Good Shepherd

School

Inspire Greatness

Good Shepherd School 1319 Thorburn Dr. SE Airdrie, AB T4A 2A5 Phone 403-500-2117

Fax 403-500-2317

Website: www.cssd.ab.ca/goodshepherd Twitter: @GoodShep_CSSD

This agenda belongs to :

Name :________________________________________________ Grade :______________________________________________ Homeroom/Teacher :_____________________________________

Welcome to Good Shepherd Catholic School, with a population of approximately 750 students

from Kindergarten to grade 8.

Our motto Believing, Leading, Learning guides us throughout all programs within the school.

The school building itself is spectacular with many features unique to Good Shepherd. The school

is very spacious and well designed to facilitate 21st century learning. Each classroom is blessed

with an abundance of natural lighting and plenty of room to allow movement and collaboration for

the learners. There are several break-out rooms, meeting rooms, and specialty rooms throughout

the school including; a band and art room, Library, Science Lab, Learning center and a large

gymnasium.

The 2016-17 school year will be another exciting year for us. Technology continues to become a

larger part of our educational process. Students and teachers are incorporating technology into

their everyday learning.

Much of our work at the school is based upon the work of Stephen Covey, most famous for

the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. His most recent work is titled The Leader in Me:

How Schools and Parents Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time.

Students will be exposed to these principles in their everyday routines at the school.

The school has been designed to make the most of technology as a tool to assist student learning.

All classrooms are equipped with a SMART board, an LCD projector, speakers and a teacher

laptop computer. The entire school is wireless. This allows students to work anywhere in the school

and have the capability of accessing the internet and/or saving files. Over 125 Chromebooks are

used on a daily basis to bring technology into the hands of the students.

Classrooms are set up to optimize learning for the 21st Century learner. Research has taught us the

importance of movement breaks inside the classroom. Gone are the days of students sitting in

straight rows for extended periods of time. To increase student engagement, collaboration and

cooperative work are emphasized.

It is going to be a very exciting year at Good Shepherd. We encourage your involvement in the

school. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

On behalf of the entire staff, we invite you to join us as we continue in our journey of Believing,

Leading, Learning.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Bennett Lianne Kenyon John Principalli

Principal Vice-Principal Assistant Vice-Principal

GOOD SHEPHERD PRAYER

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, believing in your

people, you provide us with everything we

need. You seek out the lost and tenderly heal

the wounds of the hurting. With your abundant

love leading us, help us to reach out to others,

while learning together and building a caring,

Catholic, Good Shepherd Community. For

this we pray in your name.

Lord help us Inspire Greatness.

Amen

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

All members of our community are sacred and

must be treated with dignity and respect. We

value excellence in Catholic education, guided

by shared responsibility and the moral

authority of the Church.

THE ALBERTA HUMAN RIGHTS ACT:

Section three of the Alberta Human Rights Act

prohibits discrimination on the basis of an

individual’s race, religious beliefs, colour,

gender, gender identity, gender expression,

physical disability, mental disability, age,

ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source

of income, family status or sexual orientation

of that person or class of persons. Any

behaviour that supports this discrimination is

prohibited.

ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOURS

All district schools have established Catholic Community of Caring programs that focus on building respectful and caring school environments, rooted in Catholic values. Catholic Communities of Caring programs align with the School Act’s requirement to provide welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments. Within our schools, we are building communities that are

inclusive and celebrate respect for one another, community and diversity. This includes placing a strong value on:

Respecting all others, regardless of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation.

Respecting the school authority.

Respecting the school and district property, as well as the property of others.

Respecting yourself and the rights of others in the school.

Making sure your conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment in the school that respects the diversity and fosters a sense of belonging of others in your school.

Refraining from, reporting and refusing to tolerate bullying or bullying behaviour, even if it happens outside of the school or school hours or electronically.

Informing an adult you trust in a timely manner of incidents of bullying, harassment, intimidation or other safety concerns in the school.

Acting in ways that honour and appropriately represent you and your school.

Attending school regularly and punctually.

Being ready to learn and actively engage in and diligently pursue your education.

Knowing and complying with the rules of your school.

Cooperating with all school staff. Being accountable for your behaviour to your teachers and other school staff.

Contribute positively to your school and community.

A CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF CARING

Good

Shepherd

strives to

create a safe

and caring

school

environment.

Student’s

knowledge

and understanding are developed through an

integrated program at each grade level which

focuses around six values: Faith, Caring, Trust,

Family, Respect and Responsibility. OUR FAITH/RELIGIOUS PARTICIPATION

As a Catholic School, Religion is an integral

part of our school day. All students are

expected to participate fully in our Religion

Program which will include daily religious

instruction and regular religious celebrations

during the school year. The Family Life

Program is integrated into the Religion

program at each grade level. The sacraments

are an integral part of the Religion program in

Grades 2, 3 and 6.

Grade 2 - Communion

Grade 3 – Reconciliation

Grade 6 – Confirmation

Sacramental preparation is the responsibility of

the parish and parents who work jointly. The

school’s role is supportive.

CONSIDERATION OF STUDENT

DIVERSITY:

The School Act requires that the student code of conduct address consequences for unacceptable behaviour and that these reasonable consequences take into account the student’s age, maturity, and individual circumstances. The specific circumstances of the situation and of the student need to be taken into account when determining appropriate consequences. For example, any diverse needs that the student has – whether they are physical, behavioural, communicational, mental health, trauma, etc. – must be considered. The age and maturity of students involved should be considered when determining the consequences and support required.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITY:

A parent of a student has the responsibility

(a) to take an active role in the student’s

educational success, including assisting the

student in complying with section 12,

(b) to ensure the parent’s conduct contributes

to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe

learning environment,

(c) to co-operate and collaborate with school

staff to support the delivery of specialized

supports and services to the students,

(d) to encourage, foster and advance

collaborative, positive and respectful

relationships with teachers, principals, other

school staff and professionals providing

supports and services in the school, and

(e) to engage in the student’s school

community.

School Act – Section 16.2

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE

At Good Shepherd, appropriate behaviour is

expected of all students in order to foster a safe

and caring learning environment for all

members of our community.

Students who engage in unacceptable

behavior will be held accountable through the

school’s progressive discipline

plan. Consistent and logical consequences,

rather than punitive measures, are important

to support students in making appropriate

choices and help shape their future actions.

In any disciplinary situation, each student will

be dealt with on an individual basis, and will

take into account the student’s age, maturity

and individual circumstances. As well,

parental or district involvement may be

requested to support school discipline

procedures.

The school’s use of the progressive discipline

plan will determine the expectations,

consequences and the progression of actions

to be taken depending on the severity and/or

frequency of the occurrences. At all times,

teachers and administrators will use their

professional judgment in applying

consequences.

Consequences must have a positive effect on

the student’s journey through reconciliation,

either formally or informally, with the school

community and those affected by the

student’s behaviour. The following

consequences are progressive in their degree

of intervention and will be enacted depending

on the frequency and severity of

occurrences. They will be applied

consistently and equally to all students,

notwithstanding the individual differences of

children and the uniqueness of specific

circumstances and situations.

Progressive discipline is a whole-school

approach that utilizes a continuum of

interventions, supports, and consequences,

including

prevention measures and initiatives;

early and ongoing intervention strategies;

strategies to address unacceptable

behaviour.

Interventions and consequences increase

when:

the concerning behavior is persistent;

the concerning behavior escalates;

there is a very serious infraction of the code

of conduct.

Interventions and consequences may include,

but are not limited to, the following:

informal conferences;

restriction of privileges;

parent conferences;

in-school suspensions;

risk assessment;

suspension / expulsion (AP 356);

student redirection

Behaviour Support Plan (as part of the

Learner Support Plan);

involvement of Instructional Services and

supports;

involvement of external services and

supports.

The principal may involve police in

disciplinary matters when criminal activity

has become evident. When police are

involved, the principal will conduct a

separate, parallel investigation at the school

level and provide disciplinary action separate

from any criminal charges that may be issued.

OUR CHURCH: A POWERFUL PARTNER

Good Shepherd School is part of St. Paul’s

Parish.

Pastor: Father Domingo Bongalos

Address: 1305 Main Street

Airdrie, Alberta

T4B 1C5

Phone: 403-948-5394

Website: www.stpaulsairdrie.ca

Mass Times:

Tuesday - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday - 9:00 a.m.

Thursday - 7:00 p.m.

Friday - 9:00 a.m.

10:15 a.m. at Bethany

Care Center

Saturday - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday - 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is mandatory for all

students unless prevented by illness or other

reasons justifiable to the school. Regular

attendance will also ensure the student’s

success in his/her academic program. Students

are expected to be on time for school. Please

advise the school in advance if your child will

be absent by calling 403-500- 2117. This can

be done at any time as messages left will be

listened to prior to attendance being entered.

SAFE ARRIVAL POLICY

1. If a student will be absent from school,

parents are requested to contact the school

stating the reason for the absence. (Messages

can be left on the school voice mail.) If the

school is not contacted regarding a student’s

absence, we will phone the home, cell phones

and then the parent’s place of work. This

procedure is in place to ensure our students’

safety. Please make certain that we have all up

to date contact information.

2. Homeroom teachers will be notified of the

absence.

3. Students are expected to be in school except

when illness, appointment, or a family

emergency prevents attendance.

LATES

If your child arrives after the bell, it is

important that they stop at the office and get a

late slip before going to their classroom.

HOURS OF OPERATION Monday to Thursday 8:17 a.m. Entry bell 8:21 a.m. Instruction begins 10:15-10:30 a.m. Recess (Gr. 1-5) 11:00 a.m. K Dismissal 12:03-12:43 p.m. Lunch 12:00 p.m. PM. K begins 2:50 p.m. K- 8 Dismissal Friday 8:17 a.m. Entry bell 8:21 a.m. Instruction begins 10:15-10:30 a.m. Recess (Gr. 1-5) 11:00 a.m. K Dismissal 11:56-12:34 p.m. Lunch 11:35 a.m. P.M. K begins 1:40 p.m. K- 8 Dismissal

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Parents are urged to have all students’ articles

marked with some manner of identification.

Students should not bring large amounts of

money, valuable articles or toys to school.

SCHOOL TELEPHONE/CELL PHONES

In case of emergencies, students are able to

access a phone located at the office.

Permission to use the phone must be obtained

from a teacher. Outside class time, permission

may be granted by office staff. Students will

not be permitted to use the phone to call home

about after school plans or forgotten

homework/library books.

Cell phones are permitted for before or after

school use and are to be turned off during

school hours except for grade 6-8 who will be

using the electronic devices as an agenda.

STUDENT DRESS

Students are expected to dress in accordance

with the moral values promoted in our Catholic

school. Cutoffs, short shorts and skirts, skimpy

tops, halter tops or tops having spaghetti straps

or no straps as well as T-shirts with

questionable pictures or phrases are not

acceptable. Hats are not to be worn within the

building. The exceptions would include a

specified “hat day” or a child who is dressing

to go out into inclement weather. Health

regulations and monthly fire drills mandate the

wearing of proper indoor shoes in the school at

all times.

During winter months or wet weather, parents

are also requested to ensure their children have

appropriate clothing. Except on the very

coldest days, students are expected to be

outside for the recess periods and they must be

properly dressed to do so.

HEALTH SERVICES

Good Shepherd School has access to a public

health nurse through Community Health

Services. The nurse plays a consultative role

in assisting with the maintenance of good

health habits. We look to parents to supply

significant background information with

respect to any conditions which would leave

any child medically vulnerable (allergies, etc.)

DIVERSE LEARNING TEACHER

Good Shepherd receives the services of a

Diverse Learning Teacher to work with

children who require additional assistance with

the Language Arts or Math, as well as, English

Language Learners (ELL).

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

Students have access to a guidance counselor.

The guidance counseling program is centered

on helping individual students meet their

growth and developmental needs– educational,

personal and social. The delivery of this

program is collaborative, involving the school

counselor and other school staff. Program

success is based on a close partnership among

school, home and community.

STUDENT SUPPORT

The School Act requires that the student code of

conduct address consequences for unacceptable

behaviour and that these reasonable consequences

take into account the student’s age, maturity, and

individual circumstances. The specific

circumstances of the situation and of the student

need to be taken into account when determining

appropriate consequences. For example, any

diverse needs that the student has – whether they

are physical, behavioural, communicational,

mental health, trauma, etc. – must be considered.

The age and maturity of students involved should

be considered when determining the consequences

and support required.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is any task assigned by teachers

that students complete during non-school

hours. The Calgary Catholic School District

recognizes well-planned homework in Grades

3-12 can be a meaningful part of a student’s

learning. Time spent on homework may vary

from one student to the next. Parents who have

concerns with homework expectations should

contact their child’s teacher or the school

principal to discuss the situation and the

options available. The Calgary Catholic

School District finalized a homework

regulation in consultation with its community.

You can find more information about the

District’s homework regulation at

www.cssd.ab.ca.

Research suggests that daily reading (30

minutes) is a valuable lifestyle activity that

should be nurtured from a very early age.

Whether parents are reading to children or

children are reading to parents, the benefits of

this ritual are well documented in the literature.

We highly encourage that this be promoted in

every home for each of our students.

Homework is not provided in advance of a

child leaving the school on a vacation. There

will be a multi-curricular common assignment

available that the child may pass in upon their

return.

LIBRARY

Library books are readily available to students.

Books may be checked out for a one week

period. To improve the book circulation in our

library, students are asked to return their books

on time. Students who lose or deface library

books will be expected to pay for their

replacement.

TRANSPORTATION

Busing is arranged jointly by Rocky View,

Cardinal and Calgary Catholic.

Communications should be directed to First

Student at 403 948-1180. If the bus is late

getting to your bus stop please phone the late

bus line at 403250-0016. If your child is to take

a different bus after school, please call the

Ride-A-Long line at 403 948-9107.

All urban students shall be issued a bus pass at

the rate established for the current year. School

bus passes must be shown to the driver upon

boarding the bus. Please note, any lost pass

may be replaced at a cost of $15.00 per

replacement.

Students who are using the buses are requested

to observe the following:

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SCHOOL

BUS PASSENGERS

1. Follow the driver’s instruction at all

times.

He/she is in full charge of the bus and

is responsible for your safety.

2. Be considerate of the other

passengers and the bus driver.

Mutual consideration creates a pleasant

atmosphere on the bus.

3. Have respect for the bus and its

contents.

Parents/students will be expected to pay

for damage caused by the students.

4. Sit squarely in the seat, facing

forward. Keep head, limbs and

objects inside the bus and out of

the bus aisle.

This is the safest way to travel on a

school bus and may prevent serious

injury.

5. Keep noise to a minimum.

Loud noises or shouting are

dangerously distracting to the driver.

The bus drivers are responsible for the safe

operation of buses at all times and have

complete authority over passengers. Refusal to

obey bus regulations or instructions of the bus

driver will be considered as a serious offense

and will result in appropriate disciplinary

action including possible suspension from

riding the school bus.

SCHOOL YARD SAFETY

We request that students refrain from riding

bicycles, skateboards, scooters, motorized

scooters or wearing rollerblades on school

property. All bicycles should be locked up in

the bike rack provided. All actions of students

on school property reflect awareness of safety

for self and others. School rules are based

upon our concern for safety.

Supervision of students begins at 8:02 a.m.

Students should not arrive before this time.

K-5 Students are expected to remain outdoors

until the bell rings unless otherwise told.

After school supervision of students is until

3:00 p.m. Monday –Thursday

1:50 p.m. on Friday.

EXTRA -CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extra -curricular activities will include Band

and Choir. There will also be junior and senior

teams for basketball, volleyball, wrestling,

badminton, cross-country running, flag

football and track and field. The Good

Shepherd Rams will compete against other

Calgary Catholic Junior High schools.

GYM STRIP

Students in grade 4-8 will be expected to

change into gym strip to participate in Phys.

Ed. classes. Students in grades 6 to 8 are

expected to wear the school gym strip for

Phys. Ed.

CLOSED CAMPUS

All students will remain on the school grounds

from the time they arrive at the start of the day

until the dismissal at the end of the day. Any

students who are leaving the school grounds

must be signed out by a parent at the front

office. All students will stay on school

property at lunch time. The only exception is if

their parent has requested they join them at

home for lunch. A form must be completed

yearly and filed at the office.

LUNCHROOM FEES

Students staying for lunch are charged a fee

which covers the cost of providing lunchroom

supervisors. If this program causes financial

hardship in any way, parents are asked to

contact the school to discuss options.

LUNCH PROCEDURES

Students in grades 1-6 will eat their lunch in

the gymnasium. Students in grades 7- 8 will

eat their lunch in the gathering area.

Allergy awareness areas will be provided for

those students who require them.

A canteen will be available for students to

purchase milk, juice, and food items to be

determined.

CUSTODY

We release children only to parents or

guardians. Whenever there is a custody issue,

the administration will work with parents to

ensure a safe environment for the children

involved. Please discuss any custody orders

with the school Principal or Vice-Principal.

We will advise those staff who need to be made

aware to ensure the safety of the child. The

School Act requires schools to have a copy of

a custody order. Please make certain that a

copy of the most recent custody order is

provided to the school.

LOCKERS

Lockers are available for those students in

grades 6 to 8. The lockers are the smaller style,

thus students are encouraged to keep only

necessary items at school. Extra supplies

should be kept at home until they are required.

PETS

Due to allergy and safety concerns, we must

limit animals within the school.

Students/parents are asked to refrain from

bringing pets in unless special arrangements

are made with the classroom teacher. Dogs are

not allowed on school grounds at any time.

ALLERGIES

At Good Shepherd School we recognize that

we are all individuals with unique physical

characteristics. Several of our staff and

students have allergies that, in some cases are

severe. For these individuals, we demonstrate

understanding and respect by adhering to a few

simple practices. Classrooms must be a safe

place for all, thus we ensure that any unsafe

products are kept out of these areas. There will

be a sign posted by the door of the classrooms

that certain products may not be used. A letter

will also be sent home with the students in the

classroom identifying the products that will not

be allowed in the class.

Please ensure that you and your child are aware

of the seriousness of the allergies and show

respect by ensuring that any snacks sent to the

school do not contain any nut products.

PARKING LOT

The parking lot is provided primarily for staff

who must drive to school on a daily basis.

There are 4 stalls that will be clearly identified

for visitors. Parents can use these parking stalls

for short term visits to the school. Handicap,

and car pool stalls will also be identified. We

ask that only those stalls be used exclusively

for the intended purpose. In the interest of

safety, please do not use the parking lot to drop

off and pick-up students.

RAM FAMILIES

Aside from belonging to a homeroom, each

student in the school will also belong to a

Ram Family. This multi-aged group will

consist of about 25 students each that will meet

several times a year. It is another way to

promote community within the school.

Younger students will be known to the older

members of our school and will always have

several “buddies” visible to them on the

playground.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Students in Grades 1 - 6 will be asked to

purchase a school agenda, the cost of which is

covered by school fees. Students are required

to purchase all personal, consumable school

supplies. A list of these materials can be

obtained from the website or from the office.

At the end of a given school year, a copy of

recommended student supplies for the

following year will be posted on the school

website.

PROGRAM OF STUDIES

Our academic programs are designed to serve

the needs of the students according to the

guidelines set out by Alberta Education.

Students are encouraged to achieve their

potential through varied programming. The

following link will provide you with up to date

information regarding the specific curriculum

for each grade level.

http://education.alberta.ca/parents/resources/h

andbook.aspx

INTERNET USE

Use of the internet is a privilege - not a right.

All users will be expected to follow strict

moral codes and use appropriate etiquette. All

users will be required to sign a form on which

they agree to abide by District conditions for

use.

MULTI-GRADE CLASSROOMS

Multi-grade classrooms often occur in

elementary schools due to uneven distribution

of student population. They are a very

common occurrence within the Calgary

Catholic School District. Students or groups of

students are selected for a multi-grade

classroom, based on a multitude of

considerations - ability and work habits, ability

to work independently, age - peer

relationships, etc.

Multi-grade classrooms are sometimes viewed

as a single unit. That is, in many of the subject

areas, instruction can be provided through a

combined program. However, instruction is

provided at the appropriate grade level where

skills are very specific for that grade. An

example where this might be quite evident

EVALUATION POLICY AND REPORTING

Student progress is continually evaluated using

a combination of standardized and teacher

made tests, anecdotal records, teacher

observations, etc. Good Shepherd School has

four reporting periods. The initial reporting

period, an “Oral Report” is scheduled for

September 17 and 18. This is an interactive

report. Parent(s) must attend. Parents are

asked to come prepared to help “round out” the

new teacher’s profile for the student. This

reporting period is most often a very positive

and productive interchange. A fifteen minute

appointment is arranged by parents by using

the web based service. Details will be sent

home early in September.

The subsequent three reporting periods are

“Written Reports”. These progress reports

provide parents with a “snapshot” of their

child’s level of achievement. Interviews will

be scheduled for reporting periods two and

three based upon needs.

Following the report card in March, student-

led conferences will be set up allowing each

student the opportunity to showcase their

learning. It is very important that an adult is

available during this time period.

Parents should feel free to contact teachers at

Good Shepherd School regarding the progress

of their children. Arrangements can be made

to meet the teachers between major reporting

periods to update progress the student has

made since the last official reporting period.

would be the Mathematics program.

NEWSLETTERS

In an effort to role model the use of technology,

and to be more environmentally responsible,

we will make every attempt to limit the amount

of paper that is being sent home. One way to

reduce this is to rely on electronic

correspondence when possible. The current

newsletter will always be posted on the school

website. In addition there will also be archived

newsletters for the year. Arrangements will

also be made to email the document to

families. For the first month of school, a paper

version will be sent home to every family.

Following that, only those families that

specifically request a print copy will have one

sent home.

VOLUNTEERS

Parents are welcome to volunteer in the school

in a variety of capacities. Parental involvement

could be inside of the classroom, at home with

the preparation of materials, during the day, or

in the evening. There are many ways for you to

be involved in supporting your child’s

education. Please contact your child’s teacher

to offer assistance.

The Volunteer Orientation and volunteer forms

are available on our school website. Check the

website and the September newsletter for

additional details.

STUDENT GROUPS

Over the year, our school may establish a

student group, which engages in discussion

and activities related to diversity and justice

issues, including support for students

belonging to sexual minorities. In particular,

within our Religious Education and Family

Life Catholic Community of Caring program,

students may provide leadership and receive

support to continue to build inclusive

communities, aligned with our Catholic social

teachings. If you with further information,

please contact the principal.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

a) Evacuations

Proper training for evacuation is a must in

every school. Drills are held on a regular basis.

When the alarm sounds, or upon request,

students will proceed quietly in single file to

the nearest designated exit. They will line up

with their teachers at a safe distance from the

school. When re-entering the building,

children will do so in a quiet orderly manner.

Where conditions require, students may be

directed to assemble at Meadowbrook Middle

School.

b) Lock-down Procedures

If ever the occasion arises that the school must

be “locked down”, procedures are in place. All

exterior entrances are locked. Students are

accounted for within their classroom and

classrooms are also locked. Entrance to the

building would be via the front door

exclusively and only by authority of school

personnel.

AIR RIFLES

The district prohibits students from possessing

weapons or engaging in violent or threatening acts

on school property, and at school sponsored

functions and activities. "Weapon" means any

object, device, or instrument designed or through

its use is capable of threatening or producing bodily

harm to oneself or others. By this definition, air

rifles/guns are therefore considered weapons. As it

is challenging to visually identify these weapons as

air rifles/guns, school staff, Calgary Police

Services and the RCMP will likely respond in the

same manner as they would an actual rifle/gun. For

the safety of all students, staff and visitors in the

school, these items are not allowed on school

property or at school-related activities under any

circumstance.

OVERVIEW OF THE 7 HABITS

Habit 1: Be Proactive

To be proactive is to have the ability to choose

your response. Proactive people take

responsibility for themselves, their actions,

their decisions, their mood and attitudes. They

carry their own weather.

Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind

To begin with the end in mind means that one

starts with a clear understanding of one’s

destination. Setting goals provides the

roadmap. Without an end in mind, it is possible

to be climbing the ladder of success only to

find it is leaning against the wrong wall.

Habit 3: Put First Things First

To put first things first takes willpower,

determination and courage. We need to decide

what things are the most important in our lives.

Then we need to plan how and when we are

going to take care of, or do those things.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win

Thinking win-win means finding a solution

that works for all parties involved. Searching

for solutions provides peace and happiness for

ourselves and others. It is cooperation- not

competition. Win-Win thinking requires a

combination of courage, consideration and

listening.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to

be Understood

This is the skill of empathic listening- listening

to understand. Empathic listening means to

listen with the intent to understand another

person’s frame of reference. This is when we

listen not only with our ears but our hearts. We

listen for feeling and for meaning.

Habit 6: Synergize

Synergy is the result of truly creative

teamwork. The results of two or more people

working together are much better than the

results an individual would have created alone.

This habit involves looking at alternatives,

listening to other’s views, valuing differences

and seeking creative “third alternatives.”

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

To sharpen the saw involves self-renewal and

continuous improvement. Sharpening the saw

requires attention to spiritual, physical, mental,

social and emotional renewal activities that

will provide energy required to be truly

effective.

LEADERSHIP IN ENGERY AND ENVIROMENTAL DESIGN

Good Shepherd School is the first school in the Calgary Catholic School District, or in Airdrie to be

built according to LEED standards. This provides a “cleaner and greener” environment for teaching

and learning to occur. Some of the many features of this design are listed below.

Low flow water fixtures will reduce water consumption by at least 30%.

Building is designed to optimize energy performance, to reduce energy costs by 51%

compared to other buildings of its kind.

Construction waste management plan is in place to ensure that 75% of all construction

waste is diverted from landfills.

The construction materials used in this project contains at least 15% recycled

materials.

All classrooms and offices are fitted with operable windows for occupant controlled

fresh air ventilation.

Most building spaces are equipped with motion and/or heat sensor activated lighting

to ensure that all non-essential lighting (unoccupied spaces) is automatically turned

off to reduce energy consumption.

An improved ventilation system provides floor level fresh air at low speed which then

migrates with the air contaminants to the ceiling level where it is evacuated.

Common gathering spaces with clerestory windows are equipped with daylight

sensors that turn off lighting when sufficient sunlight is available.

Not only does this program save costs, it provides all of us with a cleaner and safer environment in

which to learn every day.

GOOD SHEPHERD CALENDAR - 2016/2017

AUGUST

Aug. 29 NO SCHOOL – Teacher PL Day

Aug. 30 NO SCHOOL – Teacher Org. Day

– District Mass p.m.

Aug. 31 NO SCHOOL – Teacher Org. Day

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 1 First Day of Classes for gr. 1-8 (full day)

Sept. 1 Kissing Hand day for Kindergarten

Sept. 2 First Day of Classes for Kindergarten

Sept. 2 Grade one orientation 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 5 NO SCHOOL – Labour Day

Sept. 7 Grade six & seven orientation 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Parent /Teacher Conferences (3:30 -7:30)

Sept. 15 No Kindergarten Classes

Sept. 16 NO SCHOOL – Parent /Teacher Conferences

Sept. 27 Photo Day

OCTOBER

Oct. 7 NO SCHOOL – Professional Learning Day

Oct. 10 NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Day

Oct. 31 NO SCHOOL – Professional Learning Day

NOVEMBER

Nov. 1 Faith Day - NO SCHOOL

Nov. 7 Photo Retakes Nov. 11 NO SCHOOL – Remembrance Day

Nov. 28 Progress reports sent home

DECEMBER

Dec. 1 Parent Teacher Conferences (3:30-7:30)

Dec. 1 No Kindergarten Classes

Dec. 2 NO SCHOOL – Parent /Teacher Conferences

Dec. 6 Christmas concert Grades 1, 3, 5

Dec. 22 Christmas break begins

Grades 1 to 8

Monday- Thursday Friday

Entrance Bell: 8:17 8:17

Lunch 12:03-12:43 11:57-12:37

Dismissal 2:50 1:40

Recess – 10:20 – 10:35 10:13-10:28

JANUARY Jan. 9 Classes resume

Jan. 27 NO SCHOOL – Professional Learning Day

FEBRUARY

Feb. 16 NO SCHOOL – Teacher’s Convention

Feb. 17 NO SCHOOL – Teacher’s Convention

Feb. 20 NO SCHOOL – Family Day

MARCH

Mar. 13 Progress reports sent home

Mar. 15 Student Led Conferences (3:30-7:30)

Mar. 16 NO SCHOOL – Student Led Conferences

Mar. 17 NO SCHOOL – Professional Learning Day

Mar. 20 Spring Photos

Mar. 24 Spring Break Begins

APRIL

Apr. 3 Classes resume

Apr. 14 NO SCHOOL – Good Friday

Apr. 17 NO SCHOOL – Easter Monday

MAY

May 10 Spring Concert Grades K, 2, 4

May 19 NO SCHOOL – Professional Learning Day

May 22 NO SCHOOL – Victoria Day

JUNE

June 29 LAST DAY of classes

Progress reports sent home

June 30 Teacher organizational am

Kindergarten

Monday- Thursday Friday

Morning class Morning class

8:17-11:00 8:17-11:00

Afternoon class Afternoon class

12:00-2:50 11:35-1:40