*If you would like to have a translated version of this message, please click here to view the web version of this message on our website using the Google Translate tab at the top.

 

Dear Parents / Guardians,

 

In this message…

 

-        No School - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

-        2023-2024 Learning Update

-        Learning Celebration – October 6, 2023 (Community English and Mandarin Bilingual Program students in Grade 3 and 4)  

-        School Council / Parent Association

 

This week students had a very busy week of learning that started off with activities celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival and ended with our students participating in Orange Shirt Day through classroom learning that recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A reminder that there is no school tomorrow, September 29 in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

 

2023-2024 Learning Update

the stage for learning throughout the year, for both students and staff. Though we are very fortunate to have quite robust expertise in our building, wherein teachers can learn from one another, we also engage in various other forms of professional learning led by external providers.  Some examples of what some of our staff is exploring include:>span class="eop"> 

·       Professional Learning Communities / Collaborative Response are school-wide models for addressing students' individual needs that leverage collaborative structures and processes, data and evidence, and a continuum of supports to help all students succeed.

·       New Curriculum professional learning. We continue to build upon our expertise with the new curriculum that was introduced last school year, in addition to our current year’s new curriculum implementation of Grade 4-6 English Language Arts and Literacy, Grade 4-6 Mathematics, and K-3 Science. We are connecting with system experts and using our in-house leaders to build teacher capacity surrounding these changes in Alberta curriculum.

·       Multi-Cultural Perspectives and Learning: As a school we take pride in celebrating and learning about all cultures. Our school-wide statement for 2023-2024 “We Belong…” connects classroom learning and instruction throughout the year to this central idea.

Learning Celebrations. Last year, as a school community, we focussed on Indigenous education using supporting resources such as CBE’s Indigenous Education Holistic Lifelong Learning Framework and the 7 Sacred Teachings. These learnings emphasize character education, and wellness through Indigenous teaching and will be a continuous focus within our classrooms throughout the year as we continue to build our understanding. Every 6-8 weeks throughout the year we will be having whole-school learning celebrations hosted by specific grade teams where our students and staff will come together to celebrate their learning related in connection to belonging. All students began the year with a focus on “Respect”. In October, we are looking forward to having the Grade 3/4 students from both programs together lead a celebration focussing on “Respect” and the Buffalo. 

Of course, these are only a few examples of what we are exploring, as we continuously evolve. Professional development that is undertaken is always with students at the forefront as we work to create the best learning environment for all Marion Carson students.

 

Learning Celebration – October 6, 2023 (Community English and Mandarin Bilingual Program students in Grade 3 and 4)  

All students in Grade 3 and 4 are leading our upcoming learning celebration on October 6, 2023 starting at 10:00am. This celebration focuses on students sharing their learning including aspects such as the virtue of “Respect”.

We would like to invite parents of performing students from Grade 3 and 4 classes to attend if able. Please note that due to fire safety code we have to limit our parent viewing to the first 150 parents. Doors will open at 9:55am. If waiting outside, we ask that you please line up along the Main West Door sidewalk leading out towards Varsity Drive. 

 

A Message on Behalf of School Council / Parent Association…

 

Fun Lunch

Our next Fun Lunch is Papa John's Pizza on Oct 13. The deadline for ordering will be Oct 8 at 11:59pm. Please visit https://healthyhunger.ca/ to place your order.

 

Fun Snack

We will also be having Fun Snack days throughout the year. Our first Fun Snack day will be October 27 where families can buy their children a special treat. This month will be Halloween cookies! The deadline to order will be October 22 at 11:59pm. Please be sure to still send your child to school with appropriate food for this day.

 

Davison's Orchard Apple Fundraiser

Marion Carson Parent Association is excited to be partnering with Davison's Orchard for the first time to bring families handpicked produce from a family run farm in the Okanagan Valley. Nine dollars from each box of apples goes directly to supporting our Marion Carson school! 

-        Attached in this message is the flyer that will also be sent home with your student. Easy to download and text your entire contact list! Who doesn’t love apple pie in the fall? Everyone needs apples and we want our friends and families (and long-lost friends) to buy them from us!

-        Orders are due by October 17th and payment can be submitted via e-transfer to mcschoolcouncil@gmail.com (password: apple123)

-        Parents are asked to submit the total number of each type of apple sold and complete one e-transfer on behalf of their supporters. The online form is to be submitted by Marion Carson parents only. 

-        Please see the online order form here https://form.jotform.com/232484713326254 or scan the QR code on the flyer.

-        Families with multiple students should include all sibling names and homeroom teachers on the online submission form as there will be a prize for the class that sold the most!

Distribution of apples will be in the Marion Carson School parking lot Thursday November 2, 2023 - stay tuned for more information.

*A call for volunteers will be sent out closer to the delivery date. Cue up the wagons and tone up those biceps! Note - you do not need police clearance to volunteer for the apple fundraiser. 

If you have any questions please email mcschoolfundraising@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting our students and school!

Your Council Executive,

Kim Harding – Chair, Rachel Martini - Vice Chair, Claire Fitzpatrick – Secretary, Laura Cooper - Treasurer

 

Sincerely,

Mr. Dustin Turner

Principal, Marion Carson School

 

Important Dates:

September 29: No School - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

October 6: Learning Celebration Led by Grade 3 and 4 students (10am)

October 9: No School - Thanksgiving Day

October 18: Photo Retake Day

October 18: School Council / Parent Association Meeting (7pm)

October 20: No School for Students – Non-Instruction Day

October 26 27: Halloween Dance (time TBD)

October 31: Halloween Day Learning Activities