Weekly Update: June 2 to June 6
Happy June, Grizzly families!
Last week was an exciting week for us. Grade 6 and Grade 9 students wrote their first Provincial Achievement Test of the year. There was no doubt in our minds that they used the time well to do their best. We were impressed by their efforts! Besides that, we also had our last TLC band concert of the year, which was a bonus because over the last long weekend the school had some flooding which damaged part of our new gym floor and for a time, we were uncertain if the concert would go on as expected. As I said at the concert, it is wonderful to see the growth of the student musicians, and to note the change in complexity of music from Grade 7 to Grade 9. I admit that I was looking over our students, particularly our Grade 9s, and thinking about how proud I was of them. It was a pleasure to listen to all of them perform. When it comes to the gym floor, the removal of damaged wood took place last Friday and the gym is out of commission for the rest of the school year.
I can finally share some badminton updates with you. Badminton is an interesting season, as it culminates in one tournament for each grade. The athletes are expected to show fair game play and essentially, referee their games themselves. Coaches do not interact with the students during game play, which is not typical for most other sports. Nevertheless, coaches reported that our athletes demonstrated great sportsmanship and Grizzly COURAGE while playing and spectating. The coaches also said that they were proud to represent Annie Gale!
Grade 7:
- Mixed doubles finished 3rd
- Boys doubles finished 4th
- Girls singles finished 6th
Grade 8: Finished Third, overall
- Boys singles finished 1st and 4th
- Girls singles finished 2nd
- Boys doubles finished 3rd and 5th
This week is Spirit Week. Read the calendar events to see what kind of apparel students can wear to show their school spirit, have some fun, and for our TLC students, wear something other than their uniform.
We are excited to share that this Thursday we will be hosting our future Grade 6 and Grade 7 students in tours through the building during the day. Later that night, we will be hosting families in the building. See the calendar below for details. Besides a chance to tour the school, students will learn about their classes, including the first year of our CTF wheel for options/complementary courses, as well as other components to junior high/middle school life.
CONNECTING HOME AND SCHOOL: I thought it might be timely to include some information on test anxiety, as students in Grades 6 and 9 are continuing to prepare for their Provincial Achievement tests. Test anxiety is a type of performance anxiety that occurs when children face the prospect of taking tests. It stems from a fear of failure, pressure to perform, and sometimes, past experiences with testing. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms like headaches and nausea, emotional symptoms such as fear and irritability, and cognitive issues like difficulty concentrating or blanking out. For children who may not have developed coping mechanisms for stress, test anxiety can be particularly overwhelming and can significantly impact their academic performance.
Developing Good Study Habits
Good study habits are crucial in managing test anxiety. These habits include regular study sessions well ahead of test dates, which helps avoid last-minute cramming—a practice that can increase anxiety. Children should have a quiet and comfortable study area, free from distractions. Consistent study times and breaks can also help; for example, studying for 30 minutes and then taking a five-minute break before continuing. This routine can help children manage their time effectively and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
Teaching Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques are valuable tools for managing anxiety. Teaching children simple breathing exercises or mindfulness can make a big difference. For instance, deep breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths to help calm the mind and body. Practicing these techniques regularly can help children learn to use them automatically when they start feeling anxious before or during a test.
Encouraging Healthy Physical and Emotional Habits
Physical well-being significantly affects mental health, and regular physical activity can help manage anxiety. Encouraging children to engage in sports or even just daily playtime outside can contribute to reducing stress. Adequate sleep is also crucial, especially before a test day, as it helps the brain function at its best. Nutrition should not be overlooked either; a well-balanced diet can affect a child’s mood and energy levels, thereby influencing their anxiety levels and ability to focus during tests.
Setting up a Routine Before Test Days
Having a routine before test days can provide a sense of security and control, which helps reduce anxiety. This routine might include packing the school bag the night before, choosing a comfortable outfit, and deciding on a nutritious breakfast for the morning of the test. Additionally, discussing the test day plan can help children feel prepared and less anxious about unexpected situations.
Role of Parents and Teachers in Managing Test Anxiety
The role of parents and teachers is crucial in helping children manage test anxiety. They can provide reassurance and support, listen to the child’s fears, and help them develop coping strategies. It’s also helpful for parents to stay calm and positive, as children can pick up on parental anxiety, adding to their stress. Teachers can assist by providing clear instructions and adequate time for children to complete tests, as well as offering words of encouragement.
Conclusion
Test anxiety in children is a common issue that can hinder their academic performance and emotional well-being. By recognizing the signs and understanding the causes, parents and teachers can help children manage their anxiety. Creating a supportive environment, developing good study habits, teaching relaxation techniques, encouraging healthy habits, and establishing routines are all effective ways to help children cope with test anxiety. Through these efforts, children can learn to face tests with confidence and calm, laying the groundwork for success both in school and in life.
Adapted from an article Retrieved on May 12, 2025, from: https://www.kidsmentalhealth.ca/test-anxiety-in-children/
DID YOU KNOW?
NEW: This week is Spirit Week. All participating students must still consider the dress code when wearing spirit clothing.
NEW: Later this month we will be hosting a uniform donation drive for our TLC students. This is your chance to give back. If your child has outgrown their uniform or will be moving to Grade 10 with no need to keep the uniform, please consider donating it to the school. We can offer these pieces to families who might be struggling to pay for new items. If students have donated their uniform, they will not be required to be in uniform.
NEW: Grade 9 Leadership will be selling snacks at lunch on Wednesday and Thursday this week. All proceeds support our upcoming Grade 9 celebration at Calaway Park.
NEW: Mental Health for Highly Sensitive Teens | Community Education Services | June 4 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Highly sensitive teens are often misunderstood by parents and teachers as they often have stronger emotional reactions. In this presentation, learn why this happens, and the necessary tools required to help these teens manage their emotions so they don't become derailed. Session is with Tracy Fields, BSW, MSW in partnership with Tracy Fields Counselling.
Link: Registration Link
NEW: Building Resiliency in Today’s Youth | Community Education Services | June 5 | 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Before High School graduation, one-third of adolescent girls will experience depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm or an eating disorder. However, there is an incredible power in caregivers who can support our youth, both young women and men, before they seek therapy.
At Juno House®, we believe in the extraordinary healing power of parents, caregivers, coaches, and teachers. In our 1.5 hour workshop presentation, we will share steps and strategies from the Juno House Therapeutic Model® that will provide effective emotional coaching tools for today’s youth as they develop through adolescence and into young adulthood.
We believe that talking does not grow neurons; experience grows neurons. This workshop is designed to give caregivers the skills to become their child’s emotional coach. The workshop will provide participants with:
• Basic introduction of interpersonal neurobiology,
• Where emotions live in our brains,
• The essential role emotions play in mental well-being,
• How to identify emotions in youth,
• How to become an emotional coach in only five steps.
Link: Registration Link
REPEAT: TLC uniform reminder for Grades 6, 7, and 8: The summer purchasing window for TLC uniforms is between Wednesday, July 2, and Friday, October 31, 2025. Only during purchasing windows will families be able to purchase embroidered uniform items. Items can be purchased in store, online, or through McCarthy Uniform’s Call Centre. This information is being shared to remind families that many students have outgrown their uniform pieces and will therefore need to have new items. One item of note is ties—many students have adult-sized bodies and are wearing a child-sized tie or they have lost their tie. Next year we will also be focusing on compliance for white dress shirts, so please ensure that your child has an appropriate shirt along with black dress shoes. Golf shirts are considered an informal uniform item and are not appropriate for formal uniform days.
UPDATE: June’s School Council Meeting will be in-person and online on June 11, 2025, as no parents or guardians put names forward for an election in the Annual General Meeting. Read the message at the end to learn about some of the roles that make up the council. If you are interested in filling a role, let us know. If you just want to join council as a “visitor”, you are certainly welcome! You will be surprised at what you will learn. Being a part of school council is informative and supports your child’s school.
REPEAT: We have a one more fun lunch before the end of the year. Log in to Healthyhunger.ca to participate. These fun lunches are organized by School Council, and we appreciate their efforts!
WEEKLY EVENTS: JUNE 2 TO JUNE 6
Monday, June 2 – 90s clothing or Jersey Day (wear your favourite 90s clothing or wear a sports jersey)
- 12:00 – 12:30 | Golf Practice
Tuesday, June 3 - Dress Like a Teacher Day
- 12:00 – 12:30 | Golf Practice
Wednesday, June 4 – Career Day (wear an outfit of a specific career)
- 12:00 – 12:30 | snack sales in foyer
- 12:00 – 12:30 | Golf Practice
Thursday, June 5 – Culture Day (wear cultural clothing)
- 12:00 – 12:30 | snack sales in foyer
- 12:00 – 12:30 | Golf Practice
- 3:00 – 6:00 | Golf Team Rounds @ McCall Lake Golf Course
- 6:00 – 7:00 | Open House for families of next year’s Grade 6 TLC and Grade 7 regular program students
Friday, June 6 – ODD A DAY – Beach Day (wear beach clothing...but no swimwear)
Sincerely,
Tammy Quiring
(proud) Principal
A MESSAGE FROM SCHOOL COUNCIL
Hello Annie Gale Parents,
We are looking for someone to fill the role of Key Communicator on our School Council. The description is as follows:
Key Communicator – Key communicators act as a representative of the school council in interactions with the CBE, ensuring information flows effectively in both directions. Some typical duties include: attending Community of School Councils (COSC) meetings which are held about every two months either in-person or online throughout the year and sharing the meeting information with school council executives and the parent community in our council meetings. Key Communicators may also represent the school council at other meetings or events, such as those held by the Alberta School Councils' Association (ASCA).
The role is a non-executive role and requires a commitment of mostly 90 minutes every two months either in-person or online. If this is something that interests you then please come to our AGM (Annual General Meeting) that will be held on June 11, 2025, in-person at school and online at 6:00 pm or alternatively you can send us an email at anniegalepesa@gmail.com or at ruminakhan80@yahoo.ca.
Thank you,
Rumina Cruz
Chair (School Council/ PESA)
Annie Gale School