| Thank you to everyone who participated in our school planning engagement. We know we make better decisions to support student learning when we build understanding and work together. Please note that the results below are based on fewer than 10 responses from our community. The feedback we received is compiled at the links below and will be thoughtfully considered in making decisions about school planning.
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| Greeting Parents & Guardians: Happy Mid-February. I hope this finds everyone well! As a parent or guardian, you probably appreciate how student progress and growth are vital. School is about learning and, to achieve new knowledge and skills, mistakes can and will occur. We encourage you to have conversations with your children about where they are improving and to celebrate growth- not perfection. While achieving the best academic outcomes is a great goal, we want to pay attention to the process of growth. Take the time to look over report cards with your children and ask “where have you improved?" At Crossing Park School, we know that the power of learning and growth lies in conversations and report cards should be a simple and accessible source of information about student growth and achievement to-date. We heard parents and students say, “make report cards as easy to understand as possible". Accordingly, we simplified the process and would ask that you, your children and teachers continue the conversation about learning, mistakes, growth and achievement. It's the learning part of “safe, happy and learning" that makes up our wonderful K-9 community. A few reminders: Teacher Convention and Family Day weekend is coming up. The 16th- 20th of February means no school for students. Our staff will be engaged in professional learning and some time with their own families. When educators know more, students do better. Plus, we know that schools are busy and stimulating places and everyone deserves some rest. We wish you and your families the best over Family Day weekend! Learn and Share | School Planning We know we make better decisions to support student learning when we build understanding and work together. That's why, we'll be sharing information about school planning and asking you to share your perspectives. During this engagement, you will have the opportunity to: 1. Learn About:
- School planning; which includes the school development plan, school budget and school fees
- How the school development plan sets the overall focus and direction for a school to improve student learning outcomes
- How the school budget provides funding to implement our school development plan
- School fees and why they are necessary
2. Participate: Watch this short video to learn about the planning work schools do to improve and support student learning. Our current school development plan and 2021-22 fees information can be found here: https://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/crossingpark/about-us/school/pages/default.aspx A planning presentation shared at School Council on January 30th, 2023 can be found here: https://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/crossingpark/get-involved/community-engagement/pages/default.aspx. Thank you for supporting our school planning through this engagement survey. As always, we are here if you have any questions and can arrange translator services if required. Best, Andrew Bews Principal
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| With temperatures dipping well below -30c for the past few days, we are certainly reminded that we are well into December. In fact, the winter holiday is upon us! With so many cultures represented at Crossing Park School, we see a variety of events ranging from Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza and Chinese New Year. In the coming months we will see families observe Ramadan and other cultural celebrations. Regardless of the particular holiday your family observes, we wish you the very best over the break (December 22nd- Jan 16th) and will continue to support your children and families into 2023 and beyond! Please note: we have adapted with a number of indoor activities for students during the extremely cold weather. We do ask that families note that our teachers are here to supervise and prepare for the start time of 8:00am and we open doors at 7:50am. We have accommodated students who have been dropped off early to ensure their safety. However, because we are staffed to supervise after 7:50am, we would ask that you make every attempt to make sure students are dropped off or arrive by walking close to the 7:50am time slot. This is about supervising students to be safe. Again, we do our very best to make sure students are safe, happy and learning at Crossing Park. Traffic is ultimately a parent responsibility. The school cannot mandate road changes or driving habits. We can only promote safe walking and address parking on our property. Being safe around the school is a legal matter and expected. We need drivers to take personal responsibility- especially during icy conditions. As you have probably heard, Crossing Park School's calendar is shifting to align with all CBE schools. For long-term planning and reasoning, please note the links included in this message. More information about how this decision came to be and what we heard is available here:
https://engage.cbedialogue.com/en/projects/possible-changes-to-cbe-school-calendars Though this system level decision was made to have an overall positive impact, we know it does require staff and families to make adjustments in preparing for the 2023-24 school year. The CBE is committed to working collaboratively with school leaders and staff at modified-calendar schools to provide a smooth transition for families affected by this decision. The instructional calendar for 2023-24 has been approved and is available here:
https://www.cbe.ab.ca/registration/calendars/Pages/traditional-calendar.aspx Lastly, we were delighted to invite our Chief Superintendent, Chris Usih and our Area 4 Director, Lisa Nachtigal for a visit last week. The positive and rigorous learning that was culturally appropriate was noted. In particular, our work around math reasoning and spoken language were sources of pride for our community. We are proud to deliver great programming!
We know 2023 will bring great opportunity and change. From calendars shifting, to our school capping the total numbers based on facility capacity, to welcoming new teachers- we will be a bit different. However, these changes will be made thoughtfully and in support of our ultimate goal; safe, happy and learning. As we pay close attention to these aspects, we know our future is in bright hands with our students growing up as future leaders.
If you have any questions- please let us know directly. We are here to listen, to help and elaborate on anything.
Our school council is always looking for parents to join or attend. Please contact us if you'd like to sit in or know more! Best wishes,
Andrew Bews
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First and foremost- Happy Diwali to all of those who celebrate the occasion! The recent snowfall has reminded us of the passing of time since we began the 2022-23 school year. While the weather has changed, our vision has not- creating a safe, and happy learning environment. To meet this important aim, we need to know who we are as a community. To address safety, we need people to feel known and understood. To address happiness (which includes the idea of engagement) people need to see themselves reflected in the space and programming. Deeper learning occurs when learners feel safe and happy (engaged) as students can go beyond memorizing facts and into critical thought around more universal concepts. And, on this level, Crossing Park is situated perfectly to foster global thinking- an advantage we maintain. Consider the following information on the school's complexion for 2022-23: Crossing Park School houses close to 1200 students and over 80 staff members. Among this group of people, 74% speak a language other than English. 50 people identify as Indigenous. There are over 50 nations represented. These statistics alone speak to our diversity. This means that we have an array of perspectives when considering solutions to community matters. Moreover, it means when students are learning from both teachers or by way of tackling academic questions or problems as peers, there are many perspectives to draw upon. This is the Crossing Park advantage. Multiple perspectives offer more learning opportunities and a chance for critical reasoning to occur- when we consider multiple perspectives and information as global citizens. Diversity is our strength and when we consider the aim of a "safe, happy, learning" environment, it begins with knowing our community. This not only applies to our goal of improving literacy and numeracy, but also making a place where students thrive as well-rounded people. Establishing an environment where everyone shares a sense of belonging is our School Development Plan goal for wellness. That is, we will focus particular efforts in tracking how we are making for a school where kids feel like they belong. Again, thanks to everyone for helping to support our diverse community. Wishing you the best as we head into November.
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| Hello Families: What a difference a year makes. 12 months ago, Crossing Park School had a very different look and feel. Many new teachers with strong skills and experience have chosen this community because of the vision and school culture. Some new students have joined us. Most students are returning to the community, but have grown! We have had a very successful school start-up. Key relationships are being formed and teachers, support staff and administration have been working with a newfound energy to collaborate for student success. As you probably know, stringent Covid-19 measures have been lifted meaning that students can mix with each other, join sports teams, intramurals and clubs. The lifting of these measures also supports some important classroom initiatives. Research tells us that consistent teachers in the lives of students teaching and learning can improve when students collaborate with their peers through speaking and listening. This skill might seem automatic, but takes careful work. It also serves as the foundations for literacy and supporting the nearly 80% of our students who speak English as a second language. So, look for us to be focused on this area a lot more as a community. The CBE and school will monitor Covid developments and we will communicate if anything changes. Collaboration though conversation is also a key approach for our teachers. When teachers work together to understand individual learners and more universally relevant programming, we support higher achievement. It is our goal to challenge the many highly capable students to achieve new levels of success. For many, this means experiencing rigorous programming that results in mastery (4s on our grading scale of 1-4). In the short term, our objective is to look at a key question: what does one year of growth look like? What are your child's strengths? Where might they improve and how can we support? Please consider these questions as you connect with our staff. Indeed, we are a community. A team. We are here to make sure every student has what they need to be the best version of themselves by providing a collaborative environment that focusses on a place of safety, happiness and learning. Please remember, you play a role on our team as well. You know your children best and if you feel there are things we need to know or do to support their success, please contact the teacher directly. If you ever need more support or have general questions or concerns, we are here to help. Please monitor the website, the Cobra Connection, email or call teachers as needed or book an appointment. Yours in improvement and collaboration,
Andrew Bews Principal Crossing Park School
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| As a long-time Social Studies teacher and leader of humanities, I often think about culture and history. What is the culture of Crossing Park School and what will history say about how the school progressed beyond 2021-22? Here is a bold prediction; it is about to get better. Having lead a number of schools in different areas, I feel qualified to address this relative question. From the outset of my role as a Principal of this community, it was clear; this is a place where students felt a strong connection. Teachers are collaborative and student-centered. Support staff from the front office to noon hour supervisors to Education Assistants know our students. This is the beauty of a K-9 setting. The beauty of a community that places value and respect in education. Crossing Park maintains a culture of effort, integrity and honor. I see countless interactions that demonstrate a yearning to improve, to get better academically, socially and athletically. Students demonstrate great respect towards teachers and other adults. In short, there is a foundation to grow. Nothing is static or stagnant in this world. That is where we will capitalize on positive change. We will keep the good things and improve on areas that need our attention for the sake of student success! The Opportunity: For staff who are staying, they already understand and have become a part of the new direction- and know that shared leadership is the basis for good decisions around student success. I am pleased to have several respected colleagues from previous settings join us at Crossing Park- in part because they hear very positive things about the community. You will all hear from you child's teacher directly at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. Having a connection is vital as we work together. We are busy building strong teacher teams. This is very important, not just because collaboration is a virtuous notion, but rather because at the heart of good educational programming for students is professional collaboration. Research (including Jenni Donohoo's work on Collective Efficacy) suggests that the collective attitude and belief in student capability and collaboration actually translates into actions that underpin student success. This is a big driver in terms of our next steps as a community. Specifically, around what will we collaborate? The answer: we collaborate for student programming in order to achieve: - Engagement (not compliance but engagement in capturing the hearts and minds of learners who talk about schoolwork beyond the walls of the school. They dream big and feel inspired to do and be more). To this end, we want to hear from you, the parents, and reach out to you with positive experiences of growth!
- Cross-curricular learning experiences where students see the interplay between disciplines and see bigger ideas connect to different topics. For example, math is visible everywhere and Social Studies is alive daily.
- How we personalize tasks for students. Knowing learners strengths and areas of growth lets us “meet them where they are in their learning" and push them to new levels.
- Consistent understanding of assessment. Students need to know how they are doing and how to get better.
- Culturally flexible. Taking up curriculum in ways that celebrate a variety of cultures and helps underpin our Truth and Reconciliation work and Anti-Racist work in meaningful ways. We can program to see many cultures in the classroom and we should.
With these positive areas of focus, history will demonstrate that the 2022-2023 school year at Crossing Park represented a new era. It celebrated the end of a wonderful era before, but embraced a new and bold path that benefits our students even more. I want to thank all the teachers, support staff, students and parents. Together we provide the foundation for a Safe, Happy, Learning environment. To great days behind us. To better days ahead. Sincerely, Andrew Bews, BA (Hons), B.Ed., MA Principal Crossing Park School
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| Greetings Crossing Park Families! The Cobra Connection remains a great place for lots of your information items. For the purpose of this update, I wanted to focus on some positive changes happening here at Crossing Park. These changes relate to the rapidly changing world we live in, which can be unsettling at times (especially over the last couple of years). However, we must remember the opportunities that exist- and to capitalize on these opportunities for the sake of our students. In looking for “real world" application and authentic experiences, schools take several approaches. One way is through “Career and Technology Foundations" or (CTF), these are experiences or courses that are critical to turning students minds on towards potential careers and serve as a part of the equity equation- providing something where everyone can find success. Research clearly demonstrates the value in digital literacy tools and jobs as potential “great equalizers" for non-neuro typical people as well as those who are gaining a better grasp of English- or simply identify as deep introverts or those who “think outside of the box". In fact, there are literally hundreds of unfilled positions in the tech sector in Calgary alone- some in offices, some from home-based locations. These potential careers require passion and skills. The attached article below speaks to the fact that we need schools to offer CTF (through complimentary or option programs) for students to consider next steps in possible careers such as Informational Technologies and 3D print, Coding and Software development. The Calgary area has a longstanding history as an energy and agriculture center. These have brought us real benefits and serves as important sectors. However, the growth of new technical jobs speaks to skills and interests of many students (some who have exceptional needs, those who are emerging in terms of English Language proficiency and those who love new technology, inventing new things and the inclusive, flexible nature of high-tech work. It is our duty as a school with so many capable young students to capitalize on these realities. I am proud to say that Crossing Park is doing just that! We have initiated a new CTF class (grade 7-9) focused on technology (Coding, 3D Print & Robotics). With the generous help of School Council, we have secured an extra $3000 towards making this a reality in 2022-23. Thank you, Martindale! We hope to expand this program and seek out more areas to develop. As an international individual and bigger-picture thinker, I am passionate about leading a school that responds to the needs of students and society as a whole. Great opportunities start here. While changes in the world can be scary, let's focus on, and embrace the many positive changes as we work together for a bright future for our students. Article (Calgary Hearld):
https://calgaryherald.com/fp-work/labour-hungry-manufacturing-sector-has-a-message-for-young-people-think-sci-fi-not-smokestacks/wcm/c049c1e6-c3d6-42c8-8f2c-eafec3cd7570/ As always, I appreciate anyone who wishes to contact me or any member of our staff directly. We are here for you and work as a team.
Sincerely, Mr. Andrew Bews, Principal
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| Greetings Crossing Park School Families: We are a team. I hope this finds everyone well! I continue to be amazed at the Crossing Park community and am excited to focus my leadership on supporting teachers to support students in becoming their very best. I would like to take the opportunity to thank every parent and guardian who took part in parent-teacher conferences. When parents know how their children are progressing, they can help support academic growth. A lot of times, these conversations are about celebrating growth. You don't need to be an expert. It's also important to know that you don't need to be a professional teacher to help your children develop important skills. Reading with your children is often cited as the number one academic activity you can do together to help with their growth. Math can sometimes be intimidating, but as a parent there are practical things you can do to help develop basics. Here are over 10 practical ways you can support with math- no matter what grade*: 
Updates- Included in the Cobra Connection Our focus continues to be on Safety, Happiness & Learning: Safety Items: School Activities Schools are able resume in-person activities, meetings and events with their school communities. This includes allowing indoor spectators at K-9 schools for sports and performances. Principals have an obligation under the Education Act (Section 33) to ensure a safe environment in their schools and continue to have the authority to set attendance limits for events to ensure the safety of students and staff. We may choose to continue on with some virtual events such as school council meetings and parent-teacher conferences. In fact, sometimes virtual events and meetings mean more people can be involved thanks to convenience! With some rare exceptions, masks are no longer required for students, staff or visitors in CBE schools and workplaces. We will be supporting and respecting personal choice- to wear masks or not. Staff will monitor for and address any discrimination or conflict related to choices for mask use. We remind students to let teachers know if they are experiencing issues. We're a team and here to help you child! As part of Step 2, schools are no longer required to cohort students. This shift does not mean schools need to re-design current timetabling or classroom structures. We've had a lot of change and kids need some stability! Schools may choose to retain aspects of schedules and set-ups for the remainder of the school year to avoid learning disruption. Staying Home When Sick and Mandatory Isolation The Daily Health Checklist remains in place and the mandatory requirements to isolate if someone has tested positive for COVID-19 have not changed. Happy Items: We want to take this moment to define “happy". Being happy means enjoying school. It means students find personal interests at school, connections with teachers and peers, sports and athletics as well as option classes they particularly love. It also means being “engaged" in their learning. Other than reading with your child, asking them “what did you learn today?" or “what are you finding interesting at school?" is important. Or job is to turn students on to learning! You as parents are vital in the education journey and we appreciate your engagement with students in their success. If you cannot meet or discuss academic progress with your child's teacher at parent-teacher interview times- don't worry! We can always make time and reschedule to help you. Please let us know- discussing issues or how we can help is always a priority. Learning Items: Covid restrictions being lifted offers some direct learning benefits. We know that students learn from teachers and each other! We are excited to return to classroom routines that allow for maximum benefit. With Covid restrictions easing, students will have more opportunity to work in groups and use more spaces to provide even deeper learning opportunities.
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| First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude and positive impression of the Crossing Park community. The staff, students and parents make this school a positive place to be. This is evident through the pride teachers demonstrate in their programs, classes, and many conversations about the community. Incredible! We also have many guest teachers who love coming back and, from my perspective, a place that is proud and craves collaboration. This month marks the beginning of my journey as the Principal of this Crossing Park School and I want to make sure that my vision and main values are clear. Much of my mission has been informed by engaging with parents, students and staff to help make this community even better. Collaboration is key. Progress occurs, as education expert Helen Temperly suggests, through collaborating with “trust and challenge" in mind. Trust through clarity and rationale and consistency in our actions combined with constructive strategizing and dialogue means that we can be most thoughtful in terms of how we best serve our students. Efficiency and priorities are very important- especially in schools. We have the most important jobs in the world and limited time and resources. This means making sure that our energies are in the right place- classrooms. Relationships with students, programming, assessing and collaborating with peers around this work is job number one. Making this the central focus and finding ways to work more efficiently is truly a “win-win" strategy that I have always valued and promoted. I often cite 3 words to describe our main priorities- SAFE, HAPPY & LEARNING. Research tells us that we collaborate best when our community members are safe (physically and mentally), happy (relationships are sound and work is engaging) and there is learning (growth and achievement). We are well into 2022 and it has proven to be a story of teamwork and resiliency. Despite dealing with peak- Covid 19 numbers in the form of the omicron variant throughout our city, schools have made in-person learning work. It may seem like business as usual in many ways, but behind the scenes there is tireless efforts by teachers, support staff and administration to coordinate. Covering classes, working with masks (which can make projecting voices difficult) and reorganizing athletics, events and clubs has presented challenges and a need to persevere. The New Year gives us a real opportunity to collaborate more effectively. The Crossing Park Staff has risen to this challenge and are fostering a community that is safe, happy and learning! Proud to be a Cobra.
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It has been another great week of learning at Crossing Park School. Here are your weekly updates. Professional Learning – On Friday the 26th, CP staff spent the day working on learning more about the latest research for teaching mathematics and reading. They spent time connecting this information to the work they do with your children. Three-Year System Student Accommodation Plan - Each fall, The Calgary Board of Education provides an update to families at schools that are listed in the Three-Year System Student Accommodation Plan (SSAP). Parents feel this information is important in making choices for their children. Since Crossing Park School is included in the SSAP (Issue: over or nearing capacity), we are sharing an update letter with you. School Council - Parents and community members are important partners in public education. Through school councils, our partners can make significant and meaningful contributions to the learning opportunities provided to Crossing Park students. The Crossing Park School Council meets virtually at 6:00 p.m. the last Monday of each month. We would love to have more parents join this group. If you would like to join the council, please email crossingpark@cbe.ab.ca and we will send you the meeting link for November 29th. Minutes for the last meetings are available on the school website. Construction – Our school is getting a new roof! You will see more construction fencing going up in various locations around the school. The project will not interrupt learning in the school and student and staff safety is the first priority of all contractors. Winter is on its way – Students go outside each day for PE, during the lunch break and for recess. Calgary weather changes rapidly so we encourage you to be sure your children bring warm coats, boots, hats and mitts. If you need help providing these please contact the school. Grade 1-6 lunchroom – If your child stays for lunch each day, you must register for this program through your MYCBE account. If you need help setting up your account call the school. Kindergarten – Thank you to all of the kindergarten families who participated in conferences this week. If you weren't able to book a time, please contact your child's teacher to arrange a meeting time. We hope you have a fabulous weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather!
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