École David Thompson Weekly Update | A Community of Excellence
Weekly Update – Friday, February 20 | Message de la semaine – vendredi 20 février
Quote: Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” — S. Adams
David Thompson Newsletters are always available on our website!
Hello Tiger Families!
It’s International Kindness Week, and even though the weather has been cold, David Thompson has been warm and full of heart. One great example is our Grade 9 Rec Leadership class, who took on a series of teamwork challenges together. Check out the photo above to see some of their collaborations in action.
Next week, we recognize Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. This year’s theme is “Sprinkle Kindness,” highlighting how small acts of compassion and positive choices can make a big difference. Pink Shirt Day is about building a community rooted in kindness and strengthening everyone’s sense of belonging. It really can start with something simple: a kind word, a moment of acknowledgement, a smile. Each choice we make has the power to ripple far beyond us.
We often hear the phrase “anti-bullying,” but we might be smarter to focus on what we want to grow instead, like kindness, respect, inclusion, understanding, and positivity. When someone chooses bullying behavior, it often comes from a place of feeling powerless. That’s why “sprinkling kindness” matters: it can help someone feel seen, valued, and supported. Real strength is not taking power from others, but helping people find their space, their voice, and their inner confidence.
On Wednesday, we will wear pink, not because we must, but because we choose to stand together with a shared purpose: to be kind, compassionate, and empathetic toward everyone around us. Have a great weekend!
Warmly,
The David Thompson School Team
Items in this update:
● Happenings
● French Immersion Math AP at EP Scarlett: What Families Need to Know
● IPPs
● Transportation
● Culture Makes Moves at David Thompson
● Tiger Time Talk: Bringing the Learning Home
● Boys Soccer
● Yearbook draw!
● Grade 9 Transitions Mini Round Dance
● Planning for Next Year
● Pascale Math Contest
● City of Calgary Recreational Programs
● School Council Meeting Invitation
● Important Dates
● Dates of Significance
Happenings
AP French Immersion Math at EP Scarlett: What Families Need to Know
As students look toward their next steps in learning, they may have questions about French Immersion Math Advanced Placement (AP), specifically Math 10C AP. Each year, Math 10C AP is included on the French Immersion course selection list. EP Scarlett’s capacity to offer a French Immersion Math 10C AP class depends on student interest and enrollment. To create a French Immersion Math 10C AP cohort for the 2026–2027 school year, a minimum of 30 students must select the course. Families’ decisions may be influenced by the following:
· If enrollment numbers decrease significantly in future years, the French AP cohort may be dissolved, and students continuing in AP Math could transition to the English AP cohort.
· If students continue in French Math AP through Grade 12, the Advanced Placement exam is written in English, regardless of the language of instruction.
· If a French AP cohort cannot be created, students may still enroll in English Math 10C AP and remain fully eligible to earn their French Immersion Certificate of Achievement.
If this course feels like a strong fit for your child, please be sure to select Math AP during course selection. If you have already submitted your selections and would like to make a change, you may submit a new form, and the most recent submission will be used. Questions about French AP math may be directed to: EP Scarlett to the attention of Kate Malayko, kgmalayko@cbe.ab.ca and Myles Gibbs, myagibbs@cbe.ab.ca
IPPs | Monday, Feb. 23
On Monday, Feb. 23, families will receive either a hard copy or digital copy of their child’s Individual Program Plan (IPP). If your child is absent on Monday and you requested a hard copy, it will be provided when they return. Please contact Ms. Evans with any questions, or if you do not receive the IPP.
Transportation
Families are reminded of the importance of consistent and supportive routines for students who take school bus transportation. Students who are regular bus riders may access any regular bus route where there is available space to safely accommodate them and may use an alternate bus stop on occasion with advance notice. To support this process, families are asked to complete the bus change form available on our website. For safety purposes, all advance notice requests must include a parent/guardian signature and a phone number in case of emergency. The form may be used to request an alternate route or stop and must be verified in the office before 2:00 PM. Please note that, for student safety, last-minute changes may not be accommodated. If students are regularly using unassigned bus stops, Calgary Board of Education Transportation offers families the option, for an additional fee, to add a second address to their transportation registration. This can help support childcare arrangements and evolving family schedules. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to ensure students travel safely between home and school.
Culture Makes Moves at David Thompson
Great news! The Calgary Board of Education featured David Thompson students, alongside Lester B. Pearson High School, on the main CBE News Centre for a Black History Month story, highlighting our Artist-in-Residence, Ajay Musodi, and the powerful learning happening for our students through movement, and culture. Families can read the full article here. Link: Where Culture Moves
Tiger Time Talk: Bringing the Learning Home
Tiger Time is officially underway! Students in Grades 5–9 are diving deep into targeted sessions, tailored to their specific needs. Whether they are mastering French verbs, sharpening their writing, or building stronger executive functioning habits, there is a lot of growth happening in just 40 minutes! Ask your students about their session! Instead of the usual "How was school?", try one of these specific "Tiger Time" conversation starters this week:
- "What’s one 'pro-tip' or shortcut you learned in your Reading/Math/French group today?"
- "What’s a new trick you’re trying out to stay organized or manage your time?
- "What was the main 'vibe' or focus of your group discussion this week?"
Boys Soccer
The Boys’ Soccer Team is having their team party on March 2, 9:30-12:00. Students will play an intersquad game on the indoor boarded fields then enjoy pizza! All forms must be returned to Ms. Miller by the end of this week by paper or email to temiller@cbe.ab.ca.
Yearbook draw!
Yearbooks are on sale and time is running out! Buy your yearbook by Friday, February 20th to be entered into a draw to win a gift basket including games, candy, gift cards, and more! Buy your yearbook now: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1114752/David-Thompson-School/
For any yearbook related questions, please contact Natasha Andrews at NaAndrews@cbe.ab.ca
Grade 9 Transitions Mini Round Dance
Mark your calendars! On April 30, 2026, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the CBE Indigenous Education Team invites Grade 9 Indigenous students, their families, and school staff to be celebrated at the third-annual CBE Grade 9 Transitions Mini Round Dance. This will be an evening to honour self-identified Indigenous students who are transitioning from Grade 9 to high school. Hosted at Ernest Manning High School, this event will include a bagged lunch feast, Indigenous artisans, special dances, an honour song, and a giveaway. All CBE students, families, and staff are invited to attend.
Planning for Next Year
As we begin planning for the next school year, we want to thank you for being part of the David Thompson School community. We are already looking ahead to another wonderful year of learning, growth, and connection. Please note that once your child is registered at David Thompson School, their registration continues from year to year unless we are informed otherwise. If your child will be returning next year, no action is needed. We are excited to welcome your family back. If your child will not be attending David Thompson School in September, for example if your family is moving or your child has accepted a place at another school, please email Maria at mffelix@cbe.ab.ca. If you have more than one child at the school, please include each child in your message.
If you have any questions about your child’s eligibility or need assistance, please contact the school office. We kindly ask that any updates be shared by Friday, March 13 to help us plan effectively for the year ahead.
Pascal Math Contest
We’re excited to announce that the Pascal Math Contest is taking place at David Thompson School on February 25th for Grade 9 students. Pascale is a Canada-wide mathematics competition designed to challenge problem-solving skills and mathematical thinking. The contest includes engaging multiple-choice questions that encourage students to think critically, apply strategies, and build confidence in math. Participation is a great way for students to challenge themselves, represent our school, and celebrate their learning. Interested students have already expressed their interest to Mme Tasha and are looking forward to celebrating their math knowledge together. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
City of Calgary Recreational Programs
Families may be eligible for Recreation Fee Assistance through the City of Calgary’s Fair Entry Program, which helps cover costs for city-run recreation and programs. Eligibility is based on household income. You can apply in person, online at fairentry.calgary.ca, or by calling 311. Once approved, you can receive a Fee Assistance Card by bringing your approval letter and photo ID to any City pool or leisure center.
Summer volunteer opportunities for youth aged 13–16 are also available through City of Calgary recreation programs, with applications opening March 2, 2026. These roles help youth build valuable skills and earn references for future jobs. To learn more or apply, visit calgary.ca/volunteer/recreation or call 311.
School Council Meeting Invitation
Our next School Council meeting is coming up and we would love to “see” you there!
· Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
· Time: 6:30 pm
· Format: Virtual Meeting Linked Here
At this meeting you will have a chance to learn about school planning, including our school development plan, school budget, and school fees and you will also get to hear a short presentation from Belcanfran exchange coordinators Lise and Ron May about the Belcanfran exchange opportunity for French Immersion students. We hope you can make it, your voice matters, and it helps us make the best decisions for kids.
Important Dates
Feb 23 - Grade 9 Vaccines
- Lord Beaverbrook Visits
- IPPs go home
Feb 24 - Semester 1 Report cards available for viewing
Feb 25 - Pink Shirt Day
- Grade 9 Pascal Math contest for those students interested
- Horizon Leadership Conference
Feb 26 - Grade 8 OSA Theatre Calgary
Feb 27 - Non-Instructional Day – No School
Mar 02 - Jr Girls Volleyball Hosting 4:00-6:30pm
- Winds from the South 6:30-8:30pm
Mar 04 - School Council meeting (Virtual) 6:30-9:00pm
Mar 06 - Sr Girls Volleyball Tournament 12:00-6:30pm
Mar 09 - Acadia Buddies. Gr 9 Rec Leadership
Mar 10 - Jr Boys Hosting 4:00-6:30pm
- Acadia Buddies. Gr 9 Rec Leadership
Mar 11 - Spring picture day
Mar 16 - Grade 8, Outdoor Education students to cross country ski field trip
Mar 18 - Grade 6 Field Trip, Women in Curling, Winsport
Mar 19 - Conferences 4—8 (in-person)
*Last day to pick up lost and found items before they are donated.
Mar 20 – Conferences 9-1 (virtual)
Mar 23 – Mar 27 – 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