Weekly Update:  December 16 to December 20

Happy Sunday, Grizzly families! 

This will be my last weekly update of 2024.  You can expect to receive the next update on Sunday, January 5, 2025, the day before classes resume after Winter Break.  I hope that you and your family have some time together over Winter Break—to connect and have fun.  I encourage you to set aside time without technology, read, talk, play and get outside. 

Annie Gale had six students from Grades 6-8 representing our school at the Checkmate Foundation’s winter tournament on Friday.  Competing against a field of over 100 participants, every member of our team scored points in their matches.  The team’s combined performance earned Annie Gale an unofficial third place ranking among participating schools.  Congratulations to our chess players and thanks to Mr. Cochrane for actively supporting the chess club and this recent tournament. 

CONNECTING HOME AND SCHOOL:  The impact of daily reading has been well documented.  Students who read 20 minutes per day will be exposed to 1.8 million words per year and score in the 90th percentile on standardized tests.  A student who reads 5 minutes per day will be exposed to 282,000 words per year and score in the 50th percentile on standardized tests.  A student who reads 1 minute per day will be exposed to 8,000 words per year and score in the 10th percentile on standardized tests.  Most successful adults are successful readers—please, encourage reading in your home.  Consider bringing your family to the local library over the break.  If it’s been a while since you’ve been there, or if you have never been, you might be surprised at the amount of offerings of the Calgary Public Library.  

GRIZZLY DEN UPDATE:  Last week’s Grizzly Den focused on reviewing data from our recent student surveys.  For our students to have a greater voice in how to make Annie Gale School even better, we asked them to review the data and come up with ways to respond to that data.  Ask your child about what they remember from the most recent Grizzly Den. 

DID YOU KNOW? 

  • NEW: We will be collecting non-perishable food donations in the office this week.  All items will be donated to the Veteran’s Food Bank.  An anonymous donor will reward the homeroom that brings in the most food—a pizza lunch will go to the winning homeroom. 
  • NEW:  DEAR Day is coming this Thursday!  DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) Day will be a fun opportunity to stop and drop to read, regardless of the class students are in.  Throughout the day, we will announce that it’s time to read.  Students will also be permitted to wear school-appropriate pajamas on this day, making it even more fun. 
  • NEW:  Locker cleanout will be taking place this week.  We are asking students to ensure that they take home anything that shouldn’t be at school over the break. 
  • NEW:  We can provide a replacement for lost ID cards at a cost of $2.00.  Students can come to the office to ask for one. 
  • NEW:  Grade 6 and 7 parents and guardians were sent a message from Mr. Barisow last week which outlined a weekly after school program.  Check out his message if you are interested.  Space is limited to 30 spots, so don’t wait to register. 
  • NEW:  This week is Spirit Week!  Check the calendar below for the fun ways students can dress up to show school spirit! 
  • REPEAT:  We have many new lunch clubs up and running.  Students can check the monitor in the foyer for the information about the days and times for each club.  Some of our current clubs include D&D, Fitness, Anime, Chess, and Art.  Clubs provide our students an opportunity to try new things and potentially find a new passion, meet other students in other grades, have some fun, exercise and have something enjoyable to do on a cold day. 
  • REPEAT:  Our lost and found bin is full!  If the contents of the bin are not claimed prior to Winter Break, items will be donated.  The lost and found has a variety of clothing items, including winter coats, shoes, and reusable bottles and food containers.  Please remind your child to check the bin for missing or lost items. 
  • REPEAT:  Our next council meeting date will be in January; there will be no December meeting.   

WEEKLY EVENTS:  DECEMBER 16 TO DECEMBER 20--SPIRIT WEEK 

  • Monday, December 16 – GREEN AND RED DAY (wear green and red) 
    • 2:45 – 3:45 | Wrestling Practice 
  • Tuesday, December 17 – TWIN DAY (dress up like one of your friends or a teacher) 
  • Wednesday, December 18 – WINTER WONDERLAND DAY (wear white, silver, gold, and blue) 
    • 2:45 – 3:45 | Wrestling Practice 
  • Thursday, December 19 – PAJAMA DAY AND DEAR DAY (wear school-appropriate pajamas to school and bring your favourite book because it is also Drop Everything and Read Day!) 
  • Friday, December 20 – UGLY SWEATER DAY (wear an ugly sweater) 

WINTER BREAK is from December 21 to January 5.  Classes resume on Monday, January 6. 

Sincerely, 

Tammy Quiring 

(proud) Principal