Reflecting on Elder Shirley Hill’s Visit
This past week, Capitol Hill School had the incredible honour of hosting Elder Shirley Hill (Anatsipi’kssaakii) for a three-day residency. In her short time with us, Elder Shirley left a lasting impact on both students and staff. Her warmth, openness, kindness, and wisdom created a welcoming space for everyone to engage deeply with Blackfoot culture and traditions.
Elder Shirley shared stories, teachings, and dances that captivated and inspired us. Through her incredible hoop dancing and fancy dancing, she demonstrated not only her skill but also the cultural significance and stories behind these traditional dances. Her teachings about Blackfoot ways of being, belonging, doing, and knowing were powerful reminders of the importance of understanding and respecting Indigenous perspectives.
Our final whole-school gathering on Thursday was a perfect culmination of this transformative experience. It was a moment for students and staff to express their gratitude, celebrate what we had learned, and wish Elder Shirley well. A few students also had the opportunity to present her with gifts of thanks, a gesture that reflected how much her visit meant to our community.
We’re pleased to share that this residency has sparked meaningful conversations among staff about how we can continue to integrate Indigenous perspectives into our teaching practices. And the students, too, were deeply engaged - many have shared how much they enjoyed and learned from Elder Shirley’s visit.
We are already exploring ways to welcome Elder Shirley back to Capitol Hill next school year. Her visit was truly an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to continuing this important journey of learning and reconciliation. Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative, and a special thanks to the Alberta Teachers’ Association for funding this project through their Special Initiative Fund.
Paul Davis Presentations on Social Media Safety
Capitol Hill School is excited to host social networking safety expert Paul Davis on Thursday, February 6th. Paul will engage students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 with a session in the afternoon focused on the critical topics of online behaviour, privacy, and setting digital boundaries. This is a crucial conversation for young students navigating the complexities of the internet.
Later that evening, at 6:00 PM, there will be a special presentation for parents, sponsored by the Capitol Hill School Council. This parent-only event will offer strategies to help manage and safeguard children's online activities. We urge all parents to attend this informative session to learn more about social media and internet safety. Join us to gain valuable insights into protecting your children in the digital age. We look forward to welcoming you to this important discussion.
Upcoming Open Houses at Branton & Senator Patrick Burns
As Grade 6 students prepare for the transition to junior high, Branton School and Senator Patrick Burns School are hosting open houses to welcome prospective students and their families. Branton School's open house for its French Immersion programs will take place on February 6th, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Senator Patrick Burns School will hold its open house on February 12th, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, featuring its Spanish Bilingual and English Programs. Flyers with more details are available for Branton School here and for Senator Patrick Burns School here.
Report Cards Available On-Line Next Week
Starting January 27, 2025, families can access the online report cards for first term of the 2024-25 school year through the MyCBE portal. This digital platform allows parents and guardians to view, download, and print their child’s report card, along with accessing detailed information on teacher comments, grades, assignments, and attendance records. For a smoother experience and full access to features, users are encouraged to log into the MyCBE portal directly rather than using the PowerSchool App. Technical support is available for those needing assistance with the portal.
Updated IPPs Coming Home Next Week
Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) for students requiring additional support have been updated for January 2025. These updated IPPs will be distributed to families next week. Parents and guardians are asked to review the learning targets and goals outlined in the IPP and sign the second review section on the final page to indicate their agreement. For convenience, families can also consent to receive future IPPs electronically via email. If there are any questions or further clarification needed regarding the IPP, please reach out to your child’s teacher as the first point of contact.
Follow-Up: Outdoor School Information Session
Thank you to all the Grade 5 and 6 families who attended last night’s information session about the upcoming off-site activity at YMCA Camp Chief Hector. It was wonderful to see so many of you there as we prepare for this exciting and memorable experience!
If you were unable to attend the meeting, please contact your child’s teacher as soon as possible. All important forms were distributed during the session, and it is a requirement that parents discuss the trip with school staff before their student is permitted to attend.
If you have any concerns about safety, medical needs, dietary restrictions, or financial limitations, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mr. K at bakwiatkowki@cbe.ab.ca. We are committed to accommodating any barriers so all students can participate in this incredible opportunity to build skills, confidence, and lifelong memories. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to sharing this amazing experience with your child!
Departing from CHS for the 2025-26 School Year?
Are you planning to leave CHS at the conclusion of this school year? Perhaps your family is relocating, your child is transferring schools, or you're embarking on a global adventure. Whatever the reason, we would love to know in advance so we can plan effectively for the coming school year. Kindly fill out the form provided below - your cooperation is greatly appreciated! (If you child is in Grade 6 and is heading off due to the transition to Grade 7, don't worry, we already know!) The form can be accessed here: https://forms.office.com/r/DZDHgjsc25
YYC Community Resources Guide
We're pleased to inform you about the recently updated YYC Families Resource Guide, a useful tool for families in Calgary. This guide provides comprehensive information and support resources tailored to the needs of both new and long-standing residents of our vibrant city.
The guide covers a broad range of topics that cater to various interests and life stages. It includes contacts for emergency support services, local healthcare facilities, and educational resources. Additionally, it outlines numerous family-friendly activities and support services that are especially beneficial for those new to the area or seeking community connections. For more detailed information and to access the full guide, please visit YYC Families Resource Guide.
Upcoming Dates
Jan. 27 – Report Cards available for viewing through MyCBE
Jan. 27 – Parents invited to sign updated IPPs
Jan. 30 – Fun Lunch (Papa Johns)
Jan. 31 – Non-Instructional Day (no classes for students)