OHS Earns Spot on Prestigious Top 50 Terry Fox Run List!

We are thrilled to announce that OHS has been recognized as one of the top 50 schools in the Terry Fox Foundation's list for Alberta, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. This achievement highlights the incredible spirit and dedication of our community. A special thanks to Mrs. Schoenberger and students on the School Wellness Action Team (SWAT) for leading our efforts and contributing to this prestigious recognition. In addition, we celebrate the inclusion of five other CBE schools on this list. Together, we have shown remarkable commitment to supporting the Terry Fox Foundation's mission during last fall's fundraising events. Congratulations to all involved for your hard work and enthusiasm!

OHS Active School Club Celebrates Successful Donation Drive and Inspiring Visit!

The OHS Active School Club extends a heartfelt thank you to the entire OHS community for your overwhelming support. In just five days, we collected 48 pairs of running shoes for the ReRUN Shoe Project and 30 pairs of non-running shoes for the Women in Need Society (WINS). Your generosity will make a significant difference in the lives of many. We were also privileged to have Julie-Anne Staehli visit our school. She met with representatives from Grades 4, 5, and 6, discussing the integration of our three pillars of care (i.e., care for ourself, others, and our place) with three pillars of health: sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Julie-Anne offered valuable advice on goal setting, planning, and making a positive impact on our community.

Celebrating Our Support Staff at Olympic Heights!

This past week, we’ve had the pleasure of celebrating Support Staff Appreciation Week, a special time dedicated to acknowledging the incredible individuals who are pivotal in supporting our students and enhancing our school's success. We extend our deepest gratitude to our lunchroom supervisors, educational assistants, library assistant, and facility operators, as well as our administrative and school secretaries. Your dedication, hard work, and care do not go unnoticed. Each day, you contribute immensely to making Olympic Heights a welcoming, safe, and engaging learning environment. Thank you for all that you do to support every aspect of our school. We are truly fortunate to have such a committed and supportive team at the heart of our community.

Save the Date for OHS’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Tea!

Mark your calendars! Olympic Heights School is delighted to invite all our volunteers to the Annual Volunteer Tea on June 7, 2024 at 9:15 AM. We are immensely grateful for everyone who has dedicated their time this year, whether assisting with off-site activities, the book fair, the casino fundraiser, or any other volunteer efforts. Your contributions have been invaluable to our community. We are currently in the planning stages and will be sending out an online RSVP link at the beginning of May. Stay tuned for more details, and we look forward to celebrating all that you've done for OHS!

Kindness in Mind: Celebrating Mental Health Week at OHS

Olympic Heights School is proud to observe the Canadian Mental Health Association's 73rd Mental Health Week from May 6-10. This year's theme, "A Call to be Kind," invites us to embrace the healing virtues of compassion. We recognize that kindness is a powerful agent for change, nurturing our collective mental well-being.

On May 8, we will celebrate Hats On! for Mental Health. We encourage students and staff to wear their favourite hats to school to raise awareness and show solidarity for mental health. This day will also feature lessons focusing on understanding mental health and challenging the stigma associated with mental illnesses.

Asian Heritage Month 

In Canada, May is celebrated as Asian Heritage Month. This commemorative month was officially declared by the Canadian government in May 2002, following the efforts of the Senate and people like Senator Vivienne Poy who advocated for its recognition. The purpose of Asian Heritage Month is to acknowledge the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to the country, as well as to promote and celebrate the diverse cultures and achievements of Asian communities across Canada.

Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to engage in events and activities that highlight the cultural, economic, and social fabric woven by Asian Canadians. Throughout the month, various communities host art exhibits, literary readings, performances, and discussions that explore and celebrate the heritage and diversity of Asian Canadians. These events serve to educate the public on the contributions of Asian communities in shaping Canada's cultural landscape and to foster an understanding of the varied experiences of Asian Canadians.

This celebration is part of a broader acknowledgment of multiculturalism and diversity as central elements of the Canadian identity, offering a chance for all Canadians to learn more about the histories and cultures of Asian Canadians and to reflect on the challenges they have faced, including discrimination and racism, and to celebrate their achievements and contributions to Canadian society. (Source: Canada.ca)

Canadian Jewish Heritage Month

May is also celebrated as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and honouring the significant contributions of the Jewish community to Canada's social, economic, political, and cultural fabric. This commemoration was officially established in March 2018 when the Canadian Parliament passed a bill that designated May as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month. The bill was sponsored by Michael Levitt, a former Member of Parliament.

Canadian Jewish Heritage Month offers an opportunity to celebrate the vibrant history, heritage, and community life of Jewish Canadians. It provides a platform for Canadians of all backgrounds to learn about the experiences of Jewish people in Canada and their pivotal role in the nation's development. Events during this month typically include cultural exhibitions, educational activities, and community gatherings that highlight the achievements of Jewish Canadians and their ongoing contributions to Canada.

This month serves as a poignant reminder of Canada's diversity and the importance of inclusion, particularly given the historical challenges faced by the Jewish community, including discrimination and antisemitism. It's a time for reflection on past struggles and a celebration of the perseverance, resilience, and success of Jewish Canadians throughout the country's history. (Source: jewishheritage.ca)

School Council | Deepest Gratitude for Your Generosity and Team Spirit!

As we reflect on the whirlwind of activity from our recent casino fundraiser, it is with pride and appreciation that we acknowledge the incredible efforts of our volunteers. Your participation over the weekend was nothing short of heroic. The success of the fundraiser at Elbow River Casino speaks volumes about the solidarity within our community. Each slot filled and every shift covered by you, our committed volunteers, was a building block in our collective accomplishment. We extend our deepest thanks for the sacrifices you made, for giving up your weekend, and for shouldering responsibilities that were crucial to the event’s smooth operation. It is through actions like yours that our school continues to thrive and excel.

A special shout-out is due to Jane Radiff, the orchestrator behind the scenes. Your coordination and commitment were the driving forces behind this event.

Every laugh shared, every challenge tackled, and every moment spent contributing to our cause this past weekend was a testament to what makes Olympic Heights extraordinary. It is your willingness to go above and beyond that empowers our students and enriches our community. Once again, we thank you for your indispensable role in this endeavour. Here's to the fantastic outcome of the fundraiser and to you, the stars who made it shine!

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 8:15 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. 29 & 30    Gr. 6 Off-Site at Police Interpretive Centre

May 4               Mary Brown’s Chicken fun lunch orders due

May 6               Bus Driver Appreciation Day

May 6 - 10       Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6 - 10       Mental Health Week

May 7               Gr. 1 Off-Site at Calgary Zoo

May 8               Hats On! for Mental Health

May 8               Gr. 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 & 23    Gr. 2 Off-Site at Bow Habitat Station

May 23             Kindergarten 2024-25 Orientation

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

June 1              Subway fun lunch orders due

June 4              Gr. 4 Off-Site at Weaselhead Flats

June 6              Subway fun lunch

June 7              Volunteer Tea

June 12 & 13   Gr. 4 Off-Site at Weaselhead Flats

June 14            Kindergarten Celebration 10:30 AM

June 15            Kernels Popcorn & Panago Pizza orders due

June 19            Gr. 6 Provincial Achievement Test – Social Studies

June 20            Kernels Popcorn fun snack & Panago Pizza fun lunch

June 20            Gr. 6 Provincial Achievement Test – Science Studies

June 25            Grade 6 Farewell (AM)

June 26            Sports Day

June 26            Report Cards Viewable to Parents in MyCBE/PowerSchool

June 27            Last day of school for students – early dismissal at 12:23 PM

June 28            Appeals Day / Org. Day – Office closes at 12:00 PM