Feb 8 - Weekly Update

This week was our final week of Gymnastics, and the students had a fantastic time with the challenging “mission impossible” style obstacle course. Next week’s weekly message will be sent on Wednesday instead of Thursday as there is no school for students on Feb 15 and 16 due to Teachers' Convention. Also, a reminder that there is no School on Family Day, Monday, Feb 19. 

AMPA Sponsored Friendship Dance “Sock Hop”
Next Wednesday AMPA will be hosting a friendship “sock hop” dance during the students’ non-eating portion of their lunch break (11:30am-11:50 am for grade 1-3 students and 12:15 pm-12:35 pm for grade 4-6 students). Parent council has arranged to have a live DJ and will be providing volunteers to support the staff with supervision. Students are encouraged to wear silly socks for the sockhop! Students are excited for this fun event prior to the extra-long weekend! 

Popcorn Sales – Every Wednesday
A reminder that AMPA has popcorn available for sale to students for $2 a bag on Wednesdays only. If your child wishes to purchase some popcorn, please only provide them, or send them with money on Wednesdays. It is also helpful if you provide your child with the exact amount required for the amount of popcorn they wish to purchase and try to avoid sending extra money and/or large bills as change is limited. It is also recommended that younger students bring their money in a labelled Ziplock bag or envelope. 

Scotties Tournament of Hearts Field Trip – Grade 4-6
Curling Canada has provided Alex Munro school with enough tickets for all our grade 4-6 students to attend the Scotties Tournament of Hearts to watch some of the preliminary matches on February 21. Thanks to AMPA for funding the transportation costs (busses) to get our students to and from this event. Please look out for the field trip forms for this event and please sign and return them as soon as possible. 

Disposable Cups and Cutlery
Many students have been coming to school without spoons, forks, and water bottles for their lunch. Lunchroom staff has a very limited budget to provide for these items in emergency situations. However, one time use items are becoming more and more difficult to acquire. Lunchroom staff will no longer be providing these items to students. Please ensure you send cutlery and water bottles with your children if needed. Water fountains are available at all times as well. 

Outdoor Conditions | Extra Clothing
Due to the warmer conditions, our field is very wet and full of puddles. Students are having lots of fun, but also getting wet. Please talk to your children about trying to stay dry, and as a precaution please pack extra clothing. We currently have a shortage of pants, shirts and socks for students in grades 3-6. If you have clothing to donate, please drop off at the office.  

Fees
All school fees and field trip fees can be viewed by logging into your MyCBE account.  Most of the yearly fees are added to accounts in the fall, however, some fees (such as field trip fees) are added to your account throughout the school year. You may login to your MyCBE account to view which fees are paid and/or are outstanding.  For more information on school fees please refer to the CBE fees website. 

Staff Parking Lot – Please Do Not Use for Student Drop Off or Pick Up
Although it is convenient to pull into our parking lot to drop off or pick up your child at or from school, parking lots are dangerous places when vehicles and children are in them at the same time. Parents, as contributing members of our community and to support our school, please do not enter our parking lot for pick up or drop off purposes. We have plenty of street parking around the school. Starting next week, we will be placing a sign and cones at the parking lot entrance to remind everyone of this important safety policy. Thank you for supporting the safety of our students. 

Sir John A. MacDonald Tour and Open House
On Thursday, February 8, students designated to SJAM for grade 7 may attend the grade 6 Orientation and Parent night. This will include: 

  • a student tour of Sir John A. Macdonald (12:30 – 2:15 pm) 

Colonel Irvine Open House for Families in the English Program (Country Hills Families)
On Wednesday, February 21 from 6:00-7:30 pm, students designated to Colonel Irvine School for grade 7 may attend the open house. See the attached invite for more information: Colonel Irvine Open House Invite.pdf 

Black History Month
During the month of February, Calgary Board of Education students and staff will celebrate and explore the many contributions of Black Canadians, peoples, and communities worldwide. Black History Month is an opportunity for schools to amplify and spotlight the innovative, courageous, and inspiring voices, stories, and contributions of Black Canadians and communities. Throughout the month of February, the Calgary Public Library is hosting events dedicated to celebrating the lives, legacies, and voices of Black peoples and communities. 

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Central Library will feature Black History Month: Jon Cornish “Power and Privilege in an Intersectional Life." Cornish will unravel the complexities of his unique journey as a person of mixed heritage, navigating a world rife with stereotypes and misconceptions. He will highlight the intricate interplay of race, culture, and geography in shaping identity while challenging the audience to re-examine their perceptions, biases, and often-mistaken assumptions.  

On Sunday, Feb. 25, the Central Library in partnership with the Chinook County Historical Society will be hosting a screening and discussion of the film John Ware Reclaimed by filmmaker Cheryl Foggo, which follows her quest to re-examine the mythology surrounding John Ware, the Black cowboy who settled Alberta before the turn of the 20th Century. Foggo's research uncovers who this iconic figure might have been, and what his legacy means in terms of anti-Black racism. 

Upcoming Dates:
February 8 – Sir John A Macdonald Open Hour/Tour for Huntington Hills Community Students
February 12 – Grade 1 Teacher's Pet in-school learning about “My World”
February 14 – AMPA sponsored friendship “Sock Hop”
February 15 and 16 – Teachers' Convention – No School for Students
February 19 – Family Day – No School for Students
February 21 – Grade 4, 5, 6 attend Scotties Tourney of Hearts at Winsport in AM
February 21 – Colonel Irving Evening Open House for Grade 6 Country Hills Community Students
February 21 – Grade 2 Teacher's Pet in-school learning about “A Prairie Community in the Past”
February 23 – Grade 1 Celebration of Learning Assembly – 12:15 pm, All parents invited
February 26 – Winter Playday PM