How is My Child Doing?
It was nice seeing the many families who were able to make it to the Student Learning Conferences. We believe that it is important to be open, up front, and honest about your children’s learning so that we can continue to work together to allow them to be as successful as possible.
We are looking at ways of more regularly communicating and demonstrating student learning to allow you a better window into their academic achievement.
If you have any questions about your child’s learning or would like to speak to their teacher please email them directly to set up a meeting. It is important that questions or concerns are discussed as soon as possible to help students have the greatest success possible.
Appreciating Diversity
University School is fortunate to have families from all over the world coming together to learn under one roof. This is part of what makes University School such an incredible place to learn, grow, and have fun.
At University School we promote inclusivity, understanding, and acceptance. At times throughout the year, such as winter, we may recognize stories, songs, images, celebrations and other elements related to different cultures around the world as we try to make all of our students feel safe and have a sense of belonging. Did you know that students at University School come from over 40 different birth countries and speak more than 30 different languages?
As part of ongoing teaching and learning, we may present unbiased and factual information about different cultures but will remain neutral in all situations. We do not promote different faiths or religious beliefs and are accepting of all who come to learn with us.
If you have concerns with your children learning about other cultures and the lives of other students and families at University School, we ask that you speak to your children about this so that they know if they ever feel uncomfortable about what is being shared that they speak to their teacher. We also encourage you to let their teacher know so that we can work together to make all students feel safe and welcome.
Ornithology at UES
Ms Susanne is a bird expert! She is working with the grade 2 students to teach them about bird habitat, food, types of nests, anatomy, feathers, bird/nature etiquette, food webs, stewardship and “The Blue Bird Project’. Susanne will work with the Grade 2 classes 4-5 times this year bringing artifacts and photos of Alberta birds.
She is part of Calgary Nest Box Monitor’s Society.
https://www.mountainbluebird.org/trails
Gift Card Drive - Supporting UES Families
At this time of year, so many of us are looking for ways to contribute to the well-being of those around us. For others, it is a time where a helping hand is so greatly appreciated. As a community, by working together we can continue to support one another.
If your family is looking for a way to support, please consider donating a gift card as part of the Gift Card Drive to be able to help some University School families. We will ensure the gift cards are shared amongst families that need a little bit of help.
Some gift card ideas are: Walmart, Safeway, Save on Foods, Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons, Subway, zoo or movie tickets, bus passes, Visa or Mastercard. Gift cards can be brought down to the office between Monday, December 2 and Monday, December 16.
In turn, if your family would benefit from support, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
Virtual Cranberry Farm Tour
The Grade 3 students in Room 18 were fortunate enough to go on a virtual tour of a cranberry farm in British Columbia this week. The Great Canadian Farm Tour (Season Four) connects students to agriculture around the country. This season, there is a stop in each Province taking up a wide variety of farming practices.
Why is this important?
Understanding where our food comes from is paramount to connecting studenets to the land and making sure that they have real-world experiences with the people that devote their lives to ensuring that we all have food to eat. By highlighting Canadian Farmers and their practices we can also start to learn about the geography of Canada and how the land dictates what can be grown and harvested. Did you know that one farm in British Columbia can produce 270 000 000 cranberries a year?
Coming soon to University School is the addition of a working indoor farm to our ever evolving Plant Room! Students will be able to become familiar with the growing process from seed to harvest!
Fun Snack - Saucy Bread Co Pretzels
We are serving up Saucy Bread Co Pretzels for the next Fun Snack. You have a choice between a butter & salt, three cheese, cheesy pizza, or a cinnamon sugar soft pretzel. These were a hit in the past and requested again for this year.
The pretzels will be given out on Thursday, December 12. The last day to purchase the pretzels is Saturday, December 7.
Please go to Healthy Hunger to place your order and also see what is available for the rest of the year.
Mission Impossible Gymnastics Wrap Up
Thank you for helping us keep students safe by having them dress appropriately for gymnastics each day. This is the last week of gymnastics and during the last few days the students will have the opportunity to showcase their gymnastics skills by going through a Mission Impossible obstacle course. We even have theme music.
This Week
Friday, December 6
- Whole School Assembly
Month Ahead
Dec 12 - Fun Snack -The Saucy Bread Company
Dec 17 - Winter Sing Along - Morning
Dec 18 - Winter Sing Along - Afternoon
Dec 19 - Winter Sing Along - TBD
Dec 20 - Staff vs Student Basketball Game
Dec 20 - Last Day of Classes
Dec 21 - Jan 5 - Winter Break
Jan 6 - Classes Resume
Dates of Significance
Dec - Universal Human Rights Month (UN)
Dec 2 - International Day for Abolition of Slavery (UN)
Dec 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dec 6 - National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Dec 8 - Bodhi Day
Dec 10 - Human Rights Day
Dec 13 - Salgirah Khushiali
Dec 20 - International Human Solidarity Day (UN)
Dec 21 - Winter Solstice
Dec 21 - Yule
Dec 25 - Christmas
Dec 25 - Jan 2 - Hanukkah
Dec 26 - Kwanzaa