At Douglas Harkness School we believe in the strength of community; particularly OUR community. We are proud to be part of the community of Pineridge. Anyone with a connection to our school knows that we have amazing students, families and staff and that it is our care for each other that makes our school what it is. We are very lucky to receive support from within and beyond Pineridge that allows us to provide opportunities for our students. With Thanksgiving coming up, this week's blog will focus on some of those organizations and folks. On behalf of myself, and our students, I would like to thank our generous donors! Community Neighbourhood Walk This week our school family had an amazing opportunity to come together for a Community walk. One hundred and fifty-seven people, including students, parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents and our staff came together for a walk from our school to Village Square Leisure Center that made all of us proud to be part of the community of Pineridge. Along the way, Kathleen asked questions about the community and gave prizes for correct answers. Can you answer them?
This walk was put together by City of Calgary Community Social Worker for Pineridge, Kathleen McMurray. Kathleen has been working to bring individuals and groups together and is asking for your feedback about what makes Pineridge great and what would make it even better. She is asking for YOUR input. Please contact the school if you would like to speak to her or Carmen Marquez, who works with her. Village Square Leisure Center Our walk ended at Village Square Leisure Center. The walk was quick and we were certainly made welcome when we got there! They set up a bouncy obstacle course for our students and the folks in charge of the programs introduced themselves and spoke about what they offer to the community. Everyone had a lovely snack and spent time going through the facility. Many of our families chose to visit the library and take home new books. Did you know that these organizations all work out of the Village Square Leisure Center:
Backpacks for Kids On Thursday every student at our school was gifted with a very special backpack. It is our hope that students use these bags either at school or to carry books to and from the Calgary Public Library. The gift was the result of generous donations from many organizations. If families would like to write a note to these donors, we will make sure they get them!
Community Closet Our school is fortunate to have a community closet stocked with clothing items that students may need. This area is supported by the community of Rockyview Alliance Church, including many lovingly handmade hats, scarves and mittens. Breakfast Club We receive support for our Breakfast Club through Fuel for Schools, FANS (Food and Nutrition in Schools), Calgary Boys and Girls Club and Calgary Interfaith Food Bank. Indigo Adopt-a-School This is our second year participating in Indigo Love of Reading Foundation's Adopt a School program. As of today, we have received the gift of 123 books! It would be wonderful to reach one book per child - that's 282! Can you help? https://adoptaschool.indigo.ca/eng/schools/1480 Saving the Best till last - OUR VOLUNTEERS Our school is very fortunate to be supported by a small but dedicated volunteer community. We greatly appreciate all of the parents, grandparents and friends who come and volunteer to enrich the lives and learning of our students. We have volunteers that come for special events, come to School Council meetings, and others who spend time with students at school or on field trips. If you can volunteer, please contact the office. News from Early Development Centre
News from KindergartenThis week in Kindergarten, students started ‘work centres’. These centres combine early numeracy, literacy, art and science activities. Students engaged in these new centres with excitement and confidence! You may have noticed our tweets about building from a plan. Students worked within their groups to build a structure out of Lego or wood blocks. They were given a picture of a structure and challenged to rebuild and make a replica of the structure. Students used kind words to work collaboratively and solve problems within their group. The classroom was buzzing with kindergarten friends offering each other suggestions - "That’s good, put the small block on top”, “Maybe put the big block beside that one”. Through conversation, collaboration and experimenting, students were successful making their replica. Student learning is being extended into the learning commons this week where they have the opportunity to work together with Mrs. Ramsay to build weaving loom. We are looking forward to individually adding to this loom as we begin our inquiry into ourselves and start learning about each other as unique individuals. Ask your child about the new work centres. Ask about the Autumn art we created using water coloured crayons. Ask me to build you a pattern! Can I draw a picture for you and explain what I drew? School UpdatesOur school enrolment is well above projections made in May and we are in the process of increasing our staff. We are hiring an additional part time teacher to provide support to all students in Physical Education and to support our English Language Learners. We are also currently seeking an additional staff member for our noon supervision. Until this person is hired, we will have someone filling in beginning on Monday, October 3. Weekly UpdatesPE FOCUS - Scooters
Monday, October 3
Remember to check us out on Twitter for updates and important information. -@DHarknessCBE
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