Basket Raffle: Letter From Angela

Christmas Basket Raffle 2010

Hello to all and hoping everyone is keeping warm on these chilly days. Cross your fingers that spring is almost here.

Now that everyone has settled into the new year, I want to say a huge thank you to all you parents that contributed to the basket raffle this year. The themes that were chosen for the classrooms, was a new approach to the raffle, itself. Parents and students rallied together to make this a success. We have a great support system amongst our community.

I would also like to send out a Thank you to all my volunteers, that without them I wouldn’t have been able to pull this off. So, thank you to Michelle R, Sarah C, Sarah L, and Kristie A. Ladies you were wonderful and Thank you.

Thank you again for the support of Teachers and staff for all their help and patience.

I look forward to next years raffle and I know it will be just as successful as this year.

Thank you,

Angela Lively.

Outdoor School!

Our grade five/six students and staff are immersed in the joys of Outdoor School at Camp Chief Hector, at the Rocky Mountain YMCA site near Mount Yamnuska. While the weather is chilly, students are loving the outdoor activities, the new friends, the great food, and the excitement of learning in such a majestic setting. Today, while another group embarked on a winter hike (complete with warm up areas), we spent a brief time outside, spent time inside a log cabin, warmed by the wood burning stove while we played the economy game, and now are about to set off for "Predator-Prey". This just happens to be a personal favorite where students are assigned animal roles (small herbivore, small carnivore, large herbivore, large carnivore, human impact, disease, etc.). This elaborate "tag" game, emulates an animal's life in the wild and is wildly fun. Later, I expect we'll dine on a fantastic meal (roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots were yesterday's dinner), then do some activities, journaling, campfire, and bed by 9:30. I'm not sure about the kids, but I'm pretty sure I'll need the shut eye.

That's all for now...

Mr. B.

Canada's Story

Told in countless back yards, community locations, ponds, and local barns; Canada's story can be traced, tracked, and monitored on the ice of our nation. They are the meeting halls of our kids and our great-grandparents.

Our own chapter was highlighted in this story that ran in the Calgary Herald.

Our local 'ice-man' who organizes and works Queensland's sheet is known to most of you, Pang is front and center in the story and his words best describe the value of the community outdoor rink. Give it a read and thank him and his crew the next time you see them. Viva la Volunteer!

Documentary: Americans Take Hard Look At Education

This case-study analysis of the state of American education was sent in by a parent who thought it may interest our readers - thanks Monika.

"Waiting for Superman" details a small sampling of children who aspire to great things through an education system that is almost impossible to access. The bottom line is the higher education that these kids are reaching for is mostly unattainable; a system that was once taken for granted is leaving behind the untapped potential of bright kids.

Directed by Academy award winner Davis Guggenheim, the movie addresses questions regarding the dire decline in educational access in the US. What about Canada?

From a Canadian perspective; the lesson could be that the price for accessible, quality education is constant diligence. We are lucky to live in a country that provides this access but we need to fight to maintain it and that is the gist of the Canadian links from the Waiting for Superman site. Another lesson could be to appreciate what we have, as Monika says,

"After I watched it I realized how lucky we are in Canada with our education system. I thought if people saw this they would really understand that there is not much to complain about here yet. I sure have an amazing appreciation for all our teachers after watching what American teachers are allowed to get away with, and of course not being able to fire them. Very scary and disturbing."

Go here to read about the national state of our education system and some case studies of our own.

Calgary's Chief of Police Speaks About "Cool" Parents

In a speech yesterday by Rick Hanson (Calgary's top cop), he gave stern warning to this generation's 'cool parents'. In his address to the Lion's Club, he also warned of the dangers of crystal meth, and stated that children who haven't learned right from wrong by the time they leave elementary school never will... a plethora of quotable quotes. I can't seem to find the entire speech, which sounds like good reading but will keep looking. If you find it, please post the link in the comments.

Calgary Minor Soccer Association Response

We recently publish a blog entry that talked about a CBC article that suggested Calgary Minor Soccer Association (CMSA) was going to eliminate keeping the score in some of their games. It seems that the article may have jumped the gun a bit. Here is the response from the CMSA.

"Is CMSA eliminating reporting scores and standings for under 12 games?"

"The simple answer is no."

Canadian Idol

Students and staff were entertained by another presentation from the Canadiana Musical Theatre Company (CMTC) on Tuesday, Feb. 8th. The presentation was funded by the HMSPA and served as yet another way the Association supports the arts and learning within the school. Performers regaled the audience, in song, about the adventures of Captain Cook, John Cabot, David Thompson and many other early explorers, using the "schtick" of "American Idol."

Thanks again to the Parent Association for funding this informative and entertaining presentation.