2013-14 Excellence in Teaching Awards Open

From the CBE:

"The 2013-14 Excellence in Teaching Awards program is now open and accepting nominations for outstanding teachers and principals.


Since 1989, the Excellence in Teaching Awards Program has recognized the innovative and outstanding teaching that takes place every day in classrooms across Alberta. This program provides Albertans with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many contributions teachers make to student learning. We encourage you to consider nominating the outstanding CBE teachers and principals in your life. Let them know how much you appreciate their dedication to teaching excellence and the difference they are making in the lives of tomorrow’s citizens.

To find all the information on how you can nominate your excellent teachers, visit http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/excellence.aspx. The deadline for nominations is
Feb. 7, 2014.

In 2012-13, 19 CBE educators were named semi-finalists for these awards. "

Nine Calgary Schools to Receive Modernization

From Metro News:

"Provincial officials are planning to fork over tens of millions in facelift funding to nine Calgary schools.

Sources told Metro that nine schools will be announced during a Tuesday news conference attended by new provincial Infrastructure Minister Ric McIver, but at press time only two of the facilities being approved for upgrades had been confirmed.

 

Top 10 modernizations on the CBE’s current capital plan (not yet approved)
1. Christine Meikle – replacement facility – $24 million
2. Aboriginal family school at Harold W. Riley – $16 million
3. Jack James – career/technology modernization – $13 million
4. Bowness – career/technology modernization – $20 million
5. Kingsland Centre – Chinook Learning Services modernization – $9 million
6. James Fowler – career/technology modernization – $15 million
7. Lord Beaverbrook – career/technology modernization – $25 million
8.  Forest Lawn – career/technology modernization – $15 million
9. John Diefenbaker – career/technology modernization – $15 million
10. Nickle School – modernization – $12 million"

Read the full story on Metro News here.

Minutes from Last Meeting

Here is a summary of what was discussed at our December Meeting. 

We have some items in the minutes we need to plan for in the future:
* stage risers for our concerts
* year book
* class set of IPAD's
Do you think any of these are worthwhile or a waste of money?  Your opinion counts, come to the meeting, they run on time as your time is valuable.

Also in the minutes is information on PAT's.  Is your child writing a PAT this year?  Did you know they are being fazed out?  What will replace them?  Our Principal will be updating us each meeting as they find out more.  Some of those answers are in the minutes, please feel free to read the attachments. 

December Council Minutes 2013

December PA Minutes 2013

Council / Association Agendas

Next Council / Association meeting is this Tuesday January 21st @ 6:30pm in the library at the school.  Agendas for the meetings are below:

January Council Agenda

January PA Agenda

Review the agendas to see what will be discussed.

Come one come all!

Plan to Attend the Next HMS School Council & Parent Association Meeting!

 Next Tuesday, January 21 at 6:30 pm, is Haultain Memorial's School Council and Parent Association meeting. The evening will take place in our school library and every parent is encouraged to attend. It will be a casual, welcoming environment where, during the first part of the evening, school issues will be discussed between the administration, staff and parents. The second half of the meeting will address fundraising and how funds should be spent in our school.

There has never been a more crucial time to get involved as a parent at Haultain, while we undergo uncertainty of the long term plan for administration at the school. Furthermore, the funds raised by the Parent Association go towards a variety of essentials like computers, field trips, smart boards, sporting equipment, agendas, library books, special programs, etc.. It is up to YOU, the parent, to decide where to spend the funds.

With the stepping down of the Association and Council Chair this month, next week's meeting will also address the new positions that must be filled. It is absolutely crucial we have a dedicated and committed group of parents to maintain our gaming license, which provides an enormous amount of dollars for our school. At the very least, plan to attend the meeting simply as a parent.

We need you.

We look forward to seeing you Tuesday night at 6:30 pm in the library!

CBE Presentation on Reporting and Assessment Postponed

 

The presentation about reporting and assessment scheduled for Jan. 15 has been postponed. This information will be presented to parents at a later date. A presentation on this topic will be made at a public meeting of the Board of Trustees in February. Anyone who is interested may attend this meeting.

 

The CBE remains committed to working collaboratively with employees, parents and students on changes to reporting and assessment. Each school community is unique and is moving forward in making changes in the way that best meets their needs. Schools are continuing to have conversations with their parents, students, teachers and staff about changes to reporting practices. That input will then help guide the decisions that are made regarding a common report card for all students in kindergarten to Grade 9. The best way for parents to share their thoughts and opinions about reporting and assessment is to contact their school.

 

The direction set out by Alberta Education in the Inspiring Education Steering Committee Report is guiding the changes the CBE is making to reporting and assessment practices. The Jan. 15 CAPSC meeting will go ahead as scheduled, now with the Inspiring Education report as the focus of discussion.

 

Learn About K-9 Report Cards at CAPSC Event January 15

Please join the Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils (CAPSC) on Jan. 15 for a discussion about report cards.

You may have heard about or been involved in discussions about work that is happening to develop a common and consistent report card for all students in kindergarten to Grade 9. At the Jan. 15 CAPSC meeting, you can learn more about why this is happening, what is taking place this year and how parents and students can be involved.

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 15
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Place: Multi-purpose Room, Education Centre, 1221 – 8 Street S.W.
Parking: free underground parking available (access off 12 Avenue)