Oct 30, 2015 - As an organization, the Calgary French. & International ... Marketing and Advancement at .... childre
24 years of kindness Mme. Sheila Tousignant’s retirement interview
Speech, debate and Model UN programs create future-ready learners
Teaching digital citizenship at school and at home
Notre Monde Monthly news from the Calgary French & International School | October 2015
ENRICHMENT CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY A FABULOUS START TO THE 2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR
www.cfis.com • 403-240-1500 •
[email protected]
AHEAD THIS MONTH
CONTENTS Page 3 Message from the Head of School Creating future-ready learners means being adaptable Pages 4-5 Mme. Sheila Tousignant’s Retirement Interview Reflections on her 24 years at CFIS Pages 6-7 Donor dollars at work! Photo update showing 21st-century learning focused plans for your donations and Spring Benefit contributions Pages 8-9 Digital citizenship Articles from Mme. Alex Lianne Carter on the ins and outs of digital citizenship Page 10 BP Energy Project Summer PD makes for a quick start
Classroom Giving Catalogue Look for this great brochure coming in the mail and electronically, in October - it’s full of ways to contribute to student learning!
Page 11 Speech, debate and Model UN Strong curricular companions to our academic focus Page 12 Beakerhead to Camp Kindle A busy start to the year for Grade 5 Pages 12-13 Terry Fox Run 35 years of inspiration continues Page 14 Social-emotional learning Wonderful enrichment helps student manage emotions Page 15 Grocery Card Program Deadline extended!
Presentations with Dr. Donsky See the CFIS online calendar for information sessions and a presentation on anxiety with Dr. Alan Donsky.
Page 16 Walter MacDonald Whitebear First Nations culture and community
Notre Monde Our World
Notre Monde means Our World in French. This magazine is our main source of communicating initiatives happening within the Calgary French & International School (CFIS) to our community and beyond. The Notre Monde is a wonderfully collaborative effort with dozens of students and parents and nearly all faculty members writing one or more stories for the magazine each year. Articles are edited, compiled and laidout by our editorial and design team, Theresa Gerritsen, Karen Nesbitt and Corrina Lynne, under the guidance of our Head of School, Mme. Margaret Dorrance. Please contact Mme. Theresa Gerritsen, Director of Communications, Marketing and Advancement at
[email protected] with any submissions, photos, questions, comments or corrections. Thank you for reading the Notre Monde. We invite you to pass along this edition and others to your friends, family, colleagues and anyone who might be interested in becoming part of the CFIS community. Copyright © 2015 CFIS
Page 16 Pie plates to wheelchairs Help Grade 3 students collect aluminum
Pages 18-19 Athletics Cross-country, golf and volleyball! Friday, October 30, 2015 6:00-8:30pm
Page 22 Photos of the Welcome-Back Barbecue
~Mme. Margaret Dorrance
A MESSAGE FROM CFIS HEAD OF SCHOOL, MME. MARGARET DORRANCE
BECOMING FUTURE-READY Part of creating
exists both uncertainty and potential. I will be
students who are
carefully shepherding the process of recruiting
future-ready is
M. Amrouche’s replacement, with a view to
Every donation is appreciated and our goal is
supporting them
ensuring a seamless transition for Secondary
for 100 percent participation from each CFIS
to be adaptable in
Division students and faculty. The position of
family, member of the leadership team, and
their approach to
Principal of Secondary is integral to the health
faculty and staff member, at whatever level of
learning and the
and longevity of our school community, and I
giving feels right for you and your family.
inevitable changes in life.
Staying connected to the school community via
other members of the senior leadership team
On another note, we are fortunate to
As an organization, the Calgary French
as I embark upon the search for his replace-
welcome over 100 new students to CFIS this
& International School (CFIS) has a 46-
ment.
year, including many families brand new to our school community. Please join me in giving an
From our humble, church-basement
The release of the school’s inaugural Class-
extended, warm welcome to our new CFIS
beginnings to our growing regional and
room Giving Catalogue is another great
families who I had the pleasure of meeting at
national recognition, we are fortunate
moment of potential. This new addition to
September’s New Parent Reception.
that when we step back to examine
the annual rhythm of our school year will be
the life of our school, so much of our
released in October, by mail and electronically.
school’s history has been guided by
The Classroom Giving Catalogue is essentially
leaders who cared deeply about our
a way to “shop” for the classroom, allowing
Mme. Margaret Dorrance
community and quality education.
parents to consider donating to a variety of
CFIS Head of School
Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and / or LinkedIn The year ahead will see more change,
gift to where it is most needed. Whether you
with the recently announced retirement
are enthused about literacy, technology, the
It’s baaaaaack! The Halloween Howl Commu-
of the Principal of Secondary, M. Ahmed
arts, science or math, there are many inspiring
Bouncywill Castle, House - October 30 from nity event beHaunted on Friday, Tonnes of fun activities designed
Amrouche. I understand that for many,
opportunities within the catalogue that will
6 to 8:30 p.m. Fun for all ages, but designed for
including myself, this is a major change
create significant and immediate change in the
those 12 and under, tickets saleforin$12.00 early Tickets on sale go earlyon October
for the school. Like all changes, there
classroom and support the learning outcomes
for ages 12 and under. Parent supervision is required Pizza and refreshments included Gluten-free available
Please visit http://secure.cfis.com
Sincerely,
areas of need within the school or to direct a
Halloween Howl Games, DJ Dance Party,
is an easy way to stay informed and in touch.
of CFIS students this year.
will be seeking input from faculty, parents, and
year history of being highly adaptable.
Page 17 Photos of our first weeks back
Pages 20-21 Interview with Mme. Chantalle Bourque from Abu Dhabi
“...so much of our school’s history has been guided by leaders who cared deeply about our community and quality education...”
October. This is a parent-run initiative. Parent and Secondary
Division student volunteers are appreciated. Please contact
[email protected] if you have questions or can volunteer.
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October 2015
October 2015
Notre Monde | 3
ME R CI , MADAM E! THAN K YOU FOR YOU R Y EA RS OF D ED IC AT ED SERVIC E AT C F I S . RETIREMENT INTERVIEW |
MME. SHEILA TOUSIGNANT AS A YOUNG GIRL, MME. SHEILA TOUSIGNANT WOULD SPEND HOURS PLAYING SCHOOL, DELIVERING LESSONS AND GIVING TESTS. IT’S NO SURPRISE THEN THAT SHE SUCCEEDED AS A TEACHER AT CFIS FOR 24 YEARS. FOLLOWING HER STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY AND UNIVERSITY OF ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE IN TORONTO, MME. TOUSIGNANT TAUGHT KINDERGARTEN, GRADES 1 AND 2 AND ENGLISH IN GRADES 3, 4 AND 6 AT CFIS FROM 1989 TO JUNE 2015.
“Mme. Tousignant’s past students range in age from six years old to alumni in their 30s. She has impacted the lives of so many through her grace, experience and patience within the classroom and beyond. It was a true honour to work with her.” ~Mme. Margaret Dorrance, CFIS Head of School
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October 2015
7 Habits and leadership focus provided
What aspect of education has changed most
exploitation and family violence, as well as
a framework, common vocabulary and a
significantly during your career?
becoming more aware of issues regarding
common vision for guiding our students in
Computer technology! During the past five
global warming and encouraging positive
the development of their character, integrity,
years, the integration of technology into our
action to reduce global warming.
social skills, social responsibility and their sense
educational delivery has been one of the
of social agency; that their actions can make a
highest priorities at CFIS. Teachers have been
Anything else you would like to tell us?
difference in the world around them.
offered several professional development
I feel privileged to have taught at CFIS for
opportunities to inform themselves about
24 years. I worked alongside many gifted
Above all else, what makes you feel proud
the new ways of infusing digital technology
teachers. I learned so much and enjoyed a
about your time at CFIS and/or about your
into classroom planning and lesson delivery,
rich collaboration regarding ideas, teaching
career?
including cross-curricular connections and
methods and sharing materials. I am grateful
I am extremely proud of the UNESCO focus
planning.
for the support, encouragement and
Tell us about some of the professional
highlight. Another highlight was overhearing
at CFIS. It helps children understand world
highlights of your career.
students solving their problems together,
issues and realize that many children are not
What advice would you give to young
appreciation expressed by parents and the fabulous support of Administration. I feel I have
One of the most treasured highlights was
using 7 Habits strategies, seeking a “win-win”
as fortunate. It encourages and empowers
teachers just starting out?
made a difference in many lives.
receiving a child’s drawing with the message,
alternative, trying “rock, paper, scissors,” or
students to make the world a better place. This
Make it a priority to always strive for a good
“Je t’aime, Madame,” and getting a huge smile
trying to empathize with the other’s point
exposure and experience is essential in their
balance between teaching and your home
Merci mille fois, merci! I am very grateful to have
and sparkling eyes along with the delivery. It
of view or feelings. Such incidents showed
early lives if they are to be the active global
life. There is always something more that you
been part of an incredible team where respect
confirmed that this child was happy at school
that students were internalizing the messages
citizens we wish them to be.
could do and it is important to establish a
was a number one value.
and felt cared for by me, and I always knew
taught and were applying them, on their own,
that learning would follow easily when a child
to solve problems with their peers. This was
If there was one thing you could convey to
personal time. Strengthen your grade-level
was this much at ease in my classroom.
very gratifying.
the community, what would that be?
team by sharing work and ideas.
What are some of the highlights from your
How did you live our school’s mission and/or
would love to see less waste at lunch time. I
What is next for you and what are you
time at CFIS?
bring us further towards meeting our vision
would also like to see the practice of reusing
looking most forward to in the years ahead?
Realizing how much progress my students had
during your time here?
paper on which the original photocopy was
Recreational travelling, spending time with
made since the beginning of the year in their
I was a member of the Lighthouse Team for
discarded. Such paper is ideal for children’s
family and living social activism in a more
understanding of French and their ability to
several years because I believe it is important
drawings in class or in the Before-and-After-
concrete way, including working for justice in
express themselves in French was a constant
to offer much more than academics. The
School care program.
the areas of human trafficking, child sexual
healthy boundary between work time and
Reduce, recycle, reuse and repurpose! I
FEATURE
Mme.Tousignant is happily travelling the world at present.We are looking forward to having her back at the school for an assembly to recognize her years of service. If there are parents who would like to help oversee this celebration, please email Mme. Camirand at
[email protected].
FEATURE October 2015 Notre Monde | 5
O wi ne o th f yo m Be ur any ne do pr fit na oje co tio cts nt ns u rib an nd ut d er ion Sp wa s! rin y g
Lo vis ok f it i or n n mo the ext re a No mon bou tre th’ t M M s ed ich on it ae de ion l’s ! of
21 ST CENTURY PILOT CLASSROOM
STUDENTS HELP TEST FURNITURE AND REVIEW OPTIONS FOR THIS PILOT PROJECT SUPPORTED BY DONATIONS AND SPRING BENEFIT PROCEEDS
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Notre Monde
October 2015
GIVING TO STUDENT LEARNING
GUEST ARTIST MICHAEL MARKOWSKY YOUR DONATIONS AND SPRING BENEFIT PROCEEDS AT WORK!
GIVING TO STUDENT LEARNINGOctober 2015 Notre Monde | 7
MME. CARTER WORKS WITH STUDENTS IN BOTH DIVISIONS, TEACHING THEM ABOUT DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
MME. CAMIRAND, PRINCIPAL OF ELEMENTARY, SPEAKS TO STUDENTS ABOUT THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP IN THE CLASSROOM CFIS STUDENTS ARE DIGITAL NATIVES, BORN IN THE DIGITAL AGE INTO A WORLD FULL OF CONNECTIVITY, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDIA. HOWEVER, WE CANNOT ASSUME THAT JUST BECAUSE OUR CHILDREN ARE EXPOSED TO THE MANY ADVANCES OF TECHNOLOGY OF THE 21ST CENTURY, THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THEIR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. In September, kindergarten to Grade 12
•
students were introduced to the term “digital citizenship,” defined as, “the norms of ap-
•
propriate, responsible behaviour with regard to technology use.” Mme. Alex Lianne Carter,
ploring several of the nine elements of digital
Ribble, M. (2011). Digital Citizenship in Schools (2nd ed.). Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
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October 2015
town, you also don’t want to let your child
Be a good example: Avoid texting and calling
skills in digital citizenship with CFIS students, it
wander alone in the digital playground.
your child during the school day. If it is urgent,
is important to create a common language be-
try reaching them during lunch time or after
tween home and school to work together to
Set ground rules: Just as you set a chore
ensure we are creating responsible safe future
schedule or a bedtime, it is important to cre-
ready individuals.
ate usage rules for technology. Visit
Over the past few years, there has been a
http://www.safekids.com/family-contract-for-online-safety/
definite paradigm shift in the roles of parents
Digital communications: Electronic ex-
•
Here are some tips and tricks to help foster
for sample family contracts that you could use
and educators. Each group needs to actively
Digital etiquette (aka Netiquette): Stan-
digital citizenship with your children at home:
with your children.
work to create safe and responsible environ-
Digital security: Electronic precautions to
Get connected and be aware: Have discus-
Use parental controls: Set parental controls
protect learners, staff and organizations
sions with your children to stay informed
on devices your children access, and use
Digital health and wellness: Physical and
about how they are using their devices. If your
internet filters.
psychological well-being in a digital world
children are on any form of social media, cre-
ments that allow students to continue to grow
ate your own account and follow them. Over the next few months, digital citizen-
as model digital citizens.
Privacy and online security: Talk to your children about not sharing personal informa-
ship will continue to be discussed with CFIS
Supervise: Keep computers and devices in
tion, and help them create a secure password.
The following is a list of some elements we
students, most particularly in the primary
common areas around the house where your
When your child creates any online accounts,
explored, which were adapted from research
technology clubs and as part of the Grade 7 to
children can be supervised. Just like you would
help them set their profile settings.
conducted by Ribble (2011):
9 HPLS curriculum.
not let your child be alone at a park across
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
school.
change of information
citizenship, as outlined in Alberta Education’s Digital Citizenship Policy guide.
As we continue to develop knowledge of and
dards of conduct or procedures online •
CFIS’s new Director of Educational Technology & Innovation, spent time in each classroom ex-
FOSTERING DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP AT HOME
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY October 2015 Notre Monde | 9
MMES. MALLORY AND GAGNON WITH BP EXECUTIVE AND COMMUNICATIONS STAFF
BP ENERGY PROJECT WELL UNDERWAY
Grade 9 students have begun work on their
after successfully applying for a grant through
cross-curricular project, “Electricity Generation:
BP to enrich their social studies curriculum.
Must see it to know it!” They will visit ten dif-
LAST YEAR, SECONDARY DIVISION STUDENTS PERFORMED FOR STUDENTS IN GRADE 5 AND 6, HOPING TO INSPIRE THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN SPEECH
BEYOND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
BP website:
BU ILDING 21ST C ENT U RY SKILL DEVELOP M ENT INTO DAILY L IFE AT CFIS
Since 2007, BP has awarded millions in
For the 2015-16 school year, the Secondary
record participation in this program as well.
As a United Nations Educational, Scientific and
grants and educational materials to Kin-
Division has implemented speech, debate and
ferent energy generation plants across Canada
“Being surrounded by so many amazing, dedi-
dergarten to Grade 12 teachers for energy
Model UN courses into its standard junior high
“The speech, debate and model UN program
UN is a natural fit for CFIS and its students.
and Costa Rica. They have written letters of
cated and creative teachers was humbling!”
projects across all disciplines. BP is extremely
curriculum. These three are among many pro-
is designed to enable every student to develop
Through simulations of the United Nations’
application in English and soon they will learn
says Mme. Gagnon. “The conference was
proud of the impact A+ for Energy has made
grams focused on developing graduates who
skills foundational for life-long success,” says
General Assembly, students will learn the inner
which type of energy generator they will visit.
informative and inspiring! I’m already thinking
and continues to make with Alberta and
will be active global citizens with a foundation
Mme. Danielle Lamoureux, Assistant Principal
workings of the UN while developing their
ahead to next year’s project.”
Northwest Territories schools
for life-long success.
of Secondary. “Skills such as communication,
leadership skills. Faculty expertise will support
In science, students will produce documen-
Cultural Organization associate school, Model
critical thinking and cultural understanding that
students as they try to resolve international
taries with director’s cuts to evaluate their
The conference was well-attended,
“Within the CFIS Secondary Division, our
are developed through this program will en-
issues and crises including armed conflicts,
assigned energy source--wind, photovoltaic,
and a great professional develop-
teachers are fully committed to provide the
able our students to be active, global citizens,
human rights violations, economic and social
solar thermal, hydro, coal, biomass, geother-
ment opportunity, which was fund-
best learning environment for our students to
who are capable of contributing to the com-
development initiatives and environmental
mal, cogeneration and nuclear--and generate
ed in full by BP for our teachers.
reach their full potential by encouraging critical
munities to which they belong, be they local,
disasters. As they are assigned a diplomatic
and creative thinking, international awareness
regional, national or international.”
role representing any of the 193 UN coun-
questions with which to interview experts, lobbyists and plant workers, to gain multiple
“Having the opportunity to speak
and engagement in leadership opportunities,”
perspectives about the energy source.
with several industry and environ-
says M. Ahmed Amrouche, Principal of Sec-
Beginning in Grade 7, speech will help students
country’s national interest with the needs of the international community.
tries, students will need to balance their own
mental leaders throughout the
ondary. “In addition to teaching their subject
learn to communicate well and speak with
In social studies, they will attempt to convince
conference allowed me to better
matter specialties, almost all our teachers are
poise--two very beneficial life skills. Speech
an audience of other students, faculty and
understand what skills employers
teaching either speech, debate or Model UN.
class is active, and students will be engaged
“Many studies show marked improvement in
parents posing as town council members that
are looking for in young gradu-
We all understand the importance and the
in a wide variety of techniques and forms of
a wide variety of academic skills as a result of
their energy type is ideal for the future of
ates, adds Mme. Lisa Mallory. “Not
benefits of these additional assignments.”
communication with opportunities to compete
participation in debate and speech tourna-
Canada. They will need to frame their argu-
only did it allow us to develop our
and present.
ments, including the ability to think rigor-
ments around the effect their energy source
project accordingly, but I feel that
Opportunities for speech, debate and Model
would have on Canadians’ quality of life, a key
I have a better understanding of
UN are not only present in the classroom, stu-
Debate in Grade 8 will build on students’
conflicts, to improve academic achievements,
concept studied throughout the year in social
how I need to prepare my students
dents can further develop their skills through
speaking skills, adding in the elements of argu-
to become proficient in research methodology
studies.
across all grades for life beyond
participation in clubs both in junior and senior
mentation, research and critical questions. With
and information literacy, and to understand the
high school.”
high. Indeed, we have begun 2015-2016 school
topics ranging from silly to serious, this course
nuances of international issues and crises,” adds
year with the largest number of senior high
will focus on speech writing, questioning,
M. Amrouche. “Sequencing speech, debate
students ever representing CFIS in our speech
research, understanding issues from multiple
and the Model UN is a great combination for
and debate clubs. Model UN will begin shortly
perspectives and showmanship.
providing students with the leadership skills
Mmes. Kristine Gagnon and Lisa Mallory, the lead teachers on this project, attended the BP
A bit about the project from the
Energy Education Conference this summer
for Senior High students and we anticipate 10 |
Notre Monde
October 2015
ENRICHMENT
ously and critically, to cooperate and resolve
needed to be successful in the 21st century.”
ENRICHMENT
October 2015
Notre Monde | 11
FROM BEAKERHEAD TO CAMP KINDLE
G R A D E 5 S TARTS OUT STEEP ED IN ECO L O G Y A ND E NVI RO NME NTA L STUD I E S What a whirlwind month this has been for our Grade 5 students! They participated in wetlands-related activities put on by Teacher’s Pet, an educational services company, where they began an in-depth look into ecosystems, which led to an even more profound hands-on study at Camp Kindle. They spent three days observing creek residents, sang songs around a campfire, climbed a wall, and hiked, among other activities. Students also participated in the Beakerhead exhibition, creating their own larger-than-life wetlands ecosystem complete with birds, insects and plant life. We hope you have had a chance to admire their creation.
“THE RUNNING I CAN DO, EVEN IF I HAVE TO CRAWL EVERY LAST MILE. WE NEED YOUR HELP. THE PEOPLE IN CANCER CLINICS ALL OVER THE WORLD NEED PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN MIRACLES.” ~ TERRY FOX, OCTOBER 1979
MOVING TERRY’S LEGACY FORWARD
3 5 - Y E A R A N N I V E R S A RY O F T E R RY ’ S M A R AT H O N O F H O P E While CFIS students weren’t yet born
come home to talk about the journey of Terry
Donations to the Terry Fox Foundation can be
when Terry Fox embarked on his iconic
Fox,” said one new CFIS parent. “He really
directed through their website at
Marathon of Hope, they showed great
seemed to understand the concept of one
http://www.terryfox.org/
determination to keep his dream alive. Staff
person trying to make a difference and the in-
and students participated in the school’s
tent of the run at the school--carrying on with
annual Terry Fox Run on September 24.
what Terry was trying to do, when he wasn’t
Even the preschool and junior kindergar-
able to finish himself.”
ten students ran in the soccer fields, taking breaks in the outdoor classroom after each lap. M. Boucher lead an inspiring Elementary Division assembly to raise awareness about who Terry Fox was, his mission, courage,
CFIS TERRY FOX RUN
strength and dedication to finding a cure in the face of his battle with cancer. For the last two years, the Terry Fox Foundation has invited students to run for an individual in their life impacted by cancer. Students wore stickers featuring the name of the person they ran for and wrote these names on a paper chain of hope they created as a visible reminder of the hundreds of people impacted by cancer. “It was amazing to hear my four-year-old
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October 2015
LEADERSHIP October 2015 Notre Monde | 13
Deadline extended to October 7! Click here for the order form!
GROCERY CARD PROGRAM
A WONDERFUL WAY TO SUPPORT CFIS STUDENT LEARNING WHILE YOU SHOP!
katchewan and Manitoba •
Blush Lane Organics – Calgary’s Aspen Landing store only
•
President’s Choice – Superstore, No Frills, Loblaws across Canada
A few key points to remember:
AN AWARENESS OF EMOTIONS AND DEVELOPING A COMMON LANGUAGE HELPS STUDENTS SELF-REGULATE
•
Cards do not expire
•
Cards can be used in stores and at gas bars, where available
•
Cards cannot be used for liquor purchases, to purchase other gift cards, or
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING BUILDS A COMMON LANGUAGE IN KINDERGARTEN
THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS! Remember to get enough cards for next
the order form for grocery cards!
summer’s barbecues and gas purchases!
Putting their knowledge into practice, they
nicate how they are feeling, then determine
Orders will be accepted until the end
is helping students work on developing a
were then shown four zones of regulation:
what tools are needed to help self-regulate.
of day, Wednesday October 7. Thanks
The Grocery Card Campaign works well
to all the families who have supported
for busy parents and it benefits the school
• “We had the pleasure of having Mme. Cathryn Rowley, an occupational therapist with
•
whom the kindergarten team collaborates, come to our classrooms and give a great,
•
child-friendly presentation about selfCFIS kindergarten teacher. “Mme. Rowley is
•
•
As the cards are treated as cash, you will be required to sign for your cards at pick up. You may designate someone to pick them up for you.
•
There will be one order period this
Blue: Rest stop,when they are feeling
For example, a teacher could say, “You
this program over the years and a
greatly. Unlike other fundraisers, there is
year. Orders should be sent in by
tired, sick or moving slowly
look like you are in the ‘yellow zone’. Let’s
special thank you to those who are
minimal work involved for the participants.
October 7, 2015. Payment for the
Green: Ready to learn, focused and
calm your body down in the book corner,”
ordering for the first time.
You simply choose to use a different method
cards is to be by post-dated cheque.
alert
or, “Let’s take a movement break and get
of paying for something you already purchase
Credit cards are not accepted as the
Yellow: High energy needed for physi-
those wiggles out.”
Join over 93 CFIS families who have
on a regular basis. You can choose from a
fees charged significantly reduce the
already ordered 1500 cards. The
great selection of major grocery stores and
net proceeds from the program. Cards
retailers.
will be available for pick-up or kiddie
cal activity or starting to lose control
regulation,” says Mme. Geneviève Pageau,
You will still receive points or discounts on your store loyalty cards
You have one more week to fill out
Social-emotional learning in kindergarten more extensive emotional vocabulary.
exchanged for cash •
Red: Loss of control or acting on
Follow-up sessions will be arranged accord-
estimated profit from these sales is
impulse
ing to the classroom schedule. For more
$16,200.
helping to build skills of self-regulation and
information go to
shared language that teachers and children
The children worked on matching faces
can use within the classroom.”
www.zonesofregulation.com
mail delivery monthly, as noted on the With every order you place, CFIS receives
order form.
If every family orders one card per
between 4 and 10.5 per cent back in cash to
with each zone, labeling emotions and
month, we will raise $30,000 for initia-
be used for programs at the school. Partici-
Thank you in advance for supporting student
recognizing what these different states look
tives at the school. We still have a
pating stores include:
learning at the Calgary French & Internation-
After reading The Way I Feel with Mme.
like on someone’s face or in their actions
way to go to meet last year’s profit of
Rowley, which teaches students to better
and in themselves.
$30,000, so please consider purchas-
describe their emotions, students matched
ing a few, or many, grocery cards if you
character faces to their new vocabulary
Once students are familiar with the lan-
haven’t done so. Just a reminder, that
helping them to identify non-verbal cues.
guage, they can use the words to commu-
there is only one order period this year instead of the two in prior years.
14 |
Notre Monde
October 2015
al School! If you have any questions, please •
LEADERSHIP
Calgary Co-op – stores in Calgary,
email
[email protected]
Airdrie and Strathmore • •
Safeway – Stores in Canada. Cannot be
Bonnie Stowkowy, Holly Crowe &
used in the US.
Jennifer Quan-Fernyc
Sobeys – stores in BC, Alberta, Sas-
Grocery card program team, 2015-2016
“SUCH AN EASY WAY TO RAISE MONEY
“THE GROCERY CARD PROGRAM HAS
“WE HAVE ENJOYED THIS EASY AND
FOR CFIS! THE CARDS ARE PRACTICAL
ALLOWED US TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT
NO-COST WAY TO GIVE EXTRA SUPPORT
AND ALWAYS USED UP. WE REALLY
OUR SCHOOL WITHOUT SPENDING A
TO CFIS.”
ENJOY THIS PROGRAM.”
PENNY. A SIMPLE WIN-WIN INITIATIVE.”
~ JENNY AND GERRY
~ HOLLY AND JOHN
~LINDA
GIVING TO STUDENT LEARNING
October 2015
Notre Monde | 15
STUDENTS LEARN VALUABL E LESSONS IN ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS ON SEPTEMBER 21, GUEST SPEAKER WALTER MACDONALD WHITEBEAR CAPTIVATED GRADES 7 AND 10 STUDENTS WITH MUSIC AND STORIES ABOUT HIS CULTURE WHILE EXPRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN COMMUNITIES.
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES: MR.WALTER MACDONALD WHITEBEAR INSPIRES CFIS STUDENTS AND FACULTY
Mr. Whitebear spoke with the students
ing their opinions on government responses to
about life on reserves, the effects of resi-
reparation and reconciliation efforts towards
dential schools on Aboriginal peoples, and
First Nations peoples.
his inspirations, giving valuable content and ideas for upcoming student projects.
CFIS students described Mr. Whitebear’s
Grade 7 students are composing lyrics to
presentation as interesting, amazing, informa-
a French song, using content they studied
tive and inspiring. In turn, Mr. Whitebear was
in social students in a cross-curricular
impressed with the students’ questions. “They
project that speaks to First Nations affairs
were even better than some questions adults
in the capacity of understanding their role
ask me,” he said.
in the development of Canadian History. As part of the curriculum which ad-
CFIS faculty members were impressed with
dresses First Nations affairs and historical
student engagement, and look forward to
globalization, Grade 10 students are writ-
hosting more guest speakers.
OUR FIRST WEEKS BACK!
CFIS students described Mr. Whitebear’s presentation as interesting, amazing, informative and inspiring.
ing letters to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, stat-
Help turn pie plates and
pop tabs into wheelchairs
CFIS is collecting pop can tabs and aluminium
small handful of tabs, please bring them. Those
pie plates to enable people from the Inde-
handfuls will turn into bigger ones and before
pendent Order of Odd Fellows to purchase
we know it we could make a wheelchair for a
wheelchairs for the young and old. We learned
needy person. Please refer to the thermom-
it will take approximately 227 kilograms of
eter in the school to watch our progress and
melted down pop can tabs to make one
contact Mme. Wendy Johnson at
wheelchair. Do you think that this sounds like
[email protected] for details on how to
an impossible dream? Not with our amazing
drop off your donations.
school! Grade 3 students will be in charge of designing posters and collecting tabs and plates in a special container in each class. With the encouragement of our students and any others who may be interested, we believe our mission will be realized. Even if you have only a
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October 2015
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
COMMUNITY
October 2015
Notre Monde | 17
PARTICIPATION AND PRACTICE
T H E K EYS T O BU I L D I N G SK I L L S I N VO L L EY BA L L
DEDICATION IN MOTION CFIS’s cross-country students sprinted
is a given,” says Kalli Green, one of the Second-
into the Secondary Division doors on
ary Division’s Health and Physical Education
our school’s first non-instructional (pro-
teachers. “It’s a rewarding group to teach when
fessional development) day of the year,
so much of the foundation around enjoyment
when most other students were still
in sports and health has been laid.”
sleeping. This shows the commitment of this group of students, and why they are
There is a continuum of learning within physi-
taking Calgary by storm.
cal education that builds up to CFIS’s senior
As our Grade 7 girls volleyball players
friendships while having fun. Through regular
learn the fundamentals of volleyball,
season games, students will be given an equal
develop as players and part of a team
opportunity on the court to build the skills of
and represent their school this season,
the team.
they will discover if they want to pursue volleyball in the future.
Team 1, lead by coach Kristine Gagnon, and Team 2, lead by coach Kalli Green, competed
The experience will see them improve
in their first tournament at Menno Simmons
as athletes, developing character and
School. Our girls had fun and improved greatly
perseverance and creating closer
after playing four matches each.
Congratulations to Alessandra M., Leslie G., Lauren S. and Katie S. for successfully passing their test this past weekend. They are now carded officials for Volleyball Canada!
high school, where students can experience Continuing our school’s traditional suc-
an incredible variety of different activities from
cess in cross-country, including bringing
curling to rowing.
home the CISAA banner last year, the more than 30 students won two gold
“The intent of building this strong foundation
medals, two bronze medals, and the ma-
and love for athletics is for our students to be
jority are in the top 10 against schools
active for life,” says Sabine Crandall, Director
much larger than ours.
of Athletics at CFIS. “Our hope is that our students find activities that inspire them and
“I came to watch the last race and it
that they are able to continue in university and
was a sea of Vikings blue,” said one par-
beyond.”
ent. “The level of participation among our students is incredible.”
This year, we look forward to being inspired by the continued dedication and efforts of our
Physical activity is built into the curricu-
cross-country students and their coaches and
lum for each CFIS student. In preschool
athletes of all ages at CFIS.
and junior kindergarten, we focus on engaging gross motor development and outside play during recess. This transitions well into kindergarten when the Alberta Education curriculum begins and specialist teachers in physical education work with students up to Grade 12. “With regular participation in athletics from three or four years old, our students grow up in a school culture where participation in running and team sports 18 |
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October 2015
ATHLETICS
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“Living abroad has truly made me appreciate what a special
community we have at CFIS.” ~Mme. Chantalle Bourque
INTERVIEW FROM ABROAD |
MME. CHANTALLE BOURQUE Since taking a leave of absence from CFIS, Chantalle Bourque has been busy teaching high school social studies
travel studies opportunities and various extra-
Above all else, what makes you feel proud of
and ELA at the Canadian International School in Abu Dhabi. She began working at CFIS in 2007, teaching
curricular activities. CFIS values global citizen-
your time at CFIS?
French and social studies in junior and senior high levels, and transitioned into teaching solely social studies,
ship, which I feel my time abroad allows me
Having had the chance to work with such
acting as department head and as UNESCO coordinator. She participated in travel studies opportunities
to emulate. Living in a new country provides
inspiring, dedicated and motivated colleagues
with students, visiting Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, and Cambodia, and took students to participate in a
you with a new viewpoint, a deeper cultural
and see the implementation of programs such
Human Rights program in Washington D.C., Costa Rica, Galapagos Islands and Cambodia, and was involved
understanding.
as UNESCO, Me to We, and Model UN. The support to make our learning experiences as
with the school’s Me to We Club fundraisers and awareness campaigns alongside Jennifer Connolly.
October 2015
like to share with the CFIS community?
I value.
of whom have never been to Canada. Debates
Living abroad has truly made me appreciate
overseas?
and discussions on various topics of study can
what a special community we have at CFIS.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
I believe in the power of the learning that
get quite heated. Living in a new country has
The teamwork, passion and dedication of the
You are all incredibly missed. My experience in
travel provides. Getting to know and interact
meant becoming accustomed to a new culture
teachers of CFIS are unmatched, and it was
the past year has truly shown me how fortu-
with a new culture, and seeing a new part of
and a new way of life. I have traveled to Oman,
inspiring to be in an environment surrounded
nate the CFIS community is. I look forward to
the world, is incredibly valuable. I have always
Sri Lanka, Thailand, and a number of European
by leaders, go-getters and visionaries.
being back next year!
wanted to teach abroad, and thought that
destinations and met some incredible people
an extended period of time in a new part of
who will continue to be a part of my life after
the world would allow me to learn in a very
my return to Canada.
ment.
Notre Monde
experiential as possible is also something that
What inspired you to take a leave to teach
personally and professionally enriching environ-
20 |
What have you learned that you would most
What sort of impact do you think you are having on the students there as a result of
How did you live our school’s mission and/or
your experience teaching at CFIS?
bring us further towards meeting our vision
We celebrate diversity and we promote an
Tell us about some of the highlights of your
during your time here? What about your time
international perspective. The mission here is
experience abroad.
abroad?
“Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow,” which
I teach the Alberta curriculum to students
I helped our students meet CFIS’s vision by
is quite similar to CFIS’s “Tomorrow’s World,
representing more than 70 nationalities, most
our involvement with UNESCO initiatives,
One Student at a Time.”
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
October 2015
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CFIS WELCOME-BACK BARBECUE
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October 2015
COMMUNITY
