Hello Jennie Elliott families,  

We’ve had a wonderful week of learning and activity at Jennie Elliott, and we’re excited to share a few updates with you. Please read below to stay connected with what’s happening in our school community. 

Physical Education and Wellness Updates From Ms. Bignell! 

This month in Physical Education, students have been building movement skills, confidence, and teamwork through a variety of activities. 

Whole School: Bowling 

All students participated in our school-wide bowling unit, which supported the development of accuracy, coordination, and controlled movement. Students enjoyed Bowling for Dollars and Bingo Bowling, and we wrapped up with a fun Disco Bowling class. These activities helped students practice adjusting force, aiming for targets, and working cooperatively. 

Division 2 

Division 2 students have jumped right into volleyball, focusing on key movement skills such as forearm passing, volleying, underhand serving, and movement to the ball. Most students have already tried small-sided volleyball games, giving them opportunities to apply basic tactics and teamwork. Next week, they’ll continue building their game-play skills by learning and practicing proper rotations—an important part of understanding game structure and strategy. 

Division 1 

Division 1 students have been working on refining their underhand throwing and catching skills through games like Box Ball and Make It, Take It. These activities help build hand–eye coordination, spatial awareness, and confidence with object control. Students have also been introduced to the forearm pass in volleyball and will continue developing foundational volleyball skills next week. 

Loose Parts Play Initiative at Recess 

We are excited to begin a new loose-parts play initiative at recess! Loose parts encourage creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and imaginative play for all students. To help us start up this engaging play opportunity, we are looking for gently used items you may already have at home. 

If you are able to donate, we would greatly appreciate any of the following: 

• Bike tires (no rims needed) 
• Tarps 
• Used pots, pans, and kitchen utensils 
• Milk crates 
• Ropes 
• Buckets 
• Kids’ snow shovels 
• PVC pipe (varied lengths) 
• Pool noodles 

All items should be clean and in safe working condition. Donations can be dropped off at the school office or sent with your child. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Bignell at clbignell@cbe.ab.ca 

Thank you so much for supporting creative outdoor play at our school. Your contributions will help us launch this exciting new initiative! 

Holiday Happiness Week  

Our classrooms and hallways are lively as ever, and this time of year always brings an extra spark as we all look forward to the upcoming break and the special traditions families enjoy. Here at Jennie Elliott, we’re channeling that excitement as we prepare for our annual Holiday Happiness Week! As always, participation is optional for students. 

• Monday: Holiday Hat Day – wear your favorite holiday hat or reindeer ears/antlers! 
• Tuesday: Holiday Beach Wear – bring some tropical cheer to winter! 
• Wednesday: Festive Wear – show off your holiday spirit with bright and cheerful outfits. 
• Thursday: Winter Solstice & PJ Day – cozy up in your favorite pajamas! 

School Pictures Retakes – Dec 8!  

If you would like your child to retake their photo, or they missed school photo day, please send an email to your child’s teacher to inform them that you would like your child to have their photo taken on December 8, retake day.  

School Council Update  

Next School Council Meeting 

School Council is an opportunity for all parents of the school and school staff who work together to support the school, share ideas, and help make decisions that strengthen the learning community. It’s a friendly, welcoming way for families to stay informed, get involved, and have a voice in their child’s school experience. Our next School Council Meeting will be on December 16 at 6:30pm in the Learning Commons, and all families are invited to attend. We’ve had a slight change – our grade 2 team will share a short presentation about grade 2 curriculum.  Our grade 5 team will present later in the year. 

Upcoming Events  

Click here to see the school’s website calendar 

Dec 8 – Bhodi Day 

Dec 8 – School Photo Retake Day 

Dec 8-12 – Frisbee Residency 

Dec 10 – Human Rights Day  

Dec 11 – Gingerbread House Decorating Night 

Dec 12 – Active and Safe Workshop Student Leadership session 

Dec 14-22 Hannukah

Dec 15-19 - Holiday Happiness Week   

Dec 15 – Fun Lunch 

Dec 16 – School Council Meeting (gr 2 teaching team sharing) 

Dec 19 – Last day of classes before Winter Break 

Jan 5 – Classes resume after Winter Break 

Jan 12 - New registrations for the 2026-27 school year open (including Kindergarten)