October Newsletter
Principal's Message
It is hard to believe that we are already well into October! I would like to thank all the students for their hard work and determination over the past several weeks. Thank you goes out to the countless numbers of parents and community members who have already volunteered hours and hours to make our school a vibrant and energetic place to be.
Our students are busy with their studies, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, not to mention all the other out-of-school clubs and sports that keep them busy.
Over the past several weeks, staff have been focused on relationship building with students. At the beginning of the year, students worked with their homeroom teachers over the first 3 days to get to know one another better and build a stronger school community. As a daily routine now, students have a ten minute homeroom period where they work with their teacher on Mindfulness activities and work on getting building a homeroom culture.
Another important change we have introduced this year, is re-implementing Cougar Sightings. When students are caught doing positive acts that help our school, they are recognized for their positive contributions and then their names are put in for weekly draws for Dairy Queen Blizzards. Our staff have noted many acts of kindness that our students have shared over the last two months.
As a school community, all staff are here to work with you. If you have any questions regarding your child’s learning, please don’t hesitate to contact their teachers. If you have any questions concerning how the school operates and why we do what what we do, please feel free to contact school administration.
Respectfully yours.
Mr. S. Hoyland
We are so thankful!
Some Important Dates....
No School: Oct 11
No School: Oct 25th
Report Cards: Nov 4thParent Teacher Interviews: Nov 6th & 7th 4:00-7:30 both nights
Early Dismissal: Nov 7th
No School: Nov 11 to Nov 15
Relax Group
School Lockdown Information
September 24th, 2019
Dear parents and guardians
Battle River School Division has an emphasis on safe and caring schools. Part of providing a safe learning environment is helping students and staff be prepared for an emergency.
Our school holds six fire drills each year and we will also be holding two lockdown drills – one in October and another in the spring.
A lockdown is when all the students and staff are tucked into their classrooms (or another safe, lockable area of the school) to avoid an intruder inside the building. This is not a situation we expect our schools to encounter but, just like a fire drill, practicing will help us all be better prepared if such an incident does occur.
When we hold our lockdown drill, discussions will also take place with students in a calm, sensitive, age-appropriate way, so as not to generate anxiety or fear. If you’d like to speak to your children ahead of time, to provide additional reassurance that they are safe at school and drills are what we do so we are prepared ‘just in case’, we would welcome your support.
During a lockdown drill, the outside doors of the school will also be locked. If you should arrive at the school during the brief time our drill is taking place (either in October or in the spring) you will see a sign letting you know why you can’t get in. We will let you know using our school messenger program when we will be having this drill, so you will be aware of the times.
It is possible we will have police officers present for the drill, as well as representatives of the school division. Their role is to help us evaluate our preparedness and suggest any changes we might make in future drills.
Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact me at 780-672-7785.
Inclusive/Pride Club
This past week, a new group started at Charlie Killam. Over the past several months students have asked Mr. Hoyland if École Charlie Killam School could start a Gay Straight Alliance Club. This past week several staff met with a group of students to start the ground work for our Inclusive/Pride Club.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Mr. Hoyland.
Author Visits Our House
Future Author Visits....
Our Gr. 7 and Gr. 8 students will have the opportunity to meet with these two authors and enjoy their insights into live and litterature
HOT LUNCH is up and running
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
ÉCKS Scholastic Book Fair
Music Notes
Music Notes
The ÉCKS Band Program is holding its annual VIP Meats fundraiser. Sales will run from October 8-Oct. 28, and delivery of the product will be on November 4. Proceeds from this fundraiser are applied to individual student band travel accounts, in order to assist with our camp and tour expenses.
Please feel free to contact Mr. Bailey if you have any questions of concerns.
The ÉCKS Jazz Band and ÉCKS Choir are up and running. There are currently 35 singers in the choir, and 30 Jazz Band members. Rehearsal for choir is Thursday noon, and Jazz Band is Wednesday morning at 7:45 for the full group, as well as Monday noon for brass and Tuesday noon for saxophones and rhythm section.
Cross Country
HOCKEY ACADEMY
Strength Training at CrossFit Camrose
BRHA students have now started their training with Gaetes Lomas and Deanna Roper at CrossFit Camrose! Both BRHA classes will continue to visit their gym approximately every second week until the end of the program, in January, 2020. (Please check the program calendar for exact dates.)
When we visit CrossFit Camrose, it is important to observe the following expectations and requirements:
- As the weather cools, students are expected to dress for the weather, even for the short walks to and from the bus. (T-shirts and shorts don't cut it in freezing temperatures!)
- Water bottles are very helpful during strenuous activity and, for health reasons, students should not be sharing with each other.
- An extra snack for the ride back to school will help the athletes to recover from training more quickly.
- Students MUST wear athletic clothing when participating at the CrossFit gym.
- Students MUST bring a change of clean "indoor" athletic shoes to change into at the CrossFit gym - they will not be allowed to participate in shoes that they have worn outside or which are not designed for athletics.
Picture Retakes!
Picture Retakes are Wednesday, October 30th. Students who missed the first photo day will be able to order packages. If you are getting photos done for the first time this year, there will be order forms at the office. If you are wanting retakes, please make sure you bring the original packages back on the 30th.