May 03
April 28th, 2023
Dear Families,

A gentle reminder to families that with spring upon us the planters in the Discovery Garden are now/will be home to seeds and plants/flowers. As a community, we can respect the space by ensuring nobody is digging in the planters. Students and staff would like to thank you for your attention to the planting/growing process.


Understanding Social Media and Youth Well-Being

The Calgary Board of Education is inviting all community members to join us for an inspiring evening of learning with experts in understanding social media. Social media has been around for decades and is commonly used by all. These digital platforms allow any user to create or share content in forms of posts, photos, videos, and connection. Teenagers need support and education to develop the skills to manage their social media use. This session will explore social media use among youth and tools to help your child learn to use social media platforms in a health and responsible way.  

On May 2, the CBE’s Well-Being team will host a free online session where parents will be able to join and learn from experts in the field of health promotion​​​​, ask questions and receive follow-up materials.  

You are invited to join us at the virtual session from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Click HERE on Tuesday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. to join the session 

Understanding Social Media

Child and Youth Well-Being Series for Families and Caregivers Tuesday, May 2, 20236:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

CBE educators believe that parents and caregivers can inspire their kids to make healthy lifestyle choices and increase protective factors — in order to do so, they need the right tools and information. Since our understanding of student health and well-being is evolving, it is important for parents to stay up-to-date on the same information so everyone is supporting student success. This is the last session offered in a five-part Child and Youth Well-Being for Families and Caregivers learning series that is offered at no-cost to all Calgary Board of Education employees, families, and community members between December, 2022 and May, 2023.  

The intention of the series is to advance student well-being by raising family and caregiver’s understanding of a variety of health-related topics. You are a key partner in your child’s education and student well-being is critically linked to student achievement. 

Thank you for your time and consideration to join us.

Important Upcoming Dates​

Friday, May 5 – Non-instruction day (no classes)

Monday, May 22 – Victoria Day (no classes)

Monday, May 29 – Non-instruction day (no classes)

Tuesday, May 30 – Tune Filled Tuesday 10:30 am (details to follow)

From CJP School Council

May 1 is Principal’s Day! We are so grateful for Mr. Fisher and Ms. El-Guebaly's leadership in our community. Help us celebrate by encouraging your child to give them a high five and say thanks on Monday when they spot their Principal and Assistant Principal in the hallway or out on the playground! If your child would like to make them a card or write a note, we are sure they would love that as well!

We also have a sign up available for breakfast for the staff on Friday, May 12 – Click here if you would like to bring some baking or help us coordinate the items. Thank you in advance for your help!

Fun Lunch: Friday, April 28 is the final day to order Subway for Fun Lunch on Wednesday, May 3. Order at healthyhunger.ca.

Growing Smiles Fundraiser: We're 28% of the way to our $2,000 fundraising goal. Support the Parent Association's initiatives at CJP by ordering beautiful plants online.

Order Online: cjppa.growingsmilesfundraising.com

Order Deadline: Sunday, May 7, 2023

Plant Delivery/Pick-up: Wednesday, May 24, 2023, time TBD

Questions: Email Candace at fundraisingforcjp@gmail.com

School Council & Parent Association Elections  - May 15, 2023

The 23/24 School Council Elections will be held Monday, May 15th at the School Council Meeting - 6:30 p.m. - Online OnlyThe 23/24 Parents Association Elections will be held Monday, May15th at the Parents Association Meeting - 7:30 p.m. - Online OnlyAgendas and Meeting Link will be made available ahead of the meetings. 

CJP School Council Executive 2022-2023 (Elected) 

Position

Name

Chair

1 Nomination

Vice-Chair

1 Nomination

Secretary

1 Nomination

Treasurer

1 Nomination

Key Communicator

Vacant

Volunteer Coordinator

1 Nomination

Kindergarten Representative (AM)

Vacant

Kindergarten Representative (PM)

Vacant

CJP School Council Representative 2022-2023 (Appointed)

MAPSS Representative

Vacant

CJP Parents Association Executive 2022-2023 (Elected)

Position

Name

Chair

1 Nomination

Vice-Chair

1 Nomination

Secretary

1 Nomination

Treasurer

1 Nomination

Casino Director

1 Nomination

Director at Large

Vacant

Director at Large

Vacant

CJP Parents Association Committee Coordinators (Appointed)

Committee

Name

Communications Coordinator(s)

Vacant

Events Coordinator(s) 

Vacant

Staff Appreciation Coordinator(s)

Vacant

Sincerely,

Oliver Fisher, Principal​



Sep 23
September 23rd, 2022
​Dear CJP Families,

I’m happy to hear last night’s Family Picnic/Meet the Teacher was a huge success. I’d like to apologize once more for being unable to attend. Though we are intentional in seeking out opportunities to welcome families to share in student learning and school events that take place throughout the year, please know that the staff and administration at CJP are always willing to have a conversation with families about any concerns or questions you might have. Our door is always open so to speak, so please don’t ever hesitate to reach out.

Important Upcoming Dates

Monday, Sept. 26 – School Council Meeting 6:30 PM (see details below)

Tuesday, Sept. 27 – Terry Fox Run (please refer to your student’s Google Classroom for time)

Friday, Sept. 30 – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (no classes)

Terry Fox Run | Tuesday, September 27th
On the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 27th CJP students will be participating in the annual Terry Fox Run. We are excited to announce that CJP students will be returning to a community run for this special event and CJP students will complete the run together in one of two groups. There will be two separate start times for the groups, the first from 9:30 – 10:00 am, and the second from 1:30 - 2:00 pm. Please refer to your student’s Google Classroom to determine when they are scheduled to run. Parents are welcome to join students here at the school during their scheduled run time. A Toonie for Terry is always encouraged if you are able.

From CJP School Council

Playground Update
We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to everyone that volunteered last week! It was so amazing to see what could be accomplished in just 4 days. The surfacing began being installed on Thursday. We are confident that the kids will be playing on the new playground by Mid-October. 

Fun Lunch 2022/23
Our first fun lunch is Wednesday October 19, 2022 with Jugo Juice. The order deadline is the Friday before (October 14) and late orders cannot be accommodated. Check out www.CJPPA.ca/fundraising for future dates and to register your child. You can also register directly at www.healthyhunger.ca/parent-register. We need volunteers with valid police clearance to help distribute lunches, can you help? Sign up for October 19 and future lunches at www.CJPPA.ca/volunteer

CJP Spirit Wear
Show your CJP spirit with a new selection of CJP gear in designs inspired by our new playground! Items include cotton and athletic shirts, zip up and pullover hoodies and ball caps. Online ordering will open on September 28. The order deadline is October 14 (same as your Fun Lunch deadline!) with delivery expected in late October. Visit www.CJPPA.ca/fundraising for a sneak peek. 

Spirit Wear Giveaway! 
Connect with the School Council and Parents Association and enter to win CJP Spirit Wear! Everyone in our Facebook group, following our Instagram and Twitter accounts and on our Vihara email distribution list as of September 28, 2022 will be entered to win a CJP Spirit Wear t-shirt of their choosing. The more places you follow us, the more chances you have to win. We'll also do a draw for all attendees of the CJP School Council & Parents Association meeting on Monday, September 26.

CJP School Council and Parent Association Meeting All are welcome! Monday, Sept. 26th @ 6:30pm - In person at the School's Learning Commons & Via the following link: 

Click here to join the meeting

At the School Council (SC) meeting there will be: 
- School Leadership Update - Teacher Presentation (Kindergarten and Fine Arts) - School Council By-Election (Vice Chair, Key Communicator, Volunteer Coordinator, Kindergarten Representative Am, and PM) 

At the Parent Association (PA) meeting there will be: 
- Committee Updates - Budget Presentation and Vote - Parent Association By-Election (VIce Chair, Director at Large) - Volunteer Opportunities   

If you are interested in more information about the available SC/PA positions please email CJPParentAssociation@gmail.com.  See you Monday evening. 

The agendas for the School Council & Parent Association Sept. 26th meetings and the minutes from the May 18th meetings can be found in the included attachments:

CJP PA Agenda 26 September 2022.pdf 

CJP SC Agenda 26 September 2022.pdf 


Sincerely,

Oliver FisherPrincipal



Sep 16
September 16th, 2022
​Dear CJP Families,

We hope families are successfully settling into school routines and finding their rhythm as we move towards the end of September. Here at the school students have comfortably settled into classroom routines and have become focused on the learning tasks at hand. We made it through picture day and the new playground is getting closer and closer to completion. A very big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers that were out last week putting the playground together. The volunteer build portion of the project was completed on Friday evening and later this week the surfacing installation will happen. Focus in the school this week is shifting to our upcoming Terry Fox Run and Truth & Reconciliation Week.

Important Upcoming Dates

Thursday, Sept. 22 – CJP Family Picnic

Friday, Sept. 23 – Non-instruction day (no classes)

Monday, Sept. 26 – School Council Meeting (details to follow)

Tuesday, Sept. 27 – Terry Fox Run (please refer to your student’s Google Classroom for time)

Friday, Sept. 30 – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (no classes)

CJP Family Picnic | Thursday, September 22nd @ 5:00 – 7:00 pm​​​​​​​We are extremely excited to welcome you to our CJP Family Picnic on the evening of Sept. 22nd, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. We are expecting five food trucks from the YYC Food Trucks fleet, the weather seems to be holding, and this will be a great opportunity to become (re)acquainted with your student’s classroom teacher. We do plan to have classrooms open between 5:45 and 6:15 pm to allow students an opportunity to show families their classroom. We’re hopeful you can make it!

*A gentle reminder these are still early days… the purpose of this event is to connect with your student’s teacher, but not yet to discuss student achievement.

Volunteer Clearance Appointments | September 22ndWe will have appointments available in the school office on September 22nd from 5:45 – 6:15 pm to begin the volunteer clearance process for parents who wish to volunteer in the school this year. If you would like to book a 10-minute appointment, please call the school office between 9:30 – 11:30 am Monday through Friday. Volunteer clearances must be initiated in person with a piece of government issued photo ID.

Appointments are also scheduled for:
  • Thursday, October 6th from 3:00 – 4:30 pm
  • Friday, October 14th from 12:30 – 2:00 pm

Terry Fox Run | Tuesday, September 27th
On the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 27th CJP students will be participating in the annual Terry Fox Run. We are excited to announce that CJP students will be returning to a community run for this special event and CJP students will complete the run together in one of two groups. There will be two separate start times for the groups, the first from 9:30 – 10:00 am, and the second from 1:30 - 2:00 pm. Please refer to your student’s Google Classroom to determine when they are scheduled to run. Parents are welcome to join students here at the school during their scheduled run time. A Toonie for Terry is always encouraged if you are able.


School/Home Communication FolderEach CJP student will be bringing home a purple School/Home communication folder by the end of the day Tuesday, September 20th. We would appreciate if you could please take some time to read the action sheet on the top of the forms package enclosed in the folder. Please note - there are paper forms to fill out and return to the school.

Online Forms to Complete*For those that have yet to compete the electronic demographic verification / annual authorization forms, we ask that you please do so before the end of September.

The CBE sent a School Messenger email to all CBE families to let them know about most of the yearly start of the year forms moving to an online format through your MyCBE PowerSchool account. These include the Demographic Verification form that helps ensure we are able to contact you in the case of an emergency, and the annual authorization forms that pertain to photos of students around the school. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete these forms in the coming days to ensure we have this important information.

If you require any assistance with making your MyCBE account, please visit this website: https://www.cbe.ab.ca/support/... 

Sincerely,

Oliver FisherPrincipal



Sep 12
September 9th, 2022
​Dear CJP Families,

I’m happy to share it’s been a hugely successful beginning to our 2022-23 school year. The students have already settled into a comfortable routine and wherever I go around the school I’m met with excited greetings and smiling faces. There was a minor hiccup with Bus D in the first couple of days, but it seems that has been worked out. The buzz now is all about when that new playground will be ready to go… more on that below in the school council section.

Online Forms to Complete

The CBE sent a School Messenger email to all CBE families to let them know about most of the yearly start of the year forms moving to an online format through your MyCBE  account. These include the Demographic Verification form that helps ensure we are able to contact you in the case of an emergency, and the annual authorization forms that pertain to photos of students around the school. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete these forms in the coming days to ensure we have this important information.

If you require any assistance with making your MyCBE account, please visit this website: https://www.cbe.ab.ca/support/... 

Important Upcoming Dates

Thursday, Sept. 15 – CJP Picture Day

Thursday, Sept. 22 – CJP Family Picnic (more details to follow next week - please note this is an after school/evening event)

Friday, Sept. 23 – Non-instruction day (no classes)

Tuesday, Sept. 27 – Terry Fox Run (more details to follow next week)

Friday, Sept. 30 – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (no classes)

Bussing Reminders

Just a reminder to parents that are registered to ride the bus that it is highly recommended they make use of the http://www.mybusstop.ca/ website and/or mobile app. This is a GPS tracking service, which delivers real-time information on a subscriber’s bus location, route stops, route traffic, route schedule, route progress, and possible route delays. The code for the school can be found in your MyCBE account beside the bus/bus stop information.

One more bussing note for registered riders… if you know your student is not going to be riding the bus for any reason, can you please call the school at (403) 777-6170 and select option 2 to leave us a message. Please do your best to leave the message before 3:15 PM on Monday-Thursday and before 12:45 PM on Friday. This helps us to more efficiently and more accurately determine which students should and should not be on the bus each day. Your support with this is greatly appreciated.

From CJP School Council

The playground project is well underway! The volunteer build will run September 13th-17th. We would like to thank everyone who signed up to volunteer or to bring snacks for the volunteers. We are still looking for a few more volunteers Saturday the 17th. If you would like to volunteer or can drop off some snacks please sign up here: https://signup.com/go/udtTSMA

As well, we would like to thank all CJP families for giving the construction crews lots of space to work. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN ALLEY. We would ask that during the build everyone avoid the alleyway as much as possible. Monday the 12th and Tuesday the 13th we will have large semi-trailers backing up through the alley to deliver equipment. Alternate parking is available next to the Brentwood Sportsplex. 
We appreciate your support and cannot wait to play on the new playground with you all. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to us at cjp.playground@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Oliver Fisher, Principal


May 27
May 27th, 2022

Dear CJP Families, 

This week, we opened our doors to our new CJP students and families. This was an opportunity for students who will be part of our community in September to take a look around, learn a bit about the school, take a peek at a classroom and meet teachers who will be teaching them next year. We offer an orientation for both new Kindergarten students, Hamptons students and all other students who will transfer to CJP in the summer.  

The Gym was “socially distance” packed. The energy in the school was high. Teachers and guests alike were so excited to be in the school.  

The evening was a total success. Teachers left here energized at meeting new families and knowing that the time is perfect to welcome our current families back inside the building.  

We know there are many, many (too many) families who have never been in the building, never seen their child’s classroom. We can’t wait to have you back inside the building.  

We are planning to host a Grade 6 farewell ceremony later in June. This will continue to be socially distanced and reduced capacity. However, it is a great start. 

Nest year, we will continue to hold parent-teacher conferences on-line for those who prefer that. And, we will offer times for parents to come into the classroom and meet face to face with the teacher.  

It has been too long. We are so pleased that last night went so well. We can’t wait to welcome all of our CJP families back into the building. 

While not in the building, we hope to see you on Monday for Music Monday. We have had several dress rehearsals. It is going to be amazing. We look forward to seeing you on Monday. If the weather is poor, we will postpone to Tuesday. If you are in doubt, an e-mail will be sent out on Monday around 8:15 to confirm plans.  

See you Monday! 

Dr. Bettesworth 



Mar 05
March 5th, 2022

​Hello CJP families!

Could this be a final Covid Update... 

This week, on Monday, the second mask restriction was lifted in the province. As you have all seen over the past week, many people, perhaps even most, continue to wear masks. At the present time I believe wearing a mask is a good choice, for two reasons. Certainly Covid is still “in the air” and a mask will protect the wearer from germs. Also, as a society and a community, we have become quite accustomed to wearing a mask. It is almost like a security blanket, it makes us feel safe. Sometimes it is the feeling of safety that allows us to feel comfortable, and that is completely fine because we know, a child who feels safe learns best. As restrictions continue to be lifted, here at CJP we are once again embracing the change and learning to pivot. As a community of learners and educators, we have to make some decisions. Therefore, this is likely the first communication related to moving, step by step out of the pandemic and back to our new normal at CJP. I believe we all have a strong desire to move back to “normal”. But, in saying that, I wonder what normal is and what will make us pivot once again as 20/20 hind sight is a very powerful thing. 

As always, I am committed to communication as I believe this is the most important piece when leading such a large and diverse community. We will be thoughtful and cautious in our decisions to move towards what once was considered “normal”.  

There have been many changes to our daily practice with the pandemic. Some things though, have not changed. We will continue to sanitize tables, chairs, and touch points on a very regular basis (many times a day). Hand sanitizer will continue to be available, and students will be encouraged to sanitize or wash their hands often through the day. The Alberta Health Checklist continues to be used for all staff, students, and visitors in the building. We kindly request that all students who are not well stay home, just like our teaching and support team does.  covid-19-information-alberta-health-daily-checklist-updated January 2022.pdf  

Transportation – Students and drivers alike do not need to wear masks any longer. CBE transportation is not aligned with Calgary Transit.  

Cohorts – after Spring Break, we will start relaxing our cohorts.  We know that students are very excited about the opportunity to play with students from other classes when outside, we also know many students are concerned about relaxing cohorts. Likewise, families in our community have very mixed emotions about relaxing cohorts. Teachers will lead class meetings in the following weeks to hear concerns and celebrations from students. Teachers will also use this time to prepare students for new outdoor expectations as we relax cohorting.   

Masking – Mask wearing is no longer mandatory in the CBE. As such, families are welcome to be on the school grounds without masks, volunteers can be in the building without masks, students and staff do not need to wear masks. Currently, a majority of students and staff continue to wear masks in the building. We will support students and staff in whatever their decision is. We are also very aware that decisions are personal and opinions about mask wearing, whether pro or con, are personal and need not enter the conversation. We will respect everyone for the personal decision they make. 

Assemblies – these large gatherings, indoors, continue to raise anxiety and concern among our staff and some students. We will not be moving quickly towards these events. Keeping kids and staff safe is our most prudent approach at this time. As such, we are hopeful to host a grade 6 farewell indoors in June along with an ending of the year assembly. The ending of the year assembly may not include families – that is yet to be determined. If we continue to see the decline in case counts and covid truly becomes a thing of the past, we will revisit this decision and ponder school wide assemblies earlier in the year.  

Classroom Changes – in the weeks to come, teachers will begin to move away from sitting in rows to sitting in table groups. Table groups are much more productive, inclusive and collaborative. We know kids learn better with these seating arrangements.  We will also start re-grouping students in different ways that may include students from other classes.

Lunchroom – we have had several classes eat lunch at lunch tables in the gym in the past. At the present time, we have no plans to move back to eating in the gym. If staffing shortages do occur, we could revert back to this, but, remain hopeful we can remain with all students eating lunch in their classrooms. 

Buddy Classes – this is one of the highlights for all students. For almost 2 years there has been no mixing between grades. We are hopeful to being introducing Buddy Classes after Spring Break. 

Fieldtrips and Year End Celebrations (Sports Day and Movie Day) - Fieldtrips are a go. Teachers may plan trips as they have in the past. This could include trips to a variety of locations in the city or walking fieldtrips to amazing places in our community. Sports Day and Movie Day occur at the end of June. We anticipate these should go ahead. 

We appreciate your understanding and kindness as we move forward with fewer restrictions.

Dr. Bettesworth



Feb 28
February 28th, 2022

Help and Support for Social Situations 

We have known for months that social interactions amongst our youth have suffered during the pandemic. The subtle erosion of regular social interaction and what that might mean for children in the long run has been asked often. 

School is not just a place where children learn academics. It’s how they learn to get along, navigate and negotiate with their same age peers. The social spaces of online school — a Zoom call here, a Google Meet there, Messenger Kids, looks a lot different than the hallways, lunchrooms, and playground of in-person school. At school, in these typical places children learn how to share, follow rules, and solve complex problems. 

Over the past two years, our children have not has the opportunity to develop these skills as we would have hoped. There is so much learning that happens when kids socialize. 

By being around peers, children develop executive functioning skills. Those include things like impulse control, the ability to hold multiple thoughts simultaneously, and the mental flexibility to solve nuanced problems. These executive functioning skills aid the development of traditional academic skills like numeracy and literacy. These skills don’t just develop in a vacuum, they develop in the context of being in situations where you have to interact with your peers. 

There has never been this kind of widespread interruption to social life as the last two years. Most of our kids will be fine, they will likely struggle, but, they will make it. They’ll find ways to recover what’s lost with the help of parents, teachers, and their natural resiliency. This is where we need your help, our children do need your help, understanding and awareness. They need conversation and expectations from parents that align with expectations from school and the larger social community. Keep your hands to yourself, be kind, share, listen carefully, take your turn, wait patiently, take a deep breath and try to regulate your emotions.  

I am hearing too often from parents when we make those difficult calls home - “my child has never done that before, or, this has never happened before”. Yes true, because we have never spent so much time on-line, locked down and away from others. This does have an impact and we are seeing this impact every day at CJP.  

What can you do? Spend time with your child. Talk to your child about expectations. Listen to what your child is telling you. Don’t respond or react, just listen and help them problem solve. Always ask your child what they did, what their responsibility in this situation is, what they could have done differently. We shouldn’t listen to stories about the “other guy”, that isn’t helpful, no one can change the “other guy” and we at school can’t speak to you about the others, only your own. We can impact our own child. Our kids are amazing, they simply need time, attention, and great coaching. Thank you for your help. 

Have a great weekend - Enjoy the warmer temperatures!

Dr. Bettesworth


Feb 14
February 11th, 2022

​​Dear CJP Families, 

As a community we have faced many celebrations and we have also faced many challenges. Together we have all managed to find the best path and the best solutions to all we have faced as an educational community. In the last few days I have received many, many communications and messages from families about the upcoming health changes, to masking in particular. I appreciate all of the kind and thoughtful messages you have sent to me – thank you. I read each and every one. Sadly, I do not have time to address them individually, however, I will attempt to share the information I have with our community. As always, when I learn more I will update you all accordingly. 

I know there are families in our community who believe I have influence and impact on provincial/ ministry decisions that are made that affect our school. In regards to the pandemic, the health restrictions, the restrictions and expectations from AHS – these I have no influence over nor do I have any impact on those making the decisions. Like all adults in our community, my impact is when I vote in civic and provincial elections. Knowing this, it is important to know that I have no control over the newest mandates from our Provincial Government. I am required to follow the expectatations that have been shared. I am expected to lead our community in this effort. Information about masking is written lower in this message.  

Every student will be warmly welcomed to CJP on Monday. If your child is wearing a mask or isn’t wearing a mask they will be embraced and welcomed. If your child comes to school with a mask on, we will continue to support them to wear the mask correctly and suggest when they should take a mask break or safely remove the mask to eat/drink. If your child comes with no mask, we will love them just the same.  From time to time, there are issues that can be quite divisive in a community. Mask wearing is one such issue. Our team here will continue to follow all expectations shared by the government. We will also support every child with the decisions they make about mask wearing. If you do plan to send your child to school with a mask, kindly share your expectations for mask wearing with them. We will encourage and support those students who have masks, but, we are unable to enact different expectations for children according to their parent’s wishes. Please make your expectations clear to your child. 

In regards to all other expectations and policies put in place during the pandemic. Schools (and the CBE) are still waiting for direction from the Ministry in regards to all other safety measures put in place. At the time of writing this message to you, there has been no written communication from the Government nor the CBE in regards to cohorts, playground rules before and after school, expectations for masking of adults on the courtyard/ field before and after school etc. Since we continue to wait for guidance, we will continue to follow the expectations set out before us until we hear differently. It is easier to maintain the status quo than to continue to change things. There has been enough change already. When we are given updates, we will share these accordingly. Your understanding of this is very appreciated. I am sure there will be more updates in the days and weeks ahead. 

I hope your weekend is restorative!  

Enjoy cheering on your favourite country in your favourite sport. 

Faster. Higher. Stronger. Together! 

Dr. Bettesworth 


Jan 17
January 16th, 2022

Hello CJP Families! 

We would like to welcome new families who joined us over the winter break. It is always nice to have new faces and new friends join our community.  This past week we also had a great opportunity to meet many, many new community families and prospective Montessori families. We are always energized by speaking about our amazing school and sharing stories of our amazing learning community.  You all make it easy to share great things about CJP.  With Kindergarten orientation opening on January 17 I am reminded of how quickly time passes for those already in our building and how exciting the unknown is for those starting their public school journey in September.  

This week we returned after an extended winter break. We all returned with a bit of hesitation and also the confidence in knowing CJP staff pivot quickly to continue to provide our learners and staff with the safest environment possible in the context of a pandemic. We can’t forget our community. Thank you for sending your children to us on a daily basis, trusting that we will do our very best to keep them safe. Thank you also for keeping your children at home when they are not well. Our community thanks everyone for being diligent in using the AHS Checklist daily, taking your child’s temperature daily, and for keeping your children home when they are feeling unwell. 

The facts for the first week of school in January 2022; The school no longer receives updates from Alberta Health when a child tests positive for covid. There continues to be some families who notify us that their child or a sibling in the family is positive. We are grateful to those who are diligent in following the guidelines from Alberta Health when their partially vaccinated child is a close contact or tests positive.  When you do this you are demonstrating your care for the larger community. For this – we all say thank you! Families have been quick to respond to our request to pick up their child when they are un-well.  

The reality, as a community, we are calm. We are diligent about sending our children with masks and reminding them to keep distance from others and wash hands (or sanitize) often.  At the time of writing this, we still have no idea when our masks and rapid tests will arrive. There are many schools in the NW that have not received their shipment. When they arrive, we will let you know. We are also painfully aware that Covid is in our community, in our school. With almost 600 children and adults in the building every day, it would be foolish to think we are free from Covid. When we look at attendance in some of our classes, or watch as some children leave the building feeling unwell – we know Omocron is present. Today our staff are strong, the virus has not yet affected them. We are hopeful this continues so as not to interrupt face to face learning.  We will be sharing more information at School Council this week should you like to hear more details about what is happening here at CJP. 

Different from this time last year, there is no stigma faced by those who test positive for Covid-19. I stand strong in my belief that our community understands no one seeks out Covid-19 and no one would try and inflict any harm to our community. I am so impressed with how supportive, kind and thoughtful our community has been in the days since our return to school. Thank you for your generosity, kindness and calm. Thank you for your kind words of support and your silent cheers of support as we continue to do all we can to keep our amazing community safe.  Yet again evidence that we are all in this together.  

Dr. Bettesworth and Ms. El-Geubaly ​


Nov 12
November 10th, 2021

Dear CJP Families, 

We are fast approaching one of the most important days of the year. A day to remember and reflect. A day to appreciate the men and women who currently serve to protect our great country. And a day to remember those in the past who went off to war on our behalf, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. A sacrifice meant to keep Canada strong and free. A sacrifice paid for with blood and tears. But how can I explain this to my school-age children? How can I impress upon them the importance of this very special day? I'll admit it's a difficult task, one I should attempt.  

Here are some of the things I do to help my children understand the importance of Remembrance Day. I talk with my children through the year, not just around Remembrance Day. Perhaps this is easier for us as we have Great Grandpa's war medals proudly on display in our library. This kind of discussion tends to be very short, simple and matter of fact with my 9-year-old, but as she gets older I can really start to share some hard truths with her. Truths like the fact that in many different wars over the years, men and women went off to war for Canada. They left their moms, dads, wives, husbands and, in some cases, kids to trudge off to war. They left the comfort of their home for the cold, wet trenches and left the calm of Canada for the constant fear of war elsewhere. These people were likely afraid. Very afraid. They were likely cold and hungry sometimes. They endured seeing friends die right next to them. They went to sleep each night not knowing if it would be their last. And they did all of this for us. For you and me and all of our fellow Canadians. And we should be grateful. Not just on Nov. 11 each year, but every day.  

For my children, I try to make things personal, when possible. I tell my children about a friend or relative who fought for our country. I have a cousin who was in the services for most of his adult life. We often share his stories, especially when we see him. I tell them about their dad's grandfather who served in the Second World War, leaving his wife and two young daughters at home. He missed the birth of his third daughter, and met her for the first time when she was four! Great Grandpa was trained as a tank mechanic and served in Germany, Italy, and France. He returned home to Canada, wounded from a gunshot to the leg. While Great Grandpa has been gone for many years, he is still regarded as a hero in our family. I try my best to explain why we fight wars. I try to explain to my kids that Canada might be a very different place if our soldiers had not joined forces with other countries to fight against evil. I talk about why wars, though awful, are sometimes necessary. Our country might not have remained a place where people could feel safe holding true to their culture, religion and beliefs. This country could possibly be under totally different rule today.  

It took our soldiers, fighting alongside the soldiers of other brave countries, to enable us to continue to be the "true north strong and free." And I am grateful. Sadly, war still exists and I think my children need to know this reality. I will be sure to let my children know that there are soldiers from Canada who are in the line of fire today. They are on peacekeeping missions or are in war torn areas and they are in danger. They are risking their lives even now on behalf of our country.  

Finally, we always attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony. The last few years we have attended ceremonies at either the Field of Crosses on Memorial Drive or the Military Museum. This year, we will watch a ceremony on line, there are many being shared in this format to keep us all distanced and safe. These ceremonies are an amazing opportunity for our children to see the enormity of this day, the impact, and that others also remember. When I am at a ceremony, perhaps even when I watch one on-line,  and the enormity of what's been done for us falls upon me, then sometimes there are tears. Embarrassing for you, my kids? Possibly. But I will never be sorry or ashamed for any single one of those tears. The soldiers who fought gave up so much more than tears. They gave their lives. Their last breath, their life's blood. Their families gave more tears than enough.  

Never forget, the peace and freedom we have in Canada, we owe to those who came before us. Those who bravely fought to make sure no one could take it from us. Thank a veteran today, thank a person in uniform today, thank a senior and let's be so grateful for all they've done, for their sacrifice for our great country. 

Lest we forget. 

Dr. Bettesworth ​


1 - 10Next

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Blog Tools

 ‭(Hidden)‬ About this blog

About this blog
Welcome to SharePoint Blogs. Use this space to provide a brief message about this blog or blog authors. To edit this content, select "Edit Page" from the "Site Actions" menu.
​​

CBE students came away with a number of wins and demonstrated exceptional talent and skills as they competed in Skills Canada Alberta in Edmonton and the 2023 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) in Winnipeg. https://t.co/7Rigvcqpv6 #WeAreCBE https://t.co/GkTJe0yV9C

RT @Indigenous_cbe: The CBE Indigenous Education Team encourages you to celebrate National Indigenous History Month through our🗓️of learning, resources and events honouring Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing & knowing. #WeAreCBE #NIHM2023 https://t.co/3fbIdcWorE https://t.co/SH8t68B0Pj

RT @DHarkness_CBE: At Douglas Harkness, diversity is our 🌈 SUPER POWER! #HarknessHasHeart https://t.co/fG3N6aqBPP

In honor of Pride Month, we celebrate the pursuit of equality for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals & affirm the importance of providing safe & caring environments. We work to cultivate positive learning environments for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. #WeAreCBE https://t.co/SLbPK6bY5o

National Indigenous History Month is a time to explore and appreciate the diverse cultures, traditions and perspectives of First Nations, Inuit and Metis as we deepen our understanding of Indigenous peoples and communities on our Truth and Reconciliation journey #WeAreCBE https://t.co/3ZOrbIc52l