Dear Families,
This week’s update is coming to you a day early, so that we can send out a reminder around Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday February 22.
One of the things we have worked diligently on with students and adults in our community this year is the concept of empathy and the ability to use restorative practices when things go wrong. The emphasis in restorative practices is on repairing relationships and changing behaviour, rather than punishment. By fostering empathy and building a learning environment that focuses on social-emotional learning rooted in respect, restorative practices can:
reduce social barriers to learning
engage more students
create a context for understanding and valuing diversity
nurture a sense of belonging
promote positive mental health
A very useful, accessible video about the foundations of restorative practices published by the government of Alberta is located at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX1hdXnh8ks&t=112s
Restorative practices is one of the key things we do school wide to address bullying behaviour when it has occurred. Part of our work on Pink Shirt Day this year will be taking up Circle Conversations related to these topics. The most important thing is for us to lift each other up every day, and not just when we wear a Pink Shirt. Our work at school remains to help students with developing and showing empathy toward one another and treating one another with respect. It’s our actions toward others that show and model healthy relationships, healthy self-esteem, and healthy ways of handling conflict.
Emergency Preparedness
We have entered the “back 9” of the school year and we will be undertaking emergency preparedness drills in the weeks and months to come, which will include a School Wide Lockdown Drill. This week, teachers will review Lockdown procedures with students in anticipation of completing our required “unannounced” practice lockdown. We endeavour to make these experiences as calm and well-organized as possible. Helping students predict and prepare for unforeseen events is a part of the CBE’s commitment to keeping students safe. I will always communicate with you immediately following practice lockdowns so that we do not create unnecessary stress in the community.
CBE Wellness Team Sessions- Save the Date(s)
The CBE Wellness Team has some upcoming sessions as a part of their Child and Youth Well-Being for Families and Caregivers Series. These virtual sessions will be held on the following dates from 6:30-8:30pm.
Understanding Anxiety (April 4, 2023)
Understanding Social Media (May 2, 2023).
Communication about these two sessions will be distributed separately.
Stay Safe, Stay Off Storm Ponds
It’s a great time of year to remind everyone to STAY OFF Cranston’s storm ponds. They might look like an inviting short cut or opportunity to slide around on the way home from school, but they are actually a little bit treacherous. Before heading outside to play this winter, The City of Calgary wants to remind all of us to be safe while enjoying winter walks and outdoor skating. The city of Calgary and community-designated outdoor skating rinks are open, offering fun, free skating for all skill levels. Rinks maintained by The City are checked daily for ice thickness and quality, and surfaces are flooded as needed to make sure they’re safe for skating. Prior to lacing up, it’s important to remember that not all ice surfaces are safe. While our community storm ponds may look inviting, the City of Calgary wants to remind us that recreational activities are not allowed on them. Storm ponds play an important role, providing protection from overland flooding while returning cleaner water back to the river, but they have hidden hazards that make them dangerous to people and pets. Rapidly changing water levels cause unstable air gaps and quickly changing depths. The ponds also have sediment and contaminants (e.g., bacteria, fertilizers, pesticides, vehicle fluids, metals and road salt) that are collected as water travels across properties, streets, and roads that can weaken the ice. That’s why it’s not safe to skate, walk or play on storm ponds.
Upcoming Dates:
February 22
February 28
March 4
March 9
March 10
March 21
March 27 – 31
April 7
April 10
April 25
As always, please feel free to contact me at csmalette@cbe.ab.ca OR 403 817 3556.
Chantal Malette
Principal, Dr. George Stanley School
