École David Thompson Weekly Update | A Community of Excellence
Weekly Update – Friday December 5 | Message de la semaine – vendredi 5 décembre
Quote: “The only way to find your voice is to use it.” Jen Mueller
David Thompson Newsletters are always available on our website!
Dear David Thompson Families,
This week, as lunch is a little cooler outside our indoor learning and our hallways filled up with student leadership and learning in action during lunch. During lunchtime activities, we saw students across grades helping peers with homework, guiding younger students to different clubs, and using their voices in the diversity club to brainstorm ways to build connections in both English and French programs. Whether students are exploring a science concept or preparing for a band performance, they’re growing their confidence, communication, and empathy. We’re especially excited for the launch of our Breakfast Club on Tuesday. It will run every morning (7:50 to 8:00 am) and is free for all students thanks to School Council. Also, next week, our first-ever Arts Wellness Day will bring students together in celebration of creativity, wellbeing, and voice.
We know learning doesn’t stop at the school doors. Even when there isn’t formal homework, students benefit from daily review routines at home. Try making flashcards, using apps like Duolingo, or having short verbal quizzes to build memory and fluency. A helpful question to ask your child might be: “What did you study today at school? And even if there is no homework tonight, what can you do to push your learning forward?” Daily study habits build the foundation for lifelong learning and reinforce that their voice and effort matter.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership. Take good care.
Warmly,
The David Thompson School Team
Items in this update:
Happenings
- Attendance and requesting a different bus
- Sign up for Volleyball Tryouts
- Breakfast Club Launching Tuesday!
- Lunchtime Activities: Stay Engaged This Winter!
- Arts Wellness Day
- E.P. Scarlett High School AP Information Session
- Yoga
- Festival coup de projecteur 2025
- Le Festival du Flying Canoë Volant
Important Dates
Dates of Significance
Happenings
Attendance and requesting a different bus
If students are going to be late or absent, please email ONLY davidthompson@cbe.ab.ca or phone the DTS absence line 403-777-7470 opt 1. For students requesting a different bus, please complete this form and have your student return it to the office. Alternatively, you can email davidthompson@cbe.ab.ca. Please note that riders must be a current bus student and end-of-day submissions will not be permitted.
Sign up for Volleyball Tryouts
Any students interested in trying out for the volleyball teams in January please come see Mme Hidalgo.
Date - Monday, Dec 08, 2025
Time - First half of lunch
Location - main gym
Breakfast Club Launching Tuesday!
We’re happy to share that Breakfast Club will be up and running again starting this Tuesday. Mme Vicky and Mme Bensebti have kindly completed food handling training course. Thanks to School Council, this program is free for all students. Breakfast items will rotate and may include items like granola bars, fruit cups, juice boxes, cheese strings, and yogurt tubes. The short 10-minute window gives students time to grab a quick snack before class, and we’ll keep a few items in the office for the occasional late bus.
Date - Tuesday’s
Time - 7:50 to 8:00am
Location - Atrium
Lunchtime Activities: Stay Engaged and Warm!
As the colder weather keeps us indoors, we’re pleased to offer a variety of optional lunchtime activities to keep students engaged, supported, and connected. Whether students are looking for academic help, creative outlets, or fun with friends, there's something for everyone. These lunch hour offerings aim to support student wellness, belonging, and academic achievement. We encourage all students to explore and participate in the activities that interest them most.
Everyday
- The Band Room – to practice their instruments.
- Socializing Club – Room 26
- Room 40 or Room 44 – quiet game spaces. Students can check each day to see which room, or if both rooms are open.
Monday
- Manga & Anime Club – Room 11
- Math & Science Homework Help – Room 44
- Chess Club – Construction Room
- Tech Club – LC-1 (January Start)
- Intramurals (Grade 7) – Gym
Tuesday
- Art Homework Catch-Up – Art Room
- ELA Homework Help – LC-1
- Intramurals (Grades 5 & 6) – Gym
Wednesday
- Diversity & Anti-Racism Club – Room 2/Zen Den
- Music Practice – Band Room
- Intramurals (Grade 8) – Gym
Thursday
- GSA – Room 11
- Knitting Club – Room 45 (January Start)
- Book Club – LC-1
- Games Club – Room 27
- ELA Homework Help – Room 43
- Intramurals (Grade 9) – Gym
Arts Wellness Day – Celebrating Wellbeing, Creativity and Connection!
We are thrilled about our upcoming Arts Wellness Day on Friday, December 12th, big thanks to Ms McMorran for organizing this special event designed to promote a sense of community and belonging through the power of the arts. Throughout the day, students will engage in a wide variety of creative, hands-on activities that nurture emotional wellness, self-expression, and cultural appreciation. From charcoal drawing, origami, photography, movie making and neurographic art to karaoke, friendship bracelet-making, and beading, there's something for every student to explore and enjoy. Other exciting highlights include drama and band presentations to celebrate student voice and performance, and a in-school Art Walk to showcase student creations. Looking forward to coming together to celebrate creativity, wellness, and the vibrant spirit of our school
E.P. Scarlett High School AP Information Session
E.P. Scarlett High School invites all Grade 9 students and families who are interested in the Advanced Placement (AP) program to attend an information session.
To learn more about what this program has to offer, please visit: https://drepscarlett.cbe.ab.ca/advanced-placement
Date - Tuesday, December 10
Time - 5:30-6:30pm
Location - E.P. Scarlett High School
Yoga
Yoga has wrapped up for this portion of the school year! Mme Kim is thinking deeply about whether to start up in January or February and will keep students and families posted if anything changes.
Students can sign up in Room 40. Everyone is welcome to a maximum of 15 students.
Date - Tuesdays beginning February 3rd
Time - 2:45-3:45.
Location - Drama room
Festival coup de projecteur 2025
Want to catch some French films (with English subtitles) in Calgary? The Festival coup de projecteur 2025 is taking place December 5-7 at the Globe Cinema. There are some family/kid friendly films being offered. Check out the 8 films being screened and choose what you think would be appropriate for your family. Making these language and cultural connections helps French live beyond the classroom for our Learners.
More information available on the festival website: Festival coup de projecteur
Le Festival du Flying Canoë Volant
Want to go a staycation to Edmonton and cultivate French connections for you and your Learner? This is a fun and Francophone-Métis focused event that happens in Edmonton every year. In 2026 it is happening January 28-31 and is put on by La société Francophone in Edmonton. There are artists, activities, tire à l'érable and so much more! The Festival du Flying Canoë Volant is a creative and interactive cultural celebration created to highlight local history and all that is fun during a long winter's night.
To learn more follow this link: Le Festival du Flying Canoë Volant
Important Dates
Dec 9 – Wellness Student Leadership Symposium (Mount Royal)
Dec10 - E.P. Scarlett High School AP Information Session, 5:30-6:30pm
Dec 11 - Winter Arts Showcase Evening – 5-7pm
Dec 12 - Arts Wellness Activity Day
Dec 15-19 – Spirit Week & Winter Themed Intramurals
Dec 15 – Crazy Hair Day
Dec 16 – Ugly Sweater Day
Dec 16 - Grade 8 O.E. Snowshoe Trip
Dec 17 – Anything But A Backpack Day
Dec 18 - Canyon Meadows G7 & G8
Dec 18 – Twin Day
Dec 19 - Last day of classes before winter break.
Dec 19 – Pajama Day
Dec 22 - Jan 2 - Holidays - No School
“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