Weekly Update: May 25 to May 29
Happy Sunday, Grizzly Families!
Our badminton season is now in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t celebrate the success of each of our teams. The Grade 6 team finished first place overall! The Grade 7 team finished fifth place, led by a pair who finished first in girls’ doubles. Grade 8s finished fourth overall in their tournament, and they had a first place finish in mixed doubles. The Grade 9 team placed third overall. In that grade, one of our students took first place in boys singles and another finished third. Two girls finished third in girls’ doubles and another pair took fourth. We also had two pairs finish fifth in boys’ doubles and in mixed doubles. What a great showing from our Grizzlies! Congratulations to our players and coaches on such a successful season.
CONNECTING HOME AND SCHOOL: Encouraging Responsibility Without Nagging
As students move through junior high, developing responsibility becomes an important life skill. Though it can be tempting to constantly remind teens about homework, chores, or upcoming deadlines, too much nagging can sometimes lead to frustration for both parents and children.
One effective strategy is to shift from reminding to coaching. Instead of repeatedly asking, “Did you finish your homework?” try questions like, “What’s your plan for getting your work done tonight?” This encourages students to think independently and build problem-solving skills. Parents and guardians can also share how they plan to complete things on their own work or to-do list to model this for their children.
Establishing routines can also reduce daily battles. Consistent expectations around homework time, chores, and bedtime help teens know what is expected without constant reminders. Visual calendars, planners, or phone reminders can help students manage responsibilities on their own.
Allowing natural consequences can also be a powerful teacher. Forgetting an assignment or missing a deadline can help students learn accountability in a supportive environment. Parents can provide encouragement and guidance without rescuing every situation.
Most importantly, notice and acknowledge responsible behaviour when you see it. Simple comments such as, “I noticed you started your homework without being asked,” reinforce positive habits and build confidence.
Responsibility develops over time. With patience, consistency, and encouragement, parents can help their teens become more independent and capable learners.
Edited from an article retrieved on May 19, 2026, from: https://chatgpt.com/c/6a0b82e2-0fa4-83e8-becb-c80e9a4a4dba
DID YOU KNOW?
NEW: My Transit Ride
In August, the CBE, CCSD and Calgary Transit will offer a transit bus orientation program called "My Transit Ride" for middle and high school students transitioning to Calgary Transit.
The program is about an hour long and consists of a 20-minute presentation by Calgary Transit, followed by an orientation of a transit bus. Staff from CBE Transportation, CCSD Transportation and Calgary Transit will be available for information and/or questions.
Sessions are free, but families are encouraged to register to attend. Registration will open on Monday, May 25.
We are excited to offer this safety training and transit orientation to increase student comfort levels and ability to ride Calgary Transit safely and efficiently.
More information and resources can be found on the CBE webpage, Calgary Transit Orientations.
NEW: Students new to our school (soon to be Grade 6 TLC and Grade 7 in the regular program) will be touring our school on Tuesday, June 2, and they are welcome to come with parents and guardians on Thursday, June 4, at 6:30 p.m. for our evening tours. The evening event is not a drop in, but a scheduled session, so if you are coming, please be ready for a 6:30 start. We will be doing draws for students who complete a tour passport in the evening so plan on attending with your child if they will be new to the school in September.
NEW: During the last two weeks of June, we participate in a clothing/donation drive for TLC students. If your child has TLC uniform pieces to donate (crested shirts, cardigans, vests, and/or ties) we will happy take them to help out families in the fall. This means that TLC students are not required to wear their uniforms during the last two weeks, should they donate unused uniform pieces.
REPEAT: It is Provincial Achievement Test (PAT) time for Grade 6 and Grade 9 students. Please check the calendar shared in the weekly update for accurate information about tests. Security of these exams is important, so we will be following appropriate protocols set up by Alberta Education. Though students are not permitted to have their phones on their person during a regular school day (phones should stay home or be stored in lockers), phones and Smart Watches are significant breaches of exam expectations. Please remind your child to adhere to exam protocols. And another important note is that students who write exams in the morning are expected to attend in the afternoon.
NEW: Our June School Council Meeting on Wednesday, June 24, at 6:00 p.m., is the Annual General Meeting (AGM) when new members of the council will be voted in. If you know parents/guardians at our feeder schools who will have students in Annie Gale next year, please let them know. We shared messages with the parents/guardians in our feeder schools, but a personal invitation is always helpful. If you have never participated in School Council, consider now a time to get connected and join. Council is a meaningful way for you to positively affect your child’s educational experience and will allow you to learn more about the school and have a voice in decision making. Our meetings average about 60-90 minutes every month. This all-important AGM will be held in-person because of the voting that will be taking place. You are welcome to attend virtually, but you will not be able to vote.
REPEAT: The next Fun Lunch is Wednesday, May 27.
REPEAT: TLC uniform purchasing window for the spring will end on May 31. We remind families that uniforms must be in good condition and a suitable size. Many of our students have grown and they need new uniform pieces. For more information about purchasing uniform pieces now, over the summer, or for the remainder of this calendar year, click here.
WEEKLY EVENTS – MAY 25 TO MAY 29
Monday, May 25 (TLC students should be in formal uniforms. No golf shirts permitted.
- 8:00 – 12:00 | Grade 6 ELA Part A PAT
Tuesday, May 26
- 12:00 – 12:30 | Tattoo Your Teacher (temporary tatoos to fundraise for the Grade 9 Celebration)
Wednesday, May 27
- 12:00 | FUN LUNCH
Thursday, May 28
- 3:00 – 5:30 | Annie Gale Golf Game (McCall Lake Course)
- 6:00 – 7:00 | TLC Band Concert
Friday, May 29 – RED DAY
Sincerely,
Tammy Quiring
(Proud) Principal