Good morning parents/guardians,
What a great return to school for MSS students and staff this past Thursday and Friday! The energy in building was fantastic. A big kudos to our students as we spent a significant amount of time discussing positive social interactions, the new personal mobile device policy, bell schedule changes, and general student expectations. We are very encouraged that these changes will have a significant positive impact on learning, achievement, and student well-being.
Upcoming Dates
· Monday, September 2:
o Labour Day: School is closed.
· Tuesday, September 3:
o Classes resume for all MSS students.
o X-Country Running Tryouts: 330pm.
§ Coaches: Ms. Hartling & Ms. Houston.
o Soccer Tryouts: 330pm.
§ Boys Coaches: Ms. Kozak & Ms. Mork.
§ Girls: Ms. Williams & Mr. Shoults.
· Monday, September 9:
o Basketball tryouts/season begins.
· Thursday, September 12:
o Meet the Teacher Night.
§ 5:30-7:00pm.
· 5:30-6:00pm: Main Gym introduction by school administration.
· 6:00-6:30: French Trip (April 2025) conversation in main gym.
o Hosted by Ms. Penney.
· 6:00-7:00pm: School is open to tour and view learning spaces.
· Monday, September 23:
o Parent Council / Enrichment Society Meeting
o Time: TBD.
MSS School Swag/Clothing Online Store
Our online school apparel store opened Monday, August 19th! There is a large variety of clothing options for students and adults with our new name and logo. The store will close on Sunday, September 15 at midnight. Orders will be shipped directly to the school and delivered to students approx. 3-4 weeks after the store closes on September 15th.
The online store will open again in February and May 2025.
MSS Online Clothing Store: CLICK HERE
MSS Athletics
Starting Tuesday, September 3 – both cross country running and soccer seasons open. Try-out dates and times for both activities are posted throughout the school and on our school website. Basketball season open Monday, September 9.
MSS Athletics: CLICK HERE
Meet the MSS Teachers Night
Our first open house of the year will take place on Thursday, September 12. Important notes for the evening are as follows:
· 5:15pm: East entrance doors (athletics and staff entrances) will open for introductions in main gym.
· 5:30-6:00pm: All staff, students, families in the main gym for introductions and welcoming remarks from school administration.
o Remainder of school is closed.
· 6:00-7:00pm: School is open to tour and view learning spaces.
· 6:00-6:30pm: French Trip (April 2025) conversation in main gym for interested Gr. 8/9 students hosted by Ms. Penney.
MSS Bell Schedule and Instructional Calendar
Our bell schedule has changed this year. It can be accessed on our website. Highlighted changes are below:
· Doors open at 8:20am Monday – Friday.
· 10 minutes nutrition break in the AM Monday – Friday.
· 40 minute lunch period Monday – Thursday (later than previous years).
· 3:20pm dismissal Monday – Thursday.
o Busses leave at 3:30pm.
· 11:40 dismissal on Friday.
o Busses leave at 11:50am.
The 2024 – 2025 CBE Instructional Calendar can be accessed HERE.
***NEW Away for the Day Personal Mobile Device (PMD) Policy***
As announced in June 2024 by the Government of Alberta and Alberta Education, a ministerial order beginning September 1, 2024 is in place for personal mobile devices (cell phones) and social media in schools. You can access the ministerial order HERE. Numerous jurisdictions in other provinces and countries around the world are banning cell phones/personal devices from instructional time/learning spaces to limit distractions, increase safety, and focus on teaching and learning.
MSS students will not have access to personal devices (cell phones, ear buds, headphones etc.) during instructional time in all learning spaces. Personal devices will be stored in individual student lockers as they are not permitted in learning spaces. Exceptions will be made for students with learning/medical needs that are documented by a medical professional and submitted in an IPP and/or the Student Health Plan.
Students will only be able to access/use their PMDs outside during the lunch period.
Progressive Discipline Process for Personal Mobile Devices (PMDs)
1. First Issue: staff member will remind student that their PMD must be stored in their locker. Student will return PMD to their locker.
2. Second Issue: staff member will remind student that their PMD must be stored in their locker. Student will return PMD to their locker. Teacher will document and notify parents/guardians.
3. Third Issue: student will turn PMD over to teacher. School administration will place phone in school safe until the end of the day. PMD will be returned to student and parents/guardians will be notified.
4. Fourth Issue: student will turn PMD over to teacher. School administration will place phone in school safe. PMD will need to be picked-up in person at the school by parent/guardian.
5. Further instances will require in person meetings with student, parents/guardians, and school administration.
As stated in a June 2024 weekly update to parents, we are guided by the following:
· Government of Alberta and Alberta Education Ministerial Order.
· An increased focus on teaching and learning.
· An increased focus on welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning and working environments.
· Promoting Positive Social Interaction:
o Fostering face-to-face communication.
o Encouraging inclusivity.
· Reducing Distractions and Improving Mental Health:
o Encouraging mindfulness.
o Mitigating stress and anxiety.
· Promoting Healthy Habits:
o Encouraging physical activity.
The following website, AWAY FOR THE DAY, contains research and data supporting students not having access to cell phones during instructional time.
We encourage you to have a conversation with your child/children about personal devices no longer being used during instructional time.
Lunch Period at MSS
· General (Monday – Thursday all students).
o Students can choose to go outside or stay inside in designated areas.
o 2nd floor is closed.
§ Only students directly working under the supervision of a teacher in a learning space can be on 2nd floor.
o Gr. 6’s have priority at lunch tables from 12:51 – 1:11pm.
§ PMD use only outside.
§ Students returning late from lunch will not be bringing any food/beverages into classrooms. Food/drink will be placed in their locker.
§ Lunch is eaten during the lunch period.
§ Students will need a debit card or cash for the cafeteria. They will not be able to “tap” their phones.
o Gr. 6
§ Cannot leave MSS property unless we have documented permission from parents/guardians that their child(ren) go home for lunch.
§ Must sign in on main floor foyer and eat lunch at tables for first half.
§ May go outside on backfield or stay inside second half.
§ PMD use only outside.
o Gr. 7/8/9
§ Can go outside or stay inside.
§ May leave campus. CBE Student Code of Conduct and Progressive Discipline Policy is in effect at all times throughout the school day.
· Students who cause issues while off campus could receive consequences from the school and/or CPS.
§ PMD use only outside.
· Nutrition Break AM (Monday – Friday).
o No students outside.
o Purpose is to get a snack, go to the bathroom, get a drink.
o No food in learning spaces.
o 10-minute break.
o PMD policy applies.
Walking Field Trip Notification Letter: 2024 – 2025
The CBE values the educational benefits of field trips. Field trips close to our school can complement classroom learning by giving students opportunities to explore the community around their school.
Teachers will provide at least 48 hours notice when planning a walking trip to a local site. You will be notified about these trip by School Messenger and reminders through Google Classroom.
MSS 2024 – 2025 Walking Field Trip Notification Letter: CLICK HERE
MSS Terry Fox Run & Fundraising | #TerryFoxSchoolRun
This year, MSS is proudly taking part in the annual Terry Fox School Run to continue Terry's dream of a world without cancer. It has been 44 years since Terry’s Marathon of Hope, and we are proud to be carrying on this tradition at our school. Despite the challenges that Terry faced, he never quit in his effort to help others suffering from cancer, no matter what. For this year's Terry Fox School Run, we are going to try our very best, no matter what, just like Terry did. Please support our school's fundraising efforts today! Marshall Springs support of this event will include:
- A homeroom challenge Terry Fox Run in Physical Education on either Friday, September 6th or 13th.
- A whole school Terry Fox run on Friday, September 20th.
- Homeroom fundraising “Toonie for Terry.”
In the spirit of encouraging our ability to raise funds to support the Terry Fox Foundation, homerooms will compete against each other in combining their PE run homeroom km totals and total HR funds raised.
Donations will be collected on Friday, September 20th, in Marshall Time, or the safest and easiest way to fundraise is to donate online to individual homerooms through our school page found here https://schools.terryfox.ca/73088 . Donations made online over $20.00 receive a donation tax receipt. Links to each homeroom's individual fundraising page will be posted in student HPE or PE&W Google classrooms.
If your student would like a shirt for this day, they may be purchased through the Terry Fox online store https://shop.terryfox.org/ and if you are interested in participating in the annual Calgary Terry Fox Run, this will be hosted at Fort Calgary on Saturday, September 15th, 2024 with registration at 9 am, and more information may be found https://run.terryfox.ca/55533.
One of our favourite quotes from Terry is, “I want to set an example that will never be forgotten.” By participating in our Terry Fox event, we are continuing in Terry’s footsteps and helping others who are fighting cancer.
Gr. 6 Noon Supervision
All parents/guardians are required to register for noon-supervision through your MyCBE account. Please complete registration HERE.
Fee Waiver Requests
All requests for fee waiver are now completed through the central fee waiver process. You can access information and start he process HERE.
Cafeteria Service and Menu
Cafeteria service will begin on Tuesday, September 3. We have a full service cafeteria providing a number of hot and cold choices Monday through Thursday. There are also vending machines in our common area where students will be able to purchase healthy snacks / beverages.
Students who bring food/meals from home are also encouraged to eat their lunch with their classmates in the school cafeteria / open area. There will be microwaves and hot water available to all students over the lunch period. Our weekly cafeteria menu can be accessed HERE.
Thank you,
Kevin Godfrey
Proud Principal
Marshall Springs School