NOVEMBER 17, 2017

STS Express Weekly Newsletter

CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL ........................................................................ 3 STS STUDENTS REMEMBER ......................................................................................................................... 3

INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES .................................................................................................. 4 GIVING TUESDAY IS NOVEMBER 28, 2017 .................................................................................................. 4

IMPORTANT DATES ........................................................................................................... 4 NOVEMBER ................................................................................................................................................. 4

DECEMBER .................................................................................................................................................. 5

SCHOOL CALENDARS ................................................................................................................................... 5

UPCOMING EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR! ............................................................ 5 PLEASE R.S.V.P. TO YOUR UPCOMING GRADE SOCIAL(S) ........................................................................... 5

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE SENIOR SCHOOL MUSICAL – LES MISÉRABLES ............................................. 5

SAVE THE DATE - JOIN US FOR COFFEE TALK .............................................................................................. 6

SAVE THE DATE FOR APRIL’S EXPERTS IN EDUCATION SPEAKER SERIES EVENT ......................................... 6

FULL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS ................................................................................... 7 ADMISSIONS EARLY DECISION APPLICATION DEADLINE – NOVEMBER 30 ................................................ 7

UNIFORM ITEMS – SALE AT MCCARTHY’S .................................................................................................. 7

LES MISÉRABLES SCHOOL EDITION – PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY! ............................................................. 7

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD - CALL FOR NOMINATIONS ................................................................... 8

VOLUNTEER AT STS – WE NEED YOU! ......................................................................................................... 8

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ....................................................................................................... 8 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS .................................................................... 9

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORT CARDS ....................................................................................................... 9

STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 9

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE 2017-2018 .......................................................................... 9

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS LAUNCH PAD .......................................... 10

FAMILY FUN NIGHT FOR GRADES K-4 ....................................................................................................... 10

ANNUAL HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT ...................................................................................................... 10

ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION ........................................................................................................ 11

ELEMENTARY LANGUAGE CLUB ................................................................................................................ 11

MIDDLE AND SENIOR SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS ..................................................... 13 ANNUAL HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT ...................................................................................................... 13

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SPRING BREAK SERVICE LEARNING IN COSTA RICA OR GUATEMALA: IT’S TIME TO APPLY! .................... 13

CLASS OF 2018 - BABY PHOTOS NEEDED BEFORE DECEMBER 15!! .......................................................... 14

STUDENT SERVICES ......................................................................................................... 15 JOIN US FOR STUDENT SERVICES COFFEE TALKS ...................................................................................... 15

UNIVERSITY PLANNING PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT ........................................................................... 15

UNIVERSITY SEARCH TOOLS ...................................................................................................................... 15

UNIVERSITY PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES .................................................................................................. 15

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS ................................................................................ 17 STS SUPERHEROES STAND UP TO BULLYING ............................................................................................ 17

POSTS’ RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS – ‘KINDNESS COUPONS’.................................................................. 18

WE SCARE HUNGER A SUCCESS ................................................................................................................ 18

JACKET RACKET THANK YOUS ................................................................................................................... 19

A SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE JACKET RACKET ............................................................................................ 19

STUDENT SERVICES OFFER FIRST COFFEE TALK SESSION.......................................................................... 20

SPARTANS CLAIM LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER ............................................................................... 20

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

STS STUDENTS REMEMBER Last Friday we held our Remembrance Day assembly 99 years after the end of World War I. Following the entrance of our students in complete silence, the Grades 9 and 10 Choir began the assembly with a performance of The Storm is Passing Over, directed by Ms. Provencher. The MCs (Lucas Crichton ’18 and Sheena Pujara ’18) offered an explanation of why we observe Remembrance Day and then our guest speaker, STS parent Colonel Sealy-Thompson (Ret), provided a presentation about the symbols of remembrance. He explained the origins and significance of a number of war memorials around the globe and presented a series of photographs of those. He also explained his role in the military over a number of tours of duty. It was a very engaging and informative presentation and we all took away some new learning.

The Middle School drama club presented an interesting piece called “Highway of Heroes”, directed by Mrs. Dawe. It captured the profound sense of loss experienced by loved ones of the fallen and explained the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign’s objective to plant one tree for each soldier lost in battle since confederation (about 117,000 trees).

Before the traditional minute of silence, Victoria Maybaum ’18 played the traditional bugle call, Last Post, followed by Reveille to end the silence. It was a moving ceremony during which even our youngest Kindergarten students demonstrated their respect through a very reverent observance of this important occasion.

Learning about the sacrifices made to preserve the values and traditions of our country is an important experience for our students. The respectful manner in which they conduct themselves at such ceremonies is another marker of strong character.

Dr. William Jones Head of School

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INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES

GIVING TUESDAY IS NOVEMBER 28, 2017 It’s your chance to join a national movement of generosity – one day only! We’ve all heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday which create a shopping frenzy – but have you heard of Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday is a day celebrated across North America where charities, companies and individuals join together to share commitments, rally for favourite causes and think about others. More than 5,700 organizations across Canada participate, with the goal to create a national movement for giving at the start of the annual holiday season.

If you decide to join others in this powerful movement, we ask that you please consider donating to STS this Giving Tuesday, November 28, 2017, and make a big impact in our students’ lives. Soon we will announce a one-day only, incredible incentive to give that day...in the meantime mark your calendars! Stay tuned for more information…

IMPORTANT DATES In addition to the listed dates below, be sure to check for new events throughout the year online – the following calendar can be downloaded in an iCal format.

NOVEMBER November 18, 2017 Grade 11 Social

November 24, 2017 Casual Dress Day

November 27, 2017 Elementary School report cards on Managebac

November 28, 2017 Student-Led Conferences 4:00-8:00 pm

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DECEMBER December 1, 2017 Student-Led Conferences 9:00 am – 12:00 noon (no school for Elementary School students)

SCHOOL CALENDARS For more important dates and upcoming events, the following school calendars can be found on the STS website: 2017 – 2018 School Holiday Calendar Upcoming Events Calendar

UPCOMING EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

PLEASE R.S.V.P. TO YOUR UPCOMING GRADE SOCIAL(S) We are pleased to invite all STS parents to your child(ren)’s 2017–2018 grade social where you can socialize with returning parents, welcome new families, and find out how you can be involved with the STS community. Join us for an evening of delightful conversations and cocktails, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. You should receive an e-invitation from your grade’s parent host four to six weeks prior to each grade social.

Saturday, November 18, Grade 11, Barbara and Drew MacIntyre

Friday, February 9, Grade 9, Richard Baverstock and Jennifer Browning

Thursday, February 22, Grades 3 and 4, Suzanne and Scott Henuset

Saturday, March 10, Grade 10, Deborah Petriuk and Miles Pittman

If you have any questions regarding the socials, please contact Caroline Banadar at 403-938-8344, banadac@sts.ab.ca.

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE SENIOR SCHOOL MUSICAL – LES MISÉRABLES Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School’s Fine Arts Department is proud to present the epic tale of broken dreams, passion and redemption Les Miserables School Edition, November 29, 30 and December 1 and 2, 2017. Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. Now adapted for high school performers, Les Misérables School Edition features one of the most memorable scores of all time and some of the most memorable characters to ever grace your stage.

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In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter.

The cast, band, and crew have been hard at work rehearsing songs and blocking and building props for the show.

Get your tickets today! https://www.strathconatweedsmuir.com/student-life/fine-arts/tickets/

SAVE THE DATE - JOIN US FOR COFFEE TALK Our team is offering something new and exciting this year to support mental health in our community – Coffee Talks! Several times throughout the year we are going to host informal information and discussion sessions in the Black Watch Bistro (cafeteria). Grab a coffee and join the group after you drop your children off for class. Our gatherings will be from 9:00 – 10:00 am and will feature our co-facilitators and consulting psychologists, Dr. Brent Macdonald and Ms. Tasha Belix, sharing their expertise and answering your questions. These talks will provide useful parenting tips and information no matter what your child’s grade.

Save the Date! January 26, 2018 - Anxiety: when stress goes from helpful to harmful

March 9, 2018 - Technology and building a healthy brain

May 25, 2018 - Helping your child prepare for the end of the school year

SAVE THE DATE FOR APRIL’S EXPERTS IN EDUCATION SPEAKER SERIES EVENT STS will host Dr. Karyn Gordon, acclaimed teen and relationship expert, on April 26, 2018. Stay tuned for more details!

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FULL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADMISSIONS EARLY DECISION APPLICATION DEADLINE – NOVEMBER 30 For those families with children planning to apply to STS for Grades 2-12 for September 2018, our Early Decision application deadline is coming up on November 30, 2017. The application deadline for students joining Kindergarten or Grade 1 is February 10, 2018. For more information regarding the application process and to schedule your child’s tour and interview, please email: admissions@sts.ab.ca and visit: https://www.strathconatweedsmuir.com/admissions/.

Siblings of current students are encouraged to apply during early decision to ensure consideration for all available places.

UNIFORM ITEMS – SALE AT MCCARTHY’S McCarthy’s is offering 20% off all in stock items until November 30, 2017. Shop online, by phone and in store. Visit www.mccarthyuniforms.ca.

LES MISÉRABLES SCHOOL EDITION – PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY! Do you hear the people sing?

Tickets on sale now at https://www.strathconatweedsmuir.com/student-life/fine-arts/tickets/

Get yours today!

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD - CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School wishes to recognize eminent alumni who through their outstanding contributions to the school, have stimulated new ideas or developments at STS, and have shown exceptional dedication, creativity or leadership.

You are invited to honour those who have given generously of their time, talent, and energy to serve Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School and distinguish themselves among the alumni of our institution.

To submit a nomination, please complete and return the nomination form by November 30, 2017, and tell us why you think the nominee deserves special recognition. Click here to view guidelines for qualification of candidates.

The winner(s) will be honoured at the 11th Annual Calgary Alumni Dinner in the spring of 2018.

VOLUNTEER AT STS – WE NEED YOU! Parent/guardian volunteer participation at STS provides wonderful opportunities to support our children, make friends, and share your time and talents within our unique and exceptional community.

There are many volunteer options to suit everyone: sharing one or two hours (or more) of your time WILL make a difference! Check out our current volunteering opportunities or consult our Volunteer Handbook for many others that are coming up, soon. If you have any questions, or need help filling out the volunteer registration form, please contact us at volunteer@sts.ab.ca.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED POSTS welcomes all new and returning volunteers! Just a friendly reminder that all volunteers (new and old) must fill in a Volunteer Registration Form or register online prior to any volunteer duties. Volunteer Registration Forms are also available at reception.

KERBY CENTRE LUNCHEON AT STS – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2017 The beloved Kerby Centre Luncheon has been an STS tradition since 1976. We require 6-8 volunteers from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, to help set up in the morning, assist the Grade 6 students in serving lunch to the Kerby Centre seniors and clean up afterwards (shifts are available if you can’t be there the entire time). Someone to snap pictures of the event would also be greatly appreciated. Email volunteer@sts.ab.ca to indicate your interest to volunteer as soon as possible or if you have any questions. Thank you for your support.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORT CARDS Elementary School Report Cards will be published digitally this year, via our learning management system, Manaegbac. This shift to digital reporting supports our commitment to environmental stewardship, aligns our reporting platforms with the Middle and Senior Schools and will allow parents and students to view historical reports easily.

If you have not previously logged on to Managebac, you should have received a welcome email on Friday, November 10, 2017. This welcome email will prompt you to create a password. Once you have followed the prompts, your account will be registered.

On the day of report card publication, Monday, November 27, 2017 you will receive an email notification that a report has been published. You can either click on the link found in the email to access the digital report card or you can log into Managebac, click on the “Reports” tab to access the report.

Please contact Alanna Wellwood, Director of Educational Technology and Academic Programming, wellwoa@sts.ab.ca if you require any assistance.

STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES Please note that Student-Led Conferences will take place on Tuesday, November 28 from 4:00-8:00 pm and Friday, December 1 from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. Student-Led Conferences are an essential element of the assessment process that involve parents, and provide students with important learning opportunities. We look forward to your involvement in the upcoming celebrations of learning. Please refer to the following document for detailed information and important dates for booking your child(ren)’s Student-Led Conference https://www.sts.ab.ca/file/mysts/Student-Led-Conferences-Letter-Nov-2017.pdf

Please also note that the Intermediate Choir, scheduled on Tuesday, November 28, will still take place.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE 2017-2018 September to New Facility Opening: Location: Small Gym Time: 3:00 pm

Once in New Facility:

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Location: C.A. Smith Arts Centre (Theatre) Time: 2:50 pm

Assembly Dates: November 17 December 8 January 19 January 26 February 2 February 9 February 23 March 9 – PYP Exhibition Assembly

March 23 April 13 April 20 May 18 June 1 June 8

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS LAUNCH PAD Find out what is happening in our PYP this month. Please click on the link below to access information about the inquiries taking place within many different aspects of our Primary Years Programme.

https://www.sts.ab.ca/file/mysts/Curriculum-Connections-Launch-Pad-November-2017.pdf

FAMILY FUN NIGHT FOR GRADES K-4 Looking for an opportunity to be active with your kids? Look no further. On Thursday, November 23 from 3:45-4:45 pm the Grades K-4 students and their families are invited for Family Fun Night. Please come dressed and ready for activity. With three gyms set-up for enjoyable games like scooters, doctor dodge ball and other favourites, you are in store for a night of activity and great memories! The electronic consent for the evening has been sent to all parents was due on November 15 If you have any questions please contact Ms. Emily Ford (forde@sts.ab.ca).

ANNUAL HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT The annual STS Holiday Choral Concert takes place on Wednesday, December 6 at 7:00 pm in the C.A. Smith Arts Centre. This celebration of singing highlights our choristers from Grades 1 through Grade 9 and is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Performances from the Primary, Elementary, Handbell, Intermediate and Junior Choirs culminate with the massed choir spectacle of 130 singers singing together. Everyone is invited to this 90-minute concert and we hope you will plan to join us.

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ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION Students in Kindergarten-Grade 6 have been working on their stick-handling and scooters and scoops skills during their current unit in Phys. Ed class. Focusing on teamwork, cooperation, communication and sportsmanship has been a focus for our young Spartans! Parents are always welcome to join in a PE class if they are interested in seeing what we have been working on or keen to have fun playing games with their children.

ELEMENTARY LANGUAGE CLUB New to STS, the Elementary Language Club connects our Senior School and Elementary School students through the love of learning a new language. In this club, Senior School students have the opportunity to mentor and teach the Grade 3 students common words and phrases in their native mother tongue.

For the past two weeks, the Elementary Language Club has been thrilled to welcome Emina Hafiz ’19, who has been teaching the students Arabic. Emina has created engaging lessons on Arabic letters and has even been showing the students how to ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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write their name in Arabic! We are so grateful for all Emina’s hard work and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next Tuesday!

At the end of November and running until winter break, we are also excited to welcome Meghan Thun ’18, who will be teaching the students Sign Language.

If you are interested in participating in Elementary Language Club, please contact Ms. O'Toole for more information.

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MIDDLE AND SENIOR SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNUAL HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT The annual STS Holiday Choral Concert takes place on Wednesday, December 6 at 7:00 pm in the C.A. Smith Arts Centre. This celebration of singing highlights our choristers from Grades 1 through Grade 9 and is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Performances from the Primary, Elementary, Handbell, Intermediate and Junior Choirs culminate with the massed choir spectacle of 130 singers singing together. Everyone is invited to this 90-minute concert and we hope you will plan to join us.

SPRING BREAK SERVICE LEARNING IN COSTA RICA OR GUATEMALA: IT’S TIME TO APPLY! For the past five years, STS has been providing service learning opportunities for Senior School students in both Costa Rica and Guatemala on an annual basis, during the Spring Break holiday period. I am pleased to invite applications for the March, 2018 projects at this time. Note that we run two separate programs, each with a maximum of 14 students. Students have positive, enriching adventures, and I would welcome the support of parents in encouraging broad participation.

In Costa Rica, our project focusses on ecological volunteerism with conservation efforts for leatherback sea turtles. These veritable dinosaurs are magnificent to work with, and we are lucky to work with local biologists (Quelonios del Caribe) in a hatchery we have funded, along one of the best stretches of beach on the Caribbean coast. Additionally, we spend time with the Bribri indigenous people in the village of Yorkin on the Panama/Costa Rica border, and volunteer with school building projects while gaining an understanding of their culture, history, and modern challenges. The Bribri are Costa Rica’s largest remaining indigenous group. Rugged travel and a home stay add to the adventure, including a trip up the Yorkin river by dugout canoe.

In Guatemala, we spend time at Somos Children’s Village, contributing to the building of this eco-sustainable, earthquake friendly community that provides holistic support for at-risk mothers and their children. Activities include construction, landscaping, gardening, teaching in the school, and hosting an activity day for the children. In this area of Guatemala, most of the population is indigenous Maya, and we seek to understand their rich culture and history. Hence, incorporated in the experience is an eighteen kilometre trek

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through the Mayan highlands, with stays in rural villages as guests of local families. This gives us an authentic look at their strong ties to agriculture, family, and community. We spend time at beautiful Lake Atitlan, where we visit local charities aiming to alleviate some of the economic and health challenges in those communities, and we engage in Spanish lessons. No trip would be complete without a visit to Antigua, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To express interest in either project, I ask that students submit a single paragraph that describes the nature of their interest, and specifically addresses the phrase “When I have completed the project in ______, I will be better able to __________”. Students can email me directly: mercers@sts.ab.ca .

Aside from being great fun, the projects help students to better understand their places in the world, practice Spanish language skills, and foster global mindedness and philanthropic outlooks. Please call me directly at 403-938-9117 if I can provide more information about any aspects of the projects.

Sincerely,

Mr. Mercer

Service Learning Projects Coordinator

CLASS OF 2018 - BABY PHOTOS NEEDED BEFORE DECEMBER 15!! In preparation for June’s Grad Breakfast slide show, we are asking parents of Grade 12 students to search their photo albums for two photographs of their graduate - one as a baby and the other in their early school days. Please scan and forward both photos to GradBabyPics@sts.ab.ca. Please remember to indicate the students name in the subject line and on each photo. Pictures are due by December 15, 2017. Thank you!

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STUDENT SERVICES The Student Services department at STS supports our students’ learning as well as their social and emotional needs and educational planning. We strive to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students. The following information is provided to support students and parents.

JOIN US FOR STUDENT SERVICES COFFEE TALKS Student Services is offering something new and exciting this year to support mental health in our community – Coffee Talks! Several times throughout the year we are going to host informal information and discussion sessions in the Black Watch Bistro (cafeteria). Grab a coffee and join the group after you drop your children off for class. Our gatherings will be from 9:00 – 10:00 am and will feature our co-facilitators and consulting psychologists, Dr. Brent Macdonald and Ms. Tasha Belix, sharing their expertise and answering your questions. These talks will provide useful parenting tips and information no matter what your child’s grade.

Save the Date! January 26, 2018 - Anxiety: when stress goes from helpful to harmful

March 9, 2018 - Technology and building a healthy brain

May 25, 2018 - Helping your child prepare for the end of the school year

UNIVERSITY PLANNING PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT Grades 9 and 10 Parents: Tuesday, January 23 at 7:00 pm in the C.A. Smith Arts Centre (theatre). All Grades 9 and 10 parents are encouraged to attend.

UNIVERSITY SEARCH TOOLS Canadian Universities: http://www.universitystudy.ca/search-programs/

American Universities: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search/

UK Universities: http://search.ucas.com/

UNIVERSITY PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES Please note, the information below is provided for information only. These are not STS sponsored events and, as such, there will be no STS supervision provided.

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Dalhousie University will be hosting a fall information session for prospective students and their parents at the Petroleum Club on Monday, November 27 at 7:00 pm. They will be offering Dal 101 (programs and admissions information) and university myth-busting. Click on this link to register: dal.ca/connect.

Reach Cambridge Reach Cambridge is a well-established residential summer school based in Cambridge, UK. Students live and learn in the historic colleges of Cambridge University and meet students from all over the world. If you are interested in learning more about their programs click here.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS STS has a new blog! Visit https://www.strathconatweedsmuir.com/blog/ for stories and what is happening on campus. Be sure to bookmark this page! In addition to the blog, here are some highlights this week:

STS SUPERHEROES STAND UP TO BULLYING In recognition of National Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week our students organized a number of events focused on bringing this important issue to the forefront, empowering all members of the STS community to play a role in building and reinforcing positive relationships, and preventing bullying.

Our Prefects dressed as “Bystander Superheroes” and spent the noon hour recess each day this week inspiring our young Spartans to be kind to others and to step up when they see bullying. Our Superheroes also visited the Elementary School assembly to reinforce their message and show pictures from the week.

In addition, to our Superheroes, Mrs. Chapman has been using the

novel, Wonder, and the picture book, We Are All Wonders, with our students throughout the week. Students were encouraged to “Take the Pledge” to stand up when they see bullying occur and sign a large banner that will be posted in the Elementary School area. Some Kindergarten, and Grades 1 and 2 students did a presentation to Middle and Senior School students emphasizing the importance of being nice to those around us by sharing compliments that students could tear-off of “Compliment Sheets” posted around the school. Middle School students watched related video clips and had discussions during their Advisor period. Students driving were given “parking tickets” with messages reminding drivers to not be bullies behind the wheel! Senior School students watched a powerful Burger King commercial about bullying awareness - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e8fcpYX5us Mr. Carlson and Mr. Julian spoke at their respective assemblies reinforcing the importance of positive relationships.

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Members of POSTS handed out “Kindness Postcards” to students during lunch break. These cards shared positive messages and encouraged students to pay it forward!

Parents, we encourage you to use this opportunity to talk to your children about their role in building positive relationships with their classmates. You may want to go to www.iwitnessbullying.org with your child and watch their short video and do the Bullying Quiz. Along with the website, this short but powerful video, appropriate for all ages, would be a good kick-off point for a family discussion - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sbtQU-vlHA .You may want to help your child download the iwitness emoji and keyboard. The idea is that if someone sees online bullying they can use the iwitness emoji to tell the bully that they are watching and that being mean is NOT GOING TO BE ACCEPTED!

POSTS’ RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS – ‘KINDNESS COUPONS’ To celebrate World Kindness Day this week, POSTS surprised all STS students with ‘Kindness Coupons’ including a heartfelt message, “Strathcona-Tweedsmuir students ROCK”!

Paying forward a kindness is made easy as the reverse side of the postcard allows each student to fill in a brief description of an act of kindness that he or she can gift to another person or organization. Ask your child/children if they will use their coupon soon and share a kindness!

Here are a few photos taken during lunch hour on Wednesday November 15, 2017 where STS students received POSTS’ compliments and ‘Kindness Coupons’.

WE SCARE HUNGER A SUCCESS Senior Round Square really appreciates all of the generous food donations that were made two weeks ago for the We Scare Hunger campaign! These items really make a

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difference in the Calgary community, and our school donated seven full boxes. Extra thanks to those who made the time to go door to door around their neighborhoods trick or treating for the food items from their neighbors. Our goal for next year is to achieve ten boxes, and we hope that this goal keeps growing for many years to come!

JACKET RACKET THANK YOUS

The Round Square group would like to thank you for your generosity and participation in the Jacket Racket initiative this year. STS was able to collect four boxes of jackets, toques, gloves, scarves, and snow pants. These items will be donated to the Calgary community for children who are in need and cannot afford clothing for the cold winter season. STS and the Jacket Racket team would like to thank students, parents, and alumni who participated in this year’s Jacket Racket initiative. Thank you for your participation in this year’s Jacket Racket once again!

A SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE JACKET RACKET To the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School Community, Thank you very much for your exceptional donation to Jacket Racket!

You have provided such a boost to the Jacket Racket program—many children and their families will benefit immediately from nice, warm winter clothing.

And special thanks to Ajitesh Anand for coordinating your donation drive, and thank you for bringing the coats right to us at Kingsland School. We are all volunteers and that helps us immensely.

Here are donations at Kingsland School, coming in and then going out for delivery!

Evelyn Carlyle

Coordinator, Jacket Racket

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STUDENT SERVICES OFFER FIRST COFFEE TALK SESSION Parents enjoyed an informative and relaxed conversation around our new fireplace with Ms. Tasha Belix and Dr. Brent Macdonald at our first Student Services Coffee Talk. Brent and Tasha shared some information with parents who asked questions and sought expert advice regarding establishing and supporting healthy sleep patterns for their children.

Join us for our next Coffee Talk on January 26, 2018 – Stress: when it goes from helpful to harmful.

SPARTANS CLAIM LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER Great playing by the Junior Varsity boys volleyball team on November 8 for the League Finals saw the Spartans win the banner! Our big middles (Cole Shaigec ’19, Matthew Haverko ’19 and Ethan Klinkenborg ’20) owned the net. Hussein Ali ’19 set a fantastic game, connecting with all his hitters (Bishneet Singh ’20, Ben Spilak ’19, Julian Pierce-Lord ’20, Rex Armor ’20) in power and had the Foothills Falcons scrambling to dig up some hug hits. The right side playing by Saul Huck ’20, Jared Klotz ’20 rounded out the offensive side of things. Our outstanding defensive players (Alec Chunta ’19 and Dieter Frehlich ’20) passed great and had everyone’s back! Unfortunately, after Matthew Jegen’20’s subway supper he wasn’t feeling great so he will be playing in zones instead. The Spartans won in three straight sets to claim the League Championship. Their final tournament will be in Black Diamond next weekend (November 17 and 18) where they are hoping to finish their season with another banner. Thanks to Mr. Zelez, Mr. Roth and Ms. Weber for running the league and putting in the hours for all volleyball athletes in the foothills division. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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