Dear DGS Families, 

Last week our Grade 7 students participated in a Natural Resources Symposium with Inside Education. Inside Education has been bringing a wealth of expertise to support students in experiencing engaging, hands-on, and authentic learning experiences. Students had the opportunity to work through ideas related to Citizen Science as well as going to a local farm. Students created 42 second videos which highlighted an issue connected to the themes of: agriculture, water, wildlife, energy, air or climate. With the snowy weather we had to adjust a few things but overall, the symposium was a success. 

On November 26, Area 5 Director Ann Ard dropped by to see how the transition between principals is going. We discussed day to day operations, school development planning, finances, the school community as a whole and school culture. Thanks to the collective work of the staff, things are going well. Special thanks to Mr. Rushton for his leadership during this time. The principal position will be posted on December 16. 

Parent-Teacher-Student conferences take place this week. This is an important part of the assessment and reporting process that focusses on your child as a learner. Student success is optimized when parents, students and staff work together. 

Over the last few days, Mr. Rushton has been holding townhall meetings with students to discuss school life. We looked at what is going well and elicited suggestions for improvement. We want our students to enjoy safety, robust programming and a respectful environment. Student voice is an integral part of this. 

School Council Updates 

Thanks to everyone who attended our school council meeting on November 26. A positive partnership with the school and the greater community is critical to school success. If you haven't already ordered candy floss for our fundraiser, you still have time to make your purchase! Ordering will be available until Friday, November 29. Delivery to students will take place on Friday December 13. Click HERE to sign into Healthy Hunger and place your order. 

Thank you for supporting DGS and our Growing Smiles fundraiser. This is a reminder that pick up will be Monday December 2nd at DGS school in the learning commons between 3 and 5pm. With the nature of the products, DGS will not be able to store any plants, so please arrange for pick up if you are unable to make it. If you have any questions, please reach out to gsfundraisingsociety@gmail.com.Thank you from your Fundraising Society!

Urgent Volunteer Requests

We are looking for volunteers that have a valid Police Clearance to help with sorting and distributing the Growing smiles fundraiser. Pick up will be Monday December 2, 2024 and there are two roles, unloading the truck and pickup distribution. We welcome volunteers to participate in both.Please click on the link to sign up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4BA8A728A4F9C61-53355058-growing/176483641#/

We are also requiring volunteers with valid Police Clearance to accompany our grade 9 students to Joane Cardinal Schubert on Thursday December 5, 2024 for their Fall Production of "Grease". Buses will depart DGS at 11:30 am and return at 2:30 pm. Please click on the link to sign up.https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4BA8A728A4F9C61-53285523-jcsgrease

Upcoming Dates 

Thursday November 28 

• Evening Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences 4pm-8pm (IN-PERSON) 

Friday November 29 

• Daytime Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences 8:30am-1pm (VIRTUAL) 

 Monday December 2  

• Fundraiser Order Pick-up 

 Friday December 20 

• Last day of classes  

Monday December 23 to Friday January 3 

• Winter Break 

As always, you are welcome to reach out to me any time at caaylesworth@cbe.ab.ca 

Chris Aylesworth  

Acting Principal, Dr. George Stanley School