Happy Friday Citizens of Nellie!

WEEK IN REVIEW It was a busy week full of fun and engaging learning opportunities!

• On Tuesday, Grade 5s had an in-school field trip to learn about internal body systems; part of the new Alberta Science Curriculum. Students saw the digestive system like they’ve never seen it before, checked out the musculoskeletal system in the human body, and observed how plants transport water and nutrients through their roots. This program investigated the relationships between various vital systems and how they work together to support an organism. Students used VR technology to supplement other experiments and activities as they learned about these biological systems in plants and animals. See some fun videos of this and other school events by following Nellie on Instagram: NellieSparks.
• On Wednesday and Thursday, Grade 4 students welcomed EcoCooks into their class. EcoCooks is an environmental food literacy program that addresses how food choices impact our planet. . On Tuesday,  students went through some challenging examples and learned more about how our food grows. Students dove deeper into where plants come from, what they need to grow, and learned about carbon sinks and sources, beginning to consider food’s impact on the planet. On Thursday, students explored where food gets wasted at the consumer level and explored solutions to food waste. They followed a strawberry from the field to the fridge, identified why the strawberry gets wasted and created an alternative ending to the story, brainstorming different ways to reduce food waste. See some fun videos of this and other school events by following Nellie on Instagram: NellieSparks. EcoCooks will be back again twice next week!
• Thursday saw our first lockdown practice this year. The safety of all students and staff  is of great importance. To that end, we work diligently to establish appropriate safety measures and precautions for the various situations that may occur and affect our staff and students. Just like fire drills, every school in CBE is required to practice lockdown drills. Two police constables assist us with these drills, and the drill is not over until a police meets the class in person to let them know.  (You may be interestest to know that each CBE school also has specific emergency preparedness protocols for missing children, bomb threats, environmental/ exterior threats and evacuation to alternate sites). 
• Wednesday afternoon we held our first Indigenous assembly this year, hosted by our Grade 6 classes. Over the course of this year, each grade will host an assembly focusing on one of the Seven Sacred Teachings.This is part of our school's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. The Seven Teachings are guiding principles for cultural restoration, adopted by many Indigenous groups, and include Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, Truth and Love.  Respect (Mnaadendiwin) is one of the Seven Sacred Teachings and is considered a foundational principle for living in harmony with all of creation, including people, animals, and the environment. See some fun videos of this and other school events by following Nellie on Instagram: NellieSparks.
• Thursday, our grades 1-3 students attended Alberta Theatre Projects presentation of The Wizard of Oz.  Featuring iconic songs and wonderfully vibrant characters, The Wizard of Oz celebrates the enduring power of friendship, bravery, and believing in oneself. These are virtues that students have been focusing on in class and that will continue to guide and focus us through the year. The grades 4-6 students will attend on December 10th.
• Thursday was a special day for Kindergarten students, as they took part in an in-school field trip called Dino Senses as part of the new Alberta Science curriculum. It was an exciting dino-themed adventure as they dug deep into the properties of objects. Students were engaged as they learned all about the five senses (sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste) and how to distinguish the properties of objects. Not only were their senses = put to the test, but they even got to excavate their very own dinosaur to take home as a keepsake!
• Our Used Book Sale on Thursday was a fun and successful experience. Thousands of gently used books of every genre imaginable were sold. Thank you for helping more children experience the life-changing joy of reading. With your support, we can grow a thriving reading community! We are so grateful to School Council for organizing this event!
• It was great to meet with families during Parent Teacher Conferences on Thursday night and Friday morning. This was an important opportunity to discuss each student's academic progress, social-emotional development, and any challenges they may be facing. These conferences provide a forum for open communication to build a partnership between home and school, share information on the child's strengths and areas for growth, and develop strategies to support their success. A big shout out to School Council and all the families who contributed to dinner for the teachers before our late evening! We are so vey appreciative.

NEWS ITEMS:

• GIVING TREE- families supporting families at Nellie Our hearts at Nellie are BIG! Over the years, Nellie families have supported other Nellie Families through the Giving Tree.  There are a number of families in our community who are struggling to make ends meet.  As a Nellie Community, during the holiday season we come together and provide gifts food and any additional help for the families. Please help ensure everyone on our list is supported: Sign up here to help a family through our Giving Tree!
• 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 in December. Get your tickets for your chance to win some extra cash before the holidays! Buy your 50/50 raffle ticket here! 

THE WEEK AHEAD:

• Dec.1-5 Each class is challenged to fill their Calgary Food Bank Donation box:  bring pasta, canned tomatoes, peanut butter
• Mon. Dec. 1 9:45am -12:10pm Grade 4 EcoCooks in-school workshop
• Tues. Dec. 2 9:45am -12:10pm Grade 4 EcoCooks in-school workshop
• Wed. Dec.3 Grade 6 in-school field trips: AM: Haudenosaunee Confederacy, PM:Investigating Matter
• Thurs. Dec. 4 Fun Lunch: Little Caesars. Please sign up to be a Fun Lunch Volunteer 
  -Lifetouch school photo retakes
• Fri. Dec. 5 8am-9am Bottle Drive. Please sign up to help out: Bottle Drive Volunteer

COMING UP: 

• 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 
• 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 
• Dec.20- Jan.4 Winter Break

       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