February is a time when we show how much we care for one another by performing random acts of kindness and extending heartfelt generosity to others. We hope all those in our school community will take an extra moment this month to demonstrate to our neighbours how much we care by respectfully dropping off students in the roads adjacent to our school and by picking up garbage as we walk to and from the school in the morning, at lunch, and after school.
These actions align with our continuing focus on responsibility this month, a celebration that will culminate with our Virtues Assembly on February 28, 2018. At this assembly, students will also receive certificates related to their efforts this past term, as detailed in the report cards sent home at the end of January. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend this assembly. The exact time that the assembly will begin will be sent out by School Messenger later this month.
We are also excited to report that students have been nominated by teachers and/or their classmates to act as representatives of their homeroom classes. These students will have the opportunity to meet with our admin team to discuss their views on school organization and complementary course selections. They also will represent Annie Gale School at the My World Conference on February 22. This “Empowering Voices” conference focusses on youth leadership and raising awareness about issues that others less fortunate than us face locally and globally. It provides students with the opportunity to hear and engage with high calibre presenters, speaking on local and global issues. Invited speakers to broaden perspectives on how best to empower voices include Michelle Thrush and Brian Keating. The goal of the conference is to empower our youth to make positive change in the world and to encourage a sense of community in their schools.
As many of you may be aware, Pink Shirt Day is celebrated nationally on February 28th to show that, as a society, we will not tolerate bullying. We are asking Annie Gale students to wear pink shirts on February 28th in support of the Canada wide anti-bullying campaigns and our own school’s efforts to make all feel welcome and respected. Our School Resource Officer, David Hayes, will also be joining us at the school this month to again talk to our students about respectful use of technology and how best to interact with others in responsible ways.
We hope all our families will also enjoy time together when celebrating Family Day, a holiday on February 19, which occurs after the Calgary Teachers Convention scheduled for February 15 and 16tthis month. Of course there will be no school for students on these days. We once again invite our parents and guardians to join us at our school council meeting scheduled for February 26 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
As always, if you have any celebrations, questions, or concerns you wish to share, please feel free to contact me at the school. Enjoy the month!
