Good Morning QES Families,
One of the best things about the past month has been seeing the many students excited to arrive at school each day! I have enjoyed being able to spend time in classes and observe students working collaboratively while developing strong relationships. Students have been engaged in a variety of tasks and initial projects that have required both teamwork and perseverance. QES administration and staff have been working diligently to create a wonderful learning environment to ensure the transition for every student and their family is a smooth one. The school’s academic focus is one that has a strong foundation, but will continue to be developed throughout the year. We can share that literacy will be a primary school goal as we feel that this is the foundation for all learning and is vital for every child’s educational development. Much of our work this year will also focus on focused on providing supports for students in the area of numeracy and self-awareness as a tool for well-being in learning.
At Queen Elizabeth we are also committed to making learning visible for our families. As partners in education we also welcome parent feedback and input in a variety of ways. Please contact your child’s teacher with any questions you might have or call the office to arrange for a meeting. If your child has an IPP (Individual Program Plan), teachers have collaborated with you about your child’s goals and you will be receiving the initial IPP this week. Our ‘Curriculum Evening’ also provided families the opportunity to learn more about the co-teaching and planning that is occurring amongst all grade teams.
In the CBE we highlight well-being as a precondition for student achievement. Students need to be well to succeed. Currently, students face a wide range of mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and depression. This trend is alarming and requires our attention.
The Calgary Board of Education invites all parents and guardians to join us in an online series focusing on child and youth well-being. These sessions will be hosted in partnership with experts from Alberta Health Services and will explore topics such as vaping, brain development, mental health, and sexual health.
In CBE's second year of the Child and Youth Well-Being for Families and Caregivers Series, we have invited Calgary Catholic School District, Rocky View Schools, Palliser School District and other neighbouring school districts to join these webinars. There will be a five-part workshop series that is offered at no cost to all Calgarians.
These sessions will be free and provide information, resources, helplines, and services to support healthy child and youth development.
Our School Council and Parent Society (QUEEPS) provide additional opportunities to be part of learning at QES. We want to extend our thanks to our School Council/QUEEPS and the volunteers to who participated in the Terry Fox Run Event. The students especially appreciated the juice- thank you! Teachers would like to thank the QES Council for recognizing their hard work on World Teacher’s Day. The snacks and coffee were very much appreciated. Please join our council at the upcoming meeting October 17, 2023 at 6:30pm to hear about our School Development Plan and fundraising events.
For other School Council and QUEEPS initiatives please access their pages on our school website.
We also wanted to share a few upcoming and important dates:
- October 9- Thanksgiving- no classes
- Please have your child check the lost and found for missing items. All items will be donated the second week of October.
- October 17- School Council/QUEEPS meeting 6:30pm
- October 18- Individual School Photos
- October 20-PD Day- no classes
- October 31- Halloween
- Costumes are not necessary but welcome. Please do not send weapons, masks or include gore. Please do not send candy or treats.
I hope you enjoy the autumn weather and enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with your families.
Sincerely,
Lisa McConnell