School Newsletter Template - Calgary Board of Education

Samuel W Shaw t | 403-777-6163 f | 403-777-6165|
website| http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b695/
115 Shannon Dr. SW, Calgary, AB T2Y 0K6

email | [email protected]

Newsletter | October 2013

Principal’s Message

Autumn carries more gold in its hand than all the other seasons. – Jim Bishop

Achieve, Believe, Create October brings shorter days, multi-coloured vignettes and the hint of
winter’s frostiness in the air. It also brings clearer skies and a plentiful harvest.
Important Dates: Autumn is a time for everyone to find time to sit with their family and watch the
leaves turn which is similar to a second spring since every leaf becomes a flower.
October 10th
School Council Meeting Over the past month, students have had many wonderful experiences here
at Samuel W. Shaw. These include activities in classrooms, Terry Fox Run, field
October 14th trips to COP and Ralph Klein Park. We also had Paul Davis talk to the students
Thanksgiving–no school and parents on the topic of Social Networking. Please visit his web site for more
information - http://snstips.com/ . Coming up in October, students will have the
October 15th & 16th opportunity to hone their poetry and presentation skills while working with our Artist
Gr 9 - Riverwatch in Resident Wakefield Brewster. Be prepared to be mystified by their creations.
October 21th
I would like to remind parents the importance of informing the school if a
CBE Org Day - no classes child is going to be absent, late or if the child is going to be picked up early. We
October 22nd strive at SWS to make sure that we have an accurate attendance. We do need the
assistance of parents for us to succeed this. If a child is going to be away or late,
Photo Retake Day please call the school (403-777-6163). If you are leaving a message, could you
October 25th spell the last name if your child and indicate their classroom number

Fun Food Friday Since we have opened this fall, there have been some changes to our staff.
October 29th We have two new teachers that have joined our family at SWS: Mrs. Lana Gibbs is
working with the grade 8 team and Mr. Ross Sheldon is moving into the grade 5
Grade 5 Vaccinations and 6 teams. We also like to welcome Ms. Beartrix Zwinkles to our ELL team.
October 31st With the additions to the staff, we have also said goodbye to others. Dr. Laurie
School Dance Alisat has moved on to a guidance position at Henry Wise Wood and Cathy Boehr
November 5th (lunchroom staff) has also moved to Henry Wise Wood working in the school’s
office. Unfortunately, we are currently down one staff member in our lunch team
Gr 5 – ENMAX presentation and I am asking our SWS community if anyone is interested in working 2.5 hours
Monday – Thursday during lunchtime. If you are interested, please contact the
November 8th school.
Remembrance Day Assembly
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the parents who have or will be
November 11th involved in our school as volunteers. If not for parent volunteers, a number of
Remembrance Day–no school opportunities for our students would not exist. If you are interested in participating
in our school program, please do not hesitate to come in and fill out a Security
November 14th Clearance so you are able to volunteer.
School Council Meeting
Please take the time to check out the school’s website –
November 22nd www.cbe.ab.ca/b695 for more information regarding our school.
CBE PD Day - no school
Darrin Fisher

Samuel W Shaw October, 2012

TERRY FOX RUN| $2027.50!!!

Gotta Love the 80’s

Mr. Lewis - 80’s Rockstart and Mr. Fisher - 80’s Fitness Wear
Ms. Berry- Cut 8 inches off her hair & donated it to make a wig

$2000 Ms. E Quinn - Perform a song at the assembly
$2000 Mrs. Ramsay - Nose piercing
$1500 Mrs. Lyon - Give up Chai tea for a week
$1500 Mr. Thompson - peeps challenge
$1000 Mr. Smith, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Sheldon & Mrs. D Quinn

- Pie in the face
$1000 Mrs. Thompson- hair & make-up done by a student before the run
$500 Mrs. Lawson & Mrs. Solomon

- Presented a pictures of when they were student

Recognizing Positive Citizenship – The whole school participated with great enthusiasm
and dedication during this year’s Terry Fox Run. Our students reached out to support this
important Foundation by raising money and awareness for cancer research. Made even
more meaningful by reflecting on people we know who are currently fighting cancer,
students put their heart and soul into making this a very successful event.

Order forms will be SWS Fun Food Friday
sent out via email. Friday, October 25th

Please print and
return filled out form

with payment

no later than Friday
October 18th.

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Samuel W Shaw October, 2012

Artist in Residence | SoundKreations SLAM POETRY

Poetry is NOT boring! We prove this to youth by leading them into the rhythmically
electrifying world of SLAM! Poetry, a word-based performance art that uses a combination
of literary techniques and vocal dynamics to bring power to words and people. Intended for
onstage performance, rather than exclusively designed for the page, this style of poetry is
often associated with hip-hop culture but is also strongly tied to storytelling, modern poetry,
post-modern performance, beatnik culture, as well as jazz, and blues. Due to its immediacy
and direct rapport with its audience, this type of poetry often contains references to current
events and issues relevant to a contemporary audience. Slam Poetry is a powerful, high-
energy form of expression that attracts artists and audiences of all ages from a wide range
of disciplines and socio-cultural backgrounds. In a Slam Poetry Program, our
SoundKreations Instructors begin with a redefinition of poetry through performance and
discussion. Youth then learn to express themselves through the written word and bring
texture and power to their spoken word. At the end of the day, youth will be given the
opportunity to share their work with their community!

Wakefield Brewster, SoundKreations SLAM! Instructor

BIOGRAPHY

Wakefield has been instructing SLAM! Poetry programs with SoundKreations for 5
years and has taught at many schools throughout Calgary! He has been writing for 18
years and has performed on over 700 stages.

One of the country’s most renowned poets, he has appeared on TV Ontario’s
“Imprint”, CBC’s Hot Type with Jian Gomeshi, performed at Word on the Street and
The Children’s Wish Foundation!

Please contact your Homework
child’s teacher
should you have We would like parents to be aware of our homework policy. Teachers believe that every
any questions or student has the ability to be successful. Students are expected to adhere to deadlines and
concerns. Our hand work in complete and on time, unless they have made prior arrangements with their
contact information teacher. If a student does not hand in work on time, teachers will support students in
is listed on our ensuring they get it handed in as soon as possible by having that student stay for study hall
website:http://school at lunch or after school until they complete the work. Students staying after school will be
s.cbe.ab.ca/b695/co required to call their parents to inform them of their whereabouts. We would also like to
ntact.htm reinforce the fact that all teachers are available for extra help before school, at lunch, or
after school. Students need only to make an appointment with their teacher to receive some
one-on-one help.

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Samuel W Shaw October, 2012

Grade 5

On September 25th and 26th the Grade 5 classes
went to Ralph Klein Park to further their wetland
studies. Students took photographs from unique
perspectives and angles to capture the beauty of the
wetland. They rolled up their sleeves and dug deep
into buckets to discover invertebrates that live in the
area. They found leeches, side swimmers, water
boatman's and more. Students learned that the
water is clean and that storm water from Calgary is
naturally filtered. Lastly, the grade fives went
Geocaching. Using GPS machines they were able to
track down a variety of facts about Ralph Klein Park
and wetlands while testing their sense of
direction. What a great day of authentic place-based
learning!

Grade 6

Centennial Study Buddies
We are privileged once again this year to be working with high school students from
Centennial. The Study Buddy program connects high school students with our Grade 5 & 6
students in an effort to build social ties and relationships. Buddies meet each week to talk,
play games and of course study. Our partners in the upper grades leave a lasting positive
impact on our middle school students. Welcome back and we’re looking forward to a terrific
year!

Grade 6 Outdoor School at Camp Chief Hector
The grade 6s will have the opportunity to participate in Outdoor School at Camp Chief Hector
YMCA from June 9-12/2013. Over the course of the 4 days, students will participate in
the SunshipTM Earth Program. This program encourages students to reconnect with the
earth and reflect upon their ecological practices. They will learn about energy flow, cycling,
diversity, community, interrelationships, change and adaptations. Activities such as helping
a giant leaf photosynthesize, building soil from rocks and playing the role of a squirrel as its
food resources change, helps students to understand these concepts. Students also take
part in the Predator-Prey game, team-building activities and the construction of a small
world. More information will be sent home in the coming months about this exciting
opportunity.

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Samuel W Shaw October, 2012

Grade 7

Clockwise from top left:

1) Running the Terry Fox Run on September 27th,
2) The idea exchange. Students were exchanging their ideas with each other in a

“speed dating” style,
3) Some of the grade 7s celebrated Dot Day on September 16th. Dot Day is based on

the book The Dot by Peter Reynolds and is a celebration of creativity and making
your mark,
4) In Creative Problem Solving option class, students invented their own games using
plastic cups, coins, paper clips, and elastics,
5) The grade 7s are doing a project called Game of Canada, which has them learning
about Canada using game mechanics like quests and badges. Here’s Ms. Quinn as
the QuestMaster,
6) A student figures out a math equation on a whiteboard.

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Samuel W Shaw October, 2012

Grade 8

Our Grade 8 Scientists have been investigating the properties and availability of water on
our planet. We have researched and shared stories surrounding the Alberta Floods of last
June, looked at other floods throughout history and dug into our own personal use and
abuse of water. We have also recently begun to look at the global distribution and access of
fresh and salt water on Earth and the potential controversy around water in the near future.
Contaminants in water and water filtration are the next topics we will be delving into.

In Grade 8 Math we began the month of September reviewing the prior knowledge around
integers that the students have entered Grade 8 with. We then learned how to multiply and
divide integers and to apply these ideas to real life problems and situations. Next we are
beginning fractions!

In Humanities students have been studying a variety of cultures to understand the general
curricular objective of Worldview. After analyzing the qualities that make up culture,
students have then been asked to develop their own culture, focusing on the key concepts
of knowledge, economy, time, society, beliefs, geography, and values. These main
categories of worldview will be the focus of grade 8 social studies throughout the year. We
have also been working on our reading and writing through reading and writing strategy
lessons.

Grade 9

In Humanities, students recently finished reading the short story, “The Sniper” and
completed a story elements analysis. In Social Studies, students began their examination of
the Canadian Government and completed a mock government using scenarios from
“Civilization IV.” We are looking forward to studying the novel, “Enders Game” with the
purpose of recognizing reading as an active process that requires readers to make
connections and find meaning.

In Math, we are currently studying Rational Numbers. Students are working on a personal
timeline where they have to place 10 significant events on a number line, including their
month and year of birth. This assignment allows them to apply their understanding of
comparing and ordering rational numbers in a personalized way.

In Science, we are examining Environmental Chemistry with a focus on air and water
quality. We are excited about our upcoming Riverwatch field trip on October 16th and 17th
where students will have the opportunity to collect and analyze water samples from the Bow
River to determine the overall health of the river. In addition, students will tour the
Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant and learn about how the water is treated before
being released into the Bow River.

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Samuel W Shaw October, 2012

In Athletics:

This year in “Storm athletics” we are participating in four different sports for the first time
with the addition of a Wrestling Club. Mr. Gibbs and Ms. Owen are in the initial planning
stages of this club and we are excited about the opportunity to develop this sport at SWS.

SOCCER

Ms. Hammond and Mr. Gibbs are coaching the Boys Soccer Team and Mrs. Marklinger and
Mrs. Mathes are coaching the Girls Soccer Team, consisting of students from grades 6-9.
This is the second year we have had this team and we are building on our success each
year. These teams do play home games here at our field and we encourage fan support.
Students can check the PE D2L site for game days.

CROSS-COUNTRY

Storm Cross Country team have been to 2 meets
so far this season at River Park and North
Glenmore Park. Congratulations to Melina, Maya,
Frank and Alexander, who have been
participating for the first time this year! At North
Glenmore Park we celebrated some excellent
results including Alexandra Bond who came in
8th in the junior girls class and Paige Webster
with a 10th place finish in the senior girls class.
We look forward to a great turn out at the finals at
River Park next week. Thanks to the many
parents who have supported the team this year.
Mrs. McManus & Mrs. Thomson.

VOLLEYBALL

We have four teams participating again this year and the Sr. Boys will be defending their
Divisional title along with the Jr. Boys. The season has already started and all teams are
beginning to come together and develop. This year the Junior Girls are playing at SWS on
Monday evenings. Thank you to all the coaches that have been working during this
season.

WRESTLING

We are excited to announce that in October Mr. Gibbs and Ms. Owen will have its first ever
Wrestling club. All students in grades 7 and up are invited to participate in this club and no
tryouts will be necessary. More information regarding the wrestling club will be provided to
parents of students who express interest in this club.

Jr. Boys Coach: Mrs. D. Quinn
Jr. Girls Coach: Ms. Ramsay and Mr. Byrka
Sr. Boys Coach: Mr. Sheldon
Sr. Girls Coach: Ms. Owen and Ms. Craig

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Samuel W Shaw October, 2012

In Physical Education:

The units this term are Volleyball, Rugby, Soccer, and Cricket & Field Hockey, which are
combined as one unit. The focus of the PE program in all grade levels this year is:
understanding the benefits of health, cooperation, skill development and fun. We are
hopeful to encourage well-rounded PE students who can be analytical about various
aspects of sport, dance, and health.

Students have now settled into their new PE lockers and many students have purchased
new gym strips. Please be sure that students securely lock their lockers and re-check that
they have their correct gym strip in their lockers at the end of each class. As the weather is
getting cooler, we have made several reminders to dress warmer. Students are expected
to change into their gym strip and then layer accordingly. Please ensure your child has lace
up sport shoes to each lesson that are appropriate to physical activity. If your child is
experiencing a locker issue of any kind, we ask that they speak to a PE teacher as soon as
possible.

Sing Up a Storm!

SWS choir is starting up at the beginning of October. It is open to all students and
rehearsals will be on Mondays or Tuesdays after school. Performance plans for the year
include Remembrance day, Spruce Meadows and Choral fest as well as the winter and
spring concerts. In addition, we are working on a collaboration with the Centennial High
School Choir. Students can see Mrs. McManus or Mrs. Unterschutz for more information.

Band| Grade 6 Beginner Band Workshop w/ Centennial

On Friday, September 27, 2010 Samuel W. Shaw Middle School held a beginner band
workshop. Students from the Centennial High School Band Program volunteered their time
and expertise to hold clinicians for Samuel W. Shaw’s students. They spent two hours
working with the beginning grade six and seven students on the fundamentals of the
instrument they specialized in playing. Some of the concepts they covered included:

1. How to properly take the instrument out of the case.
2. How to properly put the instrument together.
3. How to properly hold their instrument and proper playing & rest positions.
4. How to take care of and clean their instrument.
5. How to make a sound on their mouthpiece.

6. How to finger and play the first 3 notes listed in their book.
7. How to play Hot Crossed Buns.

However, the most valuable and priceless concept the grade 6 and 7 students
learned from the high school students was the passion they expressed towards
music and playing an instrument. The grade 6 and 7 students left thrilled about
what they had learned and motivated to play their instrument!

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Samuel W Shaw October, 2012

YOU MUST REPORT From the Office
YOUR CHILD ABSENCE
EACH DAY THEY ARE Attendance

ABSENT! This is just a friendly reminder regarding how important it is for you to call in when your
child is going to be absent or late. Any time a student is marked absent but has not been
Call 403-777-6163 called in every attempt is made to make contact with a parent or guardian to ensure the
safety and wellbeing of that child. We would be very grateful if you would please help us by
and press 1 (one) making the call for your child.

Appointments:

The best way to arrange for your child to leave for an appointment is to send a note with
your child stating the nature of their early dismissal from class and the time they are
required to leave.

They can then show their teacher the note, which dismisses them from class. The student
will bring the note to the office so the secretary can sign them out. The student is ready to
leave when you arrive to pick them up.

It may be necessary, from time to time, to contact your child during school hours. The
policy at Samuel W. Shaw School is to provide continuity of teaching for our students, we
therefore, do not interrupt while classes are in session.

We ask that you try to make arrangements with your child prior to coming to school and
only call in to leave a message when it is urgent. These messages will be provided to your
child at breaks from classes.

School fees| Second Notice

For those of you who have handed in your school fees thank you. Receipts have been sent
home with your students.

Fee payment options

In the 2013-14 school year, you will be able to pay most of your fees online at My CBE
Account. For many parents, this option is the most convenient method of payment as it can
be done from the comfort of your own home. For questions related to online payments or
fees, please call 403-817-7888.

Of course, it is not the only method of payment available as the CBE continues to offer
flexibility to parents. You can still choose how and when to pay your fees and do it directly
at your child’s school. Please note one change in the 2013-14 school year: to ensure
security of your personal information, we will no longer be accepting credit card information
over the phone, by fax or by mail.

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Samuel W Shaw October, 2012

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cbe.ab.ca/b320

invite Le Roi Daniels School
50th Anniversary
Celebration

To Think, To Value, To Know You are cordially invited to
the Le Roi Daniels School
50th Anniversary Celebration

Thursday, October 10, 2013
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
47 Fy e Road S.E. Calgary, AB

rsvp | [email protected]

or find us on Facebook
https://facebook.com/pages/Le-Roi-Daniels-School
-50th-Anniversary-Celebration/520729857984228

October 2013

Kids’ Health

Milk is well-known source Have a safe and
of vitamin D. healthy Halloween!

Halloween can be an exciting time for children
and with the distraction of candy and costumes,
it’s easy to forget how to keep Halloween safe and
healthy. Here’s some simple tips:

From flossing teeth …

Are You Getting Enough • Limit candy-eating to once or twice a day.
Vitamin D? • Have children age three and up brush with fluori-

Vitamin D helps build milk or fortified soy beverage dated toothpaste twice a day. Help children aged
strong bones and teeth. provides about 200 IU 8 and under with brushing.
(international units) of vita- • After eating Halloween treats make sure your
Children and adults can get min D. child brushes with fluoride toothpaste.
vitamin D from food, supple- • Floss daily.
ments (pills), and sometimes It’s not possible to safely • Eating a piece of cheese after Halloween snacks
from the sun. If children don’t get all the vitamin D we need helps neutralize the sugar in the mouth.
get enough vitamin D, they from the sun (tanning beds
can develop a disease called are not safe either) and it … to crossing the street!
rickets (soft bones). may not be possible to get
enough vitamin D from food • Children under the age of nine should be accom-
The following foods have sources alone. panied by an adult or responsible older child.
vitamin D:
• Cow’s milk and fortified soy Therefore, everyone needs • Teach your child to stop at the curb, look left,
to get vitamin D from food right and left again, and to listen for oncoming
beverage and supplements. In Alberta traffic.
• Fatty fish, such as salmon, it is recommended that chil-
dren and adults (1-70) take a • It's unsafe to cross between parked cars or other
herring, rainbow trout 400 IU vitamin D supplement obstacles.
• Egg yolk and get 200 IU of vitamin D
• Margarine from food, each day. • Stay on the sidewalk or path when walking from
• Yogurt that is fortified with house to house and if there is no sidewalk, walk
When choosing a vitamin D beside the road, facing traffic so drivers can see
Vitamin D. supplement, always read the you.
Canada’s Food Guide rec- label and ensure you give
ommends that everyone the right amount. Check • Select costumes with bright colours to increase
aged 2 and up drink two with your health care pro- your child's visibility and choose face paint in-
cups (500 ml) of fluid cow’s vider if you have questions. stead of masks.
milk or fortified soy beverage Visit www.parachutecanada.org for more
daily to help meet vitamin D
needs. Two cups of cow’s information on how to make this Halloween your
safest one yet!

For more information about the above, or any other health-related topic, please visit
www.albertahealthservices.ca

[email protected]