Urban Coyotes

Last week, I saw a coyote walking on a sidewalk in Queensland in the middle of the afternoon.  It was alarming to me, as the animal was deeply imbedded within the community during school hours.  As a precaution, I phoned the City of Calgary (3-1-1), as well as the two nearby schools (including Haultain).  Here is some information I found on the City of Calgary website regarding urban coyotes:


"Coyotes are common in Calgary. Keep your dog leashed at all times, and pick up children or small dogs if a coyote is spotted. If you are in a remote location and spot a coyote, leave the area immediately. Never leave food in your yard, even pet food, and avoid hanging bird feeders that contain lard or suet.

For more information on coyotes, call the Coyote Hotline at 403-297-7789 or visit the Living with coyotes website.

 

Who should you call regarding coyotes?

• In an emergency situation where there is immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
• For non-emergency situations and to report coyote sightings, please call 3-1-1 (from within Calgary) or 403-268-CITY (2489) (from outside Calgary).
• Calgarians can also report coyote sightings or injured coyotes to the Calgary district office ofAlberta Fish and Wildlife at (403) 297-6423 or 1-80

  Urban coyotes

  Calgary's natural spaces are part of what makes our communities unique. Many of us appreciate the abundance of green spaces within the city limits where we can enjoy nature and for a little while, remove ourselves from the bustle of the city.

  Enjoying those special places brings a responsibility—we must realize we share these spaces with other creatures, some of which can be dangerous on occasion.

  Coyotes are one such species. They exist within Calgary and residents need to be aware of their presence and what to do if they are encountered. Because of several factors, coyotes are not necessarily staying in traditional natural areas—they are present in many urban areas within the city. This may be happening because they are finding food sources within the city and are not discouraged from utilizing those sources.

  Although coyotes mainly feed on small mammals such as mice and rats, they will attack domestic pets. Coyotes are generally no threat to people but should be treated with respect and never approached or fed. People with small children should be especially careful with their children around animals.

  While there have been reports of coyotes attacking people, these attacks are extremely rare.

  Coyotes are part of our urban wildlife and should be enjoyed, but from a safe distance.

   
• The Alberta government is responsible for wildlife management. The City of Calgary is providing this information as a public service.​"

 

 

Canadian parents willing to go into debt to put children in hockey: Are you? (with poll)

From The Calgary Herald:

"A Leger survey commissioned by CST Consultants, an RESP provider, showed that 61 per cent of Canadians say they, or someone they know, have borrowed money or used their retirement savings to put a child through hockey or other extracurricular activities.
The survey said average household spends $1,500 on hockey-related expenses – less than the typical Canadian household invests in

education

savings ($1,455 per year). Fewer than half of Canadian households have a Registered Education Savings Plan or RESP (45 per cent)."

Read the article from The Calgary Herald here.

Police Charge Minor With Online Threats

From the CBE:

"The safety and security of our students and staff is of utmost importance to us at the Calgary Board of Education. To that end, we support the Calgary Police Service in its efforts to serve and protect young people and are circulating the following news media release which police released today, Nov. 25. "

Read the story here.

Calgary education watchdog group falls silent

Association for Responsive Trusteeship in Calgary Schools (ARTICS) no longer speaking to media
CBC website

An education watchdog group that was highly critical of Calgary's public school board has gone silent.

The Association for Responsive Trusteeship in Calgary Schools (ARTICS) formed after the 2010 election.

The group was critical of the Calgary Board of Education, saying it lacked transparency and accountability, holding too many private meetings and allowing administration to make important decisions.

One of its key members, Trina Hurdman, was elected in the election last month.

Now the remaining members of ARTICS say they’re taking a breather and won't do interviews with CBC News.

Read the full story here.

Respect Program Demonstrates CBE's Commitment to Healthy, Respectful Workplace

To support its commitment to a healthy, respectful workplace for all employees, the Calgary Board of Education has acquired the Respect in the Workplace program from Respect Group Inc.
Respect Group is the abuse, bullying and harassment prevention organization founded by Wayne McNeil and former Calgary Flames player Sheldon Kennedy.

“This online tool is an excellent way for us to build on CBE policies and practices that are already in place to support a positive workplace,” said Naomi Johnson, CBE chief superintendent. “It increases awareness and understanding of workplace harassment and appropriate behaviour, while supporting our existing regulations.”

Read the details here.

From the Board of Trustees

Citizens of Calgary elect trustees to govern the Calgary Board of Education, one of the best education systems in the world. We are elected during the municipal election, which takes place every three years. The last election was held in Oct. 2013.

We govern the CBE by establishing expectations for Results and operational performance. These are our governance policies and they give us oversight on important matters that affect all aspects of Calgary’s public education system. The Results are our expected outcomes for all students.

It is our responsibility to monitor the progress toward the Results and the performance of the CBE against our stated expectations. This monitoring takes place at public board meetings.

Who is my trustee?

Wards 1 & 2 – Joy Bowen-Eyre
Wards 3 & 4 – Lynn Ferguson
Wards 5 & 10 – Pamela King
Wards 6 & 7 – Trina Hurdman
Wards 8 & 9 – Judy Hehr
Wards 11 & 13 – Sheila Taylor
Wards 12 & 14 – Amber Stewart

• Public board meetings – schedules, agendas and minutes
• Budget and financial statements
• 2013 community report
• CBE quick facts

Contact us:Education Centre
1221 – 8 Street S.W.
Calgary AB T2R 0L4
Boardoftrustees@cbe.ab.ca
403-817-7933

Winter Advisory from the CBE

"Winter has arrived and with it comes cold temperatures, wind chill and snow. Such conditions can make getting to and from school challenging. This winter season the Calgary Board of Education is reminding parents / guardians of the following:

• Children should be well prepared for the weather and not left unattended at bus stops for any period of time, under any circumstances.
• Parents/guardians should provide alternate arrangements for their child(ren) that provide timely shelter, if required (i.e: a neighbour who will be at home during the day).
• Roads may be congested and slippery resulting in possible traffic and bus delays.
• All CBE schools will remain open to provide a safe, warm and secure environment for attending students."

Parent Council Meeting

Are you aware that the next Parent Council Meeting and Parent Association Meeting is just around the corner?
Mark your calendars to attend our next meeting it is at Haultain Memorial School in the Library on November 19th at 6:30pm.  They are open to all and we encourage you to attend.

The agenda for the meetings as follows will outline what we intend to talk about.
Council Agenda Nov 2013

PA Agenda Nov 2013

Minutes for our past meetings will be reviewed at these meetings - you are encouraged to read what we have discussed at our past meetings.
Council Minutes Sept 2013

PA Minutes Sept 2013

Council Minutes Oct 2013

PA Minutes Oct 2013

CBE review of meeting procedures takes back seat to other issues

Trustees vote to revisit issue next spring

 BY TREVOR HOWELL, CALGARY HERALD

Calgary public school trustees punted a motion to form a committee to review board meeting procedures until next spring, to focus, in part, on finding a new chief superintendent. Rookie trustee Trina Hurdman introduced the motion Tuesday for an ad hoc committee to examine whether board meetings at the Calgary Board of Education are in keeping with the “principles of openness and transparency.”

  Read the full story here.