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Greetings Crossing Park Families!

 

We are mid-way through October, and we are really getting into the rhythm.   Students have settled in very nicely to new routines, classes, teachers and friends.   We are so proud of our community and always looking for ways to make it even better.

 

When fellow Principals or our Director visit Crossing Park, they always comment on how calm and intentional our building can be despite its size.   This is a strong indication of students being safe, happy and learning- which is always our goal and priority.  

 

One of the things that we are proud of is our focus on speaking and listening as a skill set.  The vast majority of communication in the world is exchanged verbally and processed by listening.   This might seem like a simple and automatic kind of exchange, but it is something that we all need to practice.   It is also the foundation of literacy development no matter if your first language is English or you speak another language (or more)!   This means using new vocabulary, learning to pronounce, to speak fluidly and fluently and listen effectively.  Strong learning starts with good listening skills!

 

When many of us reflect on our days in school, we think about lectures and writing down our responses to questions with pencil and paper.   While this is an important skill, we know that students develop stronger reasoning and practical communication skills through verbal exchanges.   We can grade student growth and achievement by listening to their verbal responses, too.   This is an important part of modern education that benefits everyone.  Written work and typing are important, but if you want to help develop students thinking and communication skills- have a conversation!   Ask questions.   Ask more and deeper questions- like "why" and "how do you know that is a fact".   Let them think and exercise the most powerful muscle in the body- the brain.   This isn't just about discussing stories or history lessons- it is very useful in math, science, and complimentary courses.   Encourage your children to use new vocabulary.   "What do you call that shape?" or "Why do you think Canada is colder than India?"   These make students think and respond with new terms and reasons.   And, this can lead to higher levels of achievement and stronger academic outcomes.

 

You don't have to be a professional teacher to help out academically.   But, if you want to support their learning, have conversations with your kids about topics they're taking up.  Reading with them is always a great idea, too!  This is also a reminder that we try to make school a rigorous experience and these kinds of activities should be supplementary and brief- not more work for the sake of more work.  Plus, we know that students thrive when they have a chance to play with friends, engage in sports and participate in other activities that help them be well-rounded people.

 

If you have any questions and you are concerned about English communication, please know that we will always locate an interpreter to help.   We don't want any barriers for your family.

 

Lastly, this is a quick reminder that classes begin each morning at 8AM.   

 

This means students should be at the building before 8AM- ideally 10 minutes before.    

 

When students are late for morning classes it can mean losing important information and instructions.   Being consistently late by a few minutes can add up to hours in lost learning.   We want all our students to be safe, happy and learning.   This starts with showing up and being on time.   

 

Thanks for supporting us in this effort with your kids. We realize that circumstances arise from time to time, but we want to encourage everyone to help us when possible so we can help your child be their very best!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Andrew Bews

Principal

Crossing Park School

e: acbews@cbe.ab.ca

t: (403)777-7195​

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Greetings Crossing Park families:

Someone recently asked me about my thoughts on the new school year.   My response was simple; "This is the best year with respect to a school's set-up, students, staff and families."   I stand by this statement.   We already see strong evidence of students engaging in meaningful work.   Our school has a calm and intentional energy around learning.  The comments from teachers and students tell me that we are witnessing early success.

I am entering my 14^th year in a position of administration and school leadership.   I have learned that the success of a school lies in having high expectations and how we organize our classes, who we attract and train on staff and how we engage with families.   

We continue to go back to our mantra: "safe, happy & learning" as our priority.   

We have several new and highly skilled teachers.   

We have a group of students that bring English as another language (a skill set).  

We have passionate families who care deeply about education.  

 In other words, we have the structures, the staff, students and community to improve as a school community.  That's always our goal!

Although some of this means changes and closure on past routines, we need to remember that we all want things to improve.   However, as leadership expert John Maxwell points out: "There is no improvement without change."   So, we want to honor our past, but we look forward to improving through thoughtful changes that support student success.

We know that when teachers, students and parents/guardians work together, students are safer, happier and learn more at Crossing Park.  With that in mind, you are invited to Crossing Park's "Welcome Event" where you and your family members can meet your child's teacher, administrators, and support staff (Sept. 21, 5-7pm).   This will be a chance to develop relationships and answer any questions.  We hope to see you in-person as we work together!

In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please know that we are here to help!    We can only solve problems if we know about them, so please contact us directly if we can be of support.    

To set up a meeting or discussion, please contact your child's teacher or call the main office for other inquires:  403-777-7195.   We are happy to help with translation services.  

Key info/ dates:

Picture day - Sept. 18

"Welcome Event" - Sept. 21, 5-7 pm

Professional Learning Day - no school  for students - Sept. 22

Orange Shirt Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Sept. 28

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (day in lieu) - No School Sept. 29​

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Greetings families: 

The 2022-23 school year is officially over. 

Thank you to all who joined us for the Grade 9 farewell.  Many students have been here since Kindergarten and it's a big step in their lives. We are so proud of the growth of our students. This is a big year for the Calgary Board of Education in general. We have a new Chief Superintendent to be announced. We have the greatest influx of students entering the school system in recent times. Estimates suggest that Calgary will see over 100,000 new residents in the coming 3-4 years. This means more students. Crossing Park had to redirect 76 families entering Junior High to Clarence Sansom School to make space. Fortunately, the CBE offers quality education regardless of location.    

The CBE also has a number of retirements and schools are seeing around 15% turnover as staff find new and open opportunities to apply in new settings. Crossing Park School will see a 17% change in terms of staff. We say goodbye to many teachers who have served admirably as educators for 15-20 years at our school. They now take their skills to new sites where they will grow as educators and leaders. Best of luck! We welcome a host of high quality teachers who bring new ideas and energy and want to join the positive things that this community offers. I tell teachers and staff looking to join us that this is my favorite community! I have worked in 5 other school based settings and can attest to the positivity and opportunity here.    

Please expect a “welcome" message from your child(ren)'s teacher(s) by 4pm on August 30^th. This message will include information about who their teacher is, where to meet them the first day, and which entrance/exit door they will use for the year. 

We will also have an opportunity to come to our school and meet as a community in September! We are excited to see everyone and continue our mission to be the best school in the area.  Go Cobras! 

Some key items: 

• Grade 6 and Grade 9 parents/guardians please ask your children for their PAT preliminary results report. These were sent home with students today. Students who did not write any exams did not receive a report. If your child was not in attendance to receive their preliminary results today, they can be picked up in the office. Official Alberta Education Results will be sent home in the fall. 

• The first day of school for the 2023-2024 school year is August 31st. Information regarding class/teacher assignments will be provided to families by email or by phone by 4pm on August 30th. Please ensure you check your email. Please let us know if you require an interpreter!                               
• Next year we will have two separate lunch hours  
• Grades 1-6 will continue to have lunch from 11:54-12:34 Mondays through Thursdays 
• Grades 7-9 will have lunch from 10:56-11:36 Mondays through Thursdays

• We are here to answer any questions tomorrow (June 30) morning and staff will return to prepare for the new school year on August 29th. 

Yours in safety, happiness and learning, 

Andrew Bews

Principal, Crossing Park School

403-777-7195​

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Thank you to everyone who participated in our school planning engagement. We know we make better decisions to support student learning when we build understanding and work together.

 

Please note that the results below are based on fewer than 10 responses from our community. The feedback we received is compiled at the links below and will be thoughtfully considered in making decisions about school planning.

 

• Online survey results https://crossingpark.cbedialogue.com/en/projects/crossing-park-2022-23-school-year-planning-engagement/engagement_reports/4
• January 28, 2023 School Council Meeting evaluation summary https://crossingpark.cbedialogue.com/en/projects/crossing-park-2022-23-school-year-planning-engagement/engagement_reports/5​
  

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Greeting Parents & Guardians: 

 

Happy Mid-February. I hope this finds everyone well! 

 

As a parent or guardian, you probably appreciate how student progress and growth are vital.   School is about learning and, to achieve new knowledge and skills, mistakes can and will occur.   We encourage you to have conversations with your children about where they are improving and to celebrate growth- not perfection.   While achieving the best academic outcomes is a great goal, we want to pay attention to the process of growth.   Take the time to look over report cards with your children and ask “where have you improved?"    

 

At Crossing Park School, we know that the power of learning and growth lies in conversations and report cards should be a simple and accessible source of information about student growth and achievement to-date.  We heard parents and students say, “make report cards as easy to understand as possible".  Accordingly, we simplified the process and would ask that you, your children and teachers continue the conversation about learning, mistakes, growth and achievement.   It's the learning part of “safe, happy and learning" that makes up our wonderful K-9 community. 

 

A few reminders:  Teacher Convention and Family Day weekend is coming up.  The 16^th- 20^th of February means no school for students.   Our staff will be engaged in professional learning and some time with their own families.  When educators know more, students do better.  Plus, we know that schools are busy and stimulating places and everyone deserves some rest.   We wish you and your families the best over Family Day weekend! 

 

Learn and Share | School Planning  

 

We know we make better decisions to support student learning when we build understanding and work together. That's why, we'll be sharing information about school planning and asking you to share your perspectives.  

 

During this engagement, you will have the opportunity to:  

1.     Learn About:  

• School planning; which includes the school development plan, school budget and school fees  
• How the school development plan sets the overall focus and direction for a school to improve student learning outcomes  
• How the school budget provides funding to implement our school development plan  
• School fees and why they are necessary
  
   

 

2.     Participate:   

• Information was shared during the January 30, 2023 Virtual School Council Meeting  
1. A PDF of the powerpoint presentation from this meeting can be viewed here:   
• Share your perspectives through an online survey open from February 10, 2023 to March 24, 2023. https://crossingpark.cbedialogue.com/en/projects/crossing-park-2022-23-school-year/engagements/crossing-park-school-planning-survey-2023  

  

Watch this short video to learn about the planning work schools do to improve and support student learning.  

Our current school development plan and 2021-22 fees information can be found here: https://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/crossingpark/about-us/school/pages/default.aspx  

  

A planning presentation shared at School Council on January 30^th, 2023 can be found here: https://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/crossingpark/get-involved/community-engagement/pages/default.aspx.   

  

Thank you for supporting our school planning through this engagement survey.  

 

As always, we are here if you have any questions and can arrange translator services if required. 

 

Best, 

 

Andrew Bews 

Principal 

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With temperatures dipping well below -30c for the past few days, we are certainly reminded that we are well into December.   In fact, the winter holiday is upon us!    With so many cultures represented at Crossing Park School, we see a variety of events ranging from Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza and Chinese New Year.   In the coming months we will see families observe Ramadan and other cultural celebrations.   Regardless of the particular holiday your family observes, we wish you the very best over the break (December 22^nd- Jan 16^th) and will continue to support your children and families into 2023 and beyond! 

Please note: we have adapted with a number of indoor activities for students during the extremely cold weather.   We do ask that families note that our teachers are here to supervise and prepare for the start time of 8:00am and we open doors at 7:50am.  We have accommodated students who have been dropped off early to ensure their safety.   However, because we are staffed to supervise after 7:50am, we would ask that you make every attempt to make sure students are dropped off or arrive by walking close to the 7:50am time slot.   This is about supervising students to be safe.   Again, we do our very best to make sure students are safe, happy and learning at Crossing Park.    Traffic is ultimately a parent responsibility.   The school cannot mandate road changes or driving habits.   We can only promote safe walking and address parking on our property.  Being safe around the school is a legal matter and expected.  We need drivers to take personal responsibility- especially during icy conditions.  

As you have probably heard, Crossing Park School's calendar is shifting to align with all CBE schools.  For long-term planning and reasoning, please note the links included in this message.  More information about how this decision came to be and what we heard is available here: ​

https://engage.cbedialogue.com/en/projects/possible-changes-to-cbe-school-calendars 

 

Though this system level decision was made to have an overall positive impact, we know it does require staff and families to make adjustments in preparing for the 2023-24 school year. The CBE is committed to working collaboratively with school leaders and staff at modified-calendar schools to provide a smooth transition for families affected by this decision.   

 

The instructional calendar for 2023-24 has been approved and is available here:  

https://www.cbe.ab.ca/registration/calendars/Pages/traditional-calendar.aspx 

 

Lastly, we were delighted to invite our Chief Superintendent, Chris Usih and our Area 4 Director, Lisa Nachtigal for a visit last week.   The positive and rigorous learning that was culturally appropriate was noted.   In particular, our work around math reasoning and spoken language were sources of pride for our community.  We are proud to deliver great programming! 

We know 2023 will bring great opportunity and change.   From calendars shifting, to our school capping the total numbers based on facility capacity, to welcoming new teachers- we will be a bit different.   However, these changes will be made thoughtfully and in support of our ultimate goal; safe, happy and learning.   As we pay close attention to these aspects, we know our future is in bright hands with our students growing up as future leaders. 

If you have any questions- please let us know directly.   We are here to listen, to help and elaborate on anything. 

Our school council is always looking for parents to join or attend.  Please contact us if you'd like to sit in or know more!

 

Best wishes, 

Andrew Bews

p>First and foremost- Happy Diwali to all of those who celebrate the occasion!

 

The recent snowfall has reminded us of the passing of time since we began the 2022-23 school year.   While the weather has changed, our vision has not- creating a safe, and happy learning environment.   To meet this important aim, we need to know who we are as a community.   To address safety, we need people to feel known and understood.   To address happiness (which includes the idea of engagement) people need to see themselves reflected in the space and programming.   Deeper learning occurs when learners feel safe and happy (engaged) as students can go beyond memorizing facts and into critical thought around more universal concepts.     And, on this level, Crossing Park is situated perfectly to foster global thinking- an advantage we maintain.  

 

Consider the following information on the school's complexion for 2022-23:

 

Crossing Park School houses close to 1200 students and over 80 staff members.  

Among this group of people, 74% speak a language other than English.   50 people identify as Indigenous.   There are over 50 nations represented.   These statistics alone speak to our diversity.   This means that we have an array of perspectives when considering solutions to community matters.   Moreover, it means when students are learning from both teachers or by way of tackling academic questions or problems as peers, there are many perspectives to draw upon.   This is the Crossing Park advantage.  Multiple perspectives offer more learning opportunities and a chance for critical reasoning to occur- when we consider multiple perspectives and information as global citizens. 

 

Diversity is our strength and when we consider the aim of a "safe, happy, learning" environment, it begins with knowing our community.  This not only applies to our goal of improving literacy and numeracy, but also making a place where students thrive as well-rounded people.   Establishing an environment where everyone shares a sense of belonging is our School Development Plan goal for wellness.  That is, we will focus particular efforts in tracking how we are making for a school where kids feel like they belong. 

 

Again, thanks to everyone for helping to support our diverse community.   Wishing you the best as we head into November.

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Hello Families:

What a difference a year makes.   12 months ago, Crossing Park School had a very different look and feel.   Many new teachers with strong skills and experience have chosen this community because of the vision and school culture.   Some new students have joined us.   Most students are returning to the community, but have grown!  

We have had a very successful school start-up.   Key relationships are being formed and teachers, support staff and administration have been working with a newfound energy to collaborate for student success.

As you probably know, stringent Covid-19 measures have been lifted meaning that students can mix with each other, join sports teams, intramurals and clubs.   The lifting of these measures also supports some important classroom initiatives.   Research tells us that consistent teachers in the lives of students teaching and learning can improve when students collaborate with their peers through speaking and listening.     This skill might seem automatic, but takes careful work.  It also serves as the foundations for literacy and supporting the nearly 80% of our students who speak English as a second language.   So, look for us to be focused on this area a lot more as a community.   The CBE and school will monitor Covid developments and we will communicate if anything changes. 

Collaboration though conversation is also a key approach for our teachers.   When teachers work together to understand individual learners and more universally relevant programming, we support higher achievement.   It is our goal to challenge the many highly capable students to achieve new levels of success.   For many, this means experiencing rigorous programming that results in mastery (4s on our grading scale of 1-4).  In the short term, our objective is to look at a key question: what does one year of growth look like?  What are your child's strengths?   Where might they improve and how can we support?  Please consider these questions as you connect with our staff.

Indeed, we are a community.   A team.   We are here to make sure every student has what they need to be the best version of themselves by providing a collaborative environment that focusses on a place of safety, happiness and learning.  

Please remember, you play a role on our team as well.  You know your children best and if you feel there are things we need to know or do to support their success, please contact the teacher directly.  If you ever need more support or have general questions or concerns, we are here to help.  Please monitor the website, the Cobra Connection, email or call teachers as needed or book an appointment.

 

Yours in improvement and collaboration,

 

Andrew Bews

Principal

Crossing Park School​

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As a long-time Social Studies teacher and leader of humanities, I often think about culture and history.   What is the culture of Crossing Park School and what will history say about how the school progressed beyond 2021-22?   Here is a bold prediction; it is about to get better.    

Having lead a number of schools in different areas, I feel qualified to address this relative question.  From the outset of my role as a Principal of this community, it was clear; this is a place where students felt a strong connection.   Teachers are collaborative and student-centered.   Support staff from the front office to noon hour supervisors to Education Assistants know our students.  This is the beauty of a K-9 setting. The beauty of a community that places value and respect in education.    

Crossing Park maintains a culture of effort, integrity and honor.   I see countless interactions that demonstrate a yearning to improve, to get better academically, socially and athletically.   Students demonstrate great respect towards teachers and other adults.   In short, there is a foundation to grow.   Nothing is static or stagnant in this world.   That is where we will capitalize on positive change.  We will keep the good things and improve on areas that need our attention for the sake of student success! 

The Opportunity: 

For staff who are staying, they already understand and have become a part of the new direction- and know that shared leadership is the basis for good decisions around student success. 

 

I am pleased to have several respected colleagues from previous settings join us at Crossing Park- in part because they hear very positive things about the community.   You will all hear from you child's teacher directly at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.   Having a connection is vital as we work together. 

 

We are busy building strong teacher teams.   This is very important, not just because collaboration is a virtuous notion, but rather because at the heart of good educational programming for students is professional collaboration.   Research (including Jenni Donohoo's work on Collective Efficacy) suggests that the collective attitude and belief in student capability and collaboration actually translates into actions that underpin student success.    

 

This is a big driver in terms of our next steps as a community.  Specifically, around what will we collaborate?   The answer:  we collaborate for student programming in order to achieve: 

 

1. Engagement (not compliance but engagement in capturing the hearts and minds of learners who talk about schoolwork beyond the walls of the school.   They dream big and feel inspired to do and be more).  To this end, we want to hear from you, the parents, and reach out to you with positive experiences of growth! 
2. Cross-curricular learning experiences where students see the interplay between disciplines and see bigger ideas connect to different topics.  For example, math is visible everywhere and Social Studies is alive daily.    
3. How we personalize tasks for students.  Knowing learners strengths and areas of growth lets us “meet them where they are in their learning" and push them to new levels. 
4. Consistent understanding of assessment.  Students need to know how they are doing and how to get better.   
5. Culturally flexible.  Taking up curriculum in ways that celebrate a variety of cultures and helps underpin our Truth and Reconciliation work and Anti-Racist work in meaningful ways.   We can program to see many cultures in the classroom and we should. 

 

With these positive areas of focus, history will demonstrate that the 2022-2023 school year at Crossing Park represented a new era.   It celebrated the end of a wonderful era before, but embraced a new and bold path that benefits our students even more.    

 

I want to thank all the teachers, support staff, students and parents.   Together we provide the foundation for a Safe, Happy, Learning environment.   

 

To great days behind us.   To better days ahead. 

 

Sincerely, 

 

Andrew Bews, BA (Hons), B.Ed., MA 

Principal 

Crossing Park School ​

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Greetings Crossing Park Families!

 

The Cobra Connection remains a great place for lots of your information items.  

 

For the purpose of this update, I wanted to focus on some positive changes happening here at Crossing Park.   These changes relate to the rapidly changing world we live in, which can be unsettling at times (especially over the last couple of years).   However, we must remember the opportunities that exist- and to capitalize on these opportunities for the sake of our students. 

 

In looking for “real world" application and authentic experiences, schools take several approaches.  One way is through “Career and Technology Foundations" or (CTF), these are experiences or courses that are critical to turning students minds on towards potential careers and serve as a part of the equity equation- providing something where everyone can find success.   Research clearly demonstrates the value in digital literacy tools and jobs as potential “great equalizers" for non-neuro typical people as well as those who are gaining a better grasp of English- or simply identify as deep introverts or those who “think outside of the box".  

 

 In fact, there are literally hundreds of unfilled positions in the tech sector in Calgary alone- some in offices, some from home-based locations.   These potential careers require passion and skills.  The attached article below speaks to the fact that we need schools to offer CTF (through complimentary or option programs) for students to consider next steps in possible careers such as Informational Technologies and 3D print, Coding and Software development.   The Calgary area has a longstanding history as an energy and agriculture center.  These have brought us real benefits and serves as important sectors.   However, the growth of new technical jobs speaks to skills and interests of many students (some who have exceptional needs, those who are emerging in terms of English Language proficiency and those who love new technology, inventing new things and the inclusive, flexible nature of high-tech work.

 

It is our duty as a school with so many capable young students to capitalize on these realities.   I am proud to say that Crossing Park is doing just that!  We have initiated a new CTF class (grade 7-9) focused on technology (Coding, 3D Print & Robotics).   With the generous help of School Council, we have secured an extra $3000 towards making this a reality in 2022-23.   Thank you, Martindale!  We hope to expand this program and seek out more areas to develop.   

 

As an international individual and bigger-picture thinker, I am passionate about leading a school that responds to the needs of students and society as a whole.   Great opportunities start here.  While changes in the world can be scary, let's focus on, and embrace the many positive changes as we work together for a bright future for our students. 

 

Article (Calgary Hearld):

https://calgaryherald.com/fp-work/labour-hungry-manufacturing-sector-has-a-message-for-young-people-think-sci-fi-not-smokestacks/wcm/c049c1e6-c3d6-42c8-8f2c-eafec3cd7570/  

 

As always, I appreciate anyone who wishes to contact me or any member of our staff directly.   We are here for you and work as a team.

Sincerely, 

 

Mr. Andrew Bews, Principal ​