Weekly Update: November 3 to November 14
Happy Sunday, Grizzly families!
The last four weeks have been unprecedented. We heard the word “unprecedented” during the Covid 19 Pandemic as well. And yet, when the event is over and things seem to return to normal, they don’t seem the same because we are changed as a result of the experience. Regardless of your views on the last four weeks, teachers returned to work on Wednesday and though our students were obviously tired—because of too many late nights, they told us—and a little uncertain about what to expect, we quickly got back into our routines. Many students lined up in the office, having forgotten their locker combinations, but once we got going, everyone started to settle in. The unprecedented events gave social studies teachers something to start their lessons with, as many students had questions, which curiously tied directly to curriculum. Additionally, some of our students participated in a student walkout on Thursday and I had a chance, when some of them returned, to ask them to watch it on the news. I asked them to watch several channels so that they could see how different media outlets reported the same event. Perhaps our last four weeks will also give us all cause to consider how we get our information, how much of it is reliable, and how much of the story it tells.
During our absence, our support staff worked on a variety of tasks, from safety training to file shredding, from answering phone calls to laminating, from purging files to removing stains on counters, from labeling files to reshelving books...and the list goes on. Our support staff showed us how much they cared about us, and they worked tirelessly to ensure that when we returned, whenever that would be, we could see how much they did to help us. We noticed, and for that hard work and support, we are grateful. We missed them just as we missed our students.
Though there are a variety of responses to the teachers’ strike, we would like to that those of you who openly supported us during this difficult time. We noted in our meeting on Friday that our staff remained connected to each other even though we weren’t in school. Know that our teachers have a strengthened level of respect for each other, based on our communication over the time of the strike. Know too, that we wholeheartedly want positive learning conditions for your child(ren). We hope that this experience has given all families and members of the public have a realistic understanding of the learning conditions of Alberta students.
The Calgary Board of Education was ready for return to classes and even though my email wasn’t working at the start of the day on Wednesday, I had a printed copy of an email directing me to guide the return of students. Three words stood out in the email: reconnect; reassure; and refocus. I was asked to guide teachers to prioritize relationships, well-being and core learning outcomes, over content “coverage.” When we met as a group on Friday, I encouraged teachers to think about the important learning in their Programs of Study and not on “what they haven’t taught yet”. At Annie Gale, we use Understanding by Design as a planning tool and one of the key facets of it is to focus on big ideas. This big picture thinking will help us ground our students in tasks that focus on the essential knowledge and skills while meeting them where they are. If there is one thing I know about our teachers, it’s that we know our curriculum and we can adapt and modify to meet our students’ needs.
Admittedly, Halloween festivities were rather subdued on Friday, though we had some students and staff in costume. We found that because of the unknown return to school date, many did not have the time to get a costume together. Nevertheless, we will have other opportunities this year to show school spirit and have some fun together.
The CBE has declared that changes will be made to some deadlines, such as those for IPPs, EAL Benchmarks, Parent-Teacher Conferences, report cards, and the like, but we do not have the information about these things to share at this time. Please continue to read this update and any messages coming directly from the CBE for information.
I have been wondering if the recent strike might make more parents and guardians consider joining us at School Council to gain a different perspective about the work that we do with our students. If you have never attended a School Council meeting, know that you are always welcome. We have a committed group of parents who participate, and they would love for you to join them.
CONNECTING HOME AND SCHOOL: It’s been some time since I shared an update, so I thought it might be appropriate to restate what I shared in the last message after Meet the Teacher night. Here is what I asked of parents and guardians:
- Engage with learning at home (through D2L, Google Classroom, and dialogue about current events or what you and your child are reading for fun);
- Monitor your child’s online activity (this means keeping devices out of their bedrooms and out in the open where you can see what they are using it for);
- Limit screen time and help your child get enough sleep to be ready to learn (this also means keeping devices out of their bedrooms);
- Stay connected with teachers and PowerSchool (to monitor attendance, progress, and missing assignments);
- Read the weekly messages from school (and discuss them with your child);
- Get your child to school and on time (lates and absences detract from our ability to fully support your child and their ability to maximize the learning opportunities we provide); and,
- Keep your school payments up to date (note that waivers do not cover everything—if the fee is there, it means that it is not covered by waivers. Please speak with the principal if you need support).
DID YOU KNOW?
NEW: Picture day is tomorrow, Monday, November 3. TLC students should wear their formal uniforms.
NEW: 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.
NEW: Fall Break will take place next week, from November 10 – 12. School will resume on Thursday, November 13.
NEW: There will be no weekly update sent home next Sunday. Please read the updates for next week in this message.
REPEAT: Our neighbours are watching! Annie Gale Grizzlies are expected to behave appropriately when out in the community. This means that they should use sidewalks and not trespass on private property. It also means putting trash or recycling in appropriate containers. Each week we receive calls from neighbours with questions about how our students behave and interact with them and each other. Please remind your children to always put their best forward, so that our neighbours can praise our behaviour rather than complain about it. Grizzly COURAGE plays its part here—GRIZZLIES ARE COURAGE! More on COURAGE next week!
REPEAT: Silent reading at home is considered homework and offers so many benefits! By reading 20 minutes per day, the reader is exposed to 1.8 million words per year. Reading can relieve stress by 68% in a lot less than 20 minutes. Taking 20 minutes to ready per day can boost mental health. Reading slows down mental decline in lates stages of life. Reading 20 minutes before bed can alleviate insomnia. Become a more empathetic person through 20 minutes of reading a day!
REPEAT: We do our best to keep extra fees as low as possible when it comes to CTF courses, PE clothing, and field trips. Please login to your account to pay school fees as soon as possible. If you have questions about fees, contact the school office. Note that waivers do not cover all expenses, including field trips or sports teams—again, if you have questions, please call us. If your child is on a sports team, payment of fees is expected within a few days of the team being created.
WEEKLY EVENTS: NOVEMBER 3 TO NOVEMBER 12
Monday, November 3 – Picture Day (TLC Students in formal uniforms)
- 12:00 – 12:35 | Senior Girls Basketball Practice
- 2:45 – 3:45 | Junior Girls Basketball Practice
Tuesday, November 4
- 12:00 – 12:35 | Senior Boys Basketball Practice
Wednesday, November 5
- 2:45 – 3:45 | Junior Girls Basketball Practice
Thursday, November 6
- 12:00 – 12:35 | Junior Boys Basketball Practice
Friday, November 7 – Green “ODD A” Day
Monday, November 10 – FALL BREAK - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, November 11 – FALL BREAK - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, November 12 – FALL BREAK - NO SCHOOL
Thursday, November 13 (TLC in formal uniform)
- 9:30 – 11:00 | Grade 9 Guest Speaker
Friday, November 14 – Red “EVEN A” 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