Happy Friday Bayside!
It is wonderful to have the sunshine and warmer temperatures return to us. Spring is definitely on the way. I have noticed more bird activity and other animals too… did you smell the skunk last night? Before you know it, green buds and sprouts will be popping up. Springtime also means that we will be turning our focus to our outdoor learning space and adding trees and other plants to the area. We applied for a grant (Canada Tree Grant) and should hear back very soon. We will also be creating mosaic stepping stones to represent our school community. Information and an invitation to share your input on that artwork will be coming in the next few weeks. We look forward to bringing our outdoor learning space to life!
Reminders and Updates:
Daylight Savings: Just a reminder to turn your clocks ahead this weekend. Daylight savings starts on Sunday March 9.
Attendance: The Calgary Board of Education recognizes the strong positive correlation between attendance and a student’s success in school. Regular attendance sets students on the path to reaching their full potential. At CBE we use a whole school approach to attendance to strategically allocate our resources and create a positive culture where students feel a sense of belonging.
It is the responsibility of the administrative team (See AR 6020) to review student attendance regularly and to contact parents to not only inform them of irregular attendance, but also to offer follow-up and support to help families to improve attendance. This week, Mrs. Prestayko emailed families of students who have missed greater than 25% of school days. In some cases, student and family illnesses might be impacting your child’s attendance and so, in these cases, there is nothing to be done and attendance improves when the child is well. For some families, other factors may be impacting you or your child and we would like to invite you to reach out to us so we can help.
A reminder to all parents to please email the school (bayside@cbe.ab.ca) or call the attendance line (403-817-3436) to let us know when your child will be absent.
March Parent-Teacher Conferences: As was shared in the email to parents on Monday March 3, all Parent Teacher conferences will be held online in Microsoft Teams. Teachers will be sharing student work with you prior to your conference to help facilitate the conversation. Online booking will open for parents through MyCBE on Thursday March 13 at 4:00 pm.
Book Fair cancelled: Due to conferences being moved online, the Scholastic Book Fair is cancelled for March 20 and 21.
Spring Concerts: We are so excited to present our Spring Concerts next week! Click here for more information.
A few things to note:
- Doors will open 15 min before the concerts (8:15 AM in the morning and 1:30 PM in the afternoon).
- All visitors to the school are asked to remove outdoor footwear. Guests are welcome to bring indoor footwear if you wish.
- Parents who attend the afternoon concert will be asked to leave the school out the front door after the performance and to pick up your child at their regular exit. This will allow you to get your shoes and also teachers and office staff to ensure a smooth and safe dismissal for all.
- See below for an incentive for parents who sign up to volunteer for our casino fundraiser… front row seats up for grabs!
Nickle Open House: Nickle School is offering an Open House for Next Year students on Thursday March 13 at 6:00 PM. The Open House format has been moved to online and Nickle staff are hoping to host an in-person opportunity later in the year (when job action is resolved). Click here to view the invitation, including a link for the online meeting.
Bayside Staffing Update: This week, Mrs. Melinda Pokolinski shared that she will be following a new career path, moving to a position with Providence Child Development Society. Students and parents in room 4C were informed today that her last day at Bayside will be Friday March 21. We want to express our sincere gratitude to Mrs. Pokolinski for her contributions to the Calgary Board of Education and Bayside School. We are working with CBE human resources to find a replacement and our Bayside team is working together to ensure a smooth transition for our students.
Updates from School Council and BSFA:
VOLUNTEER Seminar Tuesday March 18 @ 5:30 PM - Have you always wanted to volunteer but aren’t sure how? Have you seen all the fun events at our school and wondered how you could be a part of the magic? Say no more— Tune in to our volunteer seminar too find out how you can help! Stay tuned for a link to be sent out next week.
CASINO, CASINO, CASINO - Are you a high roller with a desire to raise money for the school? Please sign up for our casino today! We need to fill our Key Positions by April 8th, 2025. We are still looking to fill…
Banker on Sunday June 8th from 6:30pm - 3:45am
General Manager on Monday June 9th 6:30pm - 3:45am
Alternate General Manager on Monday June 9th 6:30pm - 3:45am
Banker on Monday June 9th 6:30pm - 3:45am
There are many more positions up for grabs! Please sign up and help out the school today! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4BACAA29A3FFC61-53082960-bayside#/
**PLEASE NOTE: AS AN ADDED INCENTIVE, ALL CASINO VOLUNTEERS WILL BE OFFERED FRONT ROW SEATS AT THE SPRING MUSIC CONCERT!
SNACK SHACK VOLUNTEERS – The next Snack Shack dates have been updated: April 4th and April 11th. Click the link to sign up!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4BACAA29A3FFC61-54729991-snack
Coming Up:
March 11-13: Spring Concerts
March 12: Sorensen and Corriveau at Heritage Park
March 13: Healthy Hunger, Opa!, Online booking for conferences open at 4PM
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
March 18: Online Volunteer Info Session 5:30 PM, School Council and BSFA 6:00 PM
March 20: Spring Equinox
March 20 & 21: Parent Teacher Interviews, Online
March 21: World Down Syndrome Day
March 22-30: Spring Break, No School
Have a beautiful weekend,
Darby and Vanessa