What a Great First Week Back Tiger Families! 

We had a fantastic start to the school year! Our first-day scavenger hunt was a blast and then our first school-wide assembly on Friday set the tone with an inspiring performance by a talented hoop dancer Cyrus First Charger followed by some fun homeroom challenges. We’re also excited to see so many students getting ready to try out for cross country and soccer, which both contributes to our community and helps them stay active. 

As we settle into the school year, we encourage families to begin establishing consistent routines for study at home. Even if students don’t have formal homework yet, it’s helpful for them to engage in some form of learning each evening. Here are a few suggestions: 

Reading & Language Development:  Daily reading and writing: Journaling, practicing spelling words, summarizing key concepts they learned in the day or even using platforms like Raz-Kids, Epic!, or Duolingo for language practice. 

Math Skills: Review basic facts, play math games (e.g., Prodigy or Khan Academy), or work on problem-solving tasks. 

According to Calgary Board of Education (CBE) guidelines, suggested homework times are: 

• Grades 4–6: 20–30 minutes/day 
• Grades 7–9: 30–60 minutes/day 

Creating a quiet, dedicated space for studying at home will support focus and foster good learning habits. Let’s keep up the great momentum and make this year one of growth and success! 

Warmly,  

The David Thompson School Team  

Items in this update:  

• Yoga Class at DTS 
• Fresh Paint Update 
• PE Change Room Adjustment 
• Options Message 
• Bussing update 
• Soccer, badminton and cross country 
• Scooter and skateboard storage 
• Attention all students in Grade 7, 8 and 9s!  
• Support Our School Learning Commons 
• Important Dates  
• Dates of Significance   

Happenings  

Yoga Class at DTS 

Students have the opportunity to attend a weekly yoga class on Tuesdays after school from October 7 - December 2, 2:45-3:45. 

Sign-up will begin September 15^th in Room 40. Space will be limited to 15 students. Another Yoga class will be over semester 2 as well.  

The class will have a foundational approach to postures and breath. Students are encouraged to bring their own mat and blocks if available to them. 

Here is a quick word from the instructor, Mme Kim, our Grade 6 Teacher at DTS: 

I have been practicing yoga for many years and have benefitted from the calm, centering effect it has on the body and mind. I made a bucket list goal come true this past May when I completed my CYT-200 Yoga Instructor + Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator training. I look forward to sharing the benefits Yoga can bring to well-being and strategies to further develop mindfulness and stress management.  

Always with kindness, 

Kimberly N. Collins 

French Immersion Teacher & Learning Leader, École David Thompson School 

Fresh Paint Update 

Our school is getting a fresh new look. Over the next 4–6 weeks, CBE crews are painting the hallways, library, gym, washrooms, staff room, office, and doors. Low-odor, latex paints are being used, and ventilation is in place to keep the building safe and comfortable. Instructional areas will not be in use while painting and drying and Material Safety Data Sheets are available upon request from the office. The health and safety of students and staff is our top priority, and we’re grateful for your support as this work is completed. We look forward to welcoming families into a brighter space once the work is done. 

Update on Change Room Adjustments at DTS 

To support our growing student population and ensure all learners have the classroom space they need, we’ve recently reallocated the former workout room into the change room so bath can serve as instructional spaces. As part of this shift, some workout equipment and storage have been moved into the other changeroom. While this adjustment has reduced the space available for students to change for PE, we want to assure families that we are working closely with students to find flexible solutions. Students who wish to change have options, including using washroom stalls or making arrangements with staff for alternative spaces when needed. We are actively exploring longer-term solutions. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we prioritize learning space while continuing to support student wellness. 

Options Start Next Week!  

Students should check their bell schedule and PowerSchool to ensure they know what options they have and are prepared to participate: 

• A Day Options: Monday & Wednesday 
• B Day Options: Tuesday & Thursday 

Option Change Requests 

• Red option change forms are available in the office. 
• Requests will be accepted Monday through Thursday only.  
• Requests are considered for Term 1 only and must include: 
• Parent signature 
• Initials of both the drop teacher and the pick-up teacher 

Please note: not all requests can be accommodated. Every effort will be made to place students in their first-choice option at some point during the year and other options will be assigned based on availability; all classes provide excellent learning opportunities. 

Important Reminders 

• No changes will be made before Friday. Students must attend their current option until notified. 
• Updated schedules will be visible in PowerSchool. 
• Transfer forms confirming changes or no change will be distributed on Monday; no new paper schedules will be printed. For this reason, request forms MUST include the student's home room 

Requests to ride a different school bus  

Please use this form, complete and have your student return to the school. It is posted on our website under transportation.  

Soccer, badminton and cross country 

Try-outs are now on! 

Girls soccer try-outs: Monday and Wednesday 2:45-4:00 pm 

Boys soccer try-outs: Tuesday and Thursday 2:45-4:00 

Cross country meet is September 11th! Cross country is a no-cut team and all runners are welcome. 

Scooter and skateboard storage 

Students have been advised that we no longer have room to provide scooter/skateboard storage in the office.  

We are asking kindly that students bring a lock and do their best to secure their possessions on the outside bike racks. They are also welcome to use the indoor racks available in the Atrium. But they will need a bike lock in either situation. Please email kmmunroe@cbe.ab.ca if you need financial support to purchase a lock.  

Attention all students in Grade 7, 8 and 9s!  

We are excited to announce the City of Calgary's Leadership program, LEAD, starting September 22nd. The LEAD program will be run Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the school year from 2:30pm – 4:30pm in the Learning Commons. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop leadership skills and make a positive impact in your community and have some fun! 

In the LEAD program, youth will participate in various activities and games that focus on: 

Leadership styles 

Communication 

Teamwork 

Time management 

Personal wellness 

Problem solving 

Leisure Education 

Diversity 

Conflict management 

Participants will also volunteer in the community for 20hr. Upon the completion of the program the participants will receive a highly revised LEAD certificate. 

If you have any questions, please email Steven Kapteyn at steven.kapteyn@calgary.ca or pick up a registration form at the school office.   

Support Our School Learning Commons! 📚✨ 

We’re excited to share that David Thompson School has once again been selected to participate in the Adopt a School fundraiser in partnership with Indigo Crowfoot! — running from September 5 to October 5, 2025! 

This initiative helps us raise valuable funds for our Learning Commons, supporting reading and educational resources for all our students. Every dollar donated goes directly to our school to enrich our collection of books and learning tools. 

💙 You can donate online here: 
👉 https://indigoloveofreadingfoundation.givecloud.co/fundraisers/david-thompson-school-1 

Thank you for helping us grow a love of reading in our school community! 

SALTS Sailing Trip - Spring 2026  

Attention Grade 9 Families! Come sail the briny seas in the coastal waters of the Lower Gulf Islands off the coast of Victoria in the spring of 2026! This opportunity is for current Grade 9 students.  

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. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Matheson at mammatheson@cbe.ab.ca If you and your student are interested in this trip, we invite you to complete this survey to express your interest: 2026 SALTS Sailing Trip Expression of Interest 

Fair Winds! 

Margaret Matheson, B.Sc., B.Ed.   

t | 403-777-7470 

Important Dates  

Sep 8 – Girls Soccer Tryout 

Sep 9 – Boys Soccer Tryout 

Sep 10 – Girls Soccer Tryout 

Sep 11 – Boys Soccer Tryout 

Sep 11 – Cross Country Meet (Stanley Park) 

Sep 12 - MADD Presentation 

Sep 16 - Picture Day 

Sep 16 – Cross Country Meet (Glenmore Park) 

Sep 17 - School Council Meeting (6:00 pm-7:30) 

Sep 19 - Terry Fox Run 

Sep 22-26 - Book Fair 

Sep 22 – Cross Country Meet (Glenmore Park) 

Sep 24 – Tiger Dog and Meet the Teacher (5-7pm)  

Sep 25 - Grade 6 Vaccines  

Sept 26 – Orange Shirt day marked 

Sep 29 - Non-Instructional Day - No School  

Sep 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - No School 

Dates of Significance  

“Go Tigers!”  

École David Thompson School