École David Thompson Weekly Update | A Community of Excellence
Weekly Update – Thursday, April 02 | Message de la semaine – jeudi, 02 avril
Quote: Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. Helen Keller
Our latest David Thompson newsletter is now available on our website! Notre plus récent bulletin d’information de l’École David Thompson est maintenant disponible sur notre site Web.
Image | Cat Carney
Hello Tiger Families!
I hope everyone had a restful spring break and found a few moments to recharge. It has been great to welcome students back this week, even with Calgary reminding us that winter is not quite ready to let go.
Over the break, community member David Van Hal donated a print of an original David Thompson map on a large canvas. In looking for the right place to display it in our school it’s been so nice to see our halls full of energy again, and to see students reconnect and settle back into learning.
This week we took some time to revisit our school handbook. A simple reset helps ensure we are all aligned in creating a positive, respectful, and focused learning environment for every student. We also had a bit of fun on April Fools Day. One of our students introduced "Cat Carney" as a new school president and mascot. It was a joke in good fun, as well as a nod to the creativity and voice our students bring to our community. And our badminton season is underway, and the gym has been full of students showing commitment, teamwork, and school spirit.
Thank you to the families who joined us for recent information meetings for Band Camp, Outdoor Education, and the Eastern Canada trip. A reminder that the SALTS parent meeting is coming up this Monday. These experiences are made possible through strong partnerships between home and school, and we are grateful for your support. On that note, our next School Council meeting will take place online on Wednesday, April 15. We hope you will join us. Your voice matters and helps shape the experience we create together for students.
As we start to move toward assessment season, a simple way to support learning at home is to encourage short, consistent study routines. Small, regular practice helps build confidence and leads to stronger understanding over time.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us build a school where students feel connected, capable, and proud of their learning.
Merci et bonne fin de semaine!
Warmly,
The David Thompson School Team
Items in this update:
- Happenings
- SALTS Final Trip Meeting
- Grade 8 Scientists in School Presentations
- Badminton Tryouts
- Band Camp Update
- Grade 9 is going to Word Fest!
- Grade 9 Mini Round Dance
- Grade 9 Riverwatch - Volunteers Needed in May!
- Important Dates
- Dates of Significance
- Important Dates
- Dates of Significance
Happenings
SALTS Final Trip Meeting
We will be holding a mandatory meeting for all families of students attending the SALTS sailing trip. One caregiver must attend this meeting, as we will be going over the final details of the trip.
Date: Monday April 6th
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Learning Commons
If you are unable to attend, please contact Mrs. Matheson at mammatheson@cbe.ab.ca.
Grade 8 Scientists in School Presentations
On Monday April 20th and Tuesday April 21st, the organization called Scientists in Schools will be joining us to provide a virtual workshop for Grade 8 students called All Systems Go! This exciting opportunity is hands-on, interactive, and aligns with the Grade 8 Science Program of Studies, Mechanical Systems unit.
Get a grip on systems! Build an assistive hand device like those created by biomedical engineers to aid with fine motor skills. Explore inputs and outputs as you design and analyze linkages, incorporate pneumatics, assess mechanical advantage and consider trade-offs in force, distance and materials. It’s all systems go!
The workshop is 60 minutes in length and all materials are included in the cost of the program, which is facilitated by a trained STEM expert! Grade 8 families should expect a message from their Science Teacher with more information about this exciting visit.
Badminton Tryouts
Grades 6-9, we are thrilled to begin our badminton season! Tryouts will take place in the gym from 2:45-4:00 PM. All students must have their athletic participation forms submitted to the office before the first tryout. Please ensure your student has indoor shoes and a water bottle.
Band Camp Update
Band Students & Families - Reminder that Band Camp will take place on April 15th, 16th, and 17th! This is always a highlight of our season, and we’re looking forward to a few great days of music, learning, and fun together.
Please note that all required forms are due by Friday, April 10th. Be sure to submit everything on time so you’re ready to participate.
If you missed last nights parent meeting, please look at the presentation PDF and email Mr. McClary stating "I have reviewed the band camp presentation, and understand the risks and hazards associated with band camp". Mr. McClary also needs to know of any dietary restrictions as soon as possible.
We can’t wait to attend Band Camp and share this exciting experience with everyone!
Grade 9 is going to Word Fest!
All Grade 9 students are going to hear Dr. Ibram X. Kendi speak at the Bella Concert Hall on Mount Royal University Campus. This off-site activity is on Tuesday, April 14th from 11:55am-2:25pm. Parent letter and Acknowledgment of Risk forms were sent home on Tuesday, March 31st. Forms must be returned by April 8th. We are in need of 9 parent volunteers for this excursion. If you are available, and have current clearance, please contact Ms. Bains at kmbains@cbe.ab.ca.
Grade 9 Mini Round Dance
Grade 9 Riverwatch - Volunteers Needed in May!
We have planned an offsite trip called Riverwatch, taking place in May and are looking for volunteers to accompany us! This program has students exploring the Bow River ecosystem aboard guided rafts equipped as mobile water quality laboratories. This is a full day trip of rafting down the river. Along the way, our guides will help us understand the ecology, wildlife, history, geology, engineering, technology, and uses of our city's main waterway, while also assessing the ecological health of the river through water quality tests and data collection. This trip supports learning outcomes in the Environmental Chemistry unit in Grade 9 Science. Raft days are May 12 for students in 9-3, 9-4, 9-5 and 9-6 and on May 13 for students in 9-1 & 9-2. We are looking for 6 volunteers on May 12 and 2 volunteers on May 13. If you are able to help out or would like to inquire further about this trip, please email Mrs. Matheson at mammatheson@cbe.ab.ca
Important Dates
Apr 02- Mandatory Parent Meeting, Eastern Canada - online 6:00-7:00pm
Apr 03 - Non- Instructional Day - Good Friday
Apr 06 - Mandatory Parent Meeting, Gr.9 SALTS trip 6:00 - 7:00pm
Apr 08 - Gr 8&9 Military Studies, Military Museum Field Trip
Apr 13 - EP Scarlett Visits Grade 9’s
Apr 14 - Grade 7 OE Climbing Trip
- Grade 9 WordFest 12:00 - 2:30pm
- OE Camping Trip Parent Meeting 7:00-8:00pm
Apr 15 - School Council (virtual) 6:30-8:30pm
Apr 15-17 - Band Camp, Camp Caroline
Apr 20-22 OE Grade 9 Camp Evergreen
Apr 27-May 02 - Eastern Canada Trip
Apr 28 - 6-2 Library and City Hall
- 6-1 & 6-3 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Apr 30- 6-1 & 6-3 Library and City Hall
- 6-2 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
“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