DTS Weekly Update – May 29, 2025
DTS Message de la semaine - le 29, mai
“Change is the end result of all true learning.” – Leo Buscaglia
David Thompson Newsletters are always available on our website!
Grade 6 students experience their learning in real life at the Central Library and City Hall. #RealLifeLearning #TigerPride #DTSLearningInAction
Hello Tiger Families!
This week, our school community was filled with student leadership and learning! A big applause to our Grade 6 and 9 students for completing this year’s first round of PAT exams. We’re so proud of their hard work. In that spirit here is a family tip for developing rigorous learning at home.
Develop a Growth Mindset by Encouraging Effort and Strategy!
- Say: “That was a great strategy!”
- Or: “I’m proud of how hard you worked on this.”
- Or: “I like how you divided the project into parts.”
This helps children focus on growth rather than just outcomes.
A thank you to everyone who joined our school council meeting this week, and a special thank you to our Board Trustee representative, Nancy Close. We all had a great conversation that supports enhancing student learning in next year’s planning. If you have thoughts or questions to support next year’s planning, please reach out because your voice helps shape the school we all want to be a part of. Two updates:
- Buses will still aim to arrive at 7:55 a.m., but classes will start at 8:05 a.m. to give a buffer for late bus arrivals. Elementary teachers will continue offering movement breaks and snacks during class as needed. In Grades 7–9, SMA and HUM classes will be blocked into double periods, giving teachers extra time to include movement breaks and support students who may.
- We’re exploring the introduction of four targeted intervention cycles throughout the year. During these times, all teachers would work in small groups to provide focused support in intensive French, EAL, executive functioning, and social wellbeing. All students would participate and there would be no pullouts.
We’re also gearing up for Parent Night with Connie Jakab on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Connie will share her keynote Bravely Connected offering empowering strategies for teachers and caregivers supporting children with anxiety, depression, oppositional defiance, and ADHD. We’re looking forward to coming together with her to learn more strategies to help every student at David Thompson find success in learning.
Looking ahead, June is filled with special events and opportunities to celebrate our students and community. Next week has evenings of learning, music, art and drama and it is also DTS Spirit Week! Let’s keep momentum high and spirits higher!
- June 2 – FAV TEACHER
- June 3 – DTS MERCH
- June 4 – BEACH DAY
- June 5 – PJ DAY
With gratitude,
The David Thompson School Team
Items in this update:
- School Play, No substitutes
- Grade 9 Farewell- Save the Date!
- Next Year School Transfers
- Grade 8 Field Trip, June 11
- SALTS 2026 Interest Survey
- A Message From Shift
- Important Dates
School Play, No Substitutes
Our school play No Substitutes is hitting the stage next week right here at David Thompson, and you won’t want to miss it! Join us for a night of fun, laughter, and unexpected surprises (yes, clowns may be involved… consider yourself warned!). Come cheer on your talented classmates and see all the hard work they've put into this hilarious performance! Tickets will be sold at the door at both evening performances - Wednesday June 4th and Thursday June 5th. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. The performance starts at 6:00 pm and doors open at 5:30 pm. If you have any questions, please contact Natasha Andrews at naandrews@cbe.ab.ca or Natasha Tomecek at naetomecek@cbe.ab.ca.
Ms. Natasha Andrews (she/her)
Grade 7/8 Late French Immersion Humanities Teacher
Grade 9 Farewell- Save the Date!
We are excited to invite families to our Grade 9 Farewell Celebration as we recognize and honor our students' transition to high school!
- Date: Wednesday, June 25th
- Time: 12:30pm-2:00pm
- Location: David Thompson Main Gym
- Potluck and dance: 2:00-4:00pm
Due to limited seating capacity in our gym, we kindly ask that guests are limited to 2-3 per student. This special afternoon will include student reflections, presentations, and a chance to celebrate this important milestone together. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Kristina Bains, BA., BEd., MEd
Pronouns: she/her
Next Year School Transfers
Unfortunately, we are aware that some students may not be returning to our wonderful school. Your students will be missed, and we understand that circumstances change. To coordinate with your students' future school please inform us as soon as possible by connecting with us in the office at scmcintyre@cbe.ab.ca only if your student is not going to be attending David Thompson in the fall of 2025.
Grade 8 Field Trip, June 11
Grade 8's will be heading to the Max Bell Theatre to view a live musical production of the feel-good musical Legally Blonde on June 11th. They are all very excited to witness Elle find herself while solving crime and wearing pink!
Mary Collis
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Grade 8/9 Teacher | ELA & Social Studies
SALTS 2026 Interest Survey
Grade 9 students at David Thompson have the unique opportunity to participate in a 5-day sailing trip aboard a tall ship in the Lower Gulf Islands off the coast of Victoria BC. We are looking to gauge interest in this opportunity in the spring of 2026.
About the trip: This is a 5 day (Monday to Friday) off-site activity where students live, eat, sleep, on a 70 ft tall ship while learning to sail in the Lower Gulf Islands near Victoria, BC. SALTS (Sail and Life Training Society) are the service provider. Students learn valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and grit, while also developing a greater understanding of the natural world as they explore the Gulf Islands – marine ecosystems, local Indigenous history, environmental issues and sustainability.
The approximate cost of this trip would be $2500. This fee covers the cost of flights, transportation, accommodations and food during the trip. You can find more information on group sails at www.salts.ca
Current grade 8 families, please fill out this survey to indicate your interest https://forms.office.com/r/mqM1rR6e5P
_______________________________________
Margaret Matheson, B.Sc., B.Ed.
Learning Leader | Grade 7-9 Math & Science
A Message From SHIFT
Hi Parents & Caregivers!
We know parenting isn’t always easy — especially when it comes to talking about friendships, dating, and boundaries. That’s why we created ConnectED Parents - free, research-backed initiative that helps parents guide children aged 6–20 toward healthy, respectful relationships.
Starting in September 2025, those who sign up will get 2–3 short, practical texts each week — tips, tools, and ideas you can use in real life. Over 6 months, you’ll receive around 70 messages to help you:
✔️ Start open, honest conversations about relationships and dating
✔️ Boost your confidence as a parent in connecting with your child
✔️ Prevent dating violence before it starts
This initiative is led by Shift, a research hub at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work. And there's more — you can also provide your feedback to help us continue to improve the initiative for other families.
Want to learn more or sign up?
👉 https://survey.ucalgary.ca/jfe/form/SV_782Y1lwgpX8lSF8
Have questions? We’re happy to chat — just email Lianne Lee at LiLee@ucalgary.ca, and stay up-to-date with us on social media.
Let’s help the next generation build safe, strong relationships - it all starts with you!
Warmly,
Sarah Winstanley (she/her)
Knowledge Mobiliz
Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence
Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary
Important Dates
June 02 – Spirit Day: Fav Teacher
June 03 – Track and Field All Day
June 03 – Bridges Youth Program Workshop @2:45pm
June 03 – Spirit Day: DTS Merch
June 03 – Connie Jakab’s Bravely Connected Presentation 6:30 pm
June 04 - Spirit Day: Beach Day
No Substitutes, Performance@6pm
June 05 - Spirit Day: Favorite Character
No Substitutes, Performance@6pm
June 05 – Jazz Band Performance @8pm Fine Arts Showcase
June 06 – Spirit Day: June 6
End of the year Band Concert @7:30pm
Feeder School Tours: We Welcome Sundance
June 9 – We Welcome Sam Livingston
June 10-12 – Grade 8 Outdoor Ed, camping trip
June 11 – Grade 8’s go to Theatre Calgary
June 11 - PAT Wednesday @8:15-9:30 Grade 9 FLA Part B
June 11 - PAT Wednesday@ 8:15-9:30 Grade 9 FLA Part B
June 13- PAT Friday@10:00-11:30 Grade 6&9 Math Part A
June 16- PAT Monday@8:15-9:30 Grade 9 ELA Part B
June 16- PAT Monday@12:30-1:30 Grade 6 ELA Part B
June 17- PAT Tuesday@8:15-9:35 Grade 9 Math Part B
June 17- PAT Tuesday@12:30-1:40 Grade 6 Math Part B
June 18 - PAT Wednesday Gr 6&9 Social Studies
June 24 – Grade 9 trip to Banff
June 25 – Grade 9 Farewell Celebration
June 26 – Year-End Celebration of Learning
Dates of Significance
“Go Tigers!”
École David Thompson School
9320 Arbour Crescent SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0X8 Calgary Board of Education | cbe.ab.ca t | 403-777-7470