DTS Weekly Update – May 15, 2025
DTS Message de la semaine - le 15 mai
“It takes all stripes to be a tiger.”
“Ça prend toutes les rayures pour être un tigre.”
David Thompson Newsletters are always available on our website!
Items in this update:
- Communi-Tea
- Attendance
- Student Services Update
- Basketball Club
- Grade 6s
- Band students
- Bravely connected, information session for parents and caregivers
- Library Books overdue
- Digital Citizenship
- Important Dates
- Dates of Significance
As the days get longer and the flowers start to bloom, we’re excited to share all the growth happening at David Thompson. This spring, our students are continuing to thrive, both in and out of the classroom. From art showcases, field trips to classroom projects, there’s no shortage of opportunities to explore and learn.
We’re also celebrating the incredible dedication of our teachers and staff who make each student’s journey a little brighter. As we approach the end of the school year, let's continue to encourage curiosity, creativity, and kindness, helping our students blossom into their full potential.
Communi-Tea
Lord Beaverbrook School invites all students who identify as Indigenous and their families to attend a Communi-Tea event to build connection and begin their time at Beaverbrook in a good way.
Where: Lord Beaverbrook School in the Lodge (Room 130)
When: May 21 5:00-7:00
Who: All students who identify as Indigenous and their caregivers
Student Services Update
We want to inform you that our Student Services staff member will unfortunately not be returning for the remainder of the school year. While we understand that this may be concerning, please rest assured that we are committed to continuing to support our students and families. Our team will remain available to assist with any needs or concerns you may have, and we will ensure that students receive the help and resources they require during this time. Please feel free to reach out to us if you need any support or have any questions.
Attendance
It is important that you call the school if your child is going to be absent or late. Please report all absences to the Attendance Line at 403-777-7430 ext.1.
Please make sure to spell the student’s last name and include the date of the absence in the message.
Alternatively, you can email Ms. Shawna in the main office at: See more on our attendance page: davidthompson.cbe.ab.ca
Please note that you will automatically be notified of your students' absence, upon the attendance submission, promptly at the beginning of 1st period.
If you have already sent your student to school knowingly, please disregard the School Messenger notification. Your student's attendance will be amended. If your student has been marked absent due to error, please leave a message on the attendance line rather than calling the office.
Basketball Club
Students who are interested in starting their day with some basketball before class starts are welcome to join our new basketball club on Thursday mornings 7:30-7:55am.
Grade 6s
Grade 6 Students will go for a full day activity at Central Library and City Hall on May 21st, 2025. Please contact homeroom teachers for more information or if you want to volunteer.
June 23-Walking field trip for Tennis
June 24- Field trip to the Zoo
Band Students:
These are some important dates for band families to note.
Due to scheduling conflicts and concerns, our Spring Concert has been cancelled. Additionally, there will also be no ‘Feeder School’ concert field trips. Mr. McClary apologizes for the change in plans.
ABA Festival Field trip forms will now be accepted at the office. The deadline for forms is Thursday May 15th. Mr. McClary will have copies of the forms available in the band room. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Mr. McClary.
The David Thompson School Jazz Band will be performing at the Fine Arts Gala in the evening on Thursday, June 5th.
The David Thompson School Year End Band Concert will be on Friday June 6th, at 7:30 PM, in the main gymnasium.
Grade 7 ABA Festival Field Trip: Tuesday May 20th
Grade 8 & 9 ABA Festival Field Trip: Wednesday May 21st
An email will be sent to parents via school messenger before the end of the week
Best,
Mr. Casey McClary
Band – Music – Guitar – P.E
Bravely connected, information session for parents and caregivers
Digital Citizenship
As technology continues to play an ever-increasing role in many children’s lives, it’s more important than ever to help our students build healthy and productive digital habits. While computers and the internet are incredible tools for learning, they also present distractions and potential risks that require guidance and supervision.
Why Monitor Computer Use?
Monitoring your child’s computer use isn’t about invading their privacy — it’s about supporting safe, responsible, and focused learning. Here are a few reasons why it matters:
- Distractions: Social media, games, and video content can easily derail homework time.
- Online Safety: Students can encounter inappropriate content or unsafe interactions.
- Time Management: Setting limits helps students balance screen time with sleep, physical activity, and family engagement.
- Digital Citizenship: Discussing online behavior helps students learn respect, responsibility, and the consequences of their digital actions.
️ Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Computer Use
Here are some practical strategies to stay involved:
- Set up devices in common areas
Keep computers and tablets in shared spaces rather than bedrooms to encourage accountability. - Create a schedule
Establish tech-free times (e.g., during meals or 1 hour before bed) and dedicated homework hours. - Use parental controls and screen time settings
Tools like Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time, or router-based monitoring can help manage access and usage. - Check browser history together
Make reviewing search and browser history a regular, non-punitive habit to foster openness. - Talk often and listen well
Encourage open conversations about what your child is doing online. Let them know you’re here to support, not to spy. - Model good screen habits
Kids follow by example. Let them see you managing your own screen time wisely.
What to Watch For
- Sudden changes in mood or sleep patterns
- Reluctance to talk about online activities
- Falling grades or missed assignments
- Secretive behavior about devices
If you notice any of these signs, gently start a conversation and, if needed, reach out to a counselor or teacher for support.
Together, we can help children thrive in a digital world.
Important Dates
May 20- Grade 7 ABA Festival Field Trip
May 21- Central Library and City Hall Grade 6
May 21- Grade 8 & 9 ABA Festival Field Trip
May 26 – In-Person School Council Meeting
Dates of Significance
“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