System Professional Learning Day

All CBE staff today engaged in professional learning related to embedding Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing, and knowing. Throughout the day, staff worked collaboratively to plan and design intentional learning tasks that reflect Indigenous pedagogies in connection to the new curriculum. With consideration of the concepts of ethical space and two-eyed seeing, staff explored and unpacked the “Heart – To Belong” domain of the Holistic Lifelong Learning Framework. Special thanks to Area 7 System Principal, Brad Emery, as well as our MRU student teachers, for joining us today!

 

Remembrance Day Ceremony

Thank you to our grade 5 students and teachers for the thoughtful and respectful Remembrance Day ceremony. Students shared poems, honoured Canadian and Indigenous veterans, and reminded us why it is so important to take time to remember. A special thank you to Bill Bethell, veteran of the Korean War, for attending our ceremony – we deeply appreciate it. During the ceremony, we were serenaded by a special musical guest, the Ernest Manning High School Band, who performed great renditions of O Canada and God Save the King, as well Last Post and Rouse. Thanks, as well, to all the parents who took time out of their day to join us. It was a Remembrance Day ceremony to remember.

 

Grade 6 Visits Rothney Astrophysical Observatory

Heading out of Calgary, grade 6 staff and students went on a “stellar” field trip to Rothney Observatory, located near Priddis, AB. Students engaged in the “Telescopes and Stars” program, where they learned about the design and function of telescopes, got to tour the astrophysical observation facilities, and constructed their own telescopes. With the program led by both astrophysicists-in-training and seasoned scientists, students deepened their knowledge of celestial motion, solar observation, and constellations, while learning from real-world experts.

 

Lockdown Practice for Emergency Preparedness

On Wednesday, Olympic Heights staff and students participated in a lockdown practice, with the support of CPS Const. Gary Burrows and his partner. Students and staff were notified that the practice would be starting prior to the lockdown announcement. Feedback from our CPS constables was positive and noted the quick response of staff to secure their rooms and ensure student safety. We are mandated to hold two of these practices per year – our next practice will be in the spring.

 

Learning Conferences

The second round of learning conferences will be occurring on November 23, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, and November 24, from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Similar to our September conferences, teachers will be available for in-person or virtual meetings (through MS Teams). Where the first conferences are “parent-led” with families sharing about their child, this second conference is “teacher-led” with teachers sharing about current learning, successes, challenges, and next steps for growth. Look for an email next week, after break, for details about the opening of the booking system.

 

School Council & Parents Association

Our next school council meeting will be on November 16, the day after we return from fall break. For your reference, please find the agenda and last meeting’s minutes are posted on our school website’s School Council page.

 

Upcoming Dates

Nov. 10           Fall Break

Nov. 11           Remembrance Day

Nov. 11           Subway Fun Lunch orders are due

Nov. 13           Fall Break

Nov. 14           Fall Break

Nov. 15           Classes resume for students

Nov. 16           Subway Fun Lunch

Nov. 16           Student Voice

Nov. 16           Parent Council 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Nov. 20           Picture Retakes – morning

Nov. 23           Learning Conferences 4:00pm – 8:00pm

Nov. 24           Learning Conferences 8:00am – 1:00pm, non-instructional day

Nov. 25           Kernels Fun Snack orders due

Nov. 30           Kernels Fun Snack

Dec. 8             Professional Development - non-instructional day 

Dec. 9             Booster Juice & Panago Pizza Fun Food orders due

Dec. 14           Booster Juice & Panago Pizza Fun Food

Dec. 14           Winter Concert 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Dec. 22           Last day of classes before winter break