Sep 18
Bayside School, Walking Together

​"When we walk together in a good way, we share wonder as we wander and play." Albert D. Marshall & Louise Zimanyi

​As we enter Bayside School's second year, we are so happy to welcome new friends and new opportunities for learning. We have expanded our community to include grade 5 students as well as many new families in Kindergarten-grade 5 from the communities of Auburn Bay and Mahogany. 

In the picture book Walking Together, by Elder Albert D Marshall & Louise Zimanyi, the authors encourage the reader to "Share your wonder and curiosity- draw, tell, write, and share your stories. Ask questions, build relationships, and look for different ways to know through your two eyes. " Each of our classes began their year with this book, seeking ways to connect our students' learning with the Land. Walking Together shares the Mi'kmaq way of  being in the world and helps us to understand that we all have a responsibility to care for the world around us.

As we build our growing community and a collective sense of responsibility in the world, we are excited to expand our learning beyond the walls of the school with the Campus Calgary/ Open Minds program (https://cbe.ab.ca/ccom/Pages/Home.aspx). Campus Calgary/Open Minds is an innovative program that moves the classroom into the Calgary Community for an entire week of learning! For the 2023-24 school year, all Bayside students in grades 1-5 will have the opportunity to participate and our classes will be visi​ting a variety of amazing sites throughout the Calgary area. Our teachers are participating in intensive professional learning and planning to custom design week-long experiences to meet the needs of their students. Each class's week at Campus Calgary/ Open Minds will provide the catalyst for learning all year and will help our students to become ​engaged thinkers and ethical citizens with an entrepreneurial spirit.​

Grade 1 students will explore the question "what is my story?" this year and when they go to Stampede School

Grade 2 students will be examining how they can make a positive impact on the world when they go to either Zoo School or Calgary Eco School at Ralph Klein Park

Grade 3 students will be Explorers of the world at Library School at the Calgary Central Public Library

Grade 4 students will explore the stories in our world when they visit Jube School at the Jubilee Auditorium 

Grade 5 students have already begun to learn about the impacts of homelessness in our city. They will be visiting Seed School at the Mustard Seed for an incredible learning experience.

It will be an exciting year watching the learning unfold. I can't wait to see not only the impact these amazing learning opportunities have on our students, but also the impact our students will have on our community as a result. 

Parents are encouraged to reach out to your child's teacher if you are able to volunteer. If you haven't already done so, please connect with our office to get started on the Volunteer clearance process.

Darby





Jun 30
Summertime!

​Hello Bayside Families,​

I can't believe we are here at the end of June! As I finish up for the day (and the school year!) I am filled with gratitude for the many, many people who have contributed to the opening of Bayside School. From the constuction, to the equipment, to the staffing and planning... I have felt incredibly supported at every point along the way. It makes me feel confident about the rest of this journey and the exciting work ahead as our school construction is finalized and we prepare to open for our students. 

I would especially like to thank Carol Binder (our Administrative secretary) who has been my right-hand woman the past three months and who always seems to know exactly what needs to be done and how to do it. I also want ot express my gratitude for Calleigh Harder, our Assistant Principal, who has contributed so much over the past few months, even while she was working full time at Chief Justice Milvain School.  We truly have an amazing team and our students and families will be well supported! Ian Fero (Principal of Lakeshor School​), and Tracy Kohan (principal of Mahogany School) have been amazing partners in this unique experience and I am so thankful to have them walking beside me!

Please check your email or the news story on our Website for an introduction to our staff. We will all be taking some time away from our computers and lists to spend time with our families and friends and to reconnect to the world outside of teaching. Calleigh, Carol and I will start back up again in August to prepare for school opening. Our office will be open for emails and phone inquiries on August 22nd. As we get closer to the completion of the building, we will communicate with you about when we will be ready for actual visitors to the Bayside office. You can check our school's back to school page for more information.

Have a safe and relaxing summer!

Darby

May 02
Hello Bayside School Families

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I am thrilled to introduce myself as the principal of the new school being built in Auburn Bay Community, Bayside School. It is a great honour to work with you to build a new school community. I believe that collaborative relationships between students, staff, and families are at the heart of student achievement and well-being. I am committed to working with you to create a vibrant and inclusive school culture and strong community school program in Auburn Bay.

I have worked for the Calgary Board of Education for 25 years in various roles as an educator and instructional leader. Opening a new school is not a new experience for me, having opened Chaparral School as a teacher and Evergreen School as the Assistant Principal. It is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I have had in my career, and I am excited to have the opportunity to lead this amazing work in Auburn Bay.

Since March 7 I have been dedicated to the work of opening Bayside School. In the months leading up to our opening, I am doing many things to prepare. Some of the work includes meeting parents and students, hiring staff, determining the organization of the school and preparing the school budget for the 2022-23 school year.

Bayside School is expected to open in September and will offer regular programming to students in Kindergarten - Grade 4 for the 2022-23 school year. In 2023-24, we will expand to offer Grade 5. I am excited to work with parents, students and staff to build a new school community that reflects the unique qualities of Auburn Bay and is a supportive and positive place for your children to learn.

Our new school Website is a hub of information for families. Please check back regularly for updates as new information is posted when it becomes available. You can also e-mail bayside@cbe.ab.ca with any questions related to new school construction and accommodation.

I am looking forward to partnering with the students, staff and families of Auburn Bay to build a learning culture that honours each student and fosters curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. We have exciting times ahead!

Warm Regards,

Darby McAsey,
Principal


About this blog
No, this isn't actually my picture. I just haven't gotten around to updating this section. It's good to know that someone is reading every last word though. Thanks!
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