Dear Parents & Guardians:

In this post you will find information for the following:

·         Important Dates

·         Principal’s Message

·         Found Jewelry – Call office to claim

·         Invitation May 21: Research Project on Student Resilience

Important Dates –

·         May 15 – PD Day – No School

·         May 18 – Victoria Day – No School

·         May 20 – Fun Lunch: McDonald’s

·         May 25 – Gr. 6 ELAL Written PAT (AM)

·         May 29 – Parent Appreciation Tea (10-11 a.m.)

·         June 4 – Gr. 6 ELAL Part B PAT (AM)

·         June 4 – Opera Performance (1:15-3:15) for extended family & community

·         June 4 – Opera Performance (6:30-8:30) ticketed seating for EPS families (2/family)

·         June 5 – Opera Performance (10:00-12:00) for extended family & community

·         June 11 – James Short Grade 6 Student Sports Day (PM)

·         June 12 – Gr. 6 Science PAT (AM)

·         June 12 – Kindergarten New Student Orientation (9:00-10:00)

·         June 12 – Kindergarten Graduation (10:00-12:00)

·         June 15 – Gr. 6 Math Part A PAT (AM)

·         June 18 – Gr. 6 Math Part B PAT (AM)

·         Subscribe to our updated Web Calendar (link on bottom left)

Principal’s Message

Today’s professional development session for teachers focused on instructional strategies and resources that support effective implementation of the new curriculum, with an emphasis on creating thoughtful and meaningful learning experiences for students.

Our day began with discussion and reflection on two local articles from LearningCITY YYC and Calgary Economic Development. The first article, Entry-Level Jobs: The Canary in Canada’s Labour Market Coal Mine, examined the growing gap between post-secondary attainment and employment in related career fields. While Canada leads the OECD in post-secondary attainment, approximately 40% of graduates are underemployed relative to their level of education, and globally, two-thirds of young workers hold credentials that do not align with their jobs.

The second article, Skills that Matter: Building a City that Adapts, highlighted the increasing importance of transferable “enabling competencies” such as analytical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. While technical or domain-specific skills continue to be important, the article noted that many professional skills now have a relatively short lifespan, with the World Economic Forum estimating a “half-life” of approximately six years. In contrast, enabling competencies are considered foundational and highly transferable across careers and industries.

Throughout the day, staff explored assessment models and inquiry-based approaches that support student thinking, reflection, use of criteria, and evidence-based judgment. These professional learning opportunities help ensure that classroom experiences continue to foster both strong academic foundations and the adaptable skills students will need for the future.

Found Jewelry – Call Office to Claim

We have had a piece of adult jewelry found on our school field turned in as Lost & Found. If you have lost something or know of someone who has, please contact the office to identify and claim it.

Invitation May 21: Research Project on Student Resilience

Dr. C. Buzanko has been approved through Athabasca University and the CBE to conduct a meaningful research initiative aimed at strengthening the emotional resilience of school-aged children. The project, Whole Circle Resilience (WCR), is dedicated to developing a practical, prevention-based program that equips children aged 7 to 15 with tools to foster emotional regulation and resilience, both at home and in school.

We are hosting a parent focus group on the evening of May 21 at 6:30 in our school’s Library. This is a parent focus group discussion scheduled for between 60-90 minutes. Elbow Park teachers already participated in a focus group discussion to support this research. Immediately after the focus group, you will be asked to complete a brief survey (~15-20 minutes). This survey will gather further information on perceived barriers and facilitators in supporting emotional resilience and any additional thoughts you had after participating in the group.

If you would like to participate, please download and complete pages 6-7 of the "CBE Informed Consent to Participate Educators" form attached. Please submit the form to the Elbow Park School office.

For more information and to sign a consent form, please click here

The principal investigator is Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D. (Athabasca University, Graduate Centre for Applied Psychology, Assistant Professor, carolinebuzanko@athabascau.ca). Dr. Buzanko did host a parent session at our school last year about student anxiety.