Weekly Update: November 17 to November 21
Happy Sunday, Grizzly families!
We only had two days of learning last week, so I have little to report about school activities. We observed Remembrance Day on Friday, November 7, in Grizzly Den. This week we focused on Responsibility and Consent related to a variety of student scenarios, including sharing passwords and using social media. Grizzly Den is committed to character education, using the COURAGE Model (more information below). This week’s lesson tied to “Caring” and “Responsibility” of the COURAGE Model.
We have had a wonderful spell of warm fall weather, but we know that colder temperatures and snow will be arriving soon. If you haven’t already, ensure that your child has access to warm clothing (gloves/mitts, a hat or toque, boots, and a warm coat). Also, if you drive your child to school, please allow for changing road conditions to ensure their safe, timely arrival for school. Remember that students need to be in their classes, ready to learn with all their supplies by 8:00 a.m.
We are happy to announce that we will be proceeding with parent-teacher conferences as previously scheduled, which means that we will host in-person conferences on Thursday, November 27 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Virtual or phone appointments will be scheduled on Friday, November 28, from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Because of the missed instruction time, teachers will be discussing next steps and how your child is doing right now. You will receive an email later in the week with instructions for registering for the conferences. These conferences will all be by appointment only.
CONNECTING HOME AND SCHOOL:
Have you been wondering what our COURAGE model is? This is our second year using it, and we are proud to say that it was our students who created it. In the Seven Sacred Teachings, the bear represents courage, and knowing that we are Grizzlies, we took the word courage and discussed words starting with the letters of the word courage that were positive character traits. Our focus was on what we should do, not what we shouldn’t do, so the tone remains positive. If you came to the school for Meet the Teacher Night, you should have seen the poster in every teaching space. Our COURAGE model also helps us focus on a whole-school approach to creating and maintaining a safe, caring, welcoming environment. Each Friday in Grizzly Den, we use the COURAGE model to focus on character education and make connections to the Indigenous medicine wheel.
C – Caring
O – Optimistic
U – Unique
R – Responsible
A – Accepting
G – Grateful
E – Excellent, knowing that it’s not about being the best, it’s about doing our best.
DID YOU KNOW?
NEW: IPPs have recently been sent home with students. Signed forms are due to the school Monday, November 17.
NEW: School Council is this Tuesday. The time has been adjusted slightly, with a 6:30 start. The meeting will be in-person and virtual. Watch your emails for the link to the virtual meeting. We hope to see you there!
NEW: Fun Lunch is scheduled for Thursday, November 27. Please log in to Healthyhunger.ca to order. Orders must be received before the Saturday preceding the fun lunch date to be processed.
NEW: Parent/Teacher Conferences are going ahead as planned on Thursday, November 27 (in-person) and Friday, November 28 (phone or virtual). Please watch your emails for registration information. The in-person conferences will take place in the gym, by parent request. Appointments will be required.
NEW: For TLC parents: We are fortunate to have had some donated used TLC uniform pieces. These will be available to TLC families on Thursday, November 27, during conferences. We will have some tables in the foyer with the clothing items.
NEW: Parent/guardian volunteers for field trips: Students have opportunities to participate in field trips throughout the year; we can't provide field trips without parent/guardian volunteers to meet our supervisor to student ratios. If any parents or guardians are interested in volunteering for our field trips this year, please check in with Deborah Loewen in the main office. Bring in a piece of photo ID or your driver's license and we can help process your volunteer application. At times, there is a delay in processing your application, so please consider doing it as soon as possible.
NEW: Save on Student Study Guides & Digital Resources: We are excited to share a special offer for educational resources through a new partnership between EducationMatters and Castle Rock Research. From November 14 to November 26, you can purchase valuable study materials at a significant discount and help raise funds for EducationMatters.
This is a great opportunity to get supplementary resources to support your student’s learning this school year.
How to Order:
- Visit our school's unique online portal: https://schoolorders.solaro.com/9686
- Place your order and pay directly online.
- The deadline to order is Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
All print materials will be delivered to the school after the closing date and distributed to students.
REPEAT: For parent(s)/guardian(s) of band students: For the last two years, the tradition at Annie Gale School has been to have a Winter Concert in early December. Due to lost learning time, we are postponing the concert, as we need more time to set students up for a successful performance. Thank you for your understanding; we will keep you posted.
WEEKLY EVENTS: NOVEMBER 17 TO NOVEMBER 21
Monday, November 17 – (TLC students in formal uniforms)
- 8:00 – 2:35 | Signed IPPs due
- 12:00 – 12:35 | Senior Girls Basketball Practice
- 2:45 – 3:45 | Junior Girls and Junior Boys Basketball Practices
- 2:45 – 3:45 | Wrestling Practice
Tuesday, November 18
- 2:45 – 3:45 | Wrestling Practice
- 6:30 – 8:00 | School Council Meeting (in-person and virtual)
Wednesday, November 19
Thursday, November 20
Friday, November 21 – ORANGE “Odd B” Day
Sincerely,
Tammy Quiring
(proud) Principal
A MESSAGE FROM SCHOOL COUNCIL
Dear Annie Gale Families!
We need your help. Every 18 months Annie Gale is fortunate to participate in a Casino. This is our main fundraiser and it will earn roughly $80,000 for our school. This money goes directly towards things like field trips, library books, sports equipment, technology, and art supplies. We must provide enough parent volunteers for the casino to proceed. Our next Casino is January 5/6. We need you and your family members to join us so that we can earn these crucial funds. No experience is required and you get a free lunch!
Please join us! You can sign up here: Annie Gale 2026 Casino Sign Up — Signup Sheet | SignUp.com
Questions? Please connect with anniegalepesa@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Laurel Hatch
Casino Chair