Dear DGS Families,
On Friday, our staff spent the day re-igniting the work we did last year around Collaborative Response. During the 2022-2023 school year, we learned the process, practice the process and then enacted the process between January and June. We were able to hold 4 meetings in that timeframe and share and revisit approximately 20 different strategies across Grades and Disciplines. Collaborative Response is a way for teachers to meet productively about the strategies, supports, and structures that make schoolwork better for students. During these meetings, we celebrate the successes of our students since our last meeting, examine data related to what students are telling us about empathy and respect in our school, and then we consider the individual needs of students in their classroom groupings- when we think about student need, what we are really able to do is to collaborate around the “teacher moves” we can make to help students learn and grow. The “strategic” piece is that when we are generating strategies, we are really strategizing for more than just one learner- we are generating and sharing pedagogical ideas, practical routines, and resources that will likely benefit larger groups of students- it’s the notion that when you do something different for one learner, and then apply it to a larger group, you often are able to see growth and improvement across a wider cohort. We are passionate about making a difference in learning for your families.
Hallowe’en at DGS
On the afternoon of Tuesday October 31, all students at DGS will have an opportunity to participate in Hallowe’en themed activities of their choice. One time slot will be exclusively for Grade 6 and 7 students, and one time spot will be exclusively for Grade 8/9 students. This provides everyone with a safer, more comfortable experience with their peers. Students will be given the option of a 45-minute dance, cooking activity, a team video game “mini tournament,” organized games, crafts, board games and a few other little surprises. Once students have selected their activity, they need to stay in their area for the remainder of the time slot. This wellness and teambuilding time is brought to you by our Grade 8 Leadership students who are learning important skills about event planning, organizing humans and creating positive school culture. Students are welcome to wear a costume for the afternoon as well. Our regular student code of conduct is in effect. As with other years, our only asks are that someone else’s culture or religion is not worn as a costume, and new this year, we ask that props that represent weapons are left at home. In part, we want to ensure a safe environment in the main gym during the dance. Grades 6 and 7 will participate in their activities from 1:00-1:45 and Grades 8 and 9 will have their activities from 2:00-2:45pm.
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety around our School
Ww want to thank everyone for how well you have worked with us to ensure safety in our parent drop and pick up zone along Cranston Drive, as well as not stopping or parking in our Bus Zone on Cranston Road. This year, we have 6 full sized busses and one smaller bus that we are working with- your commitment to improved driver safety around our school has been very helpful. We are working with our students about ONLY crossing the roads at marked crosswalks. We need your help with this; please ensure that adults and students cross at the crosswalk and NOT in the middle of the road.
Transportation Challenges
We are aware that this week has brought challenges to our families who rely on charter transportation for their students before and after school. The transportation carriers are the only source of information to know if busses are running, are running late, or if alternate transportation arrangements (such as F bus students riding Bus A) have been made. We are often receiving information at the school at the same time as families. We make adjustments to routines such as morning attendance when we know we have busses that are en route, but will be late. Please remember that we are working with a 3rd party provider, and we are doing the best that we can to ensure safe experiences for students.
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 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 11 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!!
Important Upcoming Dates
Tuesday October 31
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Hallowe’en
Wednesday November 8
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Remembrance Day Ceremonies
Thursday November 9
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Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)
Friday November 10-14
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Fall Break (School Closed)
Tuesday November 21
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Grade 9 Routine Childhood Immunizations (please see Immunization – School Services for more information)
Thursday November 23
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Parent Teacher Student Conferences (Virtual, 4:00pm-8:00pm)
Friday November 24
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Parent Teacher Student Conferences (Virtual, 8:00am-12:00pm) (no school for students)
Tuesday November 28
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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