Principal Update May 29 – June 1 – Connect Charter School

Connect Charter Family Weekly Update

May 29 - June 1

This Week's Highlights

Our students engage in the student vote, one of many examples of citizenship opportunities at the school.

May 29 Grade 4 Protected Places Tour (NW)

May 29 June 2 Grade 9 Blue Lake Camp

May 31 Track and Field Day at Foothills Athletic Park

June 2 Professional Development Day

June 5 – 9 Fitset Ninja Obstacle Course for grade 7, 8, and 9 (at school)

June 6  Grade 4/5 Elective Urban Expedition half day

June 5 – 7 Grade 8.3 and 8.4 Writing on Stone 

June 7 – 9 Grade 8.1 and 8.2 Writing on Stone

June 7-9 Grade 5 to Circle Square Ranch

June 7 – 15  Grade 7 Artist in Residence – Wakefield Brewster 

June 12-13 Grade 4/5 Elective Urban Expedition Overnight

June 13 Grade 8.3 and 8.4 Canoeing and Biking

June 14 Connect Concert and End of Year Barbeque (4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m)

June 15 Grade 8/9 Bike Elective Full Day Trip

June 19 – 21 Grade 4.1 and 4.2 Dinosaur Provincial Park

June 21 – 23 Grade 4.3 and 4.4 Dinosaur Provincial Park

June 20 Grade 9 ELA Part B Provincial Achievement Test

June 20 Last School Council/Parent Society Meeting

June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day 

June 22 Grade 6 and 9 Math Part A Provincial Achievement Test

June 22 Grade 8.3 and 8.4 Canoeing and Biking

June 23 Grade 6 and 9 Math Part B Provincial Achievement Test

Jun 26 Grade 8.1 and 8.2 Trip to Elbow Watershed Field Study

Jun 26 Grade 8.3 and 8.4 Trip to Elbow Watershed Field Study

June 26 Grade 6 and 9 Social Studies Provincial Achievement Test

June 26 Volunteer Appreciation Tea 2:00-3:00

June 27 Grade 6 and 9 Science Provincial Achievement Test

Jun 27 Grade 9 Stage Walk 6:00 pm -7:30 pm

Jun 28 Grade 9 Graduation Fun Day – Calaway Park

June 29 Last day of classes

June 30 Appeals Day

Who makes class lists?

Teachers who have worked with students for the full year and understand the dynamics of these individuals in a learning setting make class lists.  Our Education Assistants and comp/PE team are also involved to share what they have observed.  Designing class lists is a highly complex process that takes considerable amount of time and care.  

What is the process for making class lists?

We prioritize learning when considering class lists.  There is a considerable amount of work involved in creating balanced classes that takes into consideration learning needs, social and emotional needs, gender balance and friendship requests.  

-Students request 5 individuals for their class next year and we aim to have at least one in their class. 

-In the rare circumstance that a parent has put forward a request, the student’s friendship request is not always able to be accommodated. 

We value the notion that changing classes is an opportunity for students to broaden their friendship base and understand that the beginning of the year can be a time of adjustment and transition that comes with a range of emotions.  Teachers work to build community with intention in the first part of the school year and it is exciting to see friendships develop over the course of a year. 

What can I do to support this process?

Parents can help students understand the opportunity to develop life skills in being in new settings with different people.  It is important to help support students in building a broad number of friendships and acquaintances across a grade, particularly when our students move on to a variety of high schools.  Reaching out to a teacher when you child is struggling to develop new friendships can help our staff be aware to create opportunities to foster new connections. 

Tech Buyouts
Students in Grade 6 and Grade 9 are eligible to buy out their tech – the package will include their iPad, Apple Pencil, Keyboard, and case. It will be priced at $160 and posted to PowerSchool. Please expect a form in the coming days via email to confirm your purchase. The deadline for forms will be June 7th.
 
Tech Recall
For students in Grade 4, 5, 7, 8, and those in Grade 6 and 9 not purchasing their technology, devices will be returned in late June. Please make sure your child has all of their accessories including a keyboard, Apple Pencil, Charger, and cable. If it has been lost and a replacement is needed, please purchase one to send with your child and we will provide a new asset tag.

Connect’s End of Year BBQ is BACK and we’re celebrating with an outdoor concert! All family members can join and ALUMNI students are welcome too – please help spread the word!

 
The event is FREE and we’ll be pulling up our sleeves to cook, serve and enjoy a meal on the lawn with our students. We certainly need some help – just an hour or two, from a large number of parents – to make this a success. The RSVP form has a few of slots listed, but you are able to do any shopping or prep prior to the event or have something else in mind, please let us know (email schoolcouncil@connectcharter.ca). 
 
Be sure to RSVP and PRE-ORDER FOOD by June 7. There will be limited on-site, cash-only items for sale, but the best way to ensure you get a meal is to pre-order (and please bring your email confirmation). 
 
 
Any questions? Let us know! 

Have a wonderful week, Connect!

Shannon Bennett 
Principal

Shashi Shergill
Assistant Principal

Andrea Friesen
Assistant Principal