École David Thompson Weekly Update | A Community of Excellence
Weekly Update – October 23| Message de la semaine – le 23 octobre
Bonjour, Tiger Families!
I've been thinking about these words as October comes to a close. Rosemary Brown, the first Black woman elected to a provincial legislature in Canada, spent much of her life opening doors for people whose voices had too often been overlooked. Her words feel particularly fitting this month as we recognize Women's History Month, Islamic History Month and Latin American Heritage Month. Each reminds us that Canada's story is made up of many voices, histories and experiences. There is something powerful about seeing yourself reflected in what you learn, and just as much value in discovering a story that helps you see the world differently.
At David Thompson, we want those doors to remain open for every student. That means celebrating the diversity of our school community while also recognizing that racism, whether expressed through harmful language, jokes, stereotypes or exclusion, has no place here. I want to thank the family who recently reached out to have a conversation about this and to share their concerns, experiences and ideas. Their message was a reminder that building belonging is ongoing work, reflected not only in what we teach but also in how we respond when things go wrong. We will continue strengthening classroom and homeroom learning through books, films, discussions and resources that help students explore identity, fairness and respect. Just as importantly, students need to know that adults will listen, take concerns seriously, address harmful behaviour and follow up. No student should have to navigate experiences of racism on their own. If your child experiences or witnesses racism, please reach out to their teacher.
This is work we do together, and I welcome your ideas. If you know of a book, short film or community resource that could enrich these conversations, please share it with me at : kmmunroe@cbe.ab.ca. I'd love to pass along helpful resources to our teachers. Here are two questions to support learning at home this week: Whose story have you learned about that helped you see the world differently? What could you do if you heard someone make an unfair assumption about another person’s culture, religion, gender or identity?
There is plenty to celebrate at David Thompson this week! Together, our school community raised $550 for the Terry Fox Foundation, with $250 in cash donations and another $300 online. Thank you for your generosity. Our Grade 9 students explored local waterways through River Watch and our Grade 8s enjoyed the experience of live theatre at Theatre Calgary. On the field, our girls' soccer team won the divisional finals, our boys' team earned a place in the finals, and our basketball teams had a great week on the court with our girls sitting at 2 and 2 and our boys sitting at second place overall, we’re hosting a game Thursday next week we’d love to see some fans in the stands. Congratulations to all our athletes, and thank you to the staff who make these opportunities possible. Next Friday, October 30, students are welcome to join in our school dress up day. Prizes will be awarded for best group costume, scariest, funniest, most creative and best homemade. Our Grade 8 leadership students are also organizing fun activities for the second half of the day. Go Tigers!
I'll close with the thought that brought me to Rosemary Brown's words in the first place. When we make room for more stories, we make room for more people to belong. Thank you for the many ways you help us keep those doors open.
Warmly,
The David Thompson School Team
Happenings
Attendance
If your student is going to be absent from school for any reason, please send an email to our general mailbox with the following information,davidthompsom@cbe.ab.ca. Please, notify the school of their child’s absence or late prior to the start of the school day.
Student’s Full Name (spelling the last name)
Date(s) of absences and reason for the absence
Soccer Update
Girls:
Our undefeated Girls Soccer Team won their Division Final! Congratulations, Tigers!
Boys:
The DTS Boys Soccer Team won their semi-final game in shootouts! We’re going to the finals on Monday!
Boys Soccer 1st Place Final Game:
- Monday, October 26
- 4:30pm
- @ RT Alderman School
LEAD Program
Reminder for grades 7-9, please return your registration forms, for the City of Calgary LEAD program, that has already started meeting.
If you do not know about the LEAD program, it is a Leadership program that runs from 2:30 - 4:30pm every Monday and Wednesday after school throughout the school year. Snacks are provided while you play games and learn different leadership skills and styles. If you are interested in joining, we have registration forms in the office.
Remembrance Day Ceremony
Our School will have our Remembrance Day Assembly on November 10th in the morning. We would like to specially invite parents that are serving in the Military, Police Officers, Peace Officers, Paramedics, Firefighter to join us in uniform if they can. Please inform Monsieur Beaudoin if you can attend.
Additionally, our Grade 9 Drama class will be presenting a special performance as part of the assembly. Parents and families of students in this class are warmly welcome to attend
Basketball Season Reminder
As basketball season gets underway, please remember that if students are staying to watch games at DTS or attending games at another school, they must have a parent/guardian supervisor sitting with them in the gym at all times.
Students who do not have a parent/guardian supervisor will be asked to leave after the first game. We also expect all students and spectators to demonstrate positive sportsmanship by encouraging both teams, respecting players, coaches, officials, and other spectators, and representing DTS in a positive way. Thank you for helping us create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for everyone! GO TIGERS!
Foundational Yoga — All Levels Welcome!
Join us for a welcoming, beginner-friendly yoga class running from October 27 to December 8. No previous yoga experience is required! Led by a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and SEL Facilitator (Mme Kim), classes will explore foundational movement, alignment, self-care, and gentle strength-building poses. Come move, breathe, and build confidence in a supportive, accessible environment. All levels are welcome! Sign-up: Students can sign up outside Room 40, or parents can email kncollins@cbe.ab.ca
Yearbooks
The 2026-2027 yearbooks are on sale now, and we are offering an exclusive back to school offer! Save money on your school yearbook if you order by October 23rd! In addition to this EARLY BIRD OFFER, with the purchase of a personalization on your yearbook, students can get FREE ICONS added on their yearbook if you order by October 23rd!
Students can order their yearbooks here: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A09700295
K-Pop Club
K-Pop Club: Do you love groups like BTS, Stray Kids, Illit and Aespa? Come join us in the K-Pop club! We dance, sing, and discuss our favorite music every Wednesday at lunch in the drama room.
Band
Students interested in Jazz Band should sign up on the list on the band room door. Jazz Band will be on Wednesdays after school from 3:00-4:30.
Here is the link, to the document for all band information for this year
Band Fundraiser
Christmas Wreaths from Growing Smiles:
Order here: https://davidthompsonband.growingsmilesfundraising.com
Purdys Chocolates:
Order here: https://fundraising.purdys.com/fundraising/campaign/000038670/shop
Team Fund Bacon:
Order here: https://davidthompsonschoolband.myteamfund.ca
Rosso Coffee:
Order here: https://www.cornerstonemusic.ca/category/david-thompson-school-band-fundraiser-rosso-coffee
Key dates
- Orders due: November 16, 2026
- Pickup at the school: December 1, 2026, 3:00pm–7:00pm
When you order, please enter your band student’s name so the sale is credited. Feel free to share these links with family, friends, and coworkers!
We Scare Hunger
Food drive is still going on
Halloween activity day is Oct. 30 - Bring a canned food item for entry.
Dress up day is Oct. 30
Halloween Dress Up Day
Halloween is just around the corner, and we’re looking forward to celebrating at David Thompson on Friday, October 30. Students are welcome to come to school in a costume, an orange and black outfit, their pyjamas, or their regular clothing. To keep the day safe, comfortable and inclusive for everyone, we ask that students and families keep the following in mind:
- No excessive gore
- No weapons of any kind, including toy or costume weapons
- No masks
- Use discretion when choosing attire, remembering that our school includes students with a range of sensitivities
- Choose costumes that are bathroom friendly and easy to get in and out of
- Make sure costumes allow for safe, easy movement and won’t get in the way of regular class work or gym class
Thank you for helping make this a fun and welcoming day for all of our Tigers!
Lifetouch Studio Retakes
Studio Retakes are now available on November 13 and 21.
Please use the QR code to book a time.
When making the booking, select Studio Calgary from the Book Session.
Our studio is located at:
#30, 5329 72 Ave SE
Calgary, AB
Important Dates
Oct 26 - Grade 6 Vaccination
Oct 27- Final day for the Food Drive
Oct 30- Halloween Dress up Activity Day
Oct 31 - Halloween
Nov 03 - 5.1 Teachers Pet 9:00 -11:00am
Nov 04 - Military History Field of Crosses Field Trip
Nov 04 - 5.3 Teachers Pet 9:00-11:00am
Nov 04 - Band Parents Society Meeting, 7:00-8:00pm
Nov 05 - 5.2 Teachers Pet 9:00-11:00am
Nov 10 - Remembrance Day Ceremony, All day
Nov 13 - Nov 15 – No school Fall Break
“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