Being Prepared for Outdoor Play

As the spring-like conditions bring wet, muddy, and slippery terrain to our school grounds, we've noticed an increase in students getting wet or dirty during their outside breaks. To ensure your child remains comfortable throughout the day, we kindly ask that you send extra clothing in their backpack, such as socks and pants, which can be very helpful in case of need. While it's important for children to play and be active during these outside times, our priority is to ensure they are comfortable upon returning indoors to learn. We are also reminding students to make good choices regarding their play areas and activities. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone!

 

Active School Club presents Winter Walk Day!

On Wednesday, February 7, OHS is excited to celebrate Winter Walk Day, an event championed by our Active School Club! This special day is dedicated to promoting healthy and active transportation options among our students. We are encouraging all students to participate by choosing to bike, walk, or roll to school. It's a fantastic opportunity for everyone to embrace the winter weather while engaging in physical activity. Additionally, the Active School Club is committed to fostering a culture of active commuting within our school community. To this end, they will be posting the updated results of the Bike Walk Roll survey for OHS next week. This survey is an important tool in understanding our school's active transportation trends and making improvements where necessary. We look forward to seeing a great turnout on Winter Walk Day and are excited to share the survey results with you soon.

 

February is Black History Month

“Black history is not just for Black people. Black history is Canadian history.” – Jean Augustine

February is Black History Month in Canada. Black History Month is a time to honour black Canadians and reflect on the history, achievements and contributions of black people in Canada. Black history is an important part of our heritage in Alberta and in Canada, and this month is a time to celebrate the many accomplishments that have contributed to the richness of our province and country. The theme for Black History Month 2024 is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build. To learn more about this, please check out the Government of Canada’s Canadian Heritage website.

 

World Hijab Day

World Hijab Day, celebrated on February 1, is an opportunity for people around the world to show solidarity with Muslim girls and women who are unfairly discriminated against for simply wearing the hijab (headscarf). It is a day to walk in the shoes of Muslim women to encourage religious tolerance, understanding, and international solidarity. Olympic Heights School is a place of learning and awareness, where everyone has the right to feel safe, secure, and welcome. To learn more about this day, please check out worldhijabday.com.

 

Lunar New Year

As we approach the Lunar New Year on February 10, our school community is delighted to share in the celebration of this special occasion, which heralds the arrival of spring and marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunisolar calendar. This festival is of great importance in China and is also observed in South Korea, Vietnam, and various other nations across the globe. Although commonly referred to as "Chinese New Year," its reach and influence extend far beyond, shaping lunar new year customs and festivities worldwide. As we usher in 2024, the year of the Dragon, it's said that we can expect a wave of energy and enthusiasm. The dragon, a symbol of strength and good fortune, encourages us to embrace the coming year with hope and ambition. Please check out the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre for information on its annual Chinese New Year Festival.

 

Dress in Red, White, and Pink on February 14

Join us on Wednesday, February 14, as we celebrate friendship and caring in the most colourful way! OHS will come alive with a sea of red, white, and pink, marking our special "Dress in Red, White, and Pink Day." This festive event is a fantastic opportunity for students to express their school spirit and share the joy of Valentine's Day. We encourage everyone to participate by wearing their favourite hues of red, white, or pink. And in the spirit of the day, students may exchange Valentine’s Day cards to spread messages of kindness and appreciation. Please remember, if you choose to share cards, bring enough for everyone in the class and simply sign your name on the "from" line to keep the exchange seamless and inclusive. As a friendly reminder, we must ensure the health and safety of all students by asking that no treats or candy be brought to school due to allergies and other food restrictions. Let's make this Valentine's Day a memorable one, full of smiles, warmth, and the spirit of togetherness.

 

Pink Shirt Day is February 28

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 pinkshirtdaycanada.ca.

 

Movie Night! presented by School Council & OHSPA

Save the date of Thursday, February 29, for 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. Doors open at 6:15 PM, with the movie starting at 6:30 PM. Similar to last time, parents need to accompany their child as supervision is not provided. Stay tuned for more details!

 

Meeting Reminder | OHS School Council & Parents Association

We warmly invite all parents and guardians to join us for the Olympic Heights School Council & Parents Association meeting on Thursday, February 8, at 6:30 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute your insights, get acquainted with fellow community members, and stay informed about the happenings at Olympic Heights School. Your presence adds value to our collective goal of enriching our children's educational environment. We're also excited to announce that our Grade 5 teaching team—Ms. Semko, Ms. Borrelli, and Ms. Song—will be with us to provide a sneak peek into the learning experiences in their classrooms. Whether you're a regular attendee or new to our community, your participation is highly appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you there! (The minutes from January’s meeting can be viewed on the school website.)

 

Teacher’s Convention & CBE Staff Association Convention

Teachers’ conventions are annual 2-day professional development events, with mandatory attendance expectations for all certificated teachers. This year, the Calgary City Teachers’ Convention will be on February 15-16. Staff Association members, including educational assistants, behaviour support workers, and secretaries, are required to attend the CBE Staff Association Convention, similarly occurring on February 15-16. There is no school for students on these days. Classes resume on Tuesday, February 20, following the Family Day holiday. Thanks for your support!

 

Save the Date! The Book Fair is Back!

Mark your calendars for an enriching experience at our upcoming Book Fair on March 21 and 22, held concurrently with our student-led learning conferences. This year, we're excited to introduce several new features that will enhance the Book Fair and further promote student literacy. These additions are designed to nurture a lifelong love of reading and advance literacy skills in engaging and innovative ways. Stay tuned for more details on what to expect, and prepare to dive into a world of books and learning that promises to inspire our students and community alike.

 

Child and Youth Well-Being: A Webinar Series for Parents and Guardians 

Metal Health & Anxiety (Grade K-6) - February 8^th 6:30-8:00pm

Learn how to support elementary-aged children with stress and anxiety. Our partners from AHS will clarify the language around mental health and provide effective coaching strategies to help children grow more resilient. You'll also learn about the signs that indicate the need for professional assessment and support, as well as how to boost your own mental health. More information can be found on the main CBE website.

 

Upcoming Dates

Feb. 3               Out of Chaos Cookies orders due (Valentine’s Day snack)

Feb. 8               Out of Chaos Cookies – Valentine’s Day

Feb. 8               School Council & OHSPA Meeting 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Feb. 8               Child and Youth Well-Being Webinar Series

Feb. 15-16        Teachers’ & Staff Association Conventions (no school)

Feb. 17             Subway Fun Lunch orders due

Feb. 19             Family Day Holiday – no school

Feb. 20-23        Skate Shack (Grades 3 & 4)

Feb. 22             Subway Fun Lunch

Feb. 26             Evergreen Theatre – Snow White & the Seven Regions

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 4:00 – 8:00 PM

Mar. 22            Student-led Learning Conferences 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (no school)

Mar. 22            Last day before spring break

Mar. 25-Apr. 1  Spring Break