Weekly Update April 5, 2024
Precautions for the Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8
On Monday, April 8 a partial solar eclipse will be visible in Calgary. The solar event will begin just before noon and conclude by 2:00 p.m., with the maximum coverage occurring at 12:43 p.m.
We know that this provides a unique learning experience for students and staff in our schools; however, there can be serious impacts to vision as a result of viewing the eclipse in an unsafe manner.
During this partial solar eclipse on Monday, we would like to invite all students to remain at school during the lunch break. Please send a lunch with your child. We plan to have a variety of supervised indoor activities available.
If you decide that your child will walk home for lunch on Monday, please discuss with your child not to look at the sun to protect his/her eyes from damage by the solar eclipse.
During a solar eclipse, looking directly at the sun is dangerous. Safe viewing of the eclipse requires wearing specialized glasses or watching through a telescope or solar binoculars that have specialized lenses and should only be performed under the direction of a professional.
Further safety information can be found on the NASA website or from the Canadian Association of Optometrists.
MPS Learning Lounge
A reminder that in-person Learning Support Sessions continue to be available for students each morning before classes in the MPS Learning Commons. We are targeting two core subject areas each day which are identified in our School Development Plan for 2023-2024: Mathematics and Literacy. Subject area teachers in these areas are present to provide an additional layer of support for those students who wish to access it as follows:
- Monday - Thursday from 8:30-9:00 am
- Front doors will be unlocked for student entry from 8:25-8:35 am only. Students must be here by 8:35 at the latest in order to make effective use of this support. Students arriving after this time will need to wait until the doors re-open at the morning bell.
- Students are welcome to attend as often as needed but must come prepared to learn with assignments, homework, test review or specific topics they require support with (ex. polynomials, persuasive essay writing, etc.).
- Students will be provided access to computers when required to utilize D2L and written assignment work only
Child and Youth Well-Being Family & Caregiver Series
· Well-being is a precondition for student achievement. Students need to be well to succeed. Currently, students face a wide range of mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and depression. This trend is alarming and requires our attention.
· The Calgary Board of Education invites all parents and guardians to join us in an online series focusing on child and youth well-being. These sessions will be hosted in partnership with experts from Alberta Health Services and will explore topics such as vaping, brain development, mental health, with the final session in this series coming up on April 11 from 6:30-8:00pm, focused on Healthy Sexual Development.
· These sessions are free and provide information, resources, helplines, and services to support healthy child and youth development.
· Link: Health and Wellness in School
Fees
We encourage all parents and guardians to review your MyCBE PowerSchool account for outstanding fees. These are located under the Student Fees & Service Registration tab and include field trips, optional course fees, noon hour activity fee and athletics.
Band
Please visit our MPS Band webpage for updates, monthly newsletters and current events.
The next MPS Band Meeting will be held Tuesday April 9, 2024 @ 6:30 pm in the band room
Grade 6 – Will be attending their MRU Band Workshop on April 24. Field trip forms are available on D2L, the Band Website and an email sent home.
Band Fundraisers
Jack Links Beef Jerky: Do you need quick snack ideas? Or easy healthy additions to lunches? The band program is selling Jack Links Beef Jerky. Get your orders in before it’s too late! Order deadline is April 18, 2024! Click here. Paper Order Forms are available on the MPS Band Page.
TruEarth Laundry Strips: Wow! A true eco-friendly product. No plastic jugs, just compressed soap strips that actually clean your laundry, toilet bowls, laundry stains, kitchens and dishes! This is an ongoing band fundraiser. Clickhere.
Calling Grade 9 Science Adult Volunteers!
The Grade 9’s have the opportunity to participate in the Riverwatch Field Trip in May. The dates are May 15 & 16; more details will be released as we have them. If you are interested in coming to raft Calgary’s Bow River, do some water testing and visit the water treatment plant with us please check-in with the office to ensure your volunteer security clearance is up-to-date. Thank you in advance for helping us make this fun day happen!
Grade 9 Farewell
Save the date: Evening of June 20. Staff and Grade 9 Student Leadership are busy making plans…. Please note, the event will not take place at Heritage Park this year. More information to come!
Scholastic Book Fair
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way. Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become Bolder, Prouder, and Stronger Readers.
· Takes place in our Learning Commons from April 15-18
· Students will have the opportunity to view and purchase books during the week.
· On April 18 during our New Student Open House, the book fair will also be open from 5-7pm
All purchases benefit our school and earn Scholastic Dollars that can be redeemed for books and educational resources for our classrooms and school library.
The countdown to more book-joy is on…
Catch you at the Fair!
Track Meet
MPS Track and Field is fast approaching. We have the Track Meet on June 5 at Foothills Track, 2431 Crowchild Trail NW. If you would like to volunteer for the day, please email Mrs. Gaunt at brgaunt@cbe.ab.ca.
Readiness for Learning
Arriving to each class prepared with basic supplies, including a binder, pencil and paper is an essential component to engagement in students’ learning. Please remind your student of this important responsibility and ensure they have the supplies they require, encouraging them to bring home their binder to organize regularly.
Upcoming Dates
April 8 – Monday
Grade 8 Badminton Tryouts 7:45-9:00 am
Grade 9 Badminton Tryouts 4:00-5:00 pm
April 9 – Tuesday
Grade 6 All Badminton Tryouts 7:45-9:00 am
Grade 7 Male Badminton Tryouts 4:00-5:00 pm
Jazz Band practice at Noon
MPS Band Meeting @ 6:30 pm ion band room
April 10 – Wednesday
Grade 8 Badminton Tryouts 7:45-9:00 am
Grade 9 Badminton Tryouts 4:00-5:00 pm
April 11 – Thursday
Grade 7 Female Badminton Tryouts 7:45-9:00 am
Grade 6 Badminton Tryouts by Invitation 4:00-5:00 pm
Jazz Band practice 8:00 am
Wishing all our MPS families a wonderful weekend, with hopes for Spring around the corner!