Celebrating Exceptional Experiences

This week has been a week of exceptional experiences and celebrations. Tuesday, we celebrated Indigenous History month with a dance presentation by the Running Rabbits. Dressed in full regalia, the students were treated to storytelling through dance. A breathtaking display of creativity and athleticism. On Wednesday our grade 3/4's went to the Canmore Nordic Centre for their year end trip. Although the day began with some challenges, smoke concerns and a no show from the busing company, Mrs Dzeryk saved the day and the trip was able to roll on without a hitch! On that note, we are so grateful for the passion, care and work that Mrs Dzeryk puts into our learning community. Thank you Mrs. Dzeryk for all you do!!!! It is my understanding that the bike trip was exceptional and I know when our students returned they were full of fun stories as well as a new level of confidence about their bike riding skills. We had some students participate reluctantly at first but by the end of the day, they thought it was AWESOME! Thank you to our grade 3/4 team, Mr Spelrem; Mrs Wicktor Neumeister; Mrs Sudar, who coordinated this exceptional opportunity for our students and thank you to our parent volunteers who supported the trip in so many different capacities - from tuning bikes, to hauling bikes, to participating on the ride. It is all so greatly appreciated! Yesterday, our first Grandmothers' Tea, led by Dr. Kerrie Moore, a Métis Cree Elder, University of Calgary professor, and Tilly’s grandmother, for all Grade 8 girls, their mothers, aunties and grandmothers was wonderful. This woman's ceremony was a time of connection and celebration that honored our girls. Our time together was full of teaching and sharing and fellowship. The feedback that I received was that the time was beautiful and a special experience to be remembered. And today, we celebrate all our grade 8 students with Grade 8 Farewell. This will be a special night for our senior students and their families as we mark their rite of passage from elementary/middle school to high school. I am posting this Gazette, prior to the event, but I can share the decor, the program and the night's plan are spectacular. I know it is going to be an exceptional evening for our families. A huge shout out to our grade 7/8 team, Mrs Fortmuller, Mr. Churchill and Mr. George for all their work in coordinating this huge celebration. Likewise, I would like to thank all the grade 8 parents and families that have volunteered to support this event. From the bottle drive, to decor set up and the parent coordinated evening activity at the Rec Room, your children will have a evening to remember because of your efforts and support.

Next week is Hike week at Banded Peak for our grade 7 and 8 students. Monday to Wednesday many of our grade 8's will be hiking for three days and two nights into the Kananaskis to the Big Elbow Backcountry Campground and Thursday to Friday our grade 7's will go for an two day, one night trip to the same location. They have been preparing for this for months so fingers crossed for good weather and clear skies next week. Monday is a big day for our Kindergarten students as they will be graduating and having a special morning here at school with family as they prepare to transition to grade one. Tuesday through Thursday our grade 6 students will be writing PAT's . Please see the schedule of exams in the important dates below. Wednesday, our kinders will be going for a fun day at Granary Row and after school we will host our final Indigenous Creations celebration for those families who have been creating Ribbon Skirts and/or shirts with our Indigenous Learning Branch over the past several months. I am excited to see their final products! Thursday marks our last day for our Kindergarten students - congratulations on the completion of your first year of school. We look forward to seeing you in grade one in the fall.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Mrs Moore