Monday, September 22, 2014

Millarville Community School 130 Millarville Road

403-938-7832 http://millarville.fsd38.ab.ca

Principal’s Message During the September 12th monthly assembly, I introduced the following 3 “B’s” to the students that we would like the students to consider as we move through the 2014-2015 school year.

Be Awesome, Be Better, Be a Team Player

Be Awesome! - As principled learners, we want our students to take risks, demonstrate enthusiasm and nurture their creative spirit! Socrates said, “We are what we repeatedly do, therefore, excellence is a habit not an act!” Be Better! – As open-minded learners, we want our students to develop an appreciation for the lessons learned when we struggle. Reflective learners seek to understand that learning is continuous and are focused on preparing oneself for future challenges. Be a Team Player! – As globally-minded citizens, we understand that our actions affect more than just those we directly interact with. We must commit to an attitude that promotes cooperation, empathy and respect among our peers, our families and our community. Last Friday, the annual Terry Fox Run was held at MCS. Students were encouraged to bring in a Toonie for Terry! The jar will remain in the office until the end of this week, so please remember to help us support cancer research and reach our goal of $400 (~$2 per child)! The MCS Fundraising Society continues to support MCS programming on a daily basis, providing resources for classrooms, fieldtrip costs, outdoor pursuits and transportation fees. The Society has reduced the number of initiatives this year, so please support these when they come up. Our first will be our Hot Lunch Program announced later in this newsletter. Glenn Gibson (gibsong@fsd38.ab.ca)

Upcoming Events:

September 23rd – Photo Day September 26th – Staff Learning Day (no classes) Sept. 29-Oct. 1st – Grade 8 camping trip September 30th – Divisional Cross Country (STS) Oct 1st – Oct 3rd – Grade 7 Camping trip October 2nd – 3:00pm Fundraising Meeting

October 6th – 8th – Grade 5 Waterton trip October 6th – Next Blue News October 7th – School Council AGM October 9th – Monthly Assembly (grade 6 hosting) October 10th – Staff Learning Day

School Council

Please take the survey at http://bit.ly/MCSLearning to help plan school council learning this year.

Join us for the AGM taking place on October 6th, at 7:00 pm in the Learning Commons.

September – October 2014

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Sunday

22 23 24 25 26 27/28 Picture Day – Bring

your smiles! Staff Learning

Day No classes

Grade 2 – Zoo Trip

29 30 October 1 2 3 4/5 Grade 8 Camping Trip begins

Grade 8’s return/ Grade 7 Camping Trip begins

Grade 7’s return

Divisional Cross Country Meet (STS) 3:00 pm

Hot Lunch – Hotdogs Book Fair

Hot Lunch - Pizza Book Fair

Grade 5 Vaccinations Book Fair

6 7 8 9 10 11/12 Next Blue News Flag Football –

MacMahon Grade 5 return 2:00 Grade 6

Assembly Staff Learning Day No classes

LONG WEEKEND!

Grade 5 Waterton Trip

7pm School Council Hot Lunch – Subway/Booster

Hot Lunch – Pizza

13 14 15 16 17 18/19

Thanksgiving – No classes

Grade 6 Camping Trip

Hot Lunch - Pizza Grade 6 return

Hot Lunch – Boston Pizza

Where’s the rest? Check it out online at:

http://millarville.fsd38.ab.ca

School News Briefs

Amazing Volunteer Thank-yous!

Kate and Lynda for

manning the phones for Mrs.

Gregson!

Paul for playing Forrest

Gump and mowing the football

field for our first game!

Clint and Darcy for helping to clear the Terry

Fox Run path of downed trees.

All of our fantastic parents who helped on the

Beakerhead, Glenbow and Forget-me-not

trips!

Wendy, Lisa, Colin and Marion (bus drivers) for

cooking delicious burgers at Forget-me-not

pond!

Forget-me-not Pond

Catching a glimpse of a mother brown bear and her

cub was just one of the exciting events that took

place last week at our annual kick off to our Outdoor

Pursuits program. The school was shut down on

September 17th all day as students were bused to

Kananaskis Country for a day of adventure. Students

participated in a variety of events designed to learn

cooperation skills and develop an appreciation for

the great outdoors.

Thank-you to all our teachers who

planned and delivered each of

these amazing events, activities

and games!

Beakerhead

On September 12th, students in grade 6-8 were able

to take in Beakerhead, an annual exhibition of the

confluence of the realms of art, science and

practical design. Students rode a giant solar

powered tricycle, climbed in a giant, human-sized

nest, and basked in the heat from a giant, fire-

breathing garden gnome!

Many of our students were interviewed and aired on

local television. We are very proud of how well they

presented themselves and our school!

@MCSWildcats

We are on Twitter! Check us out for photos,

reminders and resources.

On Twitter? Follow us @MCSWIldcats

Not on Twitter? You can still view the latest news

from inside our school on our website or directly at

www.twitter.com/@MCSWildcats

The Snack Shack

The snack shack is opened for business!

This “store” is operated by the Grade 5’s

and is open at lunchtime in Erin’s Wing.

Some items available include: Hot Rods, White or

Chocolate Milk, Juice Box, Beef Jerky, Fruit Cup,

Granola or Fruit Bar. Items range from $0.75 to $1.00

Milk Program

Milk is available at lunchtime for students in grades

1-4 in the Grade 3 room. The cost is .75 each. Milk

cards can be purchased at the office.

Milk card $10.00 for 14 cartons.

Hot Lunch Program

Menus are online at www.millarville.hotlunches.net The site is open and will close Sept 30th for October orders.

The access code for new registrations is: MSHL

October Menu: October 1 - Hot Dog Day (in-house)

October 2 - Pizza Day October 8 - Subway/Booster Juice

October 9 - Pizza Day October 15 - Boston Pizza

October 16 - Pizza Day October 22 - Opa/Booster Juice

October 23 - Pizza Day October 29 - Subway/Booster Juice

October 30 - Pizza Day

School Council

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday, October 7

7:00-8:30

in the Learning Commons

Agenda items:

- Elect directors for 1-year terms

- Presentation: BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) by James Aitchison

- Presentation: Anxious Kids, by Karla Davis

- Updates from administration, teaching staff and school trustee

All parents are welcome and invited to attend!

School Yard Naturalization Project

Millarville Community School has historically been associated with nature, outdoor

education, and homesteading (there are some great stories!). While we still pride ourselves on a strong Outdoor Pursuits Program, it’s too bad we can’t be outside for more class time….. That’s where things are about to change! There is a large area on the west side of the school that goes mostly unused. It is barren and uninviting. Our goal is to transform this area into a no maintenance, NATURAL outdoor classroom, suitable for all of our students, Kindergarten through Grade 8. This area could also be used by the community. Items of interest are: dry creek beds utilizing the rainwater from the school rooftop, small food forest (edible plant species), bug and butterfly garden, and areas for a class to sit.

While I have always had a strong interest in nature, gardening, and sustainable living, my skills and understanding were put to the test when I took an intensive 2 week Permaculture Design Course. Permaculture is the conscious design and maintenance of productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. Since the course, I have gained technical knowledge, furthered my understanding, and developed a network of valuable resources in the field. My intent is to bring the values and philosophy of Millarville Community School and combine that with the harmonious integrations of Permaculture. I am passionate about sustainable living, and like our school philosophy, Permaculture is about working with, not against (in this case nature).

In the past year, I’ve applied for and received two small grants - one from the Millarville Horticulture Society, and the other from Conoco Philips’ School Environmental Quest Program. I (and MCS) have a vision, and I am working on this to fruition. With support from our Fundraising Society and the grants, we know this is possible. The money will be used to buy thoughtfully chosen ground cover, plants, shrubs, and trees. Other costs could include building materials (ex: weeping tile, fill, pathway stones, natural seating).

However, we also know the community is a HUGE resource - labour, supplies, and contacts. The process will take time, and will be broken into seasonal goals. The first goal is to flip the sod and spread some top soil. Ideally this will happen before the snows flies, allowing time for things to settle, and some decomposition to happen over the winter months. To tackle this job we are looking for a few volunteer hours and use of a bobcat to flip the sod. As well as any additional leads on some “free” top soil.

Watch the Community Board outside the office and future Blue News Letters, for updates and more information. Please contact me at the school or by email at olvert@fsd38.ab.ca if you have questions or are able to support this initiative in any way.

Thanks for your support! Miss Tandee Olver

Coaches’ Corner

We are in the last week of September and I hope you and your family have adjusted to all the changes that come with a new school year. One of the most often asked question of students arriving home from a busy day at school is, “what did you do at school today?” Sometimes this question is answered with a quick, “nothing!” So I thought I’d share some interesting conversation starters parents can use from an article on the Huffington Post I read earlier this summer. The piece, by Liz Evans, gives 25 questions, but here are a few that might get a deeper look at your child’s school day!

What was the best thing that happened at school today?

When were you the happiest today?

What was your favourite part of recess or lunch?

Who did you play with today?

If you got to be the teacher tomorrow, what would you do?

If I called your teacher tonight, what would he/she tell me about you?

Tell me about three different times you used your pencil today at school.

Tell me something that made you laugh today.

For the full article, please go to: http://bit.ly/25askkids

School Fees

The opportunity is available to you again this year to pay your school fees online. You have received an email outlining the total amount of your child’s fees but we have also

sent home an invoice with your child to show the breakdown of those fees. If you choose, you may still pay your child’s fees at the school by cash or cheque (payable to MCS). If you have any questions, please contact the office at

(403) 938-7832.

2013-14 Yearbooks

There are a limited number of yearbooks still available for purchase in the office for $25.00 on a first come, first serve basis. Please see Mrs. Gregson to get your copy.

A huge thank you to Mrs. Bruder and Mrs. McClinchey for their help in creating such a wonderful memory book!

Community News

MILLARVILLE COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Would you like to become a library volunteer? Right now we have people to fill all of our time slots, but we have a problem when people are sick or go on vacation. If you think you could help us out, please call Norma at 403-931-3919 to become a library volunteer spare. No experience necessary – we will train you! The Fall Continuing Education calendar came out in the Western Wheel in August and you should all have a copy by now. There are classes all over the Foothills area, and here in Millarville we are offering Yoga, Fermentation, Painting and Yoga, Basket weaving and Yoga, Belly Dance and Yoga, Badminton, Pickle Ball, Urban Pole Walking, Cakes and Cupcakes, Fondant classes, Gluten Free Desserts and a Willow Garden Chair Planter. Check out the guide and take a class! Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America and it is fun for all ages. We play every Wednesday at the school from 7-9 pm and it is only $2 for drop-ins and we will teach you how to play the game.

Millarville Stockland 4H Beef Club

If your child is interested in doing a beef or sheep project, the Millarville Stockland 4H Beef Club is having its parent information meeting on October 1st at 7pm at the Millarville Racetrack

Hall. For more information please call Suzon Watkins at 403-931-3752.

Ranchers’ Hall

Ranchers’ Hall is available for party rentals throughout the year. It’s a great facility for birthday parties, skating parties, family get-togethers, etc. Party rentals are a flat rate of $70. Call Dorianne for bookings at 403-931-2245.

Millarville Playschool

Millarville Playschool at the Ranchers’ Hall every Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. Parents and child group for kids from birth to grade 1. Come and play, do crafts and meet some of your neighbours. For more information call Natasha Grusendorf at 403-931-3277.

Millarville Community Foundation Meeting

Millarville Community Foundation Meeting will be held Tuesday October 21st at 7:00 p.m. in the Learning Commons. For more information contact Shanna Dunne at (403) 931-2193 or sbdunne@xplornet.com.

Millarville Saddle Sores 4-H Light Horse Club The Millarville Saddle Sores 4-H Club is looking for new members. This fun and family-oriented organization is for youth (ages 7 to 20) with a passion for horses. Focussing on the 4-H motto, “learn to do by doing,” the club develops life skills, team building, goal setting and leadership skills through monthly youth-run meetings, record keeping, public speaking, community services, riding instruction and other horse events. The club meets once a month on Friday evenings at the Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society, and has two or more rides each month. Instruction focuses on basic western horsemanship, and we are excited to have a new instructor, Lachlan Bell. We have 3 or more clinics each year, chosen by the kids. Past clinics include bomb-proofing, English, cowboy challenge/trail, flags and polocross. Other activities include gymkhanas, English, showmanship, trail, and game nights. Participants must provide a horse and transport. The 4-H program also offers camps, district and regional events, travel, and award opportunities and scholarships, making it one of Alberta’s best youth organizations. The 2014-2015 club year kicks off in early October. For more information, contact Marilyn Collard at (403) 256-1902 or collard@platinum.ca.

It’s been a busy two weeks and here’s a list of some of the great things happening in and around the building.

Grade 6, 7, and 8 students went to Beakerhead to learn and play and even got on T.V. for an interview!

The staff and students in Grade 1 – 8 spent a day in the Kananaskis, inquiring and learning in the beautiful outdoor classroom that is Forget-Me-Not Pond.

Our bus drivers are awesome – they drive us to field trips AND cook us burgers for lunch!

Students, staff, and community members come together to celebrate and honour Terry Fox with a touching assembly and walk/run last Friday.

The Grade 3’s went to a field trip to the Glenbow Museum, making connections to their unit on the changing world.

The MCS Flag Football team demonstrated dedication as they practiced in the cold! They have played well in their games over the last two weeks!

The MCS Wildcat Elementary Cross Country Running team went to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School for a meet and represented our school with grace, good will, and much success!

The Kinders made it through TWO, “three school day” weeks in a row – with tired, but smiling faces.