École David Thompson Weekly Update | A Community of Excellence
Weekly Update – Friday, April 10 | Message de la semaine – vendredi, 09 avril
Hello Tiger Families!
Spring is in full bloom and so is the life of our school community. Many classes have been working on and are now finishing their Art Oratoire speeches, with some students enjoying a small donut hole celebration today. Our finalists will have the opportunity to attend the annual café français at the end of May, celebrating their hard work through spoken French, music, and food. It is always a special reflection of the strength of our dual track community.
Our Grade 8 and 9 Military Studies students visited the Military Museums on April 8. It was an incredibly engaging history lesson, and students were commended for their thoughtful questions and high level of participation. These experiences remind us that learning comes alive when students are actively involved and connected beyond the classroom. None of this happens without the support of our incredible staff and generous parent volunteers, so thank you for bringing these opportunities to life.
A few staffing updates to keep everyone in the loop. We are happy to welcome back Madame Hidalgo after her short leave and extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Jensek for his steady support while she was away. Señora Maria, our Administrative Secretary, returned from her holiday today, so if you have been holding onto financial questions, please feel free to connect with her. Mr. Franklin will be away until the end of April, and we are pleased to welcome Mr. Vrielink, who brings a strong background in construction, to support his classes.
As assessment season approaches, we continue to share small study tips for families. Research shows that regular studying improves both retention and confidence. Last week we suggested building a consistent evening routine with short, focused study sessions. This week we encourage you to support your students to actively test themselves rather than just reread notes. Strategies like practice questions and flashcards help strengthen memory and deepen understanding. Even a few minutes a day can make a meaningful difference.
Warmly,
The David Thompson School Team
Items in this update:
- Happenings
- A Friendly Reminder About Parking Lot Safety
- CBE Student Survey
- Grade 8 Scientists in School Presentations
- Band Camp Update
- Grade 9 is going to Word Fest!
- Grade 9 Riverwatch - Volunteers Needed in May!
- Math 15 Summer School
- A message from E.P. Scarlett High School
- Save on Student Study Guides & Digital Resources
- Gauss Mathematics Contest
- School Council
- Important Dates
- Dates of Significance
Happenings
A Friendly Reminder About Parking Lot Safety
We kindly ask that when dropping off your student(s) in the morning, you avoid stopping in the bus zone between 7:45 am and 8:05 am. This is when our school buses arrive, and extra vehicles in the area make it difficult for them to safely navigate. For student drop-off, please use 5th Street at the back of the school. Students can enter through the atrium doors, which are also designated exits for those not riding the bus.
We’d also like to remind families that the staff parking lot is not available for parent parking. This lot is often used by CBE vehicles and school buses and needs to remain clear for safe access.
This follows CBE policy and is in place to protect the well-being of everyone in our school community. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support in making our school a safe space for all.
CBE Student Survey
David Thompson School will again be participating in an online school perception survey for students called the CBE Student Survey April 10-16. The CBE student survey allows students to voice their feedback on their experiences at school, the school environment and school improvement programs. Based on their feedback, students have the opportunity to be involved in action plans fostering increased student engagement. The survey takes about 60 minutes to complete. This is an opportunity for students to report on themselves, their own abilities, and their accomplishments and take pride in what they have achieved.
In alignment with CBE’s Education Plan, the results are used in school and district reports to demonstrate that students are:
- at the centre of all CBE decisions;
- able to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and competencies they are acquiring across all academic disciplines; and
- demonstrating Citizenship, Personal Development and Character in and through learning.
If you have questions or would like to request more information about the upcoming implementation of the CBE Student Survey, please contact the school.
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.
Band Camp Update
Band students and families are reminded 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.
Families who missed last night's parent meeting should review the the presentation PDF sent by email and then 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 Riverwatch - Volunteers Needed in May!
The Grade 9 classes 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 or would like to inquire further about this trip, please email Mrs. Matheson at mammatheson@cbe.ab.ca
Math 15 Summer School
Grade 9 students looking to register for the online Math 15 summer school course should contact Mrs. Matheson (mammatheson@cbe.ab.ca) prior to April 24th to express their interest.
The online Math 15 course does not replace the designated high school Math 15 prep class as it is not as in depth; it can, however, help to boost the confidence of students as they enter into their recommended grade 10 Math class – Math 10-3, Math 15 Prep/Math 10C or Math 10C.
Please note that this course is not recommended for students attending E.P. Scarlett.
Useful information about the course:
- Math 15 is a useful course to fill gaps in preparation for grade 10 math, it does not teach grade 10 math concepts
- Math 15 is a three-credit course that will show up on the student’s high school transcript
- This course is asynchronous:
- There are no required live classes.
- Teachers will typically offer an optional one-hour synchronous help session each
- day.
- Students work through course materials independently and contact their teacher if
- they need support
- D2L may not work outside of Canada
- Students gain access to the course shell on June 25. Teachers will not be available until
July 2. The last day of submitting work is July 23.
Students can also see Mrs. Matheson (Room 12) to register for this summer school class.
A message from E.P. Scarlett High School
Dear Next Year Lancer Families,
We cordially invite you to attend our “High School 101” presentation on Wednesday, April 22 from 5:30-7:00pm in person at Dr. E.P Scarlett High School. The presentation will go over high school basics, course planning, and resources for student success. The main presentation will be followed by a discussion on transitions for students with IPPs. Counsellors will be available to support with any questions or concerns you may have about this exciting transition in your students’ educational journey. We hope to see you there!
Save on Student Study Guides & Digital Resources
We are excited to share a special offer for educational resources through a new partnership between EducationMatters and Castle Rock Research. You can purchase valuable study materials at a significant discount and help raise funds for EducationMatters.
This is a great opportunity to get supplementary resources to support your student’s learning this school year, especially in preparation for diplomas and final exams.
How to Order:
1. Visit CBE’s unique online portal: CBE Site Sale — Castle Rock Research
2. Select our school’s specific ordering page.
3. Place your order and pay directly online.
All print materials will be delivered to the school and distributed to students. For more details, please see the attached PDF flyer.
Gauss Mathematics Contest
David Thompson School will be offering the Gauss Mathematics Contest on May 11th for interested Grade 7 and Grade 8 students. This is a fun and challenging math competition that allows students to test their problem-solving skills and explore and apply mathematics beyond the regular classroom. Interested students should let their teachers know they'd like to participate by Monday, April 13th. For more information, rules, and practice, please visit cemc.uwaterloo.ca.
School Council
This month’s school council will be virtual. We can’t wait to see you online and share David Thompson School updates! https://tinyurl.com/2cphtmfe
Important Dates
Apr 13 - EP Scarlett Visits Grade 9’s
Apr 14 - Grade 7 OE Climbing Trip, 8:15-11:45am
- 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 24 - Non-Instructional Day - Indigenous System
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