Dear DGS Families, 

Last Friday, we spent time first thing in the morning with our Grade 9 students to learn about what they want to change regarding school culture at DGS. Students have told us that they love things like InterSchool Athletics, Staff v Student events, time spent outside together participating in Land Based Learning, our Music Program and our performance opportunities throughout the year. Students would like the opportunity to do more things together in whole Grade Groups and would like to think about our school’s larger identity in the community. They would like more opportunities to make meaningful contributions to Cranston, and we are listening to their voices. We are taking the time each Friday to meet with each Grade Level of Students and find out what really matters to them. Getting to watch a short basketball game between Grade 9 Teachers and the Senior Boys and Girls Basketball Teams sure didn’t hurt, either! Next up? Grade 8! 

Yesterday’s Hallowe’en activities went exceptionally well. It was a joyfully spooky day here at DGS! Our students are incredibly creative, enthusiastic and funny. From inflatable Santa, to Eminem, 6-foot home-made angel wings, and the most amazing Chainsaw costume, it was a feast for the eyes. We want to send a HUGE thank you to our Grade 8 Leadership students, Ms. Lyster, DJ Look and DJ Dyer. We really enjoyed bringing our students together and helping them to learn and grow socially. 

Tomorrow at 1:00pm (Nov 2), our students will participate in a School-wide Lockdown Practice. This means there will be a police presence around the building for approximately an hour. As always, I will send you a message once the lockdown is complete. We thank all of our students in advance for their careful engagement in this required activity. 

On Wednesday November 8, we are pleased to present face-to-face Remembrance Day Ceremonies. These are our first full Remembrance Day Ceremonies since 2019, and we are taking extra care to ensure high quality experiences for students and guests that day. 

We look forward to our Fall Break next week. Please remember that there are no classes for students starting Thursday November 9, and returning on Wednesday November 15, 2023. 

Grade 9 

For the first time in our school’s history, we are offering an opportunity for a Group of 28 Grade 9 students to learn to sail a tall ship. We have secured a vessel through SALTS (Sailing and Life Training Society) that will depart from Victoria harbour and sail to various areas up the coast and through the islands. For more information on the SALTS experience, please visit salts.ca 

WHO: 28 Grade Nine students, Mr. Buist & Ms. Malette 

WHAT: Sailing Trip 

WHEN: April 29th - May 3rd, 2024 

WHERE: Victoria, British Columbia 

As you can appreciate, the cost of this experience is significant, and comprehensive and totals haven’t been finalized at this stage of the planning process. If you would like more information about this trip, we will be hosting an informational session on Thursday, November 2nd from 6:30 - 7:30pm in the Learning Commons. While attendance at this meeting will serve as an expression of interest in the trip, it does not guarantee or secure a spot on this trip.  

Please join us if you’re interested in hearing more about this exciting opportunity. 

DGS Parent Fundraising Society    

We are very excited about our upcoming Casino on December 9 and 10 at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino. We currently require 7 more people to be able to cover our shifts. This is a high value fundraiser that has afforded our students access to additional chrome books, learning commons materials, and fieldtrip busses. Click here to volunteer!!   

2023 Casino Flyer.pdf  

Demographic Verification Forms   

There forms are legally required to be completed EVERY school year. If for some reason you are unable to complete this form, please contact the Office to make arrangements for assistance in completing this. We thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Click HERE to sign-in. 

Grade 6 Students and Noon Hour Supervision   

All Grade 6 students who stay at DGS for lunch MUST be registered for noon supervision. We have two fabulous lunchroom supervisors who work with students daily. Students who go home every day at lunch must check out and sign back in. Grade 6 is the last year families pay the noon supervision fee. We provide additional supervision for ALL DGS students so they can enjoy a safe lunch break. Noon Supervision (and registration) information can be found here.     

Important Upcoming Dates 

Thursday November 2 

• SALTS Informational Session for Grade 9 families 

Wednesday November 8               

• Remembrance Day Ceremonies  

Thursday November 9                    

• Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)  

Friday November 10-14                 

• Fall Break (School Closed)  

Tuesday November 21 

• Grade 9 Routine Childhood Immunizations (please see Immunization – School Services for more information) 

Thursday November 23 

• Parent Teacher Student Conferences (Virtual, 4:00pm-8:00pm) 

Friday November 24 

• Parent Teacher Student Conferences (Virtual, 8:00am-12:00pm) (no school for students) 

Tuesday November 28 

• School Council and Parent Fundraising Society Meeting (evening) 

As always, I am available to answer questions- csmalette@cbe.ab.ca 

  

Chantal Malette  

Principal, Dr. George Stanley School