Monday, September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Today students observed Orange Shirt Day by wearing their orange shirts and through classroom learning with the goal of understanding that reconciliation is to heal the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. Building an understanding of the ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. Also, by engaging in activities that educate our students about this part of our shared history, we help them develop empathy, understanding, and a commitment to building a more inclusive future. On Monday, September 30 there is no school and we encourage you to participate in observing this day as a family by wearing orange, participating in community events, and taking time to discuss with your children the importance of truth and reconciliation. Together, we can help foster a deeper awareness and appreciation for the rich and diverse histories that shape our country. Invite to Event | National Day for Truth & Reconciliation The 4th annual City of Calgary, Calgary Board of Education, and Calgary Catholic School District ceremonial opening of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day will be held on Monday, Sept. 30 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (750 9th Ave. S.E.). All CBE staff, students, families, friends, and neighbours are invited to attend to commemorate Indian residential school victims, honour survivors, and commit to Truth & ReconciliACTION. Meet the Teacher (Learn the Student) Open House Night (TONIGHT) We will be hosting our Meet the Teacher/Learn the Student Open House on the evening of Thurs, Sept 26. · 4:30pm- 5:50pm: Families with last names starting with “A to I” are invited to attend anytime between this time · 6:10pm - 7:30pm: Families with last names starting from “J to Z” are invited to attend anytime during this time · Families who have students in the same household with different last names can choose one time and come together. · 5:30 – 6:30pm: Mandatory Grade 6 Parent meeting about Tim Horton’s Outdoor School– details were emailed to Grade 6 families yesterday from Mr. Anderson or Ms. Close. We sent home a parent viewpoint questionnaire on Monday, and families are asked to fill out return before Sept. 26, if you haven’t returned your questionnaire yet please bring it to the Open House tonight. Due to the format of an Open House, there will not be any private sit-down meeting time slots. Parents will have an opportunity for a private conference on November 29 once assessment information has been gathered. If you require a more formal meeting earlier, please arrange this with your child’s teacher. Students will be sharing information and learning about their classroom and school during the Open House. Casino Volunteers Needed - Oct 5 and 6 (Urgent: Night Shift Volunteers Required) AMPA will be providing volunteers to run the Oct 5 and 6 casino days (and nights) at ACE Casino. Casino fundraisers bring in a large amount of funds to support our school. Without these funds many of the parent council initiatives that support our students (and families) would not be possible. Please consider signing up for a volunteer position for a day or night shift (or two) on Oct 5 and 6. Casino volunteering is a great way to connect with other parents as often the positions allow for time to socialize with others. A complimentary meal is also included for all volunteers during their shift. Please fill out this following form to indicate your interest in volunteering https://forms.gle/BhCgcYmqEy8XUp2S6 Our parent council will email you with further information after you have completed the form. Anybody can volunteer including family and friends, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. It is also important to mention that a police check is not required to volunteer at the Casino. Walking Field Study Trips Field study trips close to our school can complement classroom learning by giving students opportunities to explore the community around their school. The process for trips within walking distance of the school is a simplified process from other field trips (this excludes swimming). As parents/legal guardians, you are not required to complete a consent form for your child to go on a class trip that is walking distance from the school. Appropriate walking distance is determined by the principal and varies depending on the age of the students. Teachers will provide at least 48 hours notice when planning a trip to a local or to walk within the community. You will be notified about these trips by your child’s homeroom teacher via email, teacher blog or letter. For more information please follow this link. Snack Pack Donation We received snack pack donations from Loblaws through their “Power Full Kids” program. All children will be receiving a small pouch with some snacks to take home. Bottle Drive Fridays Just like last year you can donate your refundable bottles to AMPA by dropping them off at the front of the school (by the free little library) every Friday. Our goal this year is to raise $1750 through our bottle drive Fridays. Popcorn Sales AMPA Parent Council will be raising money for our school by selling popcorn every Wednesday. There is a wide variety of flavours at a cost of $2.00/bag. Cash only and exact change is recommended. Thank you for your support! Safety Patrols Our Grade 5 and 6 students will be participating in Safety Patroller training next Tuesday. The student patrollers will begin to patrol the crosswalk on 78th Ave starting on Oct 7. Fall Naturalization Area/Garden Clean up On Saturday October 17 from 1-3 pm come enjoy a family afternoon in the naturalization space. Make your own bone meal and help us fertilize the plants for fall. Save your turkey bones, coffee grounds and eggshells if you have any! Hot chocolate to follow. Upcoming Dates September 26 – Meet the Teacher/Learn the Student Open House Night 4:30pm-7:30pm September 26 – Orange Shirt Day (wear your orange shirt) September 27 – Non-instructional day – No School for Students September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – No School for Students October 4 – Early Dismissal 1:15pm October 4 – PM Kindergarten Attend October 7 – First Day for Student Safety Patrols at the 78th Ave Crosswalk October 7 – Grade 1 Walking Field Trip to Huntington Hills Fire Hall - Ms. Caughey October 8 – Grade 1 Walking Field Trip to Huntington Hills Fire Hall - Ms. Fraser October 11 – Early Dismissal 1:15pm October 11 – AM Kindergarten Attend October 14 – Thanksgiving Day – No School for Students October 17 – Fall Naturalization Area and Garden Clean Up 1-3pm |