Gratitude to Skating Volunteers!
A big thanks goes out to all the volunteers who helped out with our grades 3-6 skating opportunity, in conjunction with KidsSport Skate Shack. Although the condition of the ice could have possibly been a bit better, that did not deter out students, staff, and volunteers from enjoying themselves and improving their skating skills. Thanks again to everyone who volunteered their time to help our students learn and grow!
OHS Science Fair
A big shout-out and thank you to all the grade five and six students who participated in the Olympic Heights Science Fair on Wednesday. Many great experimental and research projects were displayed, covering topics from plant growth to spherification to climate change. Students presented their work, with the hope of being one of five projects that will move onto the Calgary Youth Science Fair, held April 12-13, 2024, at the Olympic Oval. All projects demonstrated a commitment to hard work and a love of science! Huge thank you to all the teachers who acted as mentors and judges to help facilitate this fantastic student opportunity.
New School Website
The CBE has updated all school websites, and they look great! Check out our new website at the following address: https://olympicheights.cbe.ab.ca/, as well as the news story about all the new features!
School Council & OHSPA present Movie Night!
Next Thursday, February 29, is the next Movie Night, presented by the OHS School Council & Parents Association! Our previous movie night was a great success and we are looking forward to welcoming families in once again. We will be screening two PG-rated movies this time, one for younger students in the gym (Trolls Band Together), and one for older students in the plaza (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day). Both movies are about 90 minutes in length. Doors open at 6:15 PM, with the movies starting at 6:30 PM. Similar to last time, parents need to accompany their child as supervision is not provided. Wondering what to bring? A water bottle, a healthy snack, comfy blankets and/or pillows are our suggested items. We look forward to seeing you there!
Pink Shirt Day is next Wednesday
Pink Shirt Day is held annually in Canada, on the last Wednesday each February, and aims to raise awareness about bullying prevention. It originated from an incident in Nova Scotia in 2007, where two students, David Shepherd and Travis Price, witnessed a fellow student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. In response, they bought 50 pink shirts and encouraged their peers to wear them as a stand against bullying. This act of solidarity quickly gained traction and sparked a wider movement. The day is typically marked on the last Wednesday of February. People across Canada, and increasingly in other countries, participate by wearing pink to show support for the anti-bullying cause. The pink shirt has become a symbol of the fight against bullying, with a particular focus on schools and youth environments. Learn more about Pink Shirt Day at https://www.alberta.ca/pink-shirt-day-alberta.
Jump Rope for Heart
Jump Rope for Heart is the school event that nobody wants to skip. Students discover fun ways to get active and practice healthy habits while helping others by raising money to help beat heart disease and stroke. As we practice our skipping skills in the gym over the coming days, students will learn more about the benefits of skipping and why we jump for this cause. Our goal is to raise 1100.00 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation; that's a toonie per person in the building. Let's see if we can do it! Our event day is Thursday, February 29th. Be sure to check out our fundraising page. https://jumpropeforheart.crowdchange.ca/51519
Elder / Knowledge Keeper Hal Eagletail from Tsuut’ina Nation Visits OHS
We are excited to have the opportunity to once again work with Hal Eagletail to develop our understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, being, and belonging. We previously had an opportunity to work with Hal during the 2021-2022 school year and it was a great experience. Hal considers himself the ambassador of the Tsuut’ina Nation and will be joining us for the first of six sessions of February 27. All students will have multiple opportunities to work with Hal, across the six sessions. Check out this video from the Calgary Public Library featuring Hal sharing an Indigenous language lesson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuoUF0n90iU
Student-led Learning Conferences & Book Fair – March 21 & 22
If you haven’t already, mark your calendars for our student-led learning conferences and book fair, coming up on March 21 and 22. We will send more information about booking conferences times as we get closer to the event.
School Planning Survey – closes March 8
We’ve only had three families respond to this important survey! Please take a couple of moments to complete this engagement and help provide input on direction for next year. The survey is available in a variety of languages and can be accessed on our Engagement Hub or by following this direct link: https://olympicheights.cbedialogue.com/en/projects/2023-24-school-year/engagements/olympic-heights-school-planning-survey-2024-elementary
Alberta Education Assurance Survey for Grade 4 Families - closes March 1
So far, we’ve had about 15% of grade 4 families respond to this survey. The Alberta Education Assurance (AEA) survey gathers feedback on the quality of education provided by school authorities and their schools. Schools and school authorities use this information to understand how they are doing and plan for the future. The AEA survey is sent to parents or guardians of students in Grades 4, 7, and 10. Parents or guardians receive a survey invitation package by mail and have the option to complete the survey on paper or online using the provided Random Access Code (RAC). Thank you for providing your voice!
Casino Fundraiser Volunteers Needed! Sign up here!
Olympic Heights School would like to remind everyone about a unique fundraising event this spring at the Elbow River Casino! We're calling on our dedicated community to join us as volunteers for this significant occasion. Your participation is crucial, as it offers a tremendous opportunity to support our school. By volunteering just a few hours of your time, your participation can help us receive funding, often about $70 000! These funds are vital for enhancing student learning through resources such as advanced technology, improvements to our green spaces, and support for literacy, math, makerspaces, educational field trips, and inquiry-based learning projects.
Here are the key details you need to know:
- The event is scheduled for the weekend of April 20-21, 2024, at the Elbow River Casino, located at 218 - 18th Ave SE, Calgary.
- We welcome anyone over the age of 18 to volunteer; you don’t need a police clearance, nor do you have to be a parent of an OHS student.
- We're offering both day (11am-7:30pm) and night shifts (7:30pm-3:30am or 11pm-4am), with exact times available upon sign-up.
- No prior experience is required.
- Volunteers will receive training, a meal, and free parking.
- Feel free to sign up with friends or family, or come alone to meet new friends!
Please note, it's imperative that all volunteer positions are filled by the end of March to secure our participation in this event. Don't miss this chance to contribute to our school's biggest fundraising event of the year. Your support can make a real difference in enhancing the educational experience at Olympic Heights School. Find out more here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050F4AA9AC29A4FE3-47077490-casino#/
Upcoming Dates
Feb. 26 Evergreen Theatre – Snow White & the Seven Regions
Feb. 28 Pink Shirt Day
Feb. 29 Jump Rope for Heart
Feb. 29 Movie Night! presented by School Council & OHSPA – 6:30 PM
Mar. 2 Kernels Popcorn Fun Snack orders are due
Mar. 4-8 Havana Cuban Dance Residency
Mar. 7 Kernels Fun Snack
Mar. 10 Daylight Saving Time begins
Mar. 10 Ramadan Begins
Mar. 14 School Council & OHSPA Meeting 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Mar. 21-22 Book Fair
Mar. 21 Student-led Learning Conferences (evening)
Mar. 22 Student-led Learning Conferences (morning; no school)
Mar. 22 Last day before spring break
Mar. 25-Apr. 1 Spring Break