April 2013 Newsletter - Calgary Arts Academy

Calgary Arts Academy
APRIL
NEWSLETTER2013
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From the Principal
Change can be hard. The changes we are
undergoing at Calgary Arts Academy are
certainly no exception. It is important that
as our community moves toward the
2013-14 school year, we continue to stay
connected and ask questions.
To this point, many community members
have come forward to ask insightful and
thought provoking questions. It is this type
of engagement and level of care that makes
our community strong. When we speak
about ‘Spirited Citizenship’, this
questioning and looking for solutions is
exactly the type of engagement we are
hoping that all our students develop over
their time at Calgary Arts Academy.
Throughout my conversations with parents
and students there have been some
common questions that I would like to take
some time to review.
In this issue
Division News, 2
Big Band Dance Notes, 3
April 2013 Calendar, 5
Kids’ Health, 6
April 22 to 26, 2013
April 18 and 19, 2013
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See Page 3
Will students at the Knob Hill Middle School
campus continue to have band?
At Calgary Arts Academy, we highly value
the role music plays in the development of
thinking skills. As such, all students at CAA
will continue to participate in specific music
instruction. The primary difference will be
that students will have the opportunity to
select specific musical streams that they
would like to pursue. Each stream will have
2 hours of instruction per week. We are
hoping that we will be able to provide
instruction in the following areas Band,
Choir, Guitar, Strings, and Percussion.
Will students at the Glenmeadows Elementary
School campus continue to receive the same amount
of PE programming?
Currently students in Years 1 to 4 receive
Physical Education Instruction four times
per week. We will, at a minimum, be able
to maintain this level of instruction and it
may possibly increase. The only difference
is teaching teams will collectively be
responsible for this instruction. Continued on Page 4
See Page 2
Kudos
Congratulations to CAA student Kate P. for achieving a Gold Metal for having the highest
mark in Alberta for the Royal Conservatory of Music Speech Arts exam. Way to go, Kate!
Kindergarten News
Over the next month, we will begin
working towards the creation of the
Kindergarten Showcase taking place on
May 15th. Students will be involved in
creating all of the pieces for the
Showcase including a dance, puppet
plays and songs.
We will begin our exploration of
communities next month, as well as
continuing to learn about numbers and
sorting, letters of the alphabet and story
construction. Please watch for a new
learning contract to be coming home
later this month.
It was great to see so many parents
at our Student Led Conferences! The
students are always so proud to show
their classrooms and school work to
friends and family.
Thank you for your continued
support. Have a wonderful Spring Break!
- Ms. D. Rose
Division One News
Division One students enjoyed
preparing for their Showcase, An Arctic
Tale, which they presented on April 10
and 11, 2013.
It focused on the Social Studies
curriculum and one of Canada’s dynamic
communities, the Canadian Arctic. The
Showcase was based on the Inuit legend
of the Qallupilluk. This warning tale is
told to children about a monster, the
Qallupilluk who steals children under the
seas ice if they do not listen to their
parents and go out alone on the ice.
There are many warning tales in the
Inuit culture that are told to children to
keep them safe in the harsh arctic climate
and landscape.
Our version of this
legend was partially based on the
children’s book “A Promise is a Promise”
by Robert Munsch.
- Ms. J. McCloy
Division Two News
Division Two students have been
working on some amazing pattern work
with our guest artist Ms. Gina. Check
them out in the main building right
beside the window for Ms. Stonehouse's
office.
April is an exciting month for
Division Two. We have a new guest artist
starting, a model maker named Ms.
Shelly. She will be working with Year 3
students on making models of buildings
from around the world and with Year 4
students making a model of a car that
moves. Year 3 and 4 students participated in
a science presentation brought to Calgary
Arts Academy. The Alberta Curriculum
requires students to have a practical
understanding of wheels, gears and
levers. Instead of reading from a
textbook, our students received a crash
course (pun intended) from Calgary's
Roller Derby Association!
The teams showcased their skills and
the science behind their sport on April
9th.
100 students viewed, participated in
and explored derby, as well as the wheels,
axles, levers, wedges etc. that make the
sport exciting and wild! There was a
presentation on how derby is played,
what equipment is used and how science
relates to the sport.
We are lucky to be able to see two
Vertigo shows this month. The first one
we will see is The Number 14 at the Ystage on April 10th. The second show is
the dress rehearsal of the Year 8/9
production The Way Station on April 18th.
- Ms. N. Williams
- Mr. M. Jenkins
Division
Three News
Division Three students had a
wonderful opportunity to participate in
sessions facilitated by the organization
Towards Social Justice on April 4th. This
group teaches children to examine
charities and to think critically about
global citizenship.
Year 5 students visited Heritage Park
on April 5th, deepening their
understanding of Immigration in
Canada.
We are very excited to attend the
annual Year 8/9 Vertigo production on
Thursday April 18th. Permission forms
have been sent by email.
Mrs. L. Twa
Division Four News
Year 9 Social Studies students will
be learning about consumerism through
a "Turtle's Den" contract that mimics the
CBC "Dragon's Den" show and features
the choice to use a virtual economy in
Minecraft. Year end curriculum review
will be in a “Theatersports” format.
Year 8 Language Arts students will
be continuing on their "Fan Art"
independent projects and we will select a
few of these projects to explore in
collaborative groups.
Year 7 Social Studies students are
exploring independent creative
collaborative projects that could include a
virtual version of Heritage Park and reenactments of the War of 1812 in
Minecraft.
- Mr. S. Rasporich
School Council News
CAA School Council Society
Casino
School Council Society’s casino will be
at the Elbow River Inn Casino on April
17 and 18, 2013. We thank all the
parents who have volunteered to work a
shift.
Revitalize the Glenmeadows
Gardens Day
This event is on May 4, 2013 from
9:00am to 4:00pm. Learn how to
improve your garden, yard, and trees, as
taught by a certified permaculture
designer. Help us create a beautiful,
bountiful space for the students to enjoy,
learn and eat in! Food and beverages
provided and free babysitting/supervising
of children are also available. As a
bonus, you can fulfill all your volunteer
requirements in one day!
GirlPower Workshops
Back by popular demand are the
GirlPower Workshops. Fuzzies & Friends
is on May 8 from 3:30 to 4:30pm, and
The Heart of Friendship is on May 8 from
3:30pm to 5:30pm. Both seminars are at
the Glenmeadows Elementary School
campus. For registration details, see the
“Students & Parents / Useful
Documents” section of the school’s
website.
Home Alone Safety Course
The next Home Alone Safety Course will be
on May 14 from 3:30 to 5:30pm at the
Glenmeadows Elementary School
campus. This is an interactive safety
training course for youth ages 9 and over. This program prepares your youth for
the all important step of being ‘home
alone.’ Without some basic skills, being
on your own can be an unsafe and
uncomfortable situation. Let’s all work
together to keep our youth safe and
confident! • Preventing injuries • Handling an emergency should
one happen • Learning about choking, bleeding,
burns & more • Preparing simple, nutritious meals • Feeding a baby, changing diapers,
and performing other important childcare skills • Coping with tantrums and crying • Creating a resume • Finding jobs the safe way
Registration fee is $48.00 per
student.
To register, go to http://
caa.registrationnow.net
Parent Education Workshop:
Kids and Drugs - A Parent’s Guide
to Prevention
Presented by Alberta Health Youth
Addiction Services, this seminar will be
held on May 23 from 7:00 to 9:00pm at
the Knob Hill Middle School campus.
Big Band Dance 2013
•Minor first aid •EMS system •Fire
safety •Personal responsibilities
•Answering doors and telephones
•Appliance safety •Flooding toilets and
general safety. These skills are fully
covered in this program through
interactive games and role playing.
The registration fee is $20.00 per
student. To register, go to http://
caa.registrationnow.net
Red Cross Babysitting
Training
This seminar will be held on May
21, 2013 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the
Knob Hill Middle School campus. For
youth ages 10 years and older, this course
teaches future babysitters how to be safe
while also building self esteem. Course Skills Include: • Being a responsible babysitter • Becoming familiar with games for
all children’s ages A special 10 Year Anniversary cake was
presented at the Big Band Dance
This year’s Big Band Dance
and Silent Auction, held on March 9, was
a resounding success! Over 200 guests
enjoyed performances by our amazing
students and the Adult Choir. Surprise
guest Deanne Matley, singer/songwriter,
(a supporter of our school) treated the
audience to a couple of her own songs.
Woodhouse Big Band once again
provided a variety of music in their usual
spectacular manner.
Tickets sales and the silent auction
netted over $5,000.00, which will be used
toward the music program at Calgary
Arts Academy.
We gratefully acknowledge our event
coordinators Mary Anne Desmeules and
Kevin Loftus, Master of Ceremonies
Todd Hirsch, our amazing parent and
adult choir volunteers and the staff at the
Coast Plaza Hotel for fantastic hospitality.
We sincerely thank our sponsors:
Alberta Ballet
Alberta Theatre Projects
Allan’s Flowers
Anonymous
Aussie Rules
Kim Becker
Libby Brownell
Cakeworks
Calgary Arts Summer School Association
Calgary Child’s Play
Calgary Exhibition & Stampede
Calgary International Children’s Festival
Pat Cavill
Andre Chabot, Alderman, Ward 10
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks
Sarah and Bill Elzinga
Dale Erickson
Linda Fox-Mellway
GF Inc.
Gas Tech Heating & Fireplaces
Dale Hodges, Alderman, Ward 1
Hudsons
Janet Horbacio Photography
Julie Marwood Photography
Pamela and John Keith
Leanne Kidd
Heather Lawton
Bonnie Laycock
Lee’s Picture Frame Warehouse
Kevin Loftus
Patricia Lortie
Loose Moose Theatre Company
Gael McLeod, Alderman, Ward 4
Heather McCartney
National Music Centre
Brian Pincott, Alderman, Ward 11
Big Band Dance Sponsors - continued
Richard Pootmans, Alderman, Ward 6
Pumphouse Theatre
Ken Rigel Group
RILEYS
Studio White
Twin Family
Reworks Upcycle Shop Ltd.
Rio Bar and Grill
Say Cheese Fromagerie Inc.
Susie Sparks
Storybook Theatre
Vertigo Theatre
Robin Vilonyay
White Raven Emporium
Nancy and Andy Wiswell
Maria Woodman
From the Principal - continued
Will students at the Glenmeadows Elementary
School campus continue to receive the same
amount of PE programming? - continued
Additionally, we are committed to
activities such as swimming and roller
blading to further supplement the
experience that our students will receive.
Can parents pay additional fees or commit to
fundraising in order to save these positions?
Unfortunately the answer to this question
is no. In our budgeting, we are not
permitted to use resource fees for salaries
and benefits for staff. Similarly, fundraised dollars cannot be used toward
staffing. We can use these types of funds
to augment programming and employ
artists on short-term contracts. These
revenue sources will certainly be used to
enhance our elementary physical
education programming.
We certainly recognize that change is
unsettling. We know that sudden change
can lead to emotional responses, it does
for us all. As we move forward, it is
essential that we remain strong as a
community. In order to do so, it is vitally
important that we speak openly and ask
questions that we all may have. To those
of you who have come forward and
voiced your questions and concerns,
thank you. For those of you who have not
had the opportunity or are not certain of
what questions you would like to ask,
please know that the door is always open.
- Mr. J. Van Beers
April 2013
Sunday
7
14
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
Day 1
3
Day 2
4
Day 3
5
Day 4
6
8
Day 5
9
Day 6
10
Day 1
11
Day 2
12
Day 3
13
15
Day 4
Edo Japan
special
lunch
16
Day 5
Division
One
Showcase
17
Day 6
Division
One
Showcase
18
Day 1
19
Day 2
20
Vertigo
Theatre
Production
25
Spring
Break – No
classes
Vertigo
Theatre
Production
26
Spring
Break – No
classes
21
22
Spring Break
– No classes
28
29
Staff
Professional
Development
– No classes
Subway
Special
Lunch
23
24
Spring
Spring Break
Break – No – No classes
classes
30
Day 3
Classes
resume
27
April 2013
Kids’ Health
Get moving with
active transportation!
To prepare a
healthy grocery
list, try to include on your
list foods from
all four food
groups.
Before you shop, plan ahead
Grocery shopping the
healthy way starts with planning ahead.
Before your next visit to the
grocery store, try to think of
how your week will look and
plan your menu accordingly.
To prepare a healthy grocery list, try to include on
your list foods from all four
food groups from Eating
Well with Canada’s Food Guide (Vegetables and Fruit,
Grain Products, Milk and
Alternatives and Meat and
Alternatives). Once your list
is ready to go, try to plan
your next trip to the grocery
store for a time of the day
when you are not tired or
hungry and have enough
time to read labels and look
at the nutrition facts table.
Preparing a grocery shopping list will help you and
your family plan your meals,
purchase healthier foods
and save time and money.
Active transportation means
choosing human
power over motor power as a
way to get from
place to place.
By leaving the
car at home
more often and
opting instead
for walking, biking, rollerblading,
skiing or snowshoeing, we can
improve our personal health as
well as reduce
our impact on
the environment.
Remember –
every bit of activity counts! Try to
work up to 60
minutes of physical activity every
day.
Riding a bike is a fun and healthy
way of getting somewhere.
Hold the salt: Choosing and preparing healthy foods with less sodium
Sodium is a mineral found
in all foods, largely found in
salt. It is needed for your
body to function, but most
Canadians eat more sodium
than they need.
Here are some tips to help
you choose and prepare
foods that are lower in sodium.
Enjoy fresh foods more
often, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and poultry. These tend to be naturally lower in sodium.
Use herbs, spices, lemon
juice, garlic, onion, and saltfree seasoning mixes to add
flavour to foods.
Read food labels and look
Use
herbs and
spices to
season
food, rather
than salt.
for the phrases, “sodiumfree”, “low sodium”, or “no added salt” when buying canned or frozen foods. The
% Daily Value is a quick
overview of how much or
sodium, choose these foods
how little of a nutrient is in
more often)
the food.
15 per cent or greater: a
Five per cent or less: a
lot of the nutrient.
little bit of the nutrient (for
For more information about the above, or any other health-related topic, please visit
www.albertahealthservices.ca
[email protected]