Gratitude and Sympathy for our Community

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to everyone affected by event occurring at John Costello School this past Tuesday. During these challenging times, we want to extend our support and unity as we navigate through the complex emotions that arise from such unexpected circumstances.

We understand that as students, staff, and families continue to process events, discussions about the incident may continue to arise, and our focus is on providing a safe and supportive environment for all. Although we always feel that parents are best positioned to respond to their children’s questions or concerns, teachers and staff are prepared to handle these conversations with sensitivity, using age-appropriate language and offering reassurance to our young learners.

In the face of Tuesday’s events, we want to express our sincere gratitude to families for entrusting Olympic Heights School with the safety and security of our students and staff. We also appreciate our parents’ calm and rational response during uncertain times. We expect many parents were tempted to contact or visit the school and pick up their child. In not doing so, we were able to maintain as much routine and normalcy as possible, which is very helpful during times of ambiguity.

Yesterday, members of the Calgary Police Service’s Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) came out to the SCA Community Centre to provide support for anyone directly or indirectly impacted by Tuesday’s events. VAST provides non-judgmental emotional support, a listening ear, practical assistance and referrals. Please consider reaching out to VAST for assistance, should you or your family need continued support. We also have informational pamphlets from VAST at the school.

Please know that our doors are always open, and we encourage you to reach out if you need any guidance or support. 

 

The Bear Teaches Us Courage – Virtue Focus for February

In Indigenous cultures, the Bear is revered as a powerful teacher, imparting valuable lessons about courage. As a symbol of physical strength, the Bear encourages us to tap into our inner resilience to face challenges with determination. Much like the Bear's protective nature towards its cubs, courage extends to defending what is important—our families, communities, and cherished values. The Bear's ability to face the unknown, emerging from hibernation with bravery, inspires us to confront life's uncertainties with courage and a willingness to explore new possibilities. Additionally, the Bear's introspective hibernation period teaches us that courage involves self-reflection, acknowledging vulnerabilities, and still moving forward with strength. May the spirit of the Bear guide us in embodying courage in our daily lives, fostering a sense of self-reliance, and encouraging each other to thrive independently while standing united as a community.

 

Grade 4 Recycling and Waste Reduction Initiative

The students in Ms. Tran and Ms. Geldart’s fourth-grade class have initiated a campaign to reduce waste, placing special student-created receptacles for used-up writing utensils in each classroom and conducting presentations to underscore the importance of recycling. Aligned with our school's three pillars of care, especially emphasizing care for our place, this endeavor not only promotes environmental stewardship but also encourages the entire school community to reflect on the impact of our daily choices. Kudos to the Grade 4 students for championing environmental stewardship and making Olympic Heights School more sustainable! Families are welcome to bring their used markers to school to be recycled. Please view the following link for acceptable writing utensils and further information: Staples Writing Utensil Recycling Program.

 

Grade 6 Students Explore Sky Science, Oral Storytelling, and Computer Animation

Students across grade 6 are diving into the wonders of the night sky, combining oral story-telling with computer animation, by creating animated GIFs showcasing various star constellations and their movements throughout the seasons. A GIF, which stands for Graphics Interchange Format, is a type of image file format commonly used for short animations and simple graphics. Students began the task by developing their understanding of the stories associated with their selected constellation, considering traditional Greek mythology as well as Indigenous sources from across Canada. In presentations next week, each student will have a chance to showcase their story telling and technology skills through their presentations.

 

Developing Financial Literacy Across the Grades

To support the financial literacy organizing idea of the new Physical Education and Wellness curriculum, Ever Active Schools has created a great resource to support educators (and parents) with ideas for developing understanding of, and implementing, financial literacy in the classroom, gymnasium, or home. Check out the resource here!

 

Accessing Online Report Cards through MyCBE

Families will be able to view online student report cards on Jan. 30, 2024. Report cards for the 2023-24 school year may be viewed, downloaded and/or printed. Parents and Guardians can sign in to MyCBE to view student information, including report cards, comments from your child’s teacher, assignments and grades, and attendance information. For best access to information, log in to the MyCBE portal instead of using the PowerSchool App. For technical support on accessing MyCBE, visit Technical Support for Students & Parents for more information.

 

Family Literacy Day – Celebrating 25 Years of Reading

Family Literacy Day, a national awareness initiative, is held annually on January 27 to promote to families the importance of reading and other literacy-related activities. Making at least a little time each day for learning together is crucial to a child’s development. ABC Life Literacy Canada encourages families to “Take 20”. Take 20 minutes to make learning together a part of your every day; it can dramatically improve a child’s literacy skills and help parents with their own skills, too. 

“For a child, the more time spent with a parent reading aloud increases his or her level of attachment, enhances a sense of security, and imparts the knowledge that their parent feels they are worthwhile people with whom to spend time.” (How to Raise a Reader, 1987). 

Award-winning Canadian author and modeling clay illustrator Barbara Reid is once again the Honorary Chair of Family Literacy Day. Reid will be hosting a virtual event for families across the country on January 25 that will include a demonstration on how to use clay to create a picture. Families and community organizations can register for the free event here.

 

Kindergarten Registration for 2024-25 Now Open!

Registering your child for school is an exciting milestone for many families! As of Monday, January 15, 2024, kindergarten registration is open for the 2024-25 school year. For children to be eligible to register and attend kindergarten next school year, they must turn five years old on or before Dec. 31, 2024. When registering your child for school, there are several things you should consider. The CBE’s Kindergarten Registration Guide can help answer many of your questions. Please reach out to our main office if you have any questions. We are excited to be a part of your child's learning journey and to welcome you to Olympic Heights! 

 

Upcoming Dates

Jan. 20             A&W Fun Lunch orders due

Jan. 25             A&W Fun Lunch

Feb. 3              Out of Chaos Cookies orders due

Feb. 8              Out of Chaos Cookies Fun Snack

Feb. 8              Student Voice

Feb. 8              School Council & Parents Association Meeting 6:30 – 8:00

Feb. 15-16       Teachers Convention – school closed

Feb. 17             Subway Fun Lunch orders due

Feb. 19             Family Day Holiday – school closed

Feb. 20-23       Gr. 3 & 4 - Skate Shack ice skating

Feb. 22             Subway Fun Lunch

Feb. 26             Evergreen Theatre presents Snow White and the Seven Regions