Weekly Update: February 24 to February 28

Happy Sunday, Grizzly families! 

What a joy to have a change in the temperatures in Calgary!  I’m certain that staff and students are looking forward to more opportunities to be outside at lunch.  The cold temperatures have made us feel cooped up for a while now, and despite there being a lot of activities to choose from, we are all ready for some outside time. 

This week’s update has a lot of new information; please read it all so that you can stay up to date with all that’s going on right now.  There are also many opportunities to learn more.  Use the links in this message to get the most information you can. 

Perhaps the most pressing information for families is related to the CUPE strike that we expect will start tomorrow.  CBE schools are open for in-person instruction.  I urge you to visit https://cbe.ab.ca/news-centre/Labour-Action/Pages/default.aspx for the most up-to-date information.     

CONNECTING HOME AND SCHOOL:  Over the past few weeks, I have shared information about healthy eating for teens.  One of our staff members asked me to tell you about The Good Food Box Program (GFB). It is a program under the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary, whereby anyone can purchase boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables at an affordable price. The Good Food Box Program offers a hands-up approach, as opposed to a hands-out. They offer all Calgarians and those in the surrounding areas, access to sustainable nutritious boxes of fruits and vegetables, to ensure that no one has to go hungry. The boxes are assembled by dedicated volunteers, who along with The Community Kitchen, desire to see individuals and families accessing nutritious fruits and vegetables at an affordable price.  Go to https://www.ckpcalgary.ca/goodfoodbox for cost and locations. 

Did you know? 

  • NEW:  Parents and guardians, have your voice heard!  We know we make better decisions to support student learning when we build understanding and work together. That’s why we are sharing our school development plan and asking parents and guardians to share their perspectives with us.  The survey is open from now to Wednesday, March 5, at 11:59 a.m.  Please click here to complete the survey.  Your input is important to us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your perspectives on our school development plan. 
  • NEW:  Annie Gale proudly announces Grizzly Great Reads!  We have a new Instagram account that is focused on literacy here at Annie Gale and we can’t wait to connect with you!  We will be showcasing staff and student book recommendations, sharing ideas for improving literacy, showcasing events and activities here at school, hosting contests, sharing the renovation of our Learning Commons, and much more!  There will be opportunities for students to help with creating posts and sharing their love of reading.  There is also a Linktree attached with some resources for families as well as an Amazon wish list that can be shared with those who would like to support our school and donate a book.  To access the account, go to:  https://www.instagram.com/grizzlygreatreads_cbe/   
  • NEW:  As of tomorrow, we will not allow student fans at home games unless they are accompanied by their parent or guardian and are watching their sibling play.  This change of protocol is one of the CBE’s responses to the CUPE strike.   
  • NEW:  As of tomorrow, students will need to eat their lunches in the library or the lunchroom and will not be permitted to eat in hallways or stairwells.  Grade 6 students will eat in their homerooms before going outside.  This change of protocol is one of the CBE's responses to the CUPE strike.
  • NEW:  Do you have broken toys at home?  Do you have toys that no one at home is using?  Do you have toys that you just don't want?  We have a solution for you!  The Annie Gale Art Club is looking for donations for their next big project, "Upcycled Art".  Please send clean and no larger than 6-inch toy donations to school with your student. Donations can be given to Ms. Stauffer or Ms. Saini. 
  • NEW:  We are happy to announce that EducationMatters has offered a grant of $5,000 to Annie Gale School towards a trip to the Royal Tyrrell Museum and Jumpingpound Demonstration Forest. Stay tuned for more information! 
  • NEW:  Our Grade 7 students will be participating in the Alberta Assurance Survey later this week.   
  • NEW:  The Grizzly Gazette is back!  Last year we had a group of proud Grizzlies who created a weekly video showcasing Annie Gale and supporting school spirit.  I’m proud to share that we have a new crew of students who are taking on this task, all on their own time.  The project is called the Grizzly Gazette and last Friday they shared their first short video in our Grizzly Den class.  We are looking forward to seeing what they have for us as the school year continues. 
  • REPEAT:  Our dress code includes the request that all students NOT wear side bags or purses, and that students keep their backpacks in their lockers all day.  We have noted lately that with some fashion trends, some students are wearing what appears to be a small, zippered wallet attached to the outside of their pants.  We have reminded our students that these are not to be worn at school.  Please support us by reminding your child at home before they leave for school.  We thank you for keeping our school safe.   
  • REPEAT:  March’s School Council Meeting is Wednesday, March 19.    

WEEKLY EVENTS:  FEBRUARY 24 TO FEBRUARY 28 

Monday, February 24  

  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Senior Girls Volleyball Practice 
  • 3:45 – 4:45 | Junior Girls Volleyball Practice 
  • 4:15 – 5:15 | Junior Boys Volleyball Game vs. Ted Harrison @ Ted Harrison School 
  • 5:15 – 6:15 | Senior Boys Volley Game vs. Ted Harrison @ Ted Harrison School 

Tuesday, February 25  

  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Junior and Senior Boys Combined Volleyball Practice 
  • 4:15 – 5:15 | Junior Girls Volleyball Game vs. Ted Harrison @ Annie Gale School 
  • 5:15 – 6:15 | Senior Girls Volleyball Game vs. Ted Harrison @ Annie Gale School 

Wednesday, February 26 – PINK SHIRT DAY (wear a pink shirt to support anti-bullying) 

  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Junior Girls Volleyball Practice 
  • 3:45 – 4:45 | Senior Girls Volleyball Practice 
  • 4:15 – 5:15 | Senior Boys Volleyball Game vs. Peter Lougheed @ Peter Lougheed  
  • 5:15 – 6:15 | Junior Boys Volleyball Game vs. Peter Lougheed @ Peter Lougheed 

Thursday, February 27 - FUN LUNCH 

  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Junior and Senior Boys Combined Volleyball Practice 
  • 4:15 – 5:15 | Senior Girls Volleyball Game vs. Peter Lougheed @ Annie Gale School 
  • 5:15 – 6:15 | Junior Girls Volleyball Game vs. Peter Lougheed @ Annie Gale School 

Friday, February 28 – Non-instruction Day – NO SCHOOL 

Sincerely, 

Tammy Quiring 

(proud) Principal