As we move into the long weekend, here are some updates to keep you informed:
SWAT Team | Update
Over the last couple of months, our SWAT Team have been working with Ms. Takla and Ms. LeBlanc to examine our school data related to well-being. The Calgary Board of Education, including Mountain Park, recognizes that students and employees thrive in a culture of well-being. This is reflected in the CBE's 3 Year Education Plan, and Mountain Park's School Development Plan. Based on the data analyzed, our SWAT team determined that the best way to increase well-being at MPS is by looking at students' sense of belonging and connection within the school.
In May, we are planning a school event titled 'MPS around the World', with a specific focus on the question; "How do our unique experiences, histories, and cultures come together to form our shared Canadian identity?" . We would like to highlight, and celebrate, the various cultures that make up the community of MPS. However, we cannot do this alone! We are asking students to continue the conversations at home about where their cultures, values, and beliefs come from. We understand that many of our students come from a variety of backgrounds, and we would like to honour and celebrate all of them. The majority of this work is taking place during homeroom time on Fridays with a culminating event on Thursday, May 29th (see more below).
If you are interested in supporting this initiative, by sharing ideas/resources, volunteering, etc. we would love to hear from you. Please contact Ms. LeBlanc at hlleblanc@cbe.ab.ca
We are MPS Community Event | You're Invited
We have combined two fantastic events into one date for our whole community to enjoy! We are excited to announce our First Annual ‘Beats on the Black Top’ Jazz Band performance and ‘MPS around the World’ gallery walk on May 29th (Click HERE for details).
Grade 9 Farewell | Save the Date
This year's Grade 9 Farewell Event will take place on the evening of June 19th at the school. More information regarding time and cost will be shared in the near future.
Outdoor School
Students are getting super excited about this opportunity to connect with nature and disconnect from their devices! We have hosted a couple of student meetings gearing up for next week and the countdown is on... Given the cooler temperatures, it will be extra important to prepare for cold weather in the mountains. Please prepare in advance and ensure your child has extra layers, socks and appropriate footwear for the weather, including the possibility of snow. It will be EPIC!
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 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 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.
Band
April Newsletter: Link
Band Bottle Drive: We will be doing a bottle drive on April 26th. If you are able to assist with driving or if your student can attend, please fill in the form, HERE.
Coco Brooks Fundraiser! - The Band is starting a spring Coco Brooks fundraiser. Information for sellers is HERE. Products available to order can be found HERE.
Grade 6 Music Trip to MRU - Grade 6 Music is scheduled to attend Mount Royal University for a day of workshops on April 22nd. This workshop provides students with a fantastic opportunity to work with professional musicians & educators with specialized instrumentation. Students attending will need to be at the school for 9:00 am and will return by the end of school.
Jazz Band every Tuesday at lunch and every Friday morning from 8:00 am – 9:00 am. Doors will open at 7:45 am. No Jazz Band on Tuesday at lunch due to the Grade 6 trip.
Beats on the Black Top – Jazz Band performance - May 29th 5:30-7:30 (Click HERE for details)
The Music Instrument Rental Fee is on PowerSchool and can be paid.
Fundraisers
- TruEarth Laundry Strips: http://tru-earth.sjv.io/MPSMPS A true eco-friendly product. No plastic jugs, just compressed soap strips that clean your laundry, toilet bowls, laundry stains, kitchens, and dishes! This is an ongoing fundraiser.
- Bottle Drive – Drop off your empties and support the band!
- South Pointe Bottle Depot (behind The Home Depot on 130th Avenue SE) 5126 126 Ave SE. Please let them know the funds go to the Mountain Park School Band.
- Deerfoot Bottle Depot (near Douglasdale Professional Centre) 11440 29 St SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 3V5. Please tag the bags as LG782.
We appreciate your support!
Reminder | 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
Upcoming Activities – April
April 21– Monday
No School – Non-instruction day
April 22 – Tuesday
Music 6 to MRU – all day
Grade 8 Badminton Practice - 8:00-9:00am
NO Jazz Band @ lunch
Grade 6 Badminton Practice – 4:00-5:00pm
Dungeons and Dragons 4:00-5:00pm
Annie Rehearsal @ 4:00-6:00pm
April 23 – Wednesday
Outdoor School – Grade 6/7 and Grade 9 ENVOE
Grade 9 Badminton Practice @ 8:00-9:00am
Annie Rehearsal @ 4:00-6:00pm
Grade 7 Badminton Practice @ 4:00-5:00pm
April 24 – Thursday
Outdoor School – Grade 6/7 and Grade 9 ENVOE
Grade 6 Vaccinations
Grade 7 Badminton 8:00-9:00am
Chess Club @ lunch in Room 113
Annie Rehearsal @ 4:00-5:30pm
Grade 8 Badminton Practice @ 4:00-5:00pm
April 25 - Friday
Outdoor School – Grade 6/7 and Grade 9 ENVOE
Jazz Band Rehearsal @ 8:00-9:00 am
April 26 – Saturday
Band Bottle Drive: 1:00-4:00pm
CBE Days of Significance
The CBE is committed to building a culture of appreciation and inclusion, where students and staff can see themselves valued, respected and celebrated. For more information on key dates, please visit the CBE Dates of Significance webpage.
Don’t forget to check out our MPS Calendar for key dates and upcoming events. For those of you who celebrate, we want to wish you a Happy Easter!
Angela Takla
Principal, Mountain Park School