Icy Suncathchers
The grade 4 community took advantage of the cold weather on our weekly walk by making icy suncatchers. Students worked in groups to collect nature objects from the ground as we walked. When we got back to school, we arranged them in our containers, filled them with water, added a string, and left them to freeze overnight. They turned out beautifully, and on Friday we used them to decorate the Natural Garden. Combining creative/artistic activities with our weekly walks helps us to show appreciation for our land, observe the changes/availability in nature throughout the seasons, and of course add a little extra beauty to our amazing school! - Ms. Wrighte and Ms. Whelan
Just Like You Presentation
We are very fortunate to have Sasha from the Variety Children’s Charity, sharing the Just Like You program with University School students. Everyone had their first presentation this week and the second presentation will be closer to the end of February. Just Like You is a disability awareness and diversity acceptance presentation which aims to build understanding, acceptance and inclusion of individuals living with disabilities or differences. For more information about the program and what is shared at each grade level click on this link.
UES Escape Room - 3 Challenges Posted
As a fun challenge for students, University School has created its own escape room with challenges throughout the school. The first puzzle was shared last Wednesday and posted in a few spots around the school. Some students and staff have already found the second clue and I believe a few have solved it and moved on to the third location and clue. I wonder what the prize will be at the end?
Ask your child if they saw one of the posters below and figured out where X marks the spot. Click on the picture to see a larger version of the poster. **Hint - Look closely at the words on the map for a clue.
Professional Learning - Assessment and the Nivean
Teachers at University School have been actively engaging in professional learning over the past several weeks. This year, the school's School Development Plan focuses on enhancing student achievement in literacy, with an emphasis on self and peer assessments. As part of this initiative, teachers participated in self-reflection and shared both the strategies and resources they currently use, as well as new approaches they are eager to explore. They were then encouraged to experiment with fresh strategies in their classrooms, with plans to share their insights and experiences later this month.
We were happy to welcome Andrea Barnes, an Education Coordinator with Alberta Parks and Forestry – Kananaskis Region, back to our school. Andrea led an engaging session for students and staff on winter, the natural landscape around us, and the nivean environment. She spent the morning working with students outdoors in the area between the school and the pond, and in the afternoon, she collaborated with teachers to explore meaningful connections between various subjects, including Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts and Literature, Mathematics, Art, Physical Education and Wellness, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
We deeply appreciate our ongoing relationship with Andrea and are grateful for her passion for teaching and learning
Valentine’s Day
Friendship, kindness, generosity, and belonging are important values at University School and are embraced daily. Throughout February, we will take time to reflect on and emphasize these themes, especially as they connect to Pink Shirt Day later in the month.
We are inviting all students to wear, red, white, or pink to school on Wednesday, February 12!
We also recognize that there are many important and fun traditions associated with Valentine’s Day. As a result, many classes will be engaging in safe and fun activities that focus on connected themes. It is optional to send in Valentine's cards for classmates. If your child is bringing Valentine cards to school, ensure they have one for every child in the class. We are unable to provide student lists so it may be easiest to add who the card is from and not put names on who they are for. As a reminder, we have students in many classes with food related restrictions, sensitivities, and allergies and therefore ask you to refrain from sending treats.
Registration for the 2024-25
Registration for all new students to University School remains open!
Information for registering your child for kindergarten can be found on the CBE website or by accessing the following link Kindergarten - Great Learning Starts Here. Registration can be completed online through School Engage.
We are planning an open house in later spring for all families interested in attending University School for the 2025-26 school year.
We look forward to welcoming you and your child to University School!
If your child is already a student of University School and will be returning next year then there is no need to register as you are automatically re-enrolled.
Movie Night
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend University School’s Family Movie Night! It was a great turnout and lots of fun was had and treats eaten. A big thank you to University School’s School Council for organizing another wonderful community building event!
This Week
Monday, February 10
- Lights, Camera, Action Club
Tuesday, February 11
- Room 18 - Field Trip
- Junior Choir - Group A
- Senior Choir - Group A
Wednesday, February 12
- Fun Snack - Jelly Modern
- Senior Choir - Group B
Thursday, February 13
- No School - Staff Association and Teachers’ Convention
Friday, February 14
- No School - Staff Association and Teachers’ Convention
Monday, February 17
- No School - Famly Day
Month Ahead
Feb 17 - No School - Famly Day
Feb 19 - Just Like You Program
Feb 20 - Room 21 Field Trip
Feb 20 - Just Like You Program
Feb 20 - Room 21 - Field Trip
Feb 21 - Whole School Assembly
Feb 24 - 27 - Pond School
Feb 26 - Little Green Thumb Presentation - Rm 18
Feb 26 - Pink Shirt Day
Feb 28 - No School - Non-Instructional Day
Mar 7 - Flex Fridays - Mixed Groups
Dates of Significance
February - Black History Month
Feb 14 - Valentine’s Day
Feb 15 - National Flag of Canada Day
Feb 17 - Family day
Feb 21 - International Mother Language Day
Feb 26 - Pink Shirt Day
Feb 28 - Losar
Feb 28 - Ramadan Begins