Dear DGS Families,
Welcome back- we are returning for the final 13 weeks of the semester and all of the celebration, reflection, growth and renewal this time of year affords us. Watch as the garden and ground coverings we are working on in Grade 7 root and grow. This will be a space that allows for careful observation, cultivation and appreciation of plants indigenous to the prairie and our river valley.
One of the wildflowers we get to experience along the escarpment in Cranston is the Prairie Crocus. These fuzzy purple flowers, are also commonly known as Prairie Pasqueflower and Prairie Smoke. They are one of the very first things to bloom around Calgary, and has become a symbol of renewal for so many people.
“This is a time to acknowledge all the beautiful changes...Springtime is a time of celebration. It is also a time of reflection-- to look back and learn from the journey we have had throughout the year and how we can carry that forward”. - Elder Saa’kokoto
Update Regarding Grade 6 Provincial Achievement Tests
Last week, the Ministry of Education announced cancelation of all Grade 6 ELAL and Math PATs for the Spring of 2024, to allow for Field Testing of exam questions. Science and Social Studies exams for Grade 6 will proceed as scheduled. There are no changes to Grade 9 Exams.
Lunchtime at DGS
Spring is here and with it comes a small influx of students who really want to convince their parents that they are allowed to leave school at lunchtime if only their parent would call the school. Now is a great time to clarify why we have a closed campus at lunch, and what that means for students. In practical terms, our lunch break is quite short out of necessity. We work with transportation around bus times, and we have prioritized having our students start as late as possible in the mornings. When we shifted to an 8:30 start time, we began seeing a drastic reduction in the number of students late each day. We have continued to see a positive impact on data related to attendance since the start time was changed at the start of the 2022-2023 school year. The “thing we have to live with” outcome is that students only have a 35 minute lunch break, which does not provide enough time to visit surrounding businesses at lunch and be on time in the afternoons. We have enjoyed a much improved relationship with businesses in the community since becoming a closed campus, and how we are perceived in the community is a piece of who we are at DGS. Unless your student is walking home for lunch every day, or you are picking them up from school at lunch, students are not permitted to leave school grounds. We cannot dismiss students to go to Sobey’s, etc. Thank you so much for helping with this- this is the time of the year calls start coming in to the main office, and we want to be clear up front regarding what the expectation is.
Field Trip Fees
Please note that payment of fieldtrip fees or arrangements made with the school to address financial hardship are encouraged and required. We will always work with families (when needed) to access alternate funding sources so that students are able to participate in activities that have a fee attached to them. Increasingly, service providers are instituting policies concerning individual student cancellation of participation that involve billing the school regardless of whether or not the student attends the activity. It’s important to note that refunds related to not attending fieldtrip/activity may not be possible, depending on the service provider’s contract and refund policies.
Spring Athletics
Volleyball has wrapped up and Badminton Season is upon us. New at DGS this year, students will have the opportunity to participate in Flag Football. More information will follow in the weeks to come. We will be wrapping up our school sports seasons with participation at our Divisional Track and Field meet in early June.
DGS Fundraising Society Events
The DGS Fundraising Society is excited to offer three fun treats to the students coming up this spring!!
- April 26 - Flossy AF Cotton Candy
- Late May (TBA) - Texas Donuts
- June 14 - The Kona Ice Truck
All of these delicious treats will be available for pre-purchase on Healthy Hunger and through The Kona Ice's purchase portal. Cotton Candy and Texas Donuts will be available for purchase on Healthy Hunger very SOON, so keep an eye out!
Thank you for your continued support of the DGS Fundraising Society!
Important Upcoming Dates
Thursday April 4, 2014 - Routine Immunizations (School Immunization Program) Grade 6
Monday April 8, 2024 - Spring Portraits
Friday April 19, 2024 - Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)
Monday May 13, 2024 - Grade 9 ELA Exam- Part A
Friday May 17, 2024 - Non- Instructional Day (No School for Students)
Monday May 20, 2024 - Victoria Day (School Closed)
As always, I am available to answer questions- csmalette@cbe.ab.ca or 817 3556.
Sincerely,
Chantal Malette