febrUARY 2013 . Issue 6 . Volume 10
The Calgary Science School
Principal’s Message This is a very exciting time for students, teachers and parents in Alberta – big changes are afoot in education. The Minister of Education has undertaken a series of initiatives designed to better align the education system in the province with what we know about teaching and learning in the 21st century. Minister Johnson isn’t talking about making a few small changes here and there; he is talking about a fundamental change in the outcomes Alberta’s students are expected to achieve and how they will demonstrate their knowledge. While a few years ago the focus provincially was very much on literacy and numeracy, now we recognize that the learners who are graduating from our K-12 system need to be equipped with a far broader range of knowledge, skills and attitudes. While literacy and numeracy is still the central core of the model, there is an explicit recognition that students must develop capacities around collaboration, leadership, balance and well-being, digital fluency, communication, global and environmental responsibility, creativity and innovation, and critical thinking and problem solving. These competencies are at the heart of the new Framework for Student Learning. More detail about the framework and the specific learner competencies can be found at http:// education.alberta.ca/media/6581166/framework.pdf. The Framework for Student Learning, by itself, will not result in any change to teaching and learning. The framework is being supported by a number of other initiatives that will have an impact directly on the classroom. Curriculum re-design, altering expectations and supports around inclusive practices, and a focus on partnerships are three of the main pillars integral to the Minister’s plan. The Ministry has an ambitious plan to re-design curriculum for 2016 in order to better support the 21st century learning competencies. Action on Inclusion, with an emphasis on equipping teachers with the skills and abilities to support a broader range of learners in a typical classroom, is another important piece of the puzzle. Additionally, Minister Johnson has repeatedly
and publicly talked about the need for schools to reach out to other educational institutions and community resources in order to support students and teachers in working toward the new learner competencies. In all respects, CSS is well positioned to be one of the leaders in the province in bringing about the desired changes to education the Minister has outlined. Our teachers are masterful at interpreting curriculum in ways that support and enhance the 7 learning competencies. We are a more inclusive school than we ever have been in the past and we are constantly considering more effective ways of assisting our teachers to support a broad range of learners in their classrooms. We recognize that diversity brings strength to our culture, and so we embrace diversity and individualism. In terms of community connections, we are constantly reaching out to learn from others and to share what we are learning about education. We are a research partner school with the University of Calgary; we have a shared project with Rocky View School Division where our teachers are connected to their teachers to share practice; we have student teachers from 3 different universities in our school; and we host hundreds of visitors each year to our school so we can share and grow together, just to name a few examples of our partnerships. You have likely been hearing about many proposed changes to the educational landscape in Alberta, and you will certainly continue to hear more and more in the next couple of years. I want to reassure our school community that we have situated ourselves exceedingly well to stay at the forefront of educational innovation in Alberta, and to meet the demands of the new 21st century learning competencies. Respectfully, Darrell Lonsberry Principal
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School Council Update
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February, 2012
Wow! Where did January go? 2013 is now well underway with many exciting plans for the CSS Community.
are looking for people to help with the following programs and committees:
Our next School Council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 5th at 7pm in the CSS Anne Tingle Library. Darrell Lonsberry, Garry McKinnon and Denise Kitagawa will provide a status update about the application process for the opening of a second CSS campus. The essential criteria and the process of expanding the Calgary Science School program to another facility will be presented.
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Junior ATB Banking Program
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Social Committee
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Communications Committee
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Parent Conference Committee
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Survey Committee
The other big news is our first Parent Social is scheduled for Saturday evening, March 2nd. The past few Parent Surveys have shown the CSS community desires a Parent Social. Please see the poster on the following page and watch your email for more information. We continue to welcome volunteers for various parent council committees. It is not a requirement to attend the school council meetings to be on a committee. Currently we
Please contact us at council@calgaryscienceschool.com if you are interested. If you have any questions, comments or would like to get involved please send us an email. The School Council is here to represent all CSS parents and guardians. We welcome your input and participation. Karen Cuthbertson On behalf of the CSS School Council
Grade 5 Independent Explorer Project Showcase
16 february 2013
in this issue School Council Update................................................................ 3 Grade 5 Independent Explorer Project Showcase ............ 3 CSS Parent Evening Social Poster ............................................ 4 Transportation Committee Update......................................... 5 CSS Board of Directors Retreat ............................................. 6-7 CSS Spirit Week .......................................................................... 8-9
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Grade 6 Winter Camp.............................................................. 10-11 Electives For All!........................................................................ 12-13 Grade 4/5 Outdoor Education Elective....................................14 What Can U-Create?.......................................................................15 Lasers Senior Girls Basketball......................................................16 February Calendar...........................................................................17 March Calendar................................................................................18
Cover Photo: Kananaskis Country moutains as seen from outside the Ribbon Creek Hostel during Grade 6 Winter Camp. www.calgaryscienceschool.com
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CSS Parent Council cordially invites you to a F U N N Y
M O N E Y
Transportation Committee Update
February, 2012
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE THANK YOU!
TRANSPORTATION CONTACT INFO
With our unpredictable Calgary weather we want to send out a big thank you to all our CSS bus drivers. They do a great job getting our students safely to school while faced with icy roads and traffic congestion. We appreciate their efforts!
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Please remember if your child’s bus is late, in addition to receiving the bus notifications you signed up for as mentioned above, you may also call Southland Transportation directly if you have any questions at 403287-1335.
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If you need to contact your Bus Volunteer Route Representative please email us at: transportationatcss@ gmail.com. Please make sure you include the specific route # in the subject line (example: R3 Question) as we have 11 routes and want to ensure your email gets directed to the correct person.
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Please note there is a great deal of useful transportion information that can be found on the CSS website by clicking on the new “School Bus” icon on the main webpage. You can check route schedules, delays, maps and access our transportation handbook.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Casino Night Saturday, March 2, 2013 • 7:00 - 10:00 pm in the Calgary Science School Gymnasium • $20/ticket • Registration information will be sent via e-mail. Register by February 13!
ce n rie y e xp sar E s No Nece
Learn to Play! Everything Provided!
Bl ac kja ck Ro ul ett e Cr ap s Po ke r Re dD og
Please join us for a night of fun and socializing with other CSS parents! Cash bar and light refreshments.
4 All proceeds to the CSS Parent Fundraising Society to support your kids! www.calgaryscienceschool.com
One of the many things that makes CSS such a great school is our many wonderful volunteers. We are asking again for your help! The Transportation Committee needs a volunteer to help out with Route 4 (this basically covers the SE areas of Douglasdale, Riverbend, 75 Ave, etc.). The Transportation Committe is comprised of a group of parent volunteers just like you; one for each of the 11 buses. Our current group is as follows: R1 - Eeva Harrop
R7 - Rob Rahn
R2 - Maggie Palka
R8 - Kris Lautermilch
Calgary Science School
R9 - Gina Eaton (with Yana Kusmin volunteering as a R4 - VACANT (Could Be You!) back-up R5 - Annie Abraham R10 - Denise Neff R3 - Colleen Poirier
Parent Volunteer Transportation Committee transportationatcss@gmail.com
R6 - Dawn Dixon R11 - Jodi Henderson The Route 4 position doesn’t require much time commitment, just a willingness to help out by answering parent inquiries through e-mail, attend a few meetings during the year, assist with route planning as needed and have a desire to provide the best possible bus service to CSS parents and kids. All training will be provided and a ‘committee buddy’ will be assigned to show you the ropes. If interested, please contact Kathy Babiuk in the office or send an email to: transportationatcss@gmail.com. We look forward to you joining the transportation team!
TRANSPORTATION NOTIFICATIONS As mentioned previously, we want to reiterate the procedures for receiving bus notifications if your bus is late. If you want to be notified via cell phone or email you MUST sign up for this service. Go to the CSS webpage (www.calgaryscienceschool. com) and click on LOGIN (right hand corner) then pick FAMILY Log in. Once you have entered your user name and password, select Bus Subscriptions. Then just follow the instructions under: “Sign up to receive Bus Delay Text Messages”
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2013
CSS Board of Directors
The last Friday and Saturday in January saw the annual CSS hustle and bustle of the school day has ceased, the Friday afternoon segment allowed Board members the opportunity Board of Directors Retreat take place at the school. to connect with the school in its day-to-day operation. Like all Alberta charter schools, an elected Board of Directors governs the Calgary Science School. The Board is accountable Director Lorraine Chan clearly values the chance to see and to the members of the Society and to the Minister of Education feel what a typical CSS day is like. “I thoroughly enjoyed in Alberta. The Board of Directors, governed by its by-laws, is hanging out with students and getting their take on the required to set general policy in compliance with the School school,” she related. “You can see how engaged the kids are Act. CSS by-laws require that the Board be comprised of a and all the different layers of learning they’re engaged in.” minimum of three parents of children attending the school She was also impressed by the manner in which her student to a maximum of one third of the voting members. The tour guides were able to describe their learning experience majority of the Board members have a field of expertise at CSS. “You could see the pride they have in the school. such as science and technology, accounting, business, law, They were quite forward in approaching other students and education, government relations or public relations. saying, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’” she reflected. The board meets monthly during the school year, dealing with all manner of decisions involving school policy, rules and regulations, school vision, management of school resources and assets of the society, hiring and terminations, establishment of salaries and benefits, as well as the appointment of officers, the auditor and members of the Board committees.
Currently in her 8th year as a Board member, Ms. Chan originally joined the Board as Treasurer. She shared that her understanding of the school’s purpose and practice has grown over time. “As I learned more about the school and what it’s trying to achieve, I fell in love with the philosophy of the school. I really subscribe to the idea of teaching our kids resilience and empowerment,” she explained. “I wish I had The two-day retreat allows the board the opportunity to step the education these kids are getting. Students are learning back from a jam-packed agend, reflect on where the school to take on board constructive feedback and communicate a has come and look at the big picture in planning for the new topic to an audience. It’s so real and practical.” future. Other aspects of the retreat included a presentation by The retreat began on Friday with board members visiting Dan McWilliam highlighting the many aspects of his role as each classroom, guided by grade 8 and 9 students. Given Professional Development and Collaboration Coordinator. the fact that the Board usually meets in the evening, after the Mr. McWilliam reported on the ways in which CSS staff is promoting collaboration within and outside the school. CSS teachers regularly open up their classrooms to a multitude of visitors to the school, student teachers and other partners in education as well as blogging and participating in a variety of professional learning experiences.
Grade 5 students sharing ways in which they’ve been using iPad technology with CSS Board member Ashley Nixon.
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Retreat
Dr. Pam Adams of the University of Lethbridge is conducting a 2-year research project in the school entitled Re-thinking Education in Alberta - Exploring a Framework for Enhancing Teaching, Leading and Learning – A 2-year study of Exemplary Practices at the Calgary Science School. She described her involvement over the past year and a half in interviewing and interacting with teachers and students and working with the school leadership team and the learning coaches. She also outlined components of the research, which she will be completing over the next 6 months. In making reference to some preliminary findings, Dr. Adams described how impressed she is with the culture of collaboration within the school, the positive relationships of mutual respect, the sense of empowerment and the high level of engagement among CSS Board member Dale Ronsky interacting with students all members of the Calgary Science School community. in a grade 4 classroom.
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CS S
R P I IT S
W EE K
Spirit Week was the brainchild of the “Yellow House” Family Groups here at CSS. The week of January 28 - 31 saw students showing their enthusiasm each day in a variety of wild, colorful ways. Monday was “Twins Day” where students were encouraged to match outfits. Tuesday saw Crazy Hair/Hat Day while Wednesday was a blur of team jerseys and hats for Sports Day. The week concluded with Pajama Day on Thursday. Way to show your school spirit, CSS!
CRAZY HAIR/HAT DAY!
SPORTS DAY!
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(ACTUAL TWINS!)
TWIN DAY!
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Grade 6 Winter Camp 2013
Fall and spring are the seasons that most CSS students prepare to head off to camp. However, if you’re a grade 6 student, January means it’s time to head off to the Ribbon Creek Hostel, deep in the heart of Kananaskis Country, for Winter Camp. Led by professional guides from the Company of Adventurers, students partake in a wide range of outdoor activities. From cross-country skiing to avalanche safety, quinzee (snow shelter) building and fire starting, students brave the elements to take their learning outdoors.
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Electives For All!
The decision to expand electives to all grades also allows teachers to focus on scope and sequence in their offerings to students. This means that students can take an outdoor education elective in, for example, grade 4, 7 and 9, that sees them build on previous skills acquired as well as being exposed to new activities at each different level of the elective.
want to do.” Noor’s sentiment was echoed by Max, a grade 5 student currently enrolled in Outdoor Education. “I like that you get this time in school to do what you really like,” he enthusiastically related. His fellow grade 5 classmate Brandon concurred. “You get this chance to do stuff you don’t usually get to do at school.”
The decision to offer grade 4 and 5 electives has certainly been a hit with students. The ability to choose a subject that interested her was exciting for grade 4 student Gillian. “I picked Paper Crafts because I wanted to try different types of origami with all kinds of paper,” she stated. “I got to pick the course myself and my parents okayed it.” Fellow grade 4 student Noor added, “It’s fun because it’s what you
Hard at work in Mr. Neufeld’s Introduction to Architecture elective The appreciation students have for choosing what they want to learn is shared by teachers, who not only get to teach an area of personal interest, but also design the structure and activities of the course and the acadamic rigour it comprises. “I get to do something that interests me outside the classroom; things that I’m passionate about,” explained Mrs. Park who, along with Mrs. Bailey, is offering the Outdoor Education class. “Electives create commonality between teachers and students as well as among students themselves, which we otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunity to do,” she concluded.
A grade 5 student working on her project in Ms. Couillard’s Stop Motion Animation elective
The opportunity for students from different grade levels to learn together is also valued. “I like learning with the grade 5s,” stated Gillian. For grade 4 teacher Mrs. Park, electives also provide a chance to reconnect with students she taught last year.
For the first time at CSS, electives are now offered to grade 4/5 students. Many of us remember taking “electives” or “options” during our junior high days. You might have opted for Home Economics or Drama. Perhaps your school had an Industrial Arts program and you spent some time in the shop (I still fondly remember the windshield scraper I made in grade 7 and the ceramic ashtray I presented my non-smoking father on Father’s Day in grade 9). CSS has long offered similar opportunities to students in the form of “complimentary subjects.” These include the Music and Band program, Drama and Dance and Art.
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However, the genesis of electives at CSS has been quite different. Electives offer learning experiences that stem directly from the personal interests of students and teachers alike. Electives at CSS allow students the opportunity develop skills and knowledge in areas that don’t necessarily fall under the provincial curriculum.
For several years, electives were only offered to the “junior high” segment of CSS (grades 7, 8 and 9). A few years ago, electives were split into grade 8/9 and grade 6/7 sections, adding grade 6 students into the mix. This term, CSS administration and teachers made the decision to expand electives to include grade 4 and 5 students. This decion was not made without careful consideration. “We had to look at students’ readiness to accept responsibility for something that’s more interest-based,” explained Principal Darrell Lonsberry. However, as grade 4 Humanities and Digital Storytelling elective teacher Mrs. Fawcett explained, offering electives to all students is very much in keeping with the CSS philosphy of student learning. “Electives allow students a voice in what they’re learning, which is important in how our school operates.”
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A student practicing his origami skills in the Paper Crafts elective
Discussing a layout in the Digital Storytelling elective
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G R A D E 4 & 5
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O U T D O O R E D U C A T I O N
E L E C T I V E
What Can
U-Create?
Ms. Pereverzoff’s grade 6/7 U-Create elective is all about students taking an idea and creating a product, service or app that can be taken to the marketplace. This term, students were presented with the Re-Useable Material Challenge. Essentially, students were asked to think outside the box and create and represent a product idea using specific, recycled materials. Taking recycled cardboard, string, glue, tape, paint and recycled paper, students had the opportunity to create a product or a representation or model of a product idea. The final product idea didn’t have to necessarily include the aforementioned materials. Students were then required to determine a target audience for their product, illustrate its features and benefits, cost of production and retail price, produce a brief marketing plan and finally create a 2 minute presentation to the class communicating their plan. Grade 6 student Brayden A. decided that his product idea was going to literally stem from the re-useable materials presented. “One of my teachers, Mr. Dittmann, showed me a video of a man in Israel who created a cardboard bike to sell for 9 dollars.” Brayden decided to take the idea and run with it, but with a twist. The Israeli inventor targeted his product for developing countries. But Brayden saw a market for a similar bike here in Canada. “My target market is anyone who wants a cheap, environmentally conscious bike that stands out,” stated Brayden. Needless to say, someone cruising by on a bicycle
made out of receycled cardboard and string would certainly catch the eye. Plus, the bike would serve as an interesting conversation starter outside the neighborhood coffee shop. Brayden took the re-useable materials part of the challenge quite literally. “My Mom’s friend is a gift wrapper and had a ton of cardboard tubes. She dropped them off at our house. My Dad got an elliptical for Christmas so I used the cardboard from the box,” recollected Brayden. It took Brayden around 40 hours, spread over a month, to build his bike. The design and construction was not without its challenges, requiring some on-the-fly adjustments. “I was going to make it so it was a normal bike with 2 wheels, but to make the wheels turn properly I had to make it like a trike,” he explained. As he went through the different stages of construction, Brayden nervously awaited the final test of his bike. “I thought the chain wasn’t going to turn the wheels but I put tape around it and it worked. The pedals turn the chain but the string chain isn’t quite strong enough. I would need a metal chain like the guy in Israel,” he concluded. His bike certainly caught his classmates’ eyes. “The class was like ‘Woooooooah!’ People liked it,” he recollected When asked what he plans to do with his recycled cardboard bike, Brayden was quick to answer. “I’m going to show it to my friends. I’ll keep it in my bedroom. I’m not going to sell it.”
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FEBRuary 2013
Lasers Senior Girls Basketball 27
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PD Planning day no classes 3
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School CSS SCIENCE FAIR council meeting PUBLIC VIEWING 7:00 pm 12:50-2:55 PM Anne Tingle Library
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Staff Retreat no classes Back Row (L-R) Coach Couillard, Coach Wasylak, Veronique U., Jovana G., Lekszi N., Joelle K., Tegan M., Paige M., Osereme O., Coach Berry Front Row (L-R) Kira W., Victoria B.
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Grade 8/9 Phys. Ed. Students Learning Yoga 24
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Organizational Day
School Closed
no classes
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DAY 1
School council meeting 7:00 pm
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DAY 4 2 parentcouncil evening social 7:00 - 10:00 pm css gym
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Student-Led student-led Conferences conferences 4:00 - 8:00 pm 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Anne Tingle Library
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Spring Break Begins
spring photo day
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Spring break
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Classes resume Monday, April 8