École David Thompson Weekly Update
A Community of Excellence | Message de la semaine – vendredi 23 janvier
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.
“Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration.”
Robin S. Sharma
Alliance Française Workshop 7&8, Late French Immersion students
January 22, 2025
Hello Tiger Families!
This week, student leadership was visible in so many meaningful ways across our school. Our Winter Activity Day was a great success, with students engaging thoughtfully in creative, connection focused wellness activities. What stood out most was how students took ownership of the day, with leadership students leading the activities and all students supporting one another to try new things and reflecting on how wellness helps them learn and lead. It was wonderful to watch our students shape the culture of our school.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to welcome Jay Musodi, a renowned Congolese Canadian choreographer, for a week of dance workshops in Physical Education classes. His visit is a cornerstone of our Semaine de la Francophonie and Black History Month celebrations, as he bridges his rich African heritage with Canada’s bilingual identity. This experience will bring learning to life through movement, culture, and shared storytelling.
At the same time, our Principal Advisors and the Anti-Racism and Diversity Club are having conversations about what they might lead at the school to support identity, inclusion, and community building. These conversations help students understand their role in shaping a school where everyone belongs.
One small reflection we invite families to do together is talk about leadership at home, you might ask:
How are you contributing to making David Thompson the school you want to learn at?
When have you used your voice to support others this week?
What is one action you want to take to strengthen our community?
As we look ahead to Semester 2, which begins Wednesday, January 28, we want families to know that any staffing and programming changes are small and intentional. These adjustments are designed to support strong learning environments, positive peer relationships, and student wellbeing.
Some students in Grades 7 and 8 may notice minor changes to Physical Education groupings, a new Grade 8 French and Culture class will be available for Late French Immersion students as they prepare to joining continuing French Immersion students in Grade 9. We are pleased that Ms Singh will be extending her time with us and Ms. Anderson will be rejoining out team. As part of these updates, some Rec Leadership classes be taught by Ms. Anderson or Ms. Shields for semester two. During occasional homeroom activities blocks class 8-6 will be supported by Ms. Feke and class 7-2. By Ms Singh. We are grateful for the continued support of familiar staff and the return of team members who will be working closely with students in learning.
Students in Grades 7, 8, and 9 will receive their updated options on January 28. Option request forms will open on February 2. Changes will be processed through the main office during the week of February 9 and will be completed by February 11th. Requests will be handled on a first come, first served basis, with a focus on meeting each student’s top choice whenever possible. Families can support students by talking through their choices and reassuring them that transitions are a normal and supported part of learning.
As the days slowly grow longer, we hope that even in the cold you are able to notice and enjoy the return of the light. Even small glimmers can shift our perspective and set a positive tone for the days ahead.
Wishing you a weekend filled with light and happiness.
Merci de votre collaboration.
With gratitude,
The David Thompson School Team
Items in this update:
- Happenings
- A Friendly Reminder About Parking Lot Safety
- Lost and Found
- Knitting Club
- Spectators at Volleyball
- Band
- Family Literacy week
- Yearbooks are on sale!
- Lord Beaverbrook High School open house
- High School Transitions, Student Tours
- Transition to High School workshop by CBFY - Jan 24 & 26, Feb 2 & 7 (three languages)
- Volleyball Calendar
- 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 the designated entrance and exit 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.
Lost and Found
Is your hall closet looking a little empty? We have a large collection of unclaimed items and invite you to come and take a look. All unclaimed items will be donated on January 29.
Knitting Club
Our knitting club is ready to get going thanks to community supports through donations of yarn! Given the large number of students who have joined, we would love a few more needle pairs to keep them all busy. If you have a collection, and do not need them, please consider sending them our way. Thank you so much.
Spectators at Volleyball Games
As our volleyball is up and running, our teams are excited to compete against other schools. All of the schools in our division have implemented the same guidelines for spectators. Any student who wants to watch games must have a parent/guardian supervising them in the gym for the duration of the games. Students will be asked to leave if their guardian is not present.
Band
Band students will have the opportunity to visit the MRU Conservatory to experience learning in a conservatory setting. Field trip forms are due by the end of the day on Thursday, January 28.
Family Literacy week
Families across Calgary are invited to join the Calgary Board of Education in celebrating Family Literacy Week from Jan. 26 to Feb. 2 to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities. https://www.cbe.ab.ca/news-centre/Pages/CBE-Family-Literacy-Week-2026.aspx
Yearbooks are on sale!
Yearbooks are on sale and selling fast! Make sure to order yours before it’s too late. Yearbooks can be purchased at www.jostens.com. The last day to order yearbooks is February 28th! Please contact Mme. Andrews at NaAndrews@cbe.ab.ca with any questions.
Lord Beaverbrook High School open house
High School Transitions, Student Tours
Wondering when Open Houses are? Be sure to check out the following website for the most up-to-date information: Open House Sessions (Linked)
Transition to High School workshop by CBFY
David Thompson Families are invited to participate in a “Transition to High School workshop,” which will be held in English, Ukrainian, and Spanish and is aimed at 9th-grade students and their parents. This workshop will provide important information about the high school system in Alberta, expectations and academic requirements, and how to adequately prepare for a successful transition to high school. Please register using the following link or by directly scanning the QR code on the CBFY Poster (linked):.
Workshop details (THERE ARE FOUR OPTIONS!):
OPTION 1
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Seton Library – Adult Program Room 4995 Market St SE, Calgary, AB T3M 2P9
Language: English
OPTION 2
Date: Monday, January 26, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Seton Library – Adult Program Room 4995 Market St SE, Calgary, AB T3M 2P9
Language: Ukrainian
OPTION 3
Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Seton Library – Adult Program Room 4995 Market St SE, Calgary, AB T3M 2P9
Language: English
OPTION 4
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Seton Library – Adult Program Room 4995 Market St SE, Calgary, AB T3M 2P9
Language: Spanish
Volleyball Calander
Important Dates
Jan 26 - Grade 9 Tours - EP Scarlett [In-person]
Jan 27 - Grade 9 Tour - Lord Beaverbrook [In-person]
Jan 27 – Hosting Jr Boys Volleyball 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Jan 28 - First Day of Semester 2
Jan 29 – Lord Beaverbrook open house
Jan 30 - Non-Instructional Day - Language Symposium System Professional Learning
Feb 02 - Feb 06- Jay Musodi Congolese Dance Artist Residency Grade 5,7 & 9
Feb 04 - Band-MRU Conservatory Field Trip 8:15-2:15
Feb 04 - Jazz on Canterbury 6:30-7:30
Feb 05 - David Thompson School Open House 6:30-8:00
Feb 06 - Francophonie Assembly 8:15-10:00
“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