Weekly Update: October 19 to October 23

Greetings, Grizzly Families! 

Last week our Grade 6 students had the opportunity to visit the polling station at the Whitehorn Community Centre; Monday's referendum aligns with their social studies curriculum.  It was interesting to hear students' questions, especially because many of the questions related directly to their own family circumstances, which means that our students are seeing themselves in their learning! If you are voting on Monday, they may want to go with you, because they learned that children are allowed to accompany their parents as they vote.  What a great way for your child to see democracy in action! 

We are excited to welcome back Ms. Drefko, who will be returning to Annie Gale on Tuesday, October 20.  Mrs. Dhaliwal, who has been filling in for Ms. Drefko, will return to her assigned position as literacy support later this week.   

CONNECTING HOME AND SCHOOL:  Water Guns, Orbeez Gel Blasters, and Replica Firearms 

We have had some students and parents ask us about water guns and gel blasters this week, so we thought it would be appropriate to share information related to this topic.  To start, water guns or water blasters are not permitted on school property and will be confiscated by school administration.  Other guns, such as Orbeez Gel Blasters or similar gel guns, are also not permitted and will also be confiscated.  Some of these "toy" guns have the ability to cause harm to one's eyes, and they look incredibly similar to real weapons.  The Calgary Police Service often cannot distinguish between toy guns and real guns.  Should any of these items be on school property, we expect that students will report their presence to school administration immediately.    

Here's what CPS has to say about the topic: 

“BB, pellet, and Airsoft guns are often made to imitate real firearms and are so realistic looking that they’re easily mistaken as the real thing. Although a balanced approach is the goal when we’re responding to a call involving a potential firearm, it creates a high risk situation for both the public and our officers and can necessitate a large amount of resources until the weapon is confirmed to be a replica. 
 
In Calgary, it is a bylaw offence to fire any weapon within city limits, including on your own property or backyard. It is also against city bylaws to transport an air-powered gun with a round of ammunition in the chamber. These guns can only be used at approved shooting ranges within the city, or outside city limits providing permission has been obtained from the private land owner and in accordance with proper handling and safety procedures.” 

Retrieved on October 18, 2026, from:  https://www.facebook.com/CalgaryPolice/photos/can-you-tell-the-differencethese-guns-are-all-fake-or-maybe-theyre-all-real-what/10151837127144530/ 

DID YOU KNOW?   

NEW: Unfortunately, our student fans are not permitted at another school site to watch Annie Gale's teams play, unless they are with their parent and are watching a sibling play.  

REPEAT: The CBE invites all parents and guardians to join us for a live online series focused on supporting child and youth well-being. Hosted by the Recovery Alberta Community Education Service (CES) Program in collaboration with experts from the Calgary community, this year's sessions will explore a range of timely topics.  

These sessions are designed to equip families with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to navigate the challenges and opportunities of raising children and teens today. 

These sessions are free and provide information, resources, helplines, and services to support healthy child and youth development.  Click here to learn more. 

REPEAT: Fees are charged to cover the gap between the cost of programs and services and the funding provided by the province. The Government of Alberta's School Fees Regulation sets out the requirements and limitations related to the fees that a school board may charge. Fees for the school year are confirmed by the end of August and are posted on this page. Fees for each school year are due when assigned. 

The CBE only charges fees to cover the cost of providing goods or experiences to students. For example, if a trip to the Calgary Zoo costs $20 for busing and admission, we pass along that cost directly to families. We also charge fees when the cost to deliver a service (such as transportation) exceeds the funding we receive from the province. 

Our fee revenue does not go towards core instructional funding or central administration costs. By law, the CBE cannot charge fees related to instruction, such as textbooks, workbooks or printing. 

If a family cannot afford fees, they may qualify for a waiver for fees.  Click here for more information. 

REPEAT: The next School Council Meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20.  This meeting will be presented in a blended format, in-person and online.  The link for the meeting will be sent the afternoon of the meeting date. 

REPEAT: We are currently looking for FIVE volunteers for our Grade 9 field trip on Monday, November 2.  Students will be watching the live show: A Pirate’s Life with Lisa Briggs on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10:15 am at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Werklund Centre, 205 – 8th Avenue SE in downtown Calgary. Students will watch the world’s wonders come to life through the power of visual and oral storytelling with archaeologist and National Geographic Explorer, Lisa Briggs. Best known for her work excavating shipwrecks and conducting scientific analysis on artifacts recovered from some of the world's most important underwater archaeological sites, Lisa shares what life was like during the Golden Age of Piracy. If you are interested and available, please ensure you have your Volunteer and Police Clearance completed and email Mrs. Dhaliwal via ruminhas@cbe.ab.ca.  

If you need more information on volunteering, click here. 

REPEAT: NO SCHOOL for students on Monday, October 19, 2026, because it is a non-instruction day. 

REPEAT: Fun Lunch is scheduled for October 22, 2026. 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Confirm dates and times for soccer games/practices with coaches.  Soccer Season is coming to an end, and playoff games may not be in this calendar. 

Monday, October 19 – Non-instruction Day:  NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS 

Tuesday, October 20 - TLC students in formal uniforms 

  • 8:00 – 8:30 | YMCA School Visit (Grade 6) 
  • 2:45 – 4:00 | Wrestling Practice 
  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Boys Soccer Practice 
  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Senior Girls Basketball Practice 
  • 5:30 – 7:30 | Senior Boys Basketball Games @ Crossing Park School 
  • 6:30 | School Council Meeting (blended format—in-person and online) 

Wednesday, October 21 

  • 8:00 – 2:35 | Grade 6 and Grade 9 Vaccinations 
  • 2:45 – 4:00 | Senior Boys Basketball Practice 
  • 5:30 – 7:30 | Senior Girls Basketball Games @ Crossing Park School 

Thursday, October 22  

  • 8:00 – 2:00 | Guest Artist:  Political Cartoonist for Grade 6 and Grade 9 
  • 12:00 | Fun Lunch 
  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Boys Soccer Practice 
  • 2:45 – 4:00 | Wrestling Practice 
  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Senior Girls Basketball Practice 

Friday, October 23 – EVEN Day 

As always, should you have questions or concerns, please call the office.   

Sincerely, 

Tammy Quiring 

(Proud) Principal