Dear West Springs Families,
Thank you to the hardworking volunteers who helped shovel and rake mulch yesterday to beautify our space by the playground.
Thank you to all of the donations for the apple witch project in Grade 3 this week. We look forward to seeing the changes in these dynamic art pieces!
Class photo and photo retake day is coming!
October 16th students will have their class photos taken as well as retakes. If possible please send in your student’s proofs for retakes to be given to the photographer. If families need retakes, but will not be at school Wednesday, they can book directly with the studio. Address is: #30 5329 72 AVENUSE CALGARY
https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/1dqj327c/?e_id=7811
We are also looking for parent volunteers to help on this day. Click here to sign up!
WSS Music Notes
Hello West Springs Parents,
My name is Mr. Peter Vooys and I'm your child's music teacher this year! It's been great to see the kids again. I apologize for taking so long to write one of these; I was pretty sick last month.
Here are a few learning highlights from each grade over the last few weeks.
Kindergarten: Getting to know our music class expectations, working on distinguishing between speaking and singing voices and learning a few new songs, such as "The Bear Went Over the Mountain".
Grade 1: Getting to know our music class expectations, working on distinguishing between speaking and singing voices, and starting to learn to sing "Rocky Mountain High" for the Grade 1 Sharing Assembly.
Grade 2: Learning to sing "Lean on Me", and part of a vocal arrangement of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Listening to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.
Grade 3: Learning to sing "Lean on Me", listening to R&B band Lawrence, working on vocal flexibility with the song "Edelweiss".
Grade 4: Learning to read sixteenth notes (ti-kka ti-kka), listening to excellent Japanese rock band Official HigedanDISM, and starting to work on the song "Let Us Remember" for our Remembrance Day assembly.
Some thoughts about music:
As part of the Week at a Glance, I might write a few paragraphs about something we're learning to in class every now and then. I always teach my students why we're listening to a certain composer or band, but it's nice to share some of my rationale with their parents.
I discovered the Japanese pop/rock band Official HigedanDISM or Higedan for short (the English translation of their name would be "Official Manly Moustache") a few years ago. As I started reading the English subtitles on their music videos, I was impressed with how beautiful their lyrics were, and how they write about different subjects than most english pop music. I first showed Higedan to Grade 4s a few years ago, and their song "Stand by You" has become a yearly favourite for our grade 4s. It's a song about friendship and loyalty, subjects that rarely appear on the radio in North America, and I feel like it's a strong message to share with my students. If you like pop/rock with a strong groove and great piano playing, you might also enjoy Higedan.
I hope that you have a great weekend! Best, Mr. Vooys
A Message from the WSSDA
We have several exciting initiatives currently underway:
Fill the Freezer: The deadline to order Bow River Meats and Simple Simon's Pies is October 17th, your purchases will help support our school learning initiatives. WSSDA (myteamfund.ca)
Fun Lunch: Our next Fun Lunch is Chopped Leaf on October 10th. Please note that the order deadline is this Saturday, October 5th. We still need a few volunteers. If you can assist, please check our SignUpGenius for available slots. Fun Lunch Volunteers: 2024/2025 Fun Lunch (signupgenius.com)
Upcoming Events:
- Halloween Howler: Join us for a spooktacular celebration and wear your best costume on October 24th. Tickets are now available for purchase on Healthy Hunger. The ticket price includes admission, a DJ and dance, Halloween crafts, prizes, a reptile room, photo booth, and more. There will also be a sucker pull and water bottles available for $1 each at the event. Please note that this is a parented event.
Volunteers are essential to the success of this event, so if you can help, please visit our SignUpGenius. A police check is not required since it is an after-school event. Volunteers will receive a free admission wristband. Halloween Howler: Halloween Howler Parent Volunteers (signupgenius.com)
Annual Budget Meeting: Join us for our annual budget meeting, either in person or via Teams, immediately following the Council meeting on October 17th. We will discuss school wish lists, budgets, and how we allocate funds raised through our fundraising initiatives.
Visit our website at Home | West Springs West Ridge Fundraising and follow us on Instagram at WSSDA.ca and West Springs School Council/WSSDA on Facebook for all of the most up to date fundraising news!
Thank you for your continued support!
WSSDA
Viktoria, Eryn, Jackie and Irina
On the Horizon
October 14 - Thanksgiving: School is closed
October 16 – Lifetouch photo retake and group photo day
October 18 - Grade 1 sharing assembly 11:30 am
October 21 - Swimming: Nasr/Delongchamp, Dewar/Pajot, Nishimura/Okubanjo
October 24 - Halloween Howler School Council Special Event
October 25 - Professional Learning Day: No school for students
Have a great weekend,
Susan and Leah, WSS Admin Team