École David Thompson Weekly Update | A Community of Excellence
Weekly Update – Friday, April 24 | Message de la semaine – vendredi, 24 avril
Quote: Listen with the will to learn. Dr. Martin Brokenleg
Hello Tiger Families!
Today our staff are away from the classroom for a Non-Instructional Day focused on Maatoomsii'Pookaiks, Children First, a CBE system-wide Indigenous Education Professional Learning Day. We are beginning our morning at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary with an outdoor windblown land acknowledgement and time with a Knowledge Keeper, followed by collaborative planning at the Central Library. This important learning deepens our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and helps us build classrooms where every student feels seen and valued.
What a week it has been leading up to today. Many classes marked Earth Day by turning off lights and heading outdoors heading outside to pick up trash across our school grounds and our neighbours grounds at Acadia. Our outdoor education campers returned happy, a little sun-kissed, and full of stories. Next week we send some of our lucky Grade 8s off to Eastern Canada for a cultural learning experience they will remember for years to come. Safe travels to our students and staff.
A tip for homework: creating a dedicated, clutter-free study space can really boost your child's focus. Pair that with a simple end-of-day reflection question like, "What is something you learned today that made you think differently?" and you are supporting both their learning and their growing sense of voice. Thank you for being such an important part of the learning we are building together at David Thompson.
Merci et bonne fin de semaine!
Warmly,
The David Thompson School Team
Items in this update:
- Happenings
- A Friendly Reminder About Parking Lot Safety
- We have been approved for 6 new modular classrooms!
- Tiger Time Talk: Bringing the Learning Home
- Freezies Wanted!
- Summer School 2026
- Gauss Mathematics Contest
- 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 designated exits 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 the 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.
We have been approved for 6 new modular classrooms!
We are pleased to share that the Government of Alberta has approved 6 new modular classrooms for David Thompson. These classrooms will provide approximately 150 additional student spaces at the school.
The modular classrooms were approved in response to the Calgary Board of Education’s annual request through the Modular Classroom Program.
Site assessments will begin shortly. During this time, you may notice CBE staff or contractors on the school grounds. We will share additional information once assessments and planning are complete, and an installation timeline has been confirmed.
Tiger Time Talk: Bringing the Learning Home
Tiger Time is back! This is our school-wide intervention program, where every student gets more individualized support in an area they need. The new session will begin this coming Wednesday, April 22, and we will have an alternate schedule that day to make time for it. Students will find out from their teachers next week where they will be attending. Because of this extra period, lunch and bell times are affected.
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?"
Freezies Wanted!
The Grade 9 Farewell committee is asking for donations of jumbo freezies to sell as a fundraiser for our year end celebration. If you are able, please bring frozen freezies to the school by May 07. Thank you for your support!
Summer School 2026
In-Person July 2-28 or Online July 2-27
Please have students speak to their school counselor if they are interested in taking a summer school course.
The CBE has Summer School opportunities for current students. In Summer School, students can take one course, either in-person or online:
- In-person at Chinook Learning Services at multiple locations throughout the city;
- Online at CBe-learn;
- Gain valuable work experience while earning credits through Summer Off-c ampus;
- Grade 9 students can only take Mathematics 15 (online);
- Visit Summer School FAQs to get answers to frequently asked questions;
- New this Summer! Career & Technology Studies courses in broadcasting & podcasting, cosmetology, networking & cybersecurity, welding, and engineering are available for Summer School. Apply until Friday, May 8.
Please encourage students to speak with their school counsellor if they are interested.
Gauss Mathematics Contest
David Thompson School will be offering the Gauss Mathematics Contest on May 11th for interested Grade 7 and Grade 8 students. This is a fun and challenging math competition that allows students to test their problem-solving skills, and explore and apply mathematics beyond the regular classroom. Interested students should let their teachers know they'd like to participate by Monday, April 13th. For more information, rules, and practice, please visit cemc.uwaterloo.ca.
Important Dates
Apr 24 - Non-Instructional Day - Indigenous System
Apr 27- May 02 - Eastern Canada Trip
Apr 28 - 6-2 Library and City Hall
- 6-1 & 6-3 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Apr 29 - Tiger Time
Apr 30- 6-1 & 6-3 Library and City Hall
- 6-2 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
May 04 - May 08 - SALTS
May 06 - Bike to School Day
May 07 - Tiger Time
May 11-May 14 – Grade 8 OE Camp Chief Hector
May 12 - Riverwatch 9-3, 9-4, 9-5, 9-6
May 13 - Riverwatch 9-1, 9-2
- Parent Council, In-person 6:30-8:00pm
May 14 - Tiger Time
- Grade 8&9 ABA Festival Field Trip 8:30-1:00pm
May 15 - Non-Instructional Day
May 18 - Non-Instructional Day - Victoria Day
May 19 - Grade 6 PAT FLA Part A 9:00-11:00am
May 20 - Grade 9 PAT FLA Part A 9:00-11:00am
- Gr. 5 Fieldtrip to Carburn Park 9:00-2:00pm
- School Council, in- person, 6:00-8:00pm
May 21 - Grade 9 ELA A 9:00-11:00am
- Grade 7 Band ABA Festival Performance 8:30-1:00pm
May 25 - May 29 - Spirit Week
May 25 - Military History classes- Nanton Bomber Museum [En personne]
- Grade 6 ELA A 9:00-11:00am
May 26 - Band to Feeder Schools
May 27 - Spring Band Concert
May 28 - Play Performance Night - Jazz Band - Arts Showcase Feeder Tours
- Spring Showcase
May 29 - Evening Play Performance
- Feeder School Presentations
“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