Happy Friday Citizens of Nellie!

WEEK IN REVIEW

• Nellie's monthly math challenge is a recurring school-based activity that provides students with grade appropriate engaging problems to solve, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and deeper mathematical exploration. All students can participate and put their entries into the draw box in the office. The December math challenge is available in the office now for any students wishing to participate. Congratulations to November's winners:
  K - Harper
  1 - Peyton
  2-Avalon
  3- Avery
  4 - Matvi
  6 - Brielle
• On Tuesday Teacher's Pet visited the grade 6 classrooms for an in-school field trip for both Science and for Social Studies.
• • To address Alberta grade 6 Social Studies outcomes, students explored the roots of modern democracy! The Haudenosaunee Confederacy program has a strong focus on the process of decision making and governing through consensus. In this program, students learned about the structure of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the importance of cooperative games and they examined cultural tools. Students had the opportunity to share their ideas and viewpoints, and learn how to vote for consensus. They examined the importance of symbols as a form of expression and created beautiful mosaic tiles for their classroom.
  • In Science, grade 6 students in Alberta learn how the particles of matter can be influenced by heating and cooling. Students investigated the changes that particles undergo when heated or cooled in this fun and informative program. Participants took and interactive journey through the phase changes of matter and discussed the connection between the movement of particles and temperature. Students got to make their own heat sensitive/colour changing putty as they andswed the questions "What happens when matter expands and contracts?  Is water denser as a liquid or a solid?" Ask your grade 6 student to explain their understanding!
• On Tuesday and Wednesday, EcoCooks visited the grade 4 classes.The Alberta Grade 4 science curriculum addresses ecosystems, nutrition, and food sources primarily within the Living Systems and Earth Systems strands. Students investigate how energy flows through ecosystems and the interconnections between organisms and their environment.
• • On Tuesday, students learned what happens when food rots and explored some common ways of preserving food. They ‘taste tested’ some preserved foods, exploring the flavour and texture and thinking about how food preservation works. 
  • On Wednesday, students revisited prior knowledge of where food comes from, identifying common edible seeds and dried fruits, and creating their own trail mix topping for apple sandwiches which they used to personalize ‘Apple Sandwiches’. Students practiced culinary skills while preparing a tasty and planet-friendly snack.
• On Friday, Inside Education brought energy and electricity education our grade 5 and 6 classes. The Elementary Energy Expo is a station-based program designed to introduce students to curriculum-linked energy, electricity, climate and stewardship topics in a hands-on way. Students saw natural resource samples, solar demonstrations, energy meters, and more! Each station featured inquiry questions, hands-on components, and critical thinking:
• • Natural Resources - Students explored and identified renewable and non-renewable resources, their environmental impact, and how their use has changed over time.
    Monitor Energy - Students used an energy meter to test and compare how much power different household appliances use, and discover the role we all play in energy conservation.
    Energy Innovations - Students explored innovations, careers, and solutions driving the future of renewable and alternative energy, fossil fuels and clean fuels.
    Canada’s Energy Mix -  Students compared how provinces use different natural resources to generate electricity.
    Renewable Energy - Students experimented with a solar panel and wind turbine to see renewable energy in action.
    Energy Moves - Students traced the complete energy cycle from production and consumption to responsible land reclamation and remediation.

 See some fun videos of all these activities on NellieSparks

NEWS ITEMS:

• WINTER CONCERT FRONT ROW SEATS AUCTION! Want to sit in the first 2 rows? Place your bid before it closes!
  Tuesday December 9 Concert –Silent Auction closes Sunday at 9:00 am   Dec.9 Auction seats
  Thursday December 11 Concert –Silent Auction closes Tuesday at 9:00 am  Dec. 11 Auction seats
• GIVING TREE- We still have a few spots that we need help filling. Please help ensure everyone on our list is supported: Sign up here to help a family through our Giving Tree!
• WIN CASH FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Have you bought your ticket yet? School Council is excited to present our first 50/50 Raffle in support of the new playground Campaign! The winner will be drawn at the Holiday Concert. Buy your 50/50 raffle ticket here! 

THE WEEK AHEAD:

• Dec.1-5 "Formula One" Challenge for the Food Bank. This week, please bring baby formula and diapers (sizes 1-6) next week. Each class will use the cans of formula to build a structure. The structures will be judged on Thursday afternoon based on the number of cans and the creativity/originality.

• Tues. Dec. 9  -9:30am Winter Concert Group A: Mrs. Henin, Mrs. Childs, Ms. Tackaberry, Mrs. Ince, Mrs. Delaney, grade 5/6 choir, and half of Ms. Milligan's class.
  Please consider bringing a donation to the calgary Food Bank!
• Wed. Dec. 10 Grades 4,5,6 field trip to Alberta Theatre Projects presentation of The Wizard of Oz
• Thurs. Dec. 11 -9:30am Winter Concert Group B: Ms. Smith, Ms. Richards, Mr. S, Mr. Carroll, Mrs. Gifford, grade 5/6 choir and half of Ms. Milligan's class. 
  Please consider bringing a donation to the calgary Food Bank!

COMMUNITY CENTRE WEEKEND SKATING PARTY! 

• On Sat. Dec. 13, 1-4pm the community centre is hosting a holiday skating party with hotdogs, a visit from Santa, crafts, hot chocolate, games and prizes!
  

COMING UP: 

• Dec. 15-19 Spirit Week- Our grade 5 student leaders have come up with the following ideas for the week before holidays. Students are invited to participate in dressing for the following fun days:
  -Mon. Dec. 15- Twin Day: Match with a friend or two!
  -Tues. Dec. 16-Jersey Day: Wear your favorites team's jersey or colors!
  -Wed. Dec. 17- Silly Hat/Hair Day: Make your head a little wacky!
  -Thurs. Dec. 18- PJ Day: Cozy jammies are the best for this day!
  -Fri. Dec. 19- Holiday Gear: Anything holiday themed (ugly sweaters, festive hats, jolly socks)
• Dec. 8 Bodhi Day
• Dec. 10 Human Rights Day 
• Dec. 14-22 Hanukka
• Dec. 21 Winter Solstice
• Dec.20- Jan.4 Winter Break- School closed. Enjoy your time with family!

       Stay on top of everything going on by visiting our school calendar and link it to your phone

SCHOOL COUNCIL 

• Next School Council meeting: Thurs. Jan. 22. Everyone welcome!  Receive updates from the Principal, hear about School Council plans for School dances, fundraisers, Fun Lunches and provide your input. No need to take on a role. We are a friendly and relaxed group, committed to supporting our kids - please join us to see what we are involved in! 
• School Council minutes are always posted on the Nellie McClung school website
• Fun Lunch dates are listed here: Healthy Hunger
• We need help delivering Fun Lunches to each class! Please sign up to be a Fun Lunch Volunteer 
• Please sign up to help out with our next Bottle Drive: Bottle Drive Volunteer
• Be friends with our Nellie School Council on Facebook Nellie McClung Community

VOLUNTEERS 

• We have some exciting field trips and volunteer opportunities coming up this year! If you would like to volunteer with your child's class, please ensure:

·       You have a current, valid police information clearance including vulnerable sector search

·       Your name is current in our CBE Security Clearance database.

·       You have filled out the Annual Volunteer Registratio​n Form for the 2025-2026 school year.

If you are not yet registered to volunteer, follow the steps outlined here: CBE Volunteer Clearance Process

NEWS STORIES AND PHOTOS

• Please see the Nellie McClung School Website for all of the latest news.  
• For pictures and videos from the week,  follow Nellie on Instagram: NellieSparks
• Be friends with Nellie School Council on Facebook Nellie McClung Community

Kindest regards,

Aleta Terlecki

Pronouns: she, her

Acting  Principal | Nellie McClung

Calgary Board of Education | cbe.ab.ca

t| 403.777.8620

e| adterlecki@cbe.ab.ca