Hello Jennie Elliott families,
Calgary’s unpredictable weather fluctuations were alive and well this week! We had a combination of indoor for some recesses and outdoor for others, sometimes on the same day. We watch the weather closely throughout the day because we know students should experience the fresh air and play time outside whenever possible. Please send your child with all of their cold weather clothing just in case, every day. As soon as the temperature dips below –21oC, we head outside for recess!
Copies of Report Card
A reminder to please download or print a copy of your child’s report card from your MyCBE portal to keep for your records.
Division I Choir Update From Ms. Ling
Due to the overwhelming response, the Division I choir will be split into two smaller groups. If your child has signed up for the Division I choir, please note the following changes:
- Group 1: choir members from the classes of Mrs. Thouin, Mrs. Kelly, Ms. Martens, Ms. Lacey, Ms. Burge and Ms. Nelson
- Group 2: choir members from the classes of Mr. Downing, Mr. Robinson, Ms. McCallum, Mrs. Rand, Ms. Davey and Mrs. Bowers
The practice dates are as follows:
- Group 1: February 11, 18, 25, March 4 and 11.
- Group 2: March 18, April 1, 8, 15, 22.
On April 29, both groups will come together to do a final practice before their performance on May 1. We look forward to celebrating our learning with you.
Fun Lunch Leftovers
According to AHS Food Handling policies, Healthy Hunger lunches cannot be held for students. Once the lunch arrives at the school and has been distributed, there is no control over the safety of the food. Therefore, we are unable to hold any lunches beyond the scheduled day. If your child is absent the day of the Fun Lunch, please arrange for pickup that day by calling the front office. We must dispose of all Fun Lunches that are not picked up by the end of that day.
The Jennie Elliott Family Literacy Week Challenge Continues!
Our tree is slowly filling up. It’s been fun to watch students stop to see the pictures and then start a conversation with another student nearby about what their families do together. Have you shared your picture with your child’s classroom teacher yet? Refer to the last few Weekly Updates for the list of ideas, or send in a way your family has engaged in literacy together that isn’t one of our suggestions!
We All Belong!
Have you checked out our display in the front foyer of the school recently? This is a space we have dedicated to acknowledging and recognizing important dates of significance that celebrate the diverse cultures and identities that exist within our school community. This month, Ms. Davey has also created an extensive gallery walk for our students to learn about the important contributions and achievements of Black people in Canada and around the world in honour of Black History Month. Our morning announcements are another opportunity where information and learning are shared about these significant dates, as well as in-class learning.
From our “We All Belong” family engagement survey, student surveys and in conversation with our students, we have learned about many different cultures that our students identify with that have helped us work towards creating a community where our students all feel a sense of belonging and welcome in their school, every day.
Teacher’s Convention & CBE Staff Association Convention
This year, the Calgary City Teachers’ Convention and the CBE Staff Association Convention, will be on February 13-14. Attendance is required at the respective conventions for all certificated teachers, and Staff Association members that include our educational assistants, school secretaries, lunch supervisors and education interpreters; therefore, there is no school for students on these days. Classes resume on Tuesday, February 18, following the Family Day holiday.
School Council News
We had a great school council meeting on Tuesday with a wonderful presentation by the DHH and Kindergarten teachers as well as the Principal’s report (held prior to the School Council meeting) discussing the School Budget and Fees. As always, thank you to everyone who was in attendance. Next meeting is March 4th at 7:00pm and the Grade 4 teaching team will present. For all Council agendas, meetings, and fundraising updates please visit www.JennieElliott.ca
Ongoing - At Home Bottle Collection
Thank you to those of you that donated your bottles in January. We had a few more families donate their empties to the school but know if more people considered this program it could make a big difference. We have a goal of fundraising $3000 towards this initiative this year. Currently we have raised around $250, help us hit our goal! Just text Trail Bottle Depot, (403) 991-2745, they will come to your home, pick up the bottles and send the money to the school - super easy! What we love is 100% of the proceeds from the returns goes back to the school.
Reminder - Scholastic Book Fair!!! March 17, 2025 - March 21, 2025
The VERY popular book fair is back again this year and this time during school conference week! Save the date for this incredibly exciting event for all the students at Jennie. During school hours the children will have an opportunity to preview the fair on Monday/Tuesday, build a wish list (that is sure to be a mile long) and bring it home for your review. They then will have an opportunity on Wednesday/Thursday to shop with their class or shop with you after school during School Conference time. For more information and to have a sneak peak, visit https://bookfairs.scholastic.ca/bf/jennieelliottschool1
News from JEPSA
New - Jennie’s Night Out - Early Bird Tickets on Sale Feb 10!
Our second Jennie’s Night Out Gala and Silent Auction is coming April 11, 2025 at the Earl Grey Golf Course! Ticket sales for this event will go live on February 10, 2025 with a limited quantity of Early Bird priced tickets! Visit www.JennieElliott.ca for ticket purchasing or follow our council page on Facebook for up-to-date information.
The online silent auction will take place April 1 - 11, 2025, if you are interested in donating or getting more details about this event please email jennieelliott1962@gmail.com.
For our first Jennie’s Night Out last year we raised just over $15,000 for math and literacy resources for the school. This year we will be raising money to enhance the outdoor learning spaces at the school, primarily focusing on our phase 2 plan of the outdoor learning space at the front of the school. A space that all of our children can enjoy year-round.
Upcoming Dates
Feb 12 – Gr 3 Celebration of Learning performance
Feb 13, 14 – Teacher's Convention (no school)
Feb 14 - Valentine’s Day
Feb 15 – National Flag of Canada Day
Feb 17 – Family Day (no school)
Feb 20 – Kindergarten Information Session (parents/guardians only)
Feb 25 – Spirit Day: Pink Shirt Day
Feb 26 – Calgary Opera school performance: The Witty Squirrel 1:30pm
Feb 28 – Non-instructional Day (no school)
Please note, in light of the short week next week and the Family Day long weekend, our next Weekly Update will be February 21st. Have a fantastic week everyone!