Weekly Update: February 2 to February 6
Happy February, Grizzly Families!
Congratulations to Ms. Bumstead and our Grade 7 and 8 band students for a successful Winter Concert! Thursday’s concert was yet another reason for me to be a proud principal! It was great to see our families enjoy great music and have the opportunity to take some great photos of their aspiring musicians. Great job, Grizzlies!
The excitement was in the air this week when our girls’ teams hosted games against Terry Fox School. Considering it is the beginning of the season, the energy of the fans and the teamwork of the athletes was amazing. I can only imagine how that energy and athleticism will grow during our Grizzly Growler Tournament in March and throughout the rest of the season. Great job, Grizzlies!
Thank goodness our weather warmed up as we had another school evacuation because of a fire bell this week. The good news is that these evacuations count towards our total count of fire drills for the year. Students and staff did as we have practiced, which sets us up for success should we have a real emergency. We perform our evacuations in silence—this is so that staff can communicate easily and stay focused on the safety of students.
CONNECTING HOME AND SCHOOL: Excellence
The last letter of our COURAGE model is “E”, and our students chose to use the word “Excellence” in that space when we built the model with them. Our COURAGE posters all include this quote: “It’s not about being the best, but doing our best.” This quote, also chosen by students and staff several years ago, stresses the point that excellence is different for everyone. Not all of us can be “the best”; however, we can still strive for excellence. The following information supports a growth mindset and adds to the work that we do with students at Annie Gale. This is the third of three weeks which will build on this concept.
To help kids aim for excellence over perfection, build on unconditional love as the foundation, praise their effort, process, and learning from mistakes, not just results, and teach them that mistakes are growth opportunities, encouraging a balanced, grit-focused approach to life and challenges. Model a growth mindset by showing your own effort and embracing imperfection.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset
- Positive Self-Talk: Help them replace critical thoughts with encouraging, positive statements.
- Value Grit: Connect effort and resilience to grit, the ability to stick with long-term goals.
- Balance is Key: Promote a healthy lifestyle, ensuring they know when to stop and rest.
DID YOU KNOW?:
NEW: For those who have students who use Calgary Transit to get to and from school, we have been asked to ensure that you are directed to Contact Calgary Transit at 403‑262‑1000 for any questions or concerns. This ensures each inquiry is logged and managed by the correct team.
NEW: EducationMatters has partnered with Castle Rock Research to offer high-quality study materials at a significant discount for CBE students. These supplementary resources are a great way to support learning and build confidence throughout the semester. Simply place your order through our school link on the sales page:
https://castlerockresearch.com/cbe-site-saleT
The sale will be until February 11.
NEW: Grade 9 Transitions Mini Round Dance
Mark your calendars! On April 30, 2026, the CBE Indigenous Education Team invites Grade 9 Indigenous students, their families, and their school staff to be celebrated at the third annual CBE Grade 9 Transitions Mini Round Dance. This will be an evening to honour self-identified Indigenous students who are transitioning from Grade 9 to high school. Hosted at Ernest Manning High School, this event will include a bagged lunch feast, Indigenous artisans, special dances, an honour song, and a giveaway. All CBE students, families, and staff are invited to attend.
Link: See the poster for more information.
REPEAT: Our next School Council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 24, at 6:30 p.m.
NEW: This is a reminder that CBE Administrative Regulation AR6004 - Animals in Schools restricts animals on school property. Dogs are not permitted on school grounds except where expressly approved under AR6004 (e.g., service animals or authorized educational purposes).
Additionally, the City of Calgary Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw prohibits dogs on school property, including playgrounds and fields.
REPEAT: If your child is in the regular program at Annie Gale and you are interested in applying for the TLC program, the deadline to submit your application of interest is February 10, 2026, at noon. Filling out the application takes some time; plan ahead so that you don’t leave it to the last minute. The deadline is final.
UPDATE: Ask your child about what word they focused on last Word Wednesday. On Wednesdays we choose a new word and discuss how it changes in the context of our subjects. Last week’s word was JUSTIFY.
REPEAT: Two weeks ago, a message was sent home to families reminding them of the need for students riding Calgary Transit to have either a bus pass, or identification. Students aged 13 and over are expected to pay for their travel on city transit. Without proof of payment, the city may enforce fines.
NEW: The next Fun Lunch is this Wednesday, February 25.
WEEKLY EVENTS – FEBRUARY 2 TO FEBRUARY 6
Monday, February 2 - (TLC Students in formal uniforms--formal uniforms include white button down shirts, NOT golf shirts)
- 2:45 – 3:45 | Senior Boys Volleyball Practice
- 3:45 – 4:45 | Junior Boys Volleyball Practice
- 4:15 – 5:30 | Senior Girls Volleyball Game vs. Dr. Gordon Higgins @ Dr. Gordon Higgins School
Tuesday, February 3
- 8:00 – 2:30 | Calgary Zoo Field Trip (7-1 and 7-6)
- 2:45 – 3:45 | Senior Girls Volleyball Practice
- 3:45 – 4:45 | Junior Girls Volleyball Practice
- 4:15 – 5:15 | Senior Boys Volleyball Game vs. Dr. Gordon Higgins @ Dr. Gordon Higgins School
Wednesday, February 4
- 12:00 | Candy Gram Sales in foyer
- 2:45 – 3:45 | Junior Boys Volleyball Practice
- 3:45 – 4:45 | Senior Boys Volleyball Practice
Thursday, February 5
- 12:00 | Candy Gram Sales in foyer
- 2:45 – 3:45 | Junior Girls Volleyball Practice
- 3:45 – 4:45 | Senior Girls Volleyball Practice
Friday, February 6 – RED DAY
Sincerely,
Tammy Quiring
(Proud) Principal