Greetings Crossing Park Parent community:
Spring is finally upon us. As a school in the wintery city of Calgary, this marks an exciting time for schools to utilize outdoor spaces for learning opportunities around the school grounds and community as well as more field trips. We know how valuable these academic excursions can be in terms of opening student eyes to new ideas beyond classroom walls.
Recently, we've had successful learning opportunities ranging from visits to the Calgary zoo where students studied mammals and bio life that were taken up in class. The Telus Spark center offered similar hands-on experiences for students who witnessed Davinci's exhibit and a virtual space lab. The dance team took a trip to the cities core and not only showcased their skills, but also gained a new appreciation for the city and its landmarks. All of these trips are valuable, and we consistently get feedback around our students on-task engagement and culture of respect. These trips and students' interaction outside also means we need to remember that Calgary is unpredictable in terms of weather. CBE policies dictate that unless it is -20c with wind -or- there is extreme weather (including heavy smoke from wildfires, hail or lightning storms) we aim to dress for the conditions. Students are expected to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions! Please help us to help your children so they can be comfortable and prepared. We appreciate your support.
In addition, the improved weather means community members can walk or bike more often rather than relying on cars. We are blessed to have a school in a walk zone community without school buses. I personally encourage families to help be part of the solution with traffic by encouraging safe and healthy ways of walking or biking to school. Less cars= less traffic! The community has the solution. Furthermore, research consistently shows how much happier and healthier students can be when they get fresh air and natural light- even over a short walk!
I get to witness and lead how Crossing Park School's aim to achieve a place where "safe, happy and learning" occurs consistently. Please consider this data as cause for celebration. We are always looking to improve no matter how well we are doing, but the numbers from a large CBE Student survey about Crossing Park School:
My teachers want me to be successful (94%)
Teachers care about me (Overall 86%)
My school is a place where learning and extra-curricular activities are safe and accessible (Overall 86%)
I am proud to be part of my school (Overall 86%)
Over 80% of Indigenous students see their culture reflected in their school
I am responsible for myself and my actions (Overall 94%)
I learn about Indigenous ways (Overall 90%)
- I understand what I read (93%)
- I am a good writer (Overall 79%)
- I am confident that I can learn math (Overall 84%)
These numbers suggest that we are indeed a place where "safe, happy, learning" occurs!
·
Again, our job is always to support your children for a bright future. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance in any way. A phone call is always welcome.
As partners in "safe, happy, learning" I thank you for taking the time to read this note and wish you a pleasant Spring. I look forward to seeing many of you in person at our Grade 9 farewell.
Sincerely,
Andrew Bews
Principal
Crossing Park School
t: (403)777-7195