September's School Newsletter

If you haven't already seen it, can be viewed by clicking here.

Schools strive for healthier attitude toward fitness

The 'c-word' sidelined too many students
By Chris Zdeb, Postmedia News

Today’s schoolkids could grow up to be the first generation of adults whose gym classes turned them on to physical activity for life.

Unlike previous generations, they’re less likely to have humiliating memories of being picked last to play baseball, or being ridiculed by jocks for not being able to run fast or not being able to spike the ball over the volleyball net. That’s because the ’c-word’ — competition — is no longer the focus of physical education; inspiring a healthy lifestyle is.

Click here to read the full story.

Every student receives a Kindle and the school ends up saving money.

Is this an idea for future investment by the HMPA? Tell us what you think.

Click here to read the full story.

Why firm parenting is good parenting

(CNN) -- I've been teaching university students for 50 years, and I can tell when one of my students comes from a home in which "good" parenting takes place.

These students -- most often from a middle-class background -- are stunned when they learn that their draft paper is not the cat's meow, indeed must be rewritten from scratch.

They send e-mails, constantly, with their work in progress attached, "just to see if I am on the right track." And if they get a C, they are crushed.

Read the full story here.

Don't Forget!

Haultain is about to enjoy its annual start-of-the-year Ice Cream Social!

Bring your kids - bring your family - and enjoy some free ice cream, courtesy of the Haultain Parent Association. It will be a great opportunity to meet and welcome some of the new parents and students who are attending Haultain for the first time!

Dropsheets, high-pressure washers and warm, wet washcloths are optional.

Andrew Brash - A Story of Inspiration

The following guest entry comes from Susanne Allen:

A Story of Inspiration, Courage and Compassion with Andrew Brash
Deer Park United Church 77 Deerpoint Road SE
September 28, 2010 7:00 pm
Cost: $10.00 (for those who are able)

Andrew is a Calgary climber and teacher who has been chasing his climbing dreams for over 20 years in many of the most impressive mountain environments in the world, including Tibet, China, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Alaska, Chile and Nepal.

In May of 2006, Calgary teacher Andrew Brash and teammates made international headlines when they stopped 200 meters from the summit of Mt. Everest to assist Australian climber Lincoln Hall. Hall had been declared dead by his own team and left for dead, spending the night alone on the mountain above 8,600 meters. Thankfully Lincoln was able to survive, but Andrew's summit ambitions had to wait.

In the spring of 2008, Andrew returned to Everest, this time forced to the Nepali side of the mountain after Chinese officials closed access to Tibet, fearing Olympic protests on the mountain, sending his return expedition into turmoil, proving that adventure on Everest is not quite dead yet. He is married to Jennifer and is the father of three young daughters; Anna, Jaime, and Alexandra.


Thank you Susanne

A numerical exploration of education in Canada

(An interesting article, found on the CBC website. Your comments are welcome!)

In just a few short weeks, students across the country will be overstuffing their backpacks, staking out their schoolbus seats, and filing into classrooms.

So we've done our homework early and taken a by-the-numbers look at the state of education in Canada, including data on teacher salaries, graduation rates and student loans.

Read the full article here.