Good morning parents/guardians,
Best wishes to you and your family over this holiday weekend. Please remember that Monday, April 21 is a non-instructional day - there are no classes for students. Regular classes for all MSS students resume on Tuesday, April 22.
Upcoming Dates
- Monday, April 21:
- Non-Instructional Day: No classes for students.
- Tuesday, April 22:
- Classes resume for all MSS students.
- Springs Time Cycle 10-1.
- Wednesday, April 23:
- Gr. 6 Immunizations.
- Gr. 9 River Watch (9-1, 9-2, 9-5).
- Dr. E. P Scarlett "High School 101" 5:30-7:00pm.
- Thursday, April 24:
- Gr. 9 River Watch (9-3, 9-4, 9-6).
- Spring Time Cycle 10-2.
- Friday, April 25:
- School Bus Evacuation Drills: ~8:15am
- Student Vote.
- Monday, April 28:
- Federal Election Day: MSS is a polling station.
- Further details below.
Staffing Update
We offer our thanks and appreciation to Mr. Chisholm who has been covering for Ms. Williams as she is away on leave. Mr. Chisholm's last day at MSS will be Friday, April 25...we wish him all the best. We are currently in the process of hiring a new temporary teacher to fill this role.
Esports - New Learning and Engagement Opportunity at MSS!
As technology has enhanced and become infused into more aspects of our lives, new opportunities and solutions to problems have been introduced that otherwise were not possible. One such emerging opportunity is Esports. Often misunderstood as just “video games”, Esports represents a growing industry that is predicted to surpass traditional athletics in viewership and participation and meets a need in education communities that is often overlooked. Students who may not engage with other extracurricular opportunities have an opportunity to join a growing and inclusive community in Esports. Participating students are challenged in teamwork, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and are provided an opportunity to represent their school in inter-school competitions. Research has shown that there are a number of educational benefits associated with Esports: increased academic achievement, personal growth, increased satisfaction with school, and improved persistence.
Surveys of students in Esports clubs and teams found that 80% of students who play in high school Esports have never participated in an extracurricular activity. (It’s Time for Schools to Embrace Video Games, 2020)
Students who join Esports programs have better attendance and demonstrate improved academic success. (Swaine, 2020) Unlike other school-sponsored extracurricular activities, Esports crosses gender, economic, and racial boundaries, providing a true, equitable, diverse, and inclusive community. Participating in Esports provides a healthy platform for students and supervising teachers to address Digital Citizenship issues that arise. Students who succeed in Esports excel in areas of teamwork, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, critical-thinking, personal growth and well-being, planning, and reactive skills. With Canada’s recent investment in new Esports-related scholarships for students, this is an opportune time to introduce Esports in CBE schools.
Currently, the Nintendo Switch is the approval gaming system along with the games Super Smash Brothers and Mario Kart 8 at the middle/junior level.
More information will be communicated to students and families once we have completed set-up.
Transportation Service and Bell Time Changes for 2025-2026 School Year
For the 2025-2026 school year, the CBE will be expanding yellow bus service and adjusting walk zones. This is in response to Alberta Education’s School Transportation Amendment Regulation that comes into effect on Sept. 1, 2025. This means many more students will become eligible to take the bus.
The Bell Times for the 2025-2026 school year at MSS are as follows:
- Monday-Thursday: 9:15am - 3:55pm.
- Doors to the school will open at 9:05am.
- Friday: 9:15am-12:45pm.
- Doors to the school will open at 9:05am.
More information on changes to transportation services and bell time changes in the CBE and at MSS can be found HERE.
Gr. 9 Farewell - Heritage Park
Gr. 9 Farewell will once again be held at Heritage Park on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 6:00-10:00pm. There will also be an opportunity for pictures with families, students, and staff at MSS on the afternoon of June 4 before students head to Heritage Park to celebrate their time at Marshall Springs.
Further details will be sent to parents/guardians in the coming weeks.
Federal Election - Monday, April 28
Marshall Springs is a polling station for the upcoming federal election on Monday, April 28. The main gym and aux. gym will be used by Elections Canada on this day. No students or classes will be in this section of the building. Phys. Ed classes will be outdoors (weather dependent) or in other learning spaces.
We are working with Elections Canada and CBE facilities to ensure minimal impact to the regular school day.
Dr. E.P Scarlett "High School 101"
We cordially invite you to attend our “High School 101” presentation on Wednesday, April 23 from 5:30-7:00pm in person at Dr. E.P Scarlett High School.
The presentation will go over high school basics, course planning, and resources for student success. The main presentation will be followed up with a discussion on transitions for students with IPPs.
Counsellors will be available to support with any questions or concerns you may have about this exciting transition in your student’s educational journey.
We hope to see you there!
Sincerely: Dr. E.P Scarlett Administration and Student Services
Athletics Update
Badminton season is underway with practices continuing next week. Practice dates and times can be located HERE.
Track & Field season begins Monday, May 5. For further information regarding athletics, please visit our Athletics webpage.
Cafeteria Menu: April 21-25, 2025
Thank you,
Kevin Godfrey
Proud Principal
Marshall Springs School
IG: @principalkmg
IG: @marshallspringscbe