October 13, 2023 

We have had another busy week at Belfast School.  On Wednesday, author/illustrator Carolyn Fisher came to Belfast School to work with all kindergarten to grade 5 students. During her presentation, she spoke about her work as an author/illustrator as well as completing a demonstration of her portraiture skills.  Check out the Belfast School Instagram account to see her portraits of a few Belfast School students.  

As one student and one staff member reflected, 

“I learned to draw people really well.  She was really good at drawing abstract art. When I saw some of her drawings, I saw random pieces of art put into drawings. (Sophia, Grade ¾)   

I enjoyed watching my students participate in Carolyn Fisher’s author/illustrator presentation. She spoke about the importance of editing our work and showed us examples of how one piece of work can evolve into something wonderful when we invest the time to edit. When Carolyn announced that she was going to do a quick sketch of one of the students they all became so excited and watched carefully to see the process unfold. I noticed that our English language learners were very engaged in this process and all my students were eager to get back to class and try sketching each other. (Ms. Devos) 

 

On Thursday, October 12^th, our Grade 6 students took the bus downtown to attend  Wordfest at the Calgary Central Library.  They were excited to do a session with author David Alexander Robertson. 

A few of Ms. Teasdale’s students shared their reflections: 

The field trip was amazing   It inspired me to become an author and made me want to read even more than I already do (a lot) and want to become an engineer because of all of the amazing architecture.   I really enjoyed going there.   The talk was also amazing and I really enjoyed the whole trip because of everything and I also feel at peace in any library I go to. (Nora, Grade 6) 

When David was talking, I got to learn about his book and a little about how people make books that millions of people read. I wish I could go back there and bring my phone and take pictures of the architecture because it was so cool and it was wood and stone and on top of that it is built over a train. (Lucas, Grade 6) 

 

The Central Library also taught me a lot about Calgary and the Treaty 7 Indigenous people living here which made it feel even better. The Central Library was a project Calgary tried and they succeeded. Who knew a library could be so great and immersive? This was an experience that blew my mind and I would recommend it to tourists or just people wanting a calming and interesting experience in downtown Calgary. (Rudy, Grade 6) 

 

Grade 6 students will be able to apply their learning as we continue our school wide read of  “On the Trapline” by David A Robertson and illustrated by Julie Flett.  Stay tuned to hear more about how the Grade 6 students, as well as all classes, respond to this book. 

We had a couple of rainy days this week.  Thank you to all Belfast families for sending students dressed and ready to be outside regardless of the weather.  Fresh air and time outside are very important parts of ensuring students are ready to learn. 

Next week our Grade 4 –6 students will be completing the “Our School Survey at school.  This survey is an opportunity for our students to share their perspectives about learning at our school and the results of the survey inform our school development plan. 

Upcoming Belfast School Council and Parent Society Meeting 

The next meeting of the Belfast School Council and Belfast School Society is on October 24 at 6:30 pm in the library.  Please have a look at the agenda for the next Belfast School Society meetingagenda for the next Belfast School Society meeting and the draft the of School Society Bylawsdraft the of School Society Bylaws. As always, please reference the School Council and School Society webpages for agendas, updates, and fundraisers. 

Annual Forms in School Engage 

At the beginning of every school year there are a number of forms CBE requires to be reviewed and submitted.  Please log into your myCBE account please select tab Online Forms and School Registration.  A notification box will populate and all outstanding forms are listed.   

  

The Annual forms include the following: 

·        Demographic Verification-2023-24   

·        Annual Authorization 2023-24  

o   Consent for CBE Use of Student Information 

o   Consent for Use of Student Information by News Media and Outside Groups (Third Party)  

Please note:   

·        If you returned the form Consent for CBE Use of Student information with the response of “I DO NOT give consent” your student’s photo will not be included/posted for any school function photo  

·        If you do not review and or submit your consent CBE assumes “I DO NOT give consent”   

Please take a moment to review the response you submitted in SchoolEngage.  Should you at any time wish to change your response please email: belfast@cbe.ab.ca with your student’s name and that you wish to update the Consent for CBE Use of Student Information form.  

  

Need Help? Please Contact CBE Parent Account Help Line 

 

Belfast Community Calendar Update 

Tuesday, October 10^th was World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme was “mental Health is a universal human right.” This day was an opportunity to ensure people are aware of their right to mental health and to stand up for “what’s right- for you and for others.”  

Wednesday Oct 10^th was National Girl Child Day. This day is meant to spread public awareness about inequities that girls face all over the world. 

 

Important Dates  

Tuesday, October 17 – Lunchtime session for Grade 5/6 students who have signed up for the Child Safe Babysitters program. 

Wednesday, October 18 – Healthy Hunger Fun Lunch.  Orders for next week are now closed. 

Friday, October 20 – Professional Development Day – no school 

Tuesday, October 24 – Parent Council Meeting 6:30 pm in the Library 

Wednesday, October 25 – Picture Retakes 

Thursday, October 26 – Belfast Halloween Dance 6- 7:30 pm 

Tuesday, October 31 – Halloween – Students are welcome to dress up for the day. Please no masks or weapons. Please also do not send candy to school. 

Have a lovely weekend and as always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have anything you would like to share.   

Shelagh Reading 

Acting Principal