the winter blues with some groovy moves.
Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time: 6:15 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Olympic Heights School
Prepare to get down with our fantastic DJ spinning the hottest tracks. Capture the memories with friends at our fun photo booth and look out for more surprises throughout the evening.
Note: This is a family event, so all students must be accompanied by an adult – please remember that no supervision will be provided.
We’re also looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with decorating and various other tasks to make this night unforgettable. If you’re interested in lending a hand, please reach out to Shannon Gillett at shannonwhalan@gmail.com.
So, mark your calendars, dust off your dancing shoes, and get ready to have a blast! See you on the dance floor!
Upcoming Dates
Apr. 15 - 18 Swimming – Kindergarten and Gr. 2
Apr. 16 - 17 Gr. 3 & 4 Off-Site for Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Apr. 17 Emergency Preparedness Drill - Internal Lockdown Practice
Apr. 18 Spring Concert – Div. 1 students
Apr. 18 Vincent Massey Junior High Open House
Apr. 19 Non-Instructional Day – no classes for students
Apr. 20 Tim Horton’s fun snack orders due
Apr. 20 - 21 School Council & OHSPA Fundraiser at Elbow Valley Casino
Apr. 22 Gr. 6 Vaccinations, Round #2
Apr. 22 Earth Day – Spirit Day & BikeWalkRoll Challenge
Apr. 22 - 25 Gr. 5 & 6 – ELEV8 Lacrosse Residency
Apr. 22 - 26 Support Staff Appreciation Week
Apr. 24 Administrative Professionals' Day
Apr. 25 Tim Horton’s Fun Snack
Apr. 29 - 30 Gr. 6 Off-Site at Police Interpretive Centre
May 4 Mary Brown’s Chicken fun lunch orders due
May 6 - 10 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 8 Grade 5 Off-Site at Leighton Art Centre
May 9 Mary Brown’s Chicken fun lunch
May 9 School Council & OHSPA Spring Dance
May 13 Gr. 3 Off-Site at Calgary Zoo
May 14 Gr. 1 Off-Site at Calgary Zoo
May 16 Student Voice Meeting
May 16 School Council & OHSPA Meeting 6:30 – 8:00 PM (Last meeting for 2023-24)
May 17 Non-Instructional Day
May 18 Saucy Bread Co. Pretzel fun snack orders due
May 20 Victoria Day – school closed
May 22 Gr. 2 Off-Site at Bow Habitat Station
May 23 Kindergarten 2024-25 Orientation
May 23 Gr. 2 Off-Site at Bow Habitat Station
May 23 Saucy Bread Co. Pretzel fun snack
May 27 - 28 Knowledge Keeper “Elder Hal” Visits OHS
May 27 - 30 Gr. 6 Outdoor School – YMCA Camp Chief Hector