Knightly News
March 2022
Clover Bar Junior High School
Email: general.CLB@eips.ca
Website: cloverbar.ca
Location: 50 Main Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
IMPORTANT DATES
- March 2: Early dismissal
- March 3: Ski Trip
- March 4: Professional learning day (schools closed to students)
- March 8: International Women’s Day
- March 14: Schools start considering non-resident registrations
- March 14: Pi Day
- March 14-18: Week of Inspirational Math
- March 17 : St Patrick's Day
- March 18: Grade 7 Round Table discussion
- March 18: Term 2 report cards for elementary and junior high schools
- March 21: World Poetry Day
- March 25: Day-in-lieu for parent-teacher interviews (all schools closed)
- March 28 to April 1: Spring break (all schools closed)
- April 4: Return to Classes
- April 6: Early Dismissal
No Drop Off or Pick up in the loop
Parents who are using the loop off the school parking lot for drop off are being asked to please drop off in front of the school instead.
The area designated for drop off is indicated in RED in the adjacent photo. Once again, the space directly in front of the school is for buses only. DO NOT USE this loop for student pick up or drop off. If you have any concerns, please contact the school directly.
Student Attendance and Lates
Attendance at school helps kids:
-work in a team
-problem solve as a group
-develop important social skills
-be part of a community
-listen to different ideas
-make friends
-learn!
Did you know that if your child misses 2 days of school a month that equals 20 days of school in one school year ? This is the equivalent of one full month of school! Over a school career, 20 missed days of school in a school year is equal to 240 school days which means that a students misses more than one year of school!
While great digital tools have been developed to help support teachers and students to stay in touch, online work is not the same as being in a classroom in front of a dedicated, trained professional and participating and working with classmates.
The Parent Portal through Powerschool allows you to track and view your child's attendance. You can also receive notifications, sent directly to your phone or through email, but these must be set up in the settings of the app, which can be downloaded through the app store for free. To view attendance, simply log in to the app and hit marks and attendance. This will display the total number of lates (tardies) and absences for your child in each class. This can help you have a discussion with your child about the importance of being in class, on time, every day!
While we realize that school attendance has been challenging for many of our students, and they may be feeling anxious, lonely or overwhelmed, we are doing all we can to support them. Tracking lates and absences, and informing parents is one of the strategies that we use to help keep you informed. Letting you know when students are absent and late can help you keep track of their attendance and support them to keep on track!
Moving forward, we will be implementing a more formal response to late arrivals to school and class. Students may receive consequences or have conversations with administration about what we can do to help on time arrival.
As always, if at any time you have and questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Library Borrowing Policy at Clover Bar School:
Books:
Books are borrowed for a 3-week period. Students can renew books for an additional 3 weeks. Any books that are not returned by the due date become overdue. Overdue notices are handed out to the students as a written notice/reminder of the overdue books. If the overdue books are never returned, the fines for those books will be added to their school fees for the coming year.
Textbooks:
Textbooks are borrowed for the year. Textbooks must be returned before the end of the school year. Fines for outstanding textbooks will be added to the student’s school fees for the coming year.
Lost/Damaged Textbooks/books:
If a student notifies the school that they have lost their textbook, the general protocol is to offer several days for the student to locate the missing textbook. If it is still not found, the student will be issued a replacement textbook, a fine will be added to their school fees for the cost of the lost textbook, and an email will be sent home to parents/guardians to notify them. (Please note if the book is found and returned at a later date a refund will be applied). In the case of a damaged book, an email will be sent home to parents/guardians to notify them of the damaged book and of the fine added to school fees.
Thank you and happy reading.
Clover Bar Junior High Ski Trip
High School Registration
Over the next two to three weeks, Health teachers will begin exploring the actual registration process with them. Information including course handbooks and registration forms will soon be provided from the High Schools.
Students will fill in the registration forms here at the school and will bring them home for your review prior to submitting.
For more information about your designated High School, please visit their websites. For additional direction or information about high school registration, please contact Mr. Fiddes.
Option Registration for the 2022-2023 School Year
Grade 7 registration will also take place at this time and we are hoping that we will be able to visit elementary schools in person to help facilitate this!
All information about registration will be posted to our school website! Watch for it!
Sports for LIfe
Clover Bar Junior High School is excited to announce that we will be continuing to offer our Sport for Life program for the 2020-21 school year. The program, which is open to all students in grades 7 to 9, gives students the chance to enhance their skills in athletics, academics and leadership while also developing habits and attitudes for an active healthy lifestyle.
The Sport for Life program is based on the Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) model, a movement to improve the quality of sport and physical activity in Canada through improved athlete training and better integration between all stakeholders in the sport system, including sport organizations, education, recreation and health.
Woven into a physical education framework, some of the topics of study include health and nutrition, personal development, self and team evaluation, sports injuries, sports leadership, sport psychology, sport-specific training, sports-related careers.
Information about our program can be found on our website or call us directly at school at 780-467-2295
Families that have applied for the program for the 2022-2023 school year will be contacted and registration will be confirmed after mid-March. Thank you for your patience!
Alberta Dental Association Special Event
All proceeds will support the Alberta Dental Foundation, a charity that improves access to dental care for underserved and low-income Albertans.
This is a wonderful, COVID-friendly event for everyone, but especially families who may be concerned about going out in large groups.
March 11 7pm: Finding Nemo
March 11 10:10 pm: Back to the Future
March 12 7pm: Monsters Inc.
March 12 10:10pm: Jurassic Park
PLACE: Classic Landscapes Tree Farm
23016, AB-14, Sherwood Park, AB T8B 1E4
To Purchase tickets click on the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoTj1oyYEwWJHQmK8dShPQS4A8JpUPlwin9fzEA4Q_FNm15Q/viewform
Hope to see you there!!
2022 Virtual Elevate Aviation Cross Country Tour
2022 Virtual Elevate Aviation Cross Country Tour
Elevate Aviation is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015 in Edmonton, Alberta. Research prove that the largest barrier to female entry into aviation is simply lack of awareness. How can something so simple have caused such a massive gender gap in an industry? This gap not only denies women options for economic security, but it has also been identified as a cause of a labour shortage that the industry is facing. We introduce women and youth to careers in aviation through our many programs including tours, speaking engagements, mentorship, webinars, and our Elevate Aviation Learning Centre.
This year marks our 6th annual Cross Country Tour! We have made the decision to once again present the tour virtually over five days, featuring incredible guest speakers from coast to coast, and reaching thousands of young girls and women. From March 7-11th, our virtual tour will present from different regions across Canada. Each day will host 3 one-hour sessions, with an opportunity to hear from three different speakers per session. Attendees must register in advance for each session.
The Cross Country Tour is free of charge. Each session features a different aspect of aviation in different regions of Canada. This is an opportunity for women of all ages to explore the variety of careers available in aviation and hear from women who are passionate about what they do. You will hear stories and learn some really cool things about careers such as Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Air Traffic Controller, Pilot, Aerospace Engineer, and a variety of Airport Operations roles.
Please select if you are registering as an individual or as a group. Teachers viewing tour sessions with their class should select "Group". The tour will take place virtually on Google Meets from March 7-11, 2022. Participants will tune in live for presentations and Q&A with the guest speakers. *Note the time zones for each date when selecting your preferred tour dates*
Register today https://elevateaviation.ca/programs/tours/
March 7 - 0900-100 PST - From the Jumpseat
March 7 - 1030-1130 PST – On the Tarmac
March 7 - 1300-1400 PST – Beyond the Runway
March 8 - 0900-1000 CST – Unique Careers
March 8 - 1030-1130 CST – From the Ground Up
March 8 - 1300-1400 CST – Aviation Specialists
March 9 - 0900-1000 EST – Aviate
March 9 - 1030-1130 EST – Navigate
March 9 - 1300-1400 EST – Communicate
March 11 - 0900-1000 AST – Let’s Fly!
March 11 - 1030-1130 AST – Behind the scenes at the airport!
March 11 - 1300-1400 AST – Maintenance
Minister’s Youth Council 2022-23
If you had a direct line to the minister, what would you say? Are you interested in sharing your ideas to help shape Alberta’s education system? Applications for the 2022-23 Minister’s Youth Council open February 14. Approximately 40 junior and senior high school students between the ages of 14 and 19 with diverse interests, identities, backgrounds and perspectives from across Alberta will be selected for the council. The application deadline is March 25, 2022.
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Tips for Reading Narrative Text
Young Women in Trades and Technologies - In Person Camp
March 29-April 1, 2022 (During Spring Break)
Are you ready to discover your passion! A free in-person camp for female identifying youth in grades 9-12.
During the camp, students will have the opportunity to explore several careers in the skilled trades, gain hands-on experience, talk with female mentors who are working in the field, and connect with other young women with similar interests. This year we will be accepting 12 participants for our 4-day camp.
For more information, contact Taryn at tmcdonald@nextgen.org
Measuring Success: Complete this year’s Alberta Education Assurance Survey
Once again, Alberta Education is surveying teachers, students and families through its annual Alberta Education Assurance (AEA) Survey. The survey acts as an annual check-up on the province’s education system. Every year, Alberta Education conducts the survey to gather information about the quality of education provided by Alberta schools and school authorities. The survey looks at various measures such as education quality, citizenship, family involvement, engagement levels, school climate and student wellness.
Throughout March, Grade 7-9 students and teachers at Clover Bar Junior High are completing the survey online at the school. Student participation is voluntary and completely anonymous. Students are assigned a random username and password to ensure survey responses aren’t linked to any individual student. The survey doesn’t take long to complete and is done within the school day during regular class time.
Additionally, parents and guardians of students in grades 4, 7 and 10 are also asked to take a survey, either online or by mail. Alberta Education will send families information about the survey directly. As with the student and teacher survey, it’s anonymous and asks questions about your school experiences. If you have a child in grades 4, 7 or 10, we encourage you to participate. The survey deadline is March 25, 2022.
Results from the AEA Survey are provided to Elk Island Public Schools each spring. The Division then uses the data to inform its four-year education plan, school education plans and strategies for continuous improvement. Each fall, the results are also shared with EIPS families and school communities in the Division’s Annual Education Results Report.
RELATED INFORMATION AEA Survey: Parent letter AEA Survey: Methodology for rate calculation Assurance and Accountability: Alberta’s K-12 education system
Have your say! The 2022 EIPS Parent Survey Opens March 14-27
Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) wants to hear from you. Make sure to complete the 2022 EIPS Parent Survey—open from March 14-27.
Annually, EIPS conducts a parent survey to gauge its progress toward meeting the goals and priorities outlined in its Four-Year Education Plan. Families are asked a series of questions about their experiences with EIPS and the school their child attends, the overall performance of the Division, the quality of education being provided to students and areas for improvement. The survey feedback helps the Division develop new strategies to better serve students and the wider community. VISIT EIPS.CA TO TAKE THE SURVEY: March 14-27
NOTE: The survey is anonymous and only takes a few minutes to complete. If you want to share the experience of more than one child attending an EIPS school, simply complete the survey again
Your Future: Post-Secondary and Career Fair – Spring Session
Thinking about attending post-secondary school after graduation? Exploring career options? Not sure on the career or sector? Plan to attend the hybrid spring session of Your Future: Post-Secondary and Career Fair—taking place on March 10, 2022.
The in-person portion of the event brings together a variety of colleges, universities, polytechnic, private schools and sector experts in one place. Meanwhile, the virtual component includes additional opportunities to attend sessions from several colleges, universities and sector experts. Both events are free and open to all students in grades 9 through 12.
Participating students and family members—attending both the in-person and virtual sessions—will have the chance to meet with representatives from each attending post-secondary institutions, ask questions, talk to experts about various career sectors, learn about future career trends, plus much more.
Event Details:
Date: March 10, 2022 In-person: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Strathcona County Agora 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
Virtual: Times and schedule to be confirmed
Visit www.eips.ca/students/your-future for the list of vendors.
Cinderella’s Closet
The mission of Cinderella’s Closet is to provide graduation attire for students in Grade 9 or Grade 12 who require some financial assistance to make that happen. Cinderella’s Closet will be following similar procedures to last year. Schools are asked to gather size, colour and length preferences from students in need. Cinderella’s Closet staff will gather three dress options for each student and have them available for schools to pick up and complete dress fittings at the school. Students will select their preferred dress and the school will return the others. Additional information including a sizing chart and order request form are available for schools to collect the necessary details.
Exploring Digital Ag Project
Want to spark your students’ interest in the diverse careers available in the compelling world of digital agriculture? Sign up for Ag for Life's Exploring Digital Agriculture Project taking place March to June 2022. Digital agriculture and technology-related careers are awaiting the next generation of problem-solvers and difference-makers. This is your opportunity to help students learn about the exciting elements of digital agriculture and the careers associated with this area of the sector.
Class presentations will feature:
- A fun matching activity where students compare everyday technology to agricultural technology.
- Exploration of the many exciting tools and technologies used in agriculture and food production.
- Students working collaboratively to solve real-life agricultural challenges using their newfound knowledge.
- BONUS! You get to keep a copy of the activity following the presentation to play again in the future or share with your colleagues.
Registration is limited. Register early.
Junior Achievement’s TechWorks
Learn more
Nutrien Aspire to Grow Virtual Conference
Nutrien is a Canadian-based global fertilizer company with a primary goal of “Growing our World from the Ground Up.” With an increased focus on equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Nutrien has put together a group of leaders from four Alberta facilities who are members of an employee resource group known as WiNTER—Women in Non-Traditional Environments & Roles. The team is working to organize an all-day, virtual event—Aspire to Grow—to take place on Friday, April 29, 2022.
The Nutrien 2022 Aspire to Grow conference will be a free, virtual event providing female students in grades 9 to 12 with the opportunity to spend time interacting with female leaders from a variety of industries and occupations. Participating students will learn about possible career paths and opportunities, and gain exposure to what it means to be an empowered female leader of the future. Tentative agenda and roundtable topics
To indicate your interest in having students participate, email aspiretogrow@nutrien.com by Feb. 25, 2022. As the event will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams, there’s no limit to the number of students that may participate. If you have questions or need further information, contact Jennifer Mercer.
Your Future: Post-secondary and Career Fair
The spring edition of the Your Future: Post-secondary and Career Fair will take place on Thursday, March 10. Similar to the fall event, the session will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual sessions.
Thursday, March 10
6 to 8 p.m.
In-person: Strathcona County Agora, 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
Virtual: Session schedule and links to come
Supports for Students: Career Pathways and Communication Services have put together a bundle of materials schools can use to promote the event to students and families.
- Posters (11” x 17”) are available for schools to print.
- A sample home page blog post is available for your website to post at any time between now and March 10. Feel free to pin it as a featured post, if you’d like.
- Accompanying images to go with the blog posts are also available. Ensure you choose the correct file based on the specific website template your school uses—Hubble, Orion, Osmo, Piton or Valence. Connect with your site webmaster at the school or Karen Baranec in Communications if you have questions.
- For schools that have digital signage throughout the building, graphics are available. Ensure you choose the correct file based on the dimensions of your screens—1060x823 or 1920x1080.
- The Facebook event for Your Future is published, and general Facebook and Twitter posts will go out from the Division early next week. Schools are welcome to share/retweet any of these as they’d like.
- Facebook, Twitter and Instagram-sized graphics are available for schools to use directly as they wish.
Prior to the event, Communication Services will also send out a SchoolMessenger email (currently in draft) to all families with students in grades 9-12. There’s nothing you’ll need to do at the school level for this message.
If you have questions about the event, contact Barclay Spady. If you have questions about the promotional materials, contact Karen Baranec
YWITT In-Person Spring Camp
Are you ready to discover your passion? Young Women in Trades and Technologies (YWITT) is offering a free, in-person camp for female-identifying youth in grades 9-12. During the camp, students will have the opportunity to explore several careers in the skilled trades, gain hands-on experience, talk with female mentors who are working in the field and connect with other young women with similar interests. This year, YWITT is accepting 12 participants for the four-day camp taking place over spring break, March 29 to April 1, 2022. For more information, contact Taryn McDonald.
Register
March 2022 Career Pathways News
Career Pathways is designed to develop skills that students can apply in their daily lives when preparing for entry into the workplace or for further learning opportunities. Competencies achieved will allow students to make relevant connections with work and/or post-secondary training. Our Mission: To provide authentic, relevant, and engaging career opportunities and foster growth and readiness for life after school.
Each month Career Pathways distributes relevant planning material, presentation sessions, occupational spotlights, and other helpful information meant to support students and families. It is our hope students in Junior High begin to understand opportunities available to them and explore and reflect on a variety of experiences to help them plan their next steps. High School students continue to set goals and further develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes that increase their readiness to successfully transition beyond high school.