Dear DGS Families
This week is one of our most action-packed, adventure-filled yet! Our Divisional track meet, Grade 9 Farewell, Exploratory Course selections for next year, our inaugural flag football season, and Grade 4 and 5 tours, all amidst the preparations teachers are making with students in Grades 6 and 9 as we start writing Provincial Achievements Tests next week. The trick is to take on one great opportunity at a time!
Earlier this week, our new Grade 5 and 6 students for next year visited the building, met with administration, watched some Grade 6 Air and Aerodynamics car races, and listened to our young musicians perform for them. Today, over 100 of our students participated in the Divisional Track Meet. Then on Friday, we look forward to celebrating our Grade 9 students’ middle school careers as we prepare to send them off to high school.
Traffic Safety
Respectfully, we ask that you do NOT use the staff parking lot to drop off or pick-up your child. We know it’s tempting, but we also hope that the big sign at the entrance to the parking lot is a good clue as to where we do and do not want vehicles. Please park along Cranston Drive- there is plenty of room for everyone past the ball diamonds. We also ask that you do not allow your children to jaywalk across Cranston Drive for any reason. There are marked crosswalks on either end of the block- those extra few steps could save lives.
Parent Feedback Matters
In March, off-site activities fees were an important question raised on our School Development Planning and Fees Survey. After reviewing survey feedback, the decision has been made to offer a maximum of two curricular whole grade fieldtrips per year, in addition to Grade 6 Camp and Grade 7 Camp. Camp opportunities offer extensive financial support options families can access. Exploratory classes will also be capped at one fee-based fieldtrip per course offering. We are in a situation where even a no-cost destination requiring charter bus transportation can cost as much as $18.00 per participant. Limiting the number of off-site activities means fieldtrip fees at each Grade Level will be better aligned. Optional extra trips (such as skiing, SALTS and Grade 9 Year End Celebration trips) will continue to be offered on a user-pay basis. We recognize that Calgary’s current economic landscape presents new challenges for all of us, and we want to be a part of the solution for families. We will reassess this decision in the Spring of 2025.
Grade 9 Farewell
Our Grade 9 Farewell Ceremony will take place at 9:30 in the main gym on Friday June 7, 2024. This event is intended for Grade 9 students and their family members. If parents wish to have younger siblings who attend DGS included in the audience, we ask that you let your younger sibling's homeroom teachers know and have them meet you in the foyer just before 9:30 am. We anticipate the formal program will be finished by 11:00 am. A short, outdoor reception for Grade 9 students and their families will take place following the ceremony. This will be an informal reception, with the focus being on photo opportunities, and gathering together over light refreshments and music in the backyard area. Tickets are NOT required to attend the Ceremony and Reception. Forms for the Grade 9 end of year activities were sent home, if your student will be attending, please complete the forms and submit the applicable payment.
DGS Fundraising Society Event
The Kona Ice Truck will visit the school at noon on June 14, 2024. To order your refreshing treat, please click HERE! Online ordering closes on June 13 at 5:00pm, however, payment will also be accepted at the Kona Truck on that day if you miss the deadline.
Provincial Achievement Test Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to help with P.A.T.’s in June. If you are available and have a Valid Police Clearance, please click on the link below to sign-up.
Possible supports that we might need you for during the exam will be the following:
- Scribes and Readers
- Hallway Monitor
Volunteers will most likely not be staying to the end of the designated time as many students will be finished at this point.
Important Upcoming Dates
Friday June 7, 2024
- Grade 9 Farewell Ceremony (Ceremony begins at 9:30am, reception to follow)
Wednesday June 12, 2024
- Grade 9 P.A.T. - ELA Part B
Thursday June 13, 2024
- Grade 9 P.A.T. - Math Part A
Friday June 14, 2024
- Kona Ice Cream Truck (at noon)
Monday June 17, 2024
- Grade’s 6 and 9 Routine Childhood Immunization Catch-Up (please see Immunization – School Services for more information)
Tuesday June 18, 2024
- Grade 9 P.A.T. - Math Part B
Wednesday June 19, 2024
- Grade 6 P.A.T. - Social Studies (pm)
- Grade 9 P.A.T. - Social Studies (am)
Thursday June 19, 2024
- Grade 6 P.A.T. - Science (pm)
- Grade 9 P.A.T. - Science (am)
Thursday June 27, 2024
- Last day of school for students (early dismissal – 11:55am)
- Appeal Day (12:30pm to 4:00pm)
Friday June 28, 2024
- Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)
Looking Ahead…
Wednesday August 26, 2024
- Homeroom assignments for the 2024-2025 school year released to families (all Grades)
I am available to answer questions- csmalette@cbe.ab.ca
Chantal Malette
Principal, Dr. George Stanley School