7+(
Principal’s Message
I want to take this
opportunity to let
the school commu-
nity know about
some changes we are contemplat-
ing next year in our timetable.
The timetable that we operate
under is a tremendously impor-
tant part of our operation and has
great potential to significantly af-
fect student learning. Our current
timetable is comprised of nine,
thirty-seven minute classes with
a ten-minute homeroom at the
end of the day, all within a six-day
cycle. We are considering changes
that would lengthen each class
but reduce the number of classes
per day, plus moving toward a
five-day system (not a Monday to
Friday schedule, though). The in-
MAY 2010 • ISSUE 9 • VOL .
tent behind this proposed change
is to permit students and teach-
ers adequate time to delve deeply
into subject matter, which isn’t al-
ways possible in thirty seven min-
ute classes.
There are a number of other possi-
ble changes to the timetable that
we believe will positively impact
student learning. While we still
have some of the details to work
out before we are ready to share
the details with the whole school
community, our goals in modify-
ing the timetable are to provide
common planning time for the
teachers who share the same cur-
riculum at each grade, and to pro-
vide an opportunity for learning
support for struggling students
THE CALGARY SCIENCE SCHOOL
and further enrichment opportu-
nities for all students. If you would
like to learn a little more about
some of the possible changes and
to provide some feedback, please
attend the School Council meet-
ing on Wednesday, May 5th, , as
we will be sharing some of the
changes then. The May 5th coun-
cil meeting promises to be a very
informative one, as we will also
be sharing information on de-
cent summer camps, Dr. Michelle
Jacobsen from the U of C will be
sharing information on the third
year of research into the laptop
project, in addition to the regular
business of the council.
Darrell Lonsberry
1

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Principal’s Message..........................1
Electives at CSS................................2
Collaborative Outreach Update..3
Outdoor Education Update..........4
Parent Survey 2010.........................5
Provincial Achievement Tests......6
Notice of Parent
Council Meeting...............................7
Important Notice for Parents
2010-2011 Class Lists......................7
Facilities Update..............................8
Girls Leadership.............................10
Music Notes...............................11
Building Resiliency in Children..12
Transportation Update.................13
Bike Opportunities for Youth.....14
Physical Education.......................14
Grade 6’s at C.O.P.........................15
From Your School Nurse..............15
Performing Arts Update.............16
May Calendar.................................18
June Calendar.................................19
2 ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP
A;9H?I;G DW&66
“It’s never just an ordinary day” at CSS,
and especially when it comes to our
Grade 6 to 9 electives. Here are some ex-
amples of the programs offered this year:
*UDGHVD QG
‡ Stagecraft: This elective opens up the world of special effects and behind
the scene work with lighting, sound, and set design.
‡ Rocketry: Students make and launch their own rockets.
‡ Lego Robtics “Mindstorms”: Students get to explore Lego Mindstorms in
a hands-on way with robotics engineers from the U of C.
‡ Outdoor and Environmental Education: Students lean about the envi-
ronment and the importance of outdoor spaces.
‡ Photography: Digital functions are explained in this program, along with
Iphoto and Fireworks.
‡ Creative Texts and Textiles: This is a crafty and colorful class to combine
texts and textiles.
‡ Dance: This elective allows students to explore dance in many different
styles of dance: hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, social dance, ballroom danc-
ing and other.
‡ Band (Grade 6): This is a beginner band program that is offered to new
students in Grade 6.
‡
‡
‡
*UDGHVD QG
‡ Beyond Airbrushing: A Photoshop Elective: Students will learn the basic
to some advanced features of this useful image-editing program.
‡ Japanese Culture and Language: This elective explores various elements
of Japanese life, language, and culture.
‡ One Frame At A Time: Claymation: Students will learn how to make clay-
mation using a digital still camera and iMovie.
‡ Flash – Animation and Game Design: Students will dig into Flash’s pro-
gramming language and create some animation and prototype games
along the way.
‡ Advanced Criminology – Forensic Science: Students will look a at simu-
lated crime scene, meet suspects and form conclusions based on our lab
work.
‡ Volunteerism: This program encourages and helps students to learn how
to help others in the community.
‡ CO2 Powered Cars and Beyond: This elective builds the knowledge and
skills necessary to design and build a CO2 powered vehicle.
‡ Jazz Band: This elective involves making music together as a jazz band en-
semble.
‡ Dance: Students will prepare for different performance opportunities in
this more advanced dance program.
Shelley Robinson
7+(
&ROODERUDWLYH2XWUHDFK8SGDWH
As we enter the final stretch of the tivities for the school. Our primary CSS classrooms to provide student
school year, I wanted to give an goal this year has been to focus on teachers with images of how in-
update on the activities that I’ve the analysis of student work. This quiry-based learning looks in real
been working on as the Collabora- involves teachers sitting down in classrooms. These presentations
tive Outreach Coordinator. As I gain small groups to carefully critique are always well received, as there
momentum in this new position, the projects that we design, pay- aren’t many schools where student
I generally find myself engaged in ing particular attention to the work teachers can see strong examples
two different roles. that is created by our students. of inquiry-based learning.
While it’s one thing to have strong
First, I spend some of my time work- ideas as teachers, it’s another thing Also, Mr. Petronech and I are fre-
ing with Calgary Science School to carefully examine student work quently asked to share what CSS is
teachers as they plan inquiry-based to see if students are actually able doing with our laptop program. We
projects for our students. I re- to demonstrate the deep under- have both visited other schools and
ally enjoy the time I plan with the standing that we want them to. The given workshops on various soft-
other teachers, and appreciate the response by teachers has been very ware programs, and uses of technol-
emphasis that the Science School positive. Gathering the necessary ogy in the classroom. Since Winter
puts on teachers working and de- materials is a time-intensive pro- Break we have worked with West-
signing learning together. This year cess for teachers, but the outcomes mount Charter School, Almadina
I’ve been involved in some excit- have been very valuable, as we’ve Charter School, Bishop Carroll High
ing classroom projects including: identified a few areas were we can School, St. Timothy High School, St.
a personal historical artifact analy- continue to improve to best serve Martin de Porres High School, Eliza-
sis (grade 7), the worldview survey our students. beth Rummel School, West Island
and the Renaissance Project (grade College and Senator Patrick Burns
8) and a sustainable communities The second part of my role is to Junior High.
share the type of learning that hap-
Looking forward, there are excit-
“By getting support from Neil, I have changed my approach to teaching. ing possibilities for the future of
I now use more of an inquiry approach to teaching. I also build time in CSS and the Outreach Program. We
for students to reflect on their own learning and improve on their skills have had conversations with both
through self-assessment and the use of rubrics. My practice has shifted the University of Calgary and Mount
as I am also reflecting on my teaching more frequently and planning Royal University about building
my lessons with more focus on “What I want the students to learn?” deeper research partnerships with
and “How do I know they learned it?” (which was missing before). After the Science School. In the upcom-
teaching for over ten years, I realized that it’s easy to get into old habits, ing years we plan to continue de-
so this approach has been invigorating and exciting.” CSS Staff Member veloping the Science School into a
site of research and innovation, and
with the great teaching and learn-
project (grade 4). What I appreciate pens here at the Science School. I ing conditions here, we are well-
is how I can be involved in the plan- continue to collect and publish situated to play a leadership role in
ning, teaching and analysis of the examples from our classrooms on education across the province.
project. Since I’m able to see these the Connect! Blog (http://calgary-
projects from beginning to com- scienceschool.blogspot.com). Also,
pletion, I’m able to work with the I’m often being asked to give pre- Neil Stephenson
classroom teachers and learn along sentations and lead workshops at
with them as we deepen our under- other schools. Over the last few
standing of inquiry-based learning. months I’ve given a number of pre-
sentations at both the University
Also, I’ve been involved in planning of Calgary and Mount Royal Col-
our Professional Development ac- lege, using examples from various

7+(

ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP 3
vH:DDF:v98H?DC Update
Our spring outdoor education program is about to get into high gear with a very busy schedule of local and
multi-day trips planned. Teachers will send notices home for any off campus activities and will be asking for
parent volunteers as required for those trips. The table below highlights the multi-day excursion details for
the balance of this school year:



 
 
 
 









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Work Bees – Saturday May 29, 2010
A pair of important work bees will take place in
preparation for the spring trips to Camp Sweet and
to spruce up the outside of the school:
Camp Sweet
As we only have grade 8 and 9 classes going to Camp
Sweet this spring we will be looking for work bee
participation primarily from the parents of those
students. The spring work bee consists of pitching
tents, setting up the dining tent and cooking area,
cleaning any winter windfall from trails surrounding
the camp, and cleaning out the teepees and out-
houses. With enough hands to do the work (and stu-
dents are most welcome to join in on the work bee as
well) the entire camp can be set up in relatively short
order. Please reply to phil.b@calgaryscienceschool.
com if you are able to assist. Maps and directions
will be e-mailed the week prior to the work bee.
CSS
There is a considerable amount of work to be done
around the outside of the school in the wake of
the IAC construction and to maintain the grounds
around the OAC and Clem’s Garden. Simultaneously
with the Camp Sweet work bee there will be sig-
nificant undertaking to complete the soft landscap-
ing in the front of the school as well as spread new
wood chips around the greenery on the west side
of the playground. If all goes well the materials will
be delivered ahead of time and any work requiring a
bobcat or other machinery will be completed. There
will still be about 6-7 hours work for a crew of 25 ea-
ger volunteers to bring about the finishing touches
to our new entrance way. Please reply to darrell.l@
calgaryscienceschool.com if you can assist with this
work bee.
Phil Butterfield

7+(

4 ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP
9>DDA(DvC9?A Parent Survey 2010
The purpose of the CSS School Council is to foster the
well-being and effectiveness of the Calgary Science
School community to enhance student learning in
accordance with the mission of the Calgary Science
School. One way your Council works to build a strong
sense of community is to advise the CSS Board and
Administration on matters which may affect school
policy and operations. This advisory role works two
ways: 1) Council takes parent (and student) ideas, is-
sues, concerns and forward to CSS administration;
and 2) the CSS Board or Administration requests
Council to address specific issues or provide advice
specific matters. Council also undertakes activities
which provide enrichment for the school community,
such as the first day of school “welcome back” event,
CSS clothing sales, staff appreciation lunch, fundrais-
ing, fun lunches, transportation and communication.
In June of 2009, the CSS School Council surveyed the
parent community. Specific outcomes of last year’s
survey and how it was used this year include:
‡ Formed the School Council Action Plan (Strategic
Plan). See the CSS website for details, which will
provide overall direction for the next 3 to 5 years.
This Plan will be refined to incorporate feedback
from this year’s Parent Survey.
‡ Parent education topics for the first Annual Par-
ent Conference that took place last October
‡ Parent education components incorporated into
most of our monthly Council meetings
‡ Availability of babysitting for young children of
those attending monthly Council meetings
‡ Fun lunch organization
‡ Challenge Day organization and recruitment of
volunteers
‡ Formation of the Parent Volunteer Development
Committee
‡ The survey itself increased School Spirit with a
little classroom competition for the class Pizza
Party!
So once again we would like to hear the voice of the
parent community. The 2010 School Council initiat-
ed Parent Survey will be on the CSS website later this
month…email reminders will be sent out towards
the end of May. We will, like last year, have individual
prizes awarded for participation as well as the class-
room participation Pizza party competition. You can
follow the competition on the website to see which
class is leading and encourage other parents to get
their survey done. It is one survey per family so make
sure you check all your childrens’ classrooms when
filling out the survey. Thanks in advance for sharing
your feedback and concerns regarding the effective-
ness of your CSS School Council. We look forward to
hearing from you all!
The School Council Parent Survey Committee
(Dr. Shelley Robinson, Leann Meronek, Denise Kitaga-
wa, Wendy Baillie, Rob Pegg and Jackie Stewart)

, PSRUWD QW1RWLFHIRU3D UHQWV

&OD VV/LVWV
In accordance with class placement procedures developed in consultation with school council, homeroom
teachers will undertake the development of class lists for next year. School administration will review all
class lists and provide input as deemed appropriate and necessary.

Accommodating specific class placement requests is untenable due to the volume and creates an inequi-
table process. In order to maintain a fair class placement process, we will not be accepting any requests for
specific classes or teachers. Inquiries about placements should be directed to school administration and will
only be considered based on sound educational reasons. Class lists will be posted on the first day of school
in August and any subsequent changes will only be considered in the best interests of student learning. Your
cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated.

7+(

ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP 5
FDI?C9?8Aþ9>?;I;B;CH;GH
G
The provincial achievement tests are coming up as tice, and optimize student learning. With this be-
indicated in our last Spectrum edition and also as ing said, there are multiple forms of assessment and
outlined in the following website: http://education. evaluation that we rely on to gauge student learn-
alberta.ca/admin/testing/achievement/achievement- ing throughout the year. If parents or students have
bulletin.aspx questions as they prepare for the achievement ex-
ams, they should approach their teachers to find out
Please note, however, that initially, Social Studies how they are doing in their programs and what to
at Grades 6 and 9, and Math Grades 3, 6 and 9 were consider in preparation for the exam.
going to have a written component. Due to some
changing directions with Alberta Education (curricu- Some Grade 6 classes will be implementing Alber-
lum and budget), these exams will only administer ta Education Field Tests in the subjects of ELA and
the machine marked multiple choice portion of the Math. These practice tests are to help the province
exams, despite them field testing the other written determine the effectiveness of the exams for future
components. English Language Arts, however, will PAT use. We have decided to participate because his-
still continue to have a written component. torically, having students write field tests helps stu-
dents practice tests so that they are better prepared
As parents help their students prepare for this exam, for their provincial exams. Not all students in Grade
it is valuable to consider referencing the following 6 will have the opportunity as the Alberta Education
parent information: http://education.alberta.ca/par- Field Test Department only have a certain number of
ents/resources/exams.aspx tests that they can administer across the province.

H8FG
These exams provide a snapshot into the learning of
students across the province, and can provide the If you have any further questions regarding pro-
government, and in turn, schools with some impor- vincial exams (field test or PAT’s), please contact
tant information that helps to guide teaching prac- Dr. S. Robinson at 403 282 2890 (115).

/RFD O
9ROOH\ED OO

A big congratulations to Kaitlyn D from Year 7 who

will be competing with an Alberta provincial volley-
ball team at the National Championships at Saska-
toon in May this year in the Under 14 division.

Congratulations also to Jenny P from Year 7 who re-

ceived a Bronze medal at the Premier Volleyball Tour-
nament held in Calgary over the Spring break. She
also received a Silver medal at the Alberta Provincial
Championships last weekend.

We wish them both all the very best.

7+(

6 ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP
DH?9;D<8F;CH(DvC9?A ;;H?C=
Wednesday, May 5, 6:30–9:00 pm
Summer Camp Recommendations School Council Fundraising Review of the Laptop Research
Bring your favourite light snack or dessert and join us Survey initiative can be found elsewhere in this edi-
at 6:30 for a discussion of summer camps in the Cal- tion of the Spectrum.
gary area. If your son or daughter attended a great
summer camp in the past couple years, please come Please RSVP your attendance at the May 5th School
prepared to share your recommendations with the Council meeting to Wendy Baillie at bailliew@shaw.
group. A summary of recommendations will be post- ca
ed on Parents Corner on the CSS website.
NOTE: If you’re unable to attend the meeting but
Next, the council will hear from Dr. Michelle Jacob- would like to recommend a Calgary-area summer
son from the U of C about the third year of research camp to other CSS families, please send details to
findings on the laptop project. Wendy Baillie.

8EHDE
The regular school council meeting will begin at 7:00.
This month’s agenda includes a discussion of School
Council’s fundraising activities. We’ll also be review-
ing our annual School Council budget.

;G;8F9>
On the topic of fundraising, we’re pleased to report
that Mr. Hoyt Hallet’s Grade 9 Leadership group and
your School Council have raised more than $2,000
towards the purchase of some badly needed replace-
ment tents for outdoor education. Thanks to the
Grade 9s, Mr. Hoyt-Hallet and our parent volunteers
– Nadine Jones, Bev Julien, Linda Kaiser and Jackie Project Review
Stewart – for organizing the Friday Subway Fun
Lunches.
Dr. Michelle Jacobsen from the University
Plans are underway to try to raise another $2,000 by
the end of the school year, through the sale of Ker-
of Calgary will be joining us at the May 5th
nel’s Popcorn, Booster Juice and Pizza Hut Pizza and council meeting to discuss the research find-
Pasta. Direct cash donations towards the purchase of ings from the third year of our laptop proj-
tents are also welcome. Tax receipts will be issued for
any donations of at least $25; please contact Myra
ect. She will present the highlights of the
Penberthy in the school office if you’re able to help research and then be available to answer
us reach our $4,000 fundraising goal for new tents. any questions you might have. If you are
Errata: Page 5 of the April Spectrum included an ar-
ticle on Traffic Safety around CSS and described how
wondering about our investment in technol-
School Council and CSS Administration will be work- ogy at CSS and learning benefits attributable
ing together to form a Traffic Safety Committee to to that investment, you should definitely at-
address traffic safety concerns. An incorrect email
address was listed in the article. We’re still looking for
tend this information session. Dr. Jacobsen
volunteers for this important committee, so please will present the findings from 7:00 – 7:30
contact the Volunteer Development Committee at and then provide 15 minutes for questions.
volunteers.css@gmail.com if you can help us out.
Finally, watch for an email about the upcoming 2nd
Annual Parent Survey to hit your inbox later this
month. More details about School Council’s Parent

7+(

ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP 7
)D FLOLWLH V8SGDWH
The two major renovation projects we have undertaken
this year are virtually complete! The Instructional Activity
Centre, or IAC (the area underneath the library), has been
completed for some time now, we are just waiting on an oc-
cupancy inspection before we can open the main entrance
to visitors and guests. For the time being we will have to
keep using the playground entrance on the west side of the
building as our guest and visitor entrance. We anticipate
having the occupancy inspection done within the next few
days and we will post a notice on our website when we can
officially open the front doors!

The staff room renovations are now complete and we

couldn’t be happier. Part of this project involved making an
office space adjacent to the staff room, plus building a new
accessible washroom off of the downstairs girls’ washroom.
While the staff room is used primarily by staff at recesses
and lunch, we invite parents to come in and have a look at
the new staff room. The space is open for parents to sit and
meet, perhaps when dropping off or picking up kids. We
want to make sure that the staff room is a gathering place
for parents, bus drivers, and staff, so if you are in the school
at some point and want to relax in our new staff room, par-
ents are certainly welcome to do so. Keep in mind, though,
that during recess and lunch times our staff will need to use
the space.

We plan on hosting a grand opening for the IAC in conjunc-

tion with the family picnic at the end of June. We have ten-
tatively booked both the family picnic and the IAC grand
opening for Monday, June 21st.
Darrell Lonsberrry

7+(

8 ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP
7+(

ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP 9
?FAG;8:;FG>?E
activities
After lots of planning and hard The upcoming small group meetings are as follows:
work, the CSS Girls’ Leadership (Locations and dates may be revised as groups continue.)
Activity Groups have finally
started! Three groups went on
 




 


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To join any of these activities, please contact the following organizers:
For the Environmental Action
Group, Monday was a planning Indoor Sport Activities Group...........................................Ms. Stogre & Ms. Nelson
meeting. One of their big ideas Outdoor Sport Activities Group...............................................................Mrs. Brown
was to create an information Old School Games Group..........................................Dr. Robinson & Mrs. Cameron
Digital Games Group.............................................................................Mr. Petronech
bulletin board about the upcom- Wellness Activities Group....................................................................Mrs. Woodard
ing Earth Day on Thursday, April Musical Activities Group......................................................................Mrs. Couillard
22. They are now thinking about Book Club Group....................................................................................Mrs. Woodard
what to put on this board. Dear Abbey Website Discussion Group....................................Mrs. Mitchell-Fleck
Social Action Group.....................................................................................Ms. Savoie
Environmental Action Group.....................................................................Ms. Barnes
So, from what we have heard, the Math and Science Group..............................................................................Ms. Shaw
groups are doing great so far. Spectrum Article Group......................................................Dr. Robinson & Ms. Fehr

Thank-you for participating!

Julia. C and Danika. V 5.2

7+(

10 ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP
0X VLFV
  1RWH
We made it to spring and the fever has set in. Classes are doing a bit of everything this semester from singing &
dancing to drumming & making movies. Grade 4 students are learning about African Drumming using Djembes. The
Grade 5 students are learning to square dance in preparation for Fort Steel next month. Grade 6 students are creat-
ing and designing their own Karaoke Music Video. Music Tech students are currently composing their own music for
the dance elective students to dance to. The Jazz Band elective is working on music for the opening ceremonies of
the IAC (Indoor Activity Centre) to be held the end of June.

The handbell students have been rehearsing their festival music to prepare for the Calgary Young Handbell Festival
April 27. The students travelled to Msgr Neville Anderson School and performed their piece. Students then had the
opportunity to perform a mass number with all the other handbell ensembles (of appox. 250 students & over 500
handbells). Job well done to the handbell ringers of CSS!

%D Q G5HFUX LW PHQW1LJKW
Each year at this time a new group of students ea-
gerly await their turn to join our band program at
Calgary Science School. The study of music is one
of the most valuable steps in a child’s education.
Some of the benefits your child can receive from it
are responsibility, mental discipline, teamwork, self-
esteem, and above all, an enjoyment and life long
appreciation of music. My experience as a teacher
has convinced me that any child willing to put in a
reasonable amount of effort can succeed.

Our beginning band class for the 2010-2011 year is

now being organized. The first step will be instru-
ment fittings. All fifth graders interested will try
out the band instruments on the evening of May 26,
2010 at 7PM in the CSS gym. We will have trained
musicians form St. John’s Music here on that night
to help you in making your decision. You can then
receive notice of what instrument your child is best
suited for and how to go about getting further infor-
mation for joining band as well as answering all your
questions.

Musically yours,
Andrew Bolen
Music Teacher / Band Director

7+(

ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP 11
%X LOGL QJ5H VLOLHQ F\L Q&KLOGUHQ
:KDWLV5H VLOLHQ FH"
Resilience is a person’s ability to deal successfully with adversity and challenges. It
is the ability to “bounce back”. Typically, the concept of resilience is used to refer to
individuals who are facing extreme circumstances or trauma, however developing
resiliency is an important quality for all individuals. All children face different chal-
lenges in life at home, school and in the community. Children who are resilient are
better able to cope with these challenges and view the world in an optimistic and
hopeful way (www.raisingresilientkids.com, 2010).

at that moment. You can model empathy by

:KDWTX D OLWLH VGRH V listening closely to what your child has to say
and avoid offering judgmental comments or
DUH VLOLHQWFKLOGKDYH" lecturing.

2. Communicate with respect. Use honesty and

• Self-confidence
• Motivated
• Emotional regulation (ability to iden-
tify and control emotions)
• Capacity to solve problems
• Discretionary risk-taking
• Empathy– understanding of how oth-
ers feel
• Accepts personal responsibility
• Social competence (interactions with
adults and peers)
• Optimism/positive outlook
• Realistic attitudes and skills
• Confidence in their abilities
• Perseverance
• Engage in positive self-talk
+RZGRKHOSP\FKLOG
WREHPRUHUH VLOLHQW"
1. Be empathetic. Empathy is the ability to see
the world from another’s perspective. Try to
see the world through the eyes of your child.
What doesn’t seem to be such a big deal for
you might be the whole world to your child
avoid interrupting or telling your child how
they should be feeling. Consider whether your
children receptive to what you are saying by
how you are saying it.
3. Teach responsibility. It is important for chil-
dren to know that they have made a contribu-
tion at home, school or in the community and
can make a positive difference.
4. Encourage decision-making and problem
solving. A sense of control over their life is an
essential component of resilience. To develop
this belief, children need opportunities to ap-
ply a decision making process and problem-
solving skills. Parents and teachers can pro-
vide safe opportunities where children can
make choices and solve problems prior to hav-
ing to make critical decisions in the real world
as adults.
5. Provide encouragement and feedback. Pro-
vide genuine and specific praise. A sense of
accomplishment and pride provides the con-
fidence and motivation for perseverance in
future tasks.
6. Accept your kids for who they are. Recognize
and build on your child’s strengths so that

7+(

12 ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP

your child feels appreciated for who they
are and not who you think they should be.
7. Treat mistakes as learning experiences.
The fear of making mistakes prevents a
child from developing resilience and self-
esteem. Help you child to understand
that mistakes are an important part of the
learning process. Share examples from
your own experiences – let them know
that you are human too.
8. Give them attention. This may seem obvi-
ous but research has shown that attach-
ment plays an important role in building
resiliency. The attachment doesn’t have
to be with a parent – a close relationship
with a nuturing adult can make a big dif-
ference to a child. Schedule a time where
you can give your child your undivided
attention, even if it’s for only 15 minutes
a day.
The Grade 4 & 5 students are participating in
the FRIENDS For Life program as part of the
health curriculum. This program is designed
to build resilience in children to help them
address feelings of hopelessness, anxiety and
depression. The FRIENDS program addresses
“green” (helpful) and “red” (unhelpful) think-
ing, coping step plans, and problem solving
skills. Each child has a FRIENDS workbook and
there are weekly activities that you can com-
plete with your child at home and practice
the skills they are learning at school. There
will be a parent evening at CSS on Thursday,
April 29 at 7:00 pm in the library as part of
the Grade 4 & 5 FRIENDS For Life program but
all parents are welcome to attend.
Shannon Mitchell-Flek,
School Counselor
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update
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There are still a few unfilled spots at CSS but regis-
tration is basically complete. Currently we have over
410 riders, more than we anticipated last month.
Higher enrolment has allowed the committee to plan
eleven routes for next year. Routes will be similar,
but not identical, to the routes this year. In order to
reduce costs, we will be using more of the smaller,
less expensive busses. As mentioned in the March
Spectrum, all aspects of the CSS budget are being
scrutinized for savings. Transportation is doing the
same. The committee will be watching registration
numbers and fuel costs closely to see if either will
cause an unacceptable transportation deficit.
0RYL QJRU:LWKGUD ZL QJ"
Please email the committee at transportationatcss@
gmail.com if you know that you are moving to anoth-
er route or if you will be withdrawing from bussing.
It is important for us to have current and accurate
information in order to make the best financial deci-
sions for transportation. Some of the routes are very
full and we may not be able to accommodate every-
one who makes a request to change routes in the fall.
We can avoid this if we have the information now to
include you in our plans.
5RXWH&RRGL Q DWRUV1HHGHG
We are looking for a few new coordinators for next
year as well as someone willing to chair the transpor-
tation committee, beginning in October, 2010. No
particular experience is needed - just a willingness to
treat all registered families with fairness and respect
and a commitment to provide a sustainable trans-
portation option to CSS students. The work is not
difficult or onerous but it does require reliability and
responsibility. Bus service has improved through the
efforts of parent volunteers and new volunteers with
a fresh perspective are necessary to continue mak-
ing service better. If you are interested, send us an
email and we can answer any questions you might
have.
We require feedback in order to improve the busing
system and allow us to better plan for sustainability.
Toward that end a subcommittee of board of direc-
tors has developed a short survey that will be acces-
sible to all parents - even non users. We encourage
all families take a few minutes to fill out this survey.
It is important that we can get a strong response. A
separate notice will be sent out with an introduction
on how to access it when the survey goes live.
13
%IKE7RIP 
2PPORTUNITIESFOR<OUTH

*REEN&YCLERS
Register for Free After School Programs Now

A 5-6 session weekly earn-a-bike program with an environmental

focus. If you know a youth, aged 10 to 17, who is interested in
learning about bikes and bike maintenance and repair, and explor-
ing Calgry’s urban environment on two wheels, and would like to
earn a bike of their own or to donate to charity, we would love to
have them join us!
:HEN Session 1 April 15-May 13 Thursdays 4-6pm & Session 2
May 20-June 24 Thursdays 4-6pm
&OST FREE
:HO Youth ages 10-17, must register in advance and be able
to attend all sessions
:HERE Good Life Community Bike Shop, located in Eau Claire
Market

www.twowheelview.org/programs/index.htm
print and fill out and application form, and bring it into the
Good Life Bike Shop to register or call 403-710-3567.

Physical
Education
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NEW,$&IN0ARCH

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Recently, Grade Six students were pro-
vided the opportunity to participate in
the Canada Olympic Park’s low ropes pro-
gram. Although the weather was cold and
damp, students enthusiastically challenged
themselves physically and mentally to take
risks and be supported by their classmates,
teachers and COP outdoor education staff.
Students were also taken on a hike where
they learned about the cultural and science
history of the area, which involved discuss-
ing the annexation of Bowness into the City
of Calgary and exploring a glacial erratic
brought to this area from Jasper during the
last ice age.
Emily Brown

)UR P< RX U6FKRRO1X UVH

Body Image is a term which refers to a person’s per-
ception of his or her own physical appearance. A
positive body image builds self-esteem and creates
well-adjusted children who are enthusiastic about
life’s opportunities.
A 2007 report by the American Psychological Associ-
ation found a culture-wide increased female anxiety
associated with body image.
Within the media industry there have recently been
popular debates focusing on how Size Zero models
can negatively influence young people into feeling
insecure about their own body image.
• trusting children’s internal hunger and fullness cues;
• reinforcing the idea that all bodies are acceptable;
• talking with children about how the media portrays
physical appearances, as well as the under-representa-
tion of certain types of bodies in the media.
• challenging put-downs and bullying based on body
image at home and in the community.
• being positive role models with regard to body image.
• commenting positively on children’s ability, character,
and on areas where children excel.
• celebrating the uniqueness of all people
:K\%H&RQ FHUQ HG$ERXW%RG\, PD JH"
Negative body image may result in:

3D UHQWV&D Q+HOS • Poor self esteem;

Parents play key roles in shaping their children’s
perceptions of their bodies, and can help by:
• reminding children that genetics play an impor-
tant role in determining a person’s weight, size, and
body type;
• promoting exercise and healthy eating as a means
to physical well-being and enjoyment;
• The desire to be “fixed;”
• Less participation in physical activities;
• Withdrawal from other life activities;
• Barriers to learning;
• Limiting food choices;
• Extreme weight change;
• Disordered eating, e.g. binge-eating or dieting;
• Dangerous cosmetic surgery; and/or
• Anxiety, depression, and in some cases, suicide.

7+(

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16 ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP
 After the tremendous success of this year’s play Yearbook,
I am looking forward to our next production, the Black-
light Dance Show. A big thank you to all parents, friends,
family and staff for their support of the fine arts program
and the performances at the Calgary Science School. I am
very proud of the hard work, dedication and talent our stu-
dents displayed once again in this year’s production.

Now Calgary Science School dancers and audience eagerly

await the upcoming performance in our third annual black
light show. This production will be an opportunity for the
dance students of all age and skill levels at CSS to share
their hard work, dedication and general explorations of
dance from throughout the school year. The show will take
place on the gym stage the afternoon of Thursday May
20, 2010, beginning around 1:15 pm. Friends and family
are welcomed and encouraged to come celebrate the suc-
cess of the dance program and this fun, highly-anticipated
show! We hope to see you there!

Miss Peebles

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0$<

 
3 
  
  
DAY 6
 4 DAY 1 5 DAY 2 6

Fort
DAY 3

Steele
7 DAY 4 8

Fort Steele 5.1 & 7.4

GR 9 MENTAL
5.3 & 7.3
Fort
HEALTH SESSION

GRADE 8/9 TRACK

& FIELD DAY
8.3 & 8.4
WORLD OF
SCHOOL COUNCIL
MEETING 6:30 PM
8.1 & 8.2
WORLD OF Steele
SCIENCE BODY
WORLDS EXHIBIT
(LIBRARY) SCIENCE BODY
WORLDS EXHIBIT
5.2 & 7.2
(PM) 12:00 - 3:30 PM
9 10 DAY 5 11 DAY 6 12 DAY 1 13 DAY 2 14 DAY 3 15
SUBWAY
PROVINCIAL FUN LUNCH

Fort
ACHIEVEMENT
TEST - GR. 6 & 9 CANADIAN JR.

Steele LANGUAGE ARTS

PART A
NATIONAL DEBATE
CHAMPIONSHIP
5.2 & 7.2 OPENING
CEREMONIES
4:00 - 10:00 PM

16 17 DAY 4 18 DAY 5 19 DAY 6 20 DAY 1 21 22

BOARD MEETING GR 5 BAND LASER DANCE PD DAY

5:00 - 8:00 PM PRESENTATION SHOW NO SCHOOL
9:00 -9:30 AM 1:15 PM

TRANSPORTATION
COMMITTEE
MEETING
9:00 - 11:00 AM

23 24 25 DAY 2 26 DAY 3 27 DAY 4 28 DAY 5 29

VICTORIA DAY 4.3/4.4 VOLUNTEERISM

NO SCHOOL S. ALBERTA STUDENTS
HISTORY TOUR #1 @ CHILDREN’S
GR. 4.1/4.2 FESTIVAL
S. ALBERTA
HISTORY TOUR # 2

30 31 DAY 6

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18 ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP
   -81(
       

  1 DAY 1 2 DAY 2 3 DAY 3 4 DAY 4 5

GR 4
ENVIRONMENTAL
EXPO

Camp Sweet 8.1 & 8.2

Camp Sweet 8.3 & 8.4
SCHOOL COUNCIL
MEETING 7 PM
6 7 DAY 5 8 DAY 6 9 DAY 1 10 DAY 2 11 12

Camp Sweet Camp Sweet PD PLANNING DAY

Gr 9 Boys #1 Gr 9 Boys #2 NO CLASSES

Camp Sweet FIELD TEST

GR 6 MATH
Gr 9 Girls MRS. BROWN
11:00 - 11:50 AM
BAND CONCERT
7:00 - 8:30 PM FIELD TEST
GR 6 MATH
MRS. ARMSTRONG
1:15- 2:05 AM
13 14 DAY 3 15 DAY 4 16 DAY 5 17 DAY 6 18 DAY 1 19

GR 6 MATH PART GR 6 GR 9 GR 6 GR 6 SCIENCE PAT

A PAT SOCIAL STUDIES SOCIAL STUDIES MATH PART B PAT 9:00 - 10:00 AM
9:00 - 9: 40 AM PAT PAT 9:00 - 10:00 AM
9:00 - 10:30 AM 9:00 - 11:00 AM SUBWAY
GR 9 FUN LUNCH
GR 6 MATH PART A PAT
ELA PART B PAT 9:00 - 9:40 AM
9:00 - 10:00 AM

20 21 DAY 2 22 DAY 3 23 DAY 4 24 DAY 5 25 DAY 6 26

CSS FAMILY BOARD MEETING GR. 9 GR 9 GR 9

PICNIC 5:00 - 8:00 PM ELA PART B PAT SCIENCE PAT MATH PART B PAT
9:00 - 10:15 AM 9 :00- 10:15 AM 9 :00- 10:15 AM
IAC
GRAND OPENING VOLUNTEER LAST DAY
PICNIC OF CLASSES

vBB;FDA?:8LG
12 PM DISMISSAL
1 PM APPEALS
27 28 29 30

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ZZZFDOJDU\VFLHQFHVFKRROFRP 19
 THE CALGARY SCIENCE SCHOOL
MAY 2010 • ISSUE 9 • VOL . 7

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20