Dear Escuela Canyon Meadows Families,
April and May 2024 Updates
During the month of April our students and teachers engaged in Indigenous storytelling with Knowledge Keeper Sr. Clarence Wolfleg Jr. (Skip) for one week and participated in dance and movement sessions with Knowledge Keeper Sra. Pearl White Quills for two weeks. On April 25 and 26 parents/guardians attended our Celebrations of Indigenous Learning with Knowledge Keeper Pearl and Elder Frank Turning Robe.
Through this residency we honoured our Escuela Canyon Meadows Truth and Reconciliation Commitment of Learning through land-based experiences and Indigenous Stories. To embrace Land as teacher we hosted the April 26 celebrations of learning outdoors. Together we are learning what nature teaches us about the plants, the animals and about ourselves and to show our gratitude.
In April our Grade 5 students had another opportunity to visit Robert Warren School, they participated in the Science Fair and shared their restaurant food menu project in Spanish with Robert Warren Grade 9 students. On May 21, our Grade 5 team will bring our Grade 5’s one more time to Robert Warren and they will tour the school. Our Grade 5 students continuing in the Spanish Bilingual Program are looking forward to starting grade 6 in the 2024-2025 school year at Robert Warren!
On May 7, Our Grade 5 students will represent our school with pride during the CBE International Spanish Academy Fine Arts Gala “Qué pasa” at the Jubilee Auditorium. Their fine performance will, once again, be energetic and engaging. They will showcase vibrant rhythms of Latin Pop, urban beats of Hip Hop and Colombian salsa in an electrifying performance.
On May 13, organized by our Music Specialist Sra. Cotton, we will welcome volunteers who will share their musical talents with our school community to celebrate Music Monday. This celebration always demonstrates the commitment of our school community and the enthusiasm for the especial role that music plays in education.
Planning Ahead for 2024-2025 School Year
Along with spring, came back the time to plan for next school year. CBE Resource Allocation Method (RAM) Roll-Out took place on April 11, 2024. In collaboration with our teachers, School Council, and with the feedback provided from parents participating in the School Planning Engagement Winter 2024 we have discussed possible activities and services, staffing and class configuration for 2024-2025 school year.
Activities and Services - 2024-2025
Based on participants’ feedback in the School Planning Engagement Winter 2024 and teacher feedback:
Possible Residencies
Latin Dance K to Gr. 5
Indigenous Education K to Gr. 5
Possible Sports Residencies – In-school
In-line skating K to Gr. 3
Lacrosse Gr. 4 and Gr. 5
Possible Sports School Field Trips
Swimming Gr. 1 to Gr. 3
Skiing or Trico Center activities Gr. 4 and Gr. 5
Possible Class Field Trips connected to curricular outcomes and School Development Plan goals:
Fish Creek Park
Heritage Park
Leighton Art Centre
Telus Spark Science Center
Ralph Klein Park
Calgary Zoo
Bow Habitat
“Explorando el Español” / Exploring the Spanish Language – Gr. 5
Fees
Maintain “reasonable and manageable” fees as reported by School Planning Engagement Winter 2024 participants: Average $60.00 to $120.00 per student depending on the grade (K - $ 60, Gr. 1 to 3 - $ 90, Gr. 4 and 5 - $ 120 including skiing – 1 day program).
CBE Resource Allocation Method (RAM) Roll-Out April 11, 2024
ECM Spring RAM allocation: For 445 Projected Students - Total Allocation: $2,713.002
Considering our current Intent to Return and maintaining a conservative approach, we may plan for:
437 Students (current intent to return - being conservative) = 21 Teaching Staff: 18 Teachers for K to 5 + 1 Music + 1 Principal + 1 AP.
In the fall, if enrollment supports add .4 or .5 teacher and/or increase Spanish E.A hours.
2 Education Assistants (1 Early Childhood Practitioner, 1 Spanish Education Assistant)
1 Admin Secretary
1 Library Assistant
1 School Assistant (provided for schools over 275 students)
7 Lunch Supervisors
1 Lead Lunch Supervisor
1 Bookkeeper (2.5 hrs. per week)
Possible class configuration based on current intent to return for 2024-2025
| Possible class configuration based on current intent to return for 2024-2025 | ||
| Plan A | Plan B | |
| K – 69 | 3 classes 23 4 classes if enrollment increases | 3 classes 23 4 classes if enrollment increases |
| Gr. 1 – 71 | 3 classes 23/24 | Multiage Gr. 1 & 2 156 students - 7 classes – 22/23
3 classes 23 |
| Gr. 2 – 85 | 4 classes 21/22 | |
| Gr. 3 – 69 | 3 classes 23 | |
| Gr. 4 – 61 | 3 classes 20/21 | Multiage Gr. 4 and 5 143 6 classes – 23/24 |
| Gr. 5 – 82 | 3 classes 27/28 | |
We appreciate the continuous support of our community and our gracious School Council. Enjoy the sunshine and the relatively warmer weather, take the time to notice the signs of nature, mostly the bright green colour around us.
Receive our gratitude. ¡Nos despedimos compartiendo mucha gratitud!
Saludos cordiales,
Sra. Perera Pérez and Sra. Gutiérrez