Week of December 4 - Appreciating Diversity, Gift Card Drive, Mission Impossible, Fun Lunch, School Council & Parent Association Meeting, Safety Survey, . . .
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.
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 4 and Monday, December 18.
In turn, if your family would benefit from support, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
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.
Fun Lunch - Jelly Modern Doughnuts
The next fun lunch is from Jelly Modern Doughnuts and they are offering both savoury and sweet options including three different types of sandwiches and five different flavours of doughnuts including a gluten free option.
The last day to order the Jelly Modern Doughnuts fun lunch is Saturday, December 16. Please go to Healthy Hunger to place your order.
The fun lunch will be distributed on Thursday, December 21.
Morning Kindergarten students can wait until 11:15am to receive their fun lunch if ordered. If they attend Summit they will have their food brought to them there.
School Council & Parent Association Meeting - Dec 13
The next School Council and Parent Association meeting of the year is on Wednesday, December 13 @ 6:45 pm. The meeting will be virtual only so please use the link below to access the meeting.
The meetings are a great way to find out more about University School, ask questions, and be a part of something bigger. You can be an active participant in the meeting, just listen to what is being said, or find out how you can get involved in making University School an even more amazing place for your children. It is with the support of University School Families and the community that we can provide such wonderful learning opportunities for students and put on fun events for everyone.
Click here to attend the meeting (Microsoft Teams) on Wednesday, December 13 at 6:45pm
Click here for the meeting agenda and minutes from the previous meetings.
School Travel Planning - Student Safety
In order to make things safer for students to go to and go home from school, we are working with Ever Active Schools and the City of Calgary on a School Travel Planning (STP) project. STP is a process that involves school staff, parents and students working with transportation/traffic staff, police and public health to develop a plan to address parental concerns and challenges about school routes, and get more students walking and cycling for the school journey.
To help us better understand the travel behaviours of our school community, we ask that you complete this Baseline Family Travel survey https://forms.office.com/r/rrD... by Wednesday, December 6 .
To find out more about STP and to answer your questions, clink on this link for a School Travel Planning for Parents information page.
This Week
Monday, December 4
- Gymnastics continues
- Ever Active School Safety Enrichment Project (School Travel Planning)
Tuesday, December 5
- Grade 5 & 6 Student Leadership Meeting
Wednesday, December 6
- Ever Active School Safety Enrichment Project (School Travel Planning)
Friday, December 8
- No School - Non-insctructional day
Month Ahead
Dec 9 & 10 - University School Casino Fundraiser
Dec 13 - School Council & Parent Association Meeting (6:45 pm)
Dec 18 to 22 - Festive singing as a school in the gym
Dec 21 - Fun Snack – Jelly Modern Dougnuts
Dec 22 - Last Day of class
Dec 22 - Spirit Day (PJ Day)
Dec. 23 - Jan 7 - Winter Break
Jan 8 - First day back from Winter Break
Jan 15 - No School - Non-instructional day
Jan 16 - Humane Society - Grade 4 presentation
Dates of Significance
Dec 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dec 6 - Nation Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Dec 7 to 15 - Hanukkah
Dec 8 - Bodhi Day
Dec 10 - Human Rights Day
Dec 21 - Winter Solstice
Dec 21 - Yule
Dec 25 - Christmas Day
Dec 26 - Kwanzaa
Jan 1 - New Years Day
Jan 4 - World Braille Day
Jan 4 - National Ribbon Skirt Day
Jan 6 - Epiphany
Jan 7 - Mahayana New Year