CBE Information Updates

Every month the CBE sends out a communique about topics school councils and parents may be impacted by.  This month there are a few topics parents at Mckenzie Towne School may find informative so I will post a link to them for you to check out.

• There is a shortage of bus drivers so bus delays could be effecting when you child is actually picked up.  (Link here)

• Kindergarten registration begins January 14, 2013.  More information can be found on their website (link here)

• Night with the Hitmen - January 18 - Support the Fuel For School Program get your discounted tickets and spend a night with the family. (link here) 

Gift Card Pick-Up and Reusable Snack Bags

Thank you for your recent gift card order! Thanks to your support, we were able to raise $1400 to purchase resources for the Learning Commons this year!

Just a reminder that gift card pick-up is this week (during student-led conferences). We will have a table set up near the entrance on Thursday (4-8pm) and Friday (8am-1pm).

During pick-up, we will also have a new fundraising product for sale from a local company - Snack Pack Reusables. They make reusable sandwich and snack bags in dozens of colours & patterns that help to support the school's Litterless Lunch initiative. They are sold in a 3-pack for $20 (with 20% of all sales going to MTS). Product is available during conferences only - great stocking stuffers. Cash or cheque accepted.

Check out their website if you would like more info: www.snackpackreusables.com.

Thank you again for your order.

Meeting Reminder - Council and Parent Association Monday Nov. 26th at 6:30pm

On Monday evening Grade Two teachers will give an update on their classrooms and their students progress. The leadership report will focus on residency Trickster Theatre that will be working with all the staff and students.

This should be the last meeting before 2013 and all parents are invited to join and participate.  If you would like a topic brought up in a future meeting please send me a note.

Agenda - Monday, November 26, 2012

See you soon,
Sean Tyson
MTSC/MTSPA Chair | chair@mtsparents.com

Fundscrip Deadline Approaching

Monday, November 19

That is the day to get all your Fundscrip gift card orders in.  Make sure to talk to your family, friends and neighbours about getting some Christmas shopping done early.  This is a great way to get something for that hard to shop for person and help out your child's school all in one.

Pick up dates: Dec 6 from 4-8pm and Dec 7 from 8am-1pm

Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who came to our second meeting of the 2012-13 school year.  In the School Council  the results of the PAT scores were discussed in relation to MTS, the CBE and the Province.  To see the results click to be transferred to the CBE results webpage.  Ms. Wonderham presented on what her Kindergarten Class is doing with art, science and creativity.

The Board of Trustees are up for re-election next year. Now is the time to consider running.  To find out more information check out this document on the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee (attached).

The Leadership Report included a possible solution for parking but more research is happening before it can be reported here.  There will be a Christmas conert this year. Kindergarten's will have their night Dec 11 and the other grades will be divided up on Dec 12 with limited attendance again.  There will be a dress rehearsal on the 12th in the afternoon for anyone wanting to bring the whole family.

The Parent Association had a fundraising update on the SUTP books - Thank you to everyone who bought we sold over 150 more this year!  The next dance will be Feb 13.  For Student Lead Interviews in December there will be re-usable snack bags being sold so remember to bring money to purchase them if interested.

The MTSC and MTSPA next meetings will be November 26, 2012 from 6:30-8:30.

September Meeting Minutes:  MTSC  and MTSPA

Fundscrip

It's that time of the year again.  If you are looking to buy Gift Cards for someone or would like to support the Parent Association in purchasing books for the Learning Commons than this is the fundraiser for you.

Ask your friends and neighbors if they would like to purchase gift cards to use for their everyday purchases - groceries, coffee, eating out.  They may also be looking to get a gift for someone and are not sure where to go. You could be their answer - no malls, no stress.

Here is the Fundscrip order form (attached) and the cover letter (attached) outlining the instructions on how to purchase.  Just make sure you get them all back in before November 19.  Pick up Dec 6 (4-8) and Dec 7 (8-1).

Thank you,
MTSPA

SUTP APP Refund - if interested

Thank you to all of our families who supported the SUTP fundraiser by purchasing books and app's this year! We sold more than 600 books, raising over $6000 for the school!

While SUTP has been selling the paper books for many years, this was the first year that they have launched an app. As such, it has come with some growing pains for them. It has come to our attention, that some people may be disappointed with the functionality of the app itself. While SUTP is continuously working to enhance this app, both MTSPA and SUTP want to ensure that everyone is satisfied with the product. As such, if you have purchased an app and are not satisfied with any aspect of it, we will honour exchanges for a paper book at no extra cost to you.

If you would prefer to have your app deactivated in exchange for a paper book, please e-mail fundraising@mtsparents.com and we will send a book home with your child. In the e-mail, please include the name the app is registered in, your child's name & teacher, and your phone number. If you still have the app activation card, you can return that to your child's teacher (attn: fundraising).

Exchange requests must be received by November 9th.

Thank you again for your support of this important fundraiser!

Meeting Reminder and Agenda - Oct 29th @ 6:30pm

Come listen and share.

This month's guest teachers are Mrs. Diana Hamilton and Mrs. Danielle Wonderham from Grade 4 and Kindergarten.  They will share things that their grades have been working on and what students have been learning.  There will be an update on fundraising events and campaigns and the fun lunch program.

This is your opportunity to have a voice, provide constructive input and contribute to the success of your children at MTS.

If you have a topic you would like to see discussed at future meetings please contact me to be added to the agenda.

Happy Halloween.

Sean Tyson
MTSC/MTSPA Chair | chair@mtsparents.com | www.mtsparents.com

Links:
Agenda for Monday, October 29, 2012 

Bill 3, The Education Act

ASCA has been asked to forward the following message from the Minister of Education to all parents and school councils.


Today, Bill 3, The Education Act, was introduced in the Alberta Legislature. You can view the news release here.

Alberta’s new Education Act brings to life the vision for a 21st century education that thousands of Albertans shared through Inspiring Education and subsequent consultations. The government has listened and their input is reflected in this legislation.

The Act contains some of the toughest anti-bullying measures of any jurisdiction in Canada. The legislation makes it clear bullying and other inappropriate behaviour is not acceptable under any circumstances – not by students, teachers or anyone else in the school community.  It sets out the expectation that schools must be welcoming, caring, respectful, safe and free from physical and emotional harm in order for children and youth to be successful.

Bill 3 is also the first legislation in Canada to formally recognize the role of parents as a child's first and most important teacher and maintains Alberta’s commitment to choice in education, whether it is public, separate, francophone, private, charter or home education. Under the new legislation, School Boards will also be given more flexibility to meet local needs.

As Premier Alison Redford recently said, “Education is the key to responsible citizenship. It is how young Albertans understand who we are and connect with the values we share. It also gives them the skills they need to take an active role in society.”

The introduction of the new Education Act is not the end of the journey toward a transformed education system for Alberta. Once the Education Act is passed, corresponding regulations and policies will have to be aligned before it comes into force. The input of Albertans will be essential as we develop and revise these supporting regulations.

For more information, please visit www.education.alberta.ca/educationact.

Campbell's Labels For Education

Help MTS redeem free stuff! 

MTS registered with the Campbell Soup’s Labels for Education campaign. This campaign asks families to save Campbell Soup product labels/ UPC codes and donate them to the school. The school collects them and can then redeem them for items such as gym equipment, musical instruments, DVD’s, books, etc.

Eligible products include:

• All Campbell Soup products (i.e. Chunky Soup; Condensed Soup; Gardennay; Healthy Request Bowls)
• Campbell Soup broths
• Easy Cooking Sauce
• PREGO Pasta Sauce
• PACE Salsa
• GOLDFISH crackers
• V8 beverages

ALL LABELS/UPC Codes can be sent to school with your child or dropped off at the main office.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

SUTP Deadline Quickly Approaching

This is your reminder to get those SUTP book orders sent in.  Half of every book sold comes directly to the school.  October 12 is the deadline.  Don't forget this year they have an app for your phone. For all your out-of-town relatives we also have books/apps for Red Deer, Edmonton and Medicine Hat.

If you need an order form please click on the link to download it:  SUTP order form

Thank you to everyone for your orders.  The funds we receive from this fundraiser help your kids be able to learn in broader ways throughout the year, for example: in-line skating, Three Left Feet, buses for field trips, musical instruments...the list continues to grow and vary.

School Traffic Is an Issue

Traffic at our school has always been an issue. The residents around MTS have been very patient, but traffic around school drop off and pick up is a big concern.  The School Administration and School Council are always looking for ideas and help alleviate the problem.  Today the Calgary Herald published a story about the Alderman also seeing this as a big concern.

We welcome any ideas you may have that could help the school drop off and pick up easier and safer.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Dangerous+traffic+jams+Calgary+schools+worry+aldermen/7311055/story.html

2012 AGM Meeting Notes for MTSC / MTSPA

The MTSC and MTSPA held their annual AGM last night. This is the meeting where we plan and discuss the initiatives for the year.  In the School Council we were introduced to the new Music Teacher Mrs. Heather Bourgeois.  She inspired us with her ideas for the kids at the school - not just in her music class. Our kids and by association, the parents, are going to really grow to understand music and it's components.  She also gave a detailed list of instruments she would like the Parent Council to help purchase this year.

During the School Council we filled the 3 open positions. Thank you to Linda B and Lacey S for officially filling the positions of Volunteer Co-coordinators.  Thank you to Jen R. for taking on the position of Vice Chair recently left open by Tiffany V. who moved.  You are all welcome additions to the Council.

MTS has fewer kids than was projected so has re-invited the families that were surplussed to Douglas Dale School to return.  Good news is MTS has been able to maintain their class sizes to between 17-21 kids. This is well below the average for other schools.

In the Parent Council, the budget projections for the upcoming year were outlined and approved.  The Fundraising Committee presented their family events for the year, as well as, fundraising goals.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the meeting. Our future meeting dates for the upcoming year have been set as follows: Oct 29, Nov 26, Dec 10, Jan 28, Feb25, Mar 18, Apr 29, May 27 and June 17.  The School Council meets from 6:30-7:30 and the Parent Council meets right after at 7:30-8:30.

Every parent with a child attending MTS is a member of the Council (no special invite or position required) so come see how you can make a difference there.  Look forward to seeing you in October.

Important Meeting - Monday September 24th - 6:30pm

Hello Parents,

Please join us for the MTSC First Council meeting and MTSPA AGM for 2012-13 school year.

In the council meeting learn about the plan for the Music program being developed by our new Music Specialist, Mrs. Heather Bourgeois. We are also looking to fill three executive positions in this meeting: Vice Chair & two Co-Volunteer Coordinators.

Our Vice Chair moved out of the province over the summer and leaves this position vacant.  The Vice Chair supports the Chair position in providing leadership and works closely with the school's administration in planning the best way to support the school and our children.

We also have two Co-Volunteer Coordinator positions that will be filled at the meeting.  We are lucky to have great parent involvement at MTS and these positions bring it all together.

The big topic in the AGM is the MTSPA Budget approval (see links below for a sneak peek).  Come and learn where our funds come from and how we will allocate them to benefit all the kids at MTS.

Get involved and make a difference. Whether you can help in-class or by coming out to a Council/Parent Assoc. meeting or supporting fundraising campaigns - It Matters.

Lastly, I have to apologize as over the last few weeks we had technical difficulties that have now been resolved for our website. You will be able to check in for regular updates.  Please contact me if you have suggestions for a future post or topics you would like to have addressed by the council and/or parent association.

Sincerely,
Sean Tyson
MTSC/MTSPA Chair

P.S. STUP coupon books will be on sale at the meeting.  Round up your orders and take your books home Monday night. (Order form below)

Links:
MTSC First Meeting & MTSPA AGM Agendas
MTSPA 2012-2013 Budget
STUP Order form and Screenshots of STUP Mobile App

SUTP Fundraiser

Welcome back! 

The McKenzie Towne School Parent Association is pleased to once again team up with SUTP to offer your family the 2012/2013 SUTP Coupon Book filled with over $25,000 in savings on everyday items for your family.

New this year you can get the book on your phone.  This will allow you to receive more coupons as the year goes on.  

For each book sold the Parent Association receives $10 and your child an entry for a Nintendo 3DS.  Please return your orders on or before October 12, 2012.

Download your order form here.
Preview the Mobile App here.

Welcome Back Coffee

Welcome back to school everyone.  I am sure everyone is excited to get back into routine and schedule. This year Mckenzie Towne School Council / Parent Association is hosting a Welcome Back breakfast on Thursday morning from 7:30-8:20am.  It will be held on the back compound by the playground.  Please come have a coffee, muffin and get to know some of the other parents with students attending your school. 

Alberta Education Back To School Toolkit

As we get closer to the school year starting up Alberta Education has put out their 2012-13 Back To School Toolkit for students, parents and teachers.  Here is a link to their site to see how they can help make the new school year a great one.

School's Out!

On behalf of the McKenzie Towne School Parent Association, we wish you a wonderful summer with your family. We look forward to seeing you all back at school on September 4th. We are hosting a Welcome Back event on Thursday September 6th from 7:30-8:20am on the school grounds behind the school. Families are encouraged to come early for school that morning, meet and/or catch up with other families and say hello to the MTS staff. Coffee, juice and a light snack will be provided. Our first School Council meeting and the AGM for the Parent Association will be held on September 24th beginning at 6:30pm. Agendas and further details will be sent out in the fall. Have a safe and happy summer!

MTSPA Meeting Recap

For the month of June the MTS School Council did not meet.  The Parent Association met to finalize some beginning of the school year items including a Welcome Back Parent Event to be held on the first day of school.  The Grade 4 Graduation was added as an item to be discussed as being funded by the Parent Association yearly. 

The Fundraising Survey was discussed. Please fill out the very short questionnaire if you haven't already. Your opinion matters. 

The first meeting of the new school year will be September 24, 2012 at 6:30. It will be the AGM.

Here are the MTSC and MTSPA ratified minutes for May.

Meeting Reminder - MTSPA June 18th @ 6:30pm

Don't forget to join us for the last McKenzie Towne School Parent Association (MTSPA) meeting Monday night at 6:30pm held at the school (Agenda Link).  This will be a shortened evening as there will be no council meeting this month.  After the meeting is adjourned we will extend the round table offsite over some refreshments in a less formal setting.

If you haven't already completed the fundraising survey please do so immediately to provide your feedback on last years activities and events.  It takes less that five minutes to complete - Take the survey now.

I would also like to thank all those who made time to come out a meeting, volunteer at an event or in the school.  Everyone that has been able to give some of their precious time has helped make McKenzie Towne School a better place for our children.  Thank you!




Mark your Calendars: The First McKenzie Towne School Council (MTSC) Meeting and the MTSPA AGM will be held at the school September 24, 2012 starting at 6:30pm.  We'll target to have regular meetings on the last Monday of the month for the rest of the 2012/13 school year - dates will be set at the September meeting.

CBE Transportation Fees Decided 2012-13

Transportation Fee Set For 2012-13

After an extensive and comprehensive review of school fees, the Calgary Board of Education has arrived at a values-based decision that we believe is the best for our system overall. From November to May, parents have had several opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas about fees with us. Thousands of parents have taken advantage of that opportunity, and we are grateful for their thoughtful contributions.

We have a diverse public education system. Over the past several months, there is much we have learned from the diverse perspectives parents have shared with us. However, the most important thing I have learned is what we share in common. Our values for public education are our common ground.

That is why the final transportation fee decision is based on values, Albertans’ values for public education. We knew from the outset of this review it would be difficult to make a decision that would please everyone. Instead, we have made a decision we believe will care for and enrich the community. It is a decision that demonstrates what our community shares in common rather than what makes us different. We believe it is the right decision.

The 2012-13 school fee structure aims to have all students charged the same transportation fee, regardless of their program. All students will have equal access to the programs and services we offer, and no student will be denied access to education based on an inability to pay.

This is the right decision for the system overall. And even better is the fact that parents helped us define what “right” means.

Naomi E. Johnson

Chief Superintendent of Schools

May Meeting Recap

The May MTSC meeting included an update on the new portables on the West and the 2 new ones being started on the the Eastside.  Projected school numbers and staffing over the next year was discussed.  Sports Day was a huge success - thank you to everyone who helped out.

Thank you to Grade 4 Teacher Ms. Hamilton and Grade 3 Teacher Ms. Young for discussing what they are doing in their classes.  The New Kindergarteners orientation is Friday June 8 at 1:30.

We would also like to welcome and thank Lacey S. for signing on as one of our Volunteer Co-ordinators.  She will be a great addition to our programs at MTS.

The MTSPA reviewed ideas for the Fall and possible new fundraisers and events to help parents connect with other parents creating a community within a community.  It was decided to table the June MTSC meeting until Sept 24 at our AGM.  The MTSPA for June will be on June 18 from 6:30-7:30pm.
We look forward to seeing you all there. I have attached the meeting minutes from February, March and April below. 

Ratified Meeting Minutes: February MTSC, MTSPA; March MTSC, MTSPA; April MTSC, MTSPA

Fundraising Survey

Campbell's Foods and MTS

Mckenzie Towne School and Campbell’s Foods

are partnering to help MTS build resources for the school. You can help by remitting your labels or UPC codes from various Campbell’s products including: Campbell’s Soups, Goldfish Crackers, Pace Salsa, Prego, V8 Juices, etc.  Please send in the entire label, UPC from cases or the caps from lidded products.  For more information check out their website www.labelsforeducation.ca  As soon as we have enough labels we can redeem against a wide selection of merchandise from Books to Sports equipment.

 Thank you for helping make McKenzie Towne School a better place to learn!

MTSC/MTSPA Meeting Reminder and Agenda

We would like to extend this invitation and reminder to all MTS parents present and future for this Monday, May 28th  meetings at 6:30pm.
You will get an update on current events from the  Mr. Murphy, Acting Principal, and a look into the classrooms from three of our teachers' perspectives.  Ms. Edey, Miss. Young and Mrs. Hamilton will be on hand to share and answer question on what is going on in their respective Grade 1, 3 & 4 classrooms.
If you would like to add a topic for discussion in future meetings please contact Sean T. You can not make it to this meeting?
Link - MTSC/MTSPA Meeting Agenda - May 28, 2012

CBE Fees Schedule Discussed

The CBE is hosting a Parent Meeting for Area V to discuss the new fees schedule for the next 3 years.  This meeting is going to be held on May 28 from 6:30-8:30.  The location is the Area V Office - 1123 - 87 Avenue SW (Haysboro). 

To view the new Fees Schedule click on this link to access them. Fees Schedule

MTSSC/MTSPA Meeting Recap

Thank you to all who attended the meeting your support helps guide the future of MTS and it's programs.  Tonight Mr. Klassen discussed what the Grade 3's are doing to learn about children's rights around the world.  Mrs. Binks talked about the Grade 3's preparing for the PAT tests happening later this month and in June. The Music Program and what it's focus and goals are were discussed by Mr. Snashall. 

Sports Day is coming up on May 25.  The alternate day rain or shine will be June 1.  There is a high need for volunteers to make this day successful with a miniumum of 1 volunteer per class.  Teacher Apprectiation is Thursday June 7 - more info to come.

MTS is now capped and projected numbers were discussed for the fall. MTS is priviledged to be able to keep class sizes well below the average with 20 students per class. These numbers will fluctuate but it is projected that we will be over capacity even with the cap and 6 portables approved.  Portables number 5 and 6 are expected to be ready for September, with the other 4 close to completion. The new CBE fee schedule was discussed. The link to the fees schedule is here.

The Parent Council discussed ideas for spending the remainder of the Playground budget and Fundrasing ideas for the Fall.  Meetings will continue on Mondays next year.

Our next meeting is May 28, 2012 at 6:30pm.

Correction re: MTSC/PA Meetings Tonight

Just a quick correction to tonight's agenda for the McKenzie Towne School Council meeting.  Our teacher representatives tonight will be Mr. Klasen, Ms. Binks and Mr. Snashall.  The teacher's report is a great opportunity to hear what's been happening in the various classes and what is still to come.  So, come join us, tonight, beginning at 6:30pm in the school staffroom.  We hope to see you there!

MTSC/MTSPA Meeting - Agenda

Please find the link to Monday's agenda.  If you would like to add a topic for discussion in future meetings please contact Sean T. You can not make it to this meeting? ...then mark your calendar for May 28th meeting.

Link - MTSC/MTSPA Meeting Agenda - April 30, 2012

MTSC/MTSPA Meeting Reminder

Please remember our meetings April 30 at McKenzie Towne School.  The School Council meets at 6:30pm and the Parent Association meets at 7:40.  Come find out what is happening in your school for the remainder of this year and planned for next year.

MTS School Council and Parent Association Meeting Recap

During the School Council meeting Janet Pletz discussed her role as the Literacy Support Teacher.  She gave some suggestions on how we can all help our students improve in their literacy skills.  One of the top suggestions read to your kids everyday.

Dr. Slater discussed the Alberta Initiative For School Improvement (AISI) and asked that everyone complete the survey that Alberta Learning has put online for parent input.  The link to the survey  follows: Personalized Learning Survey.

The Parent Association recognized how successful the Coco Brook's Pizza fundraiser was and reviewed some other projects currently under way.

The next meeting will be April 30, 2012.

Meeting Reminder: MTS Council & Parent Association Meetings - Monday, March 19th 6:30pm

Please join us Monday at 6:30pm for the MTS Council and MTS Parent Association monthly meetings.  Come and get involved share you vision for McKenzie Towne School.
A link to the agenda is provided below for your review.  If you have something you would like to cover in a future meeting please contact Sean Tyson and we can have it included in one of our next meetings.

Look forward to see you there.

Link: Agenda Monday, March 19, 2012
P.S. If you can't make this meeting save the date for our next meeting on April 30th .

Coco Brooks Pizza Pickup Reminder

Thank you for your support of the recent Coco Brooks fundraiser! Just a reminder that pizza orders will be available for pick-up at the school this Thursday (Mar 15) between 7:00-8:30pm. Please note that all families who have purchased pizza must either pick up during this time, or send a designate to pick up. Thanks for your cooperation!

MTSC/PA Meeting Recap

Thank you to those that attended last night's School Council and Parent Association meetings. In the Council meeting, we heard from grade 2 teachers Mrs. Hull and Mrs. Bredahl about the work the students have been doing about the Inuit and their current project on arctic animals. It was great to hear how their work has evolved and the planned field trips to tie their learnings together.

Dr. Slater and Mr. Muprhy provided an update in the leadership report about the relocatables that have been installed on the west side of the school. Work on the inside of the relocatables is underway. The outside will receive skirting and some paint to complete them. The school is hopeful that the two relocatable approved for the east side of the school will be in place and ready for students in September.

Linda B. was appointed as Volunteer Coordinator for the school council. Thanks Linda for volunteering for this important role!

In the Parent Association meeting, we were given an update regarding the fundraising success of the family dance and silent auction. Once again, we thank everyone for their support in our fundraisers. The Coco Brooks fundraiser is looking like another great success. Please remember that pick up of orders is on March 15th from 7-8:30pm.

The PA made a number of motions to support a variety of enhancements for the school, including funding for books and resources for the Learning Commons, funding towards Smartboards for the new relocatable classrooms and covering the cost of the recent Quest Theatre presentations in the school. We also voted to cover the cost of the Alien In-Line Skating program that will begin on April 4th. Each student in the school will have the opportunity to learn in-line skating skills in this program.

Or next meeting is on March 19th. We hope to see you there!

MTS Meeting Reminder - Monday, February 27 at 6:30pm

Please join us Monday at 6:30pm for the MTS Council and MTS Parent Association monthly meetings.  At these meetings we focus on supporting and enhancing student learning and experiences at McKenzie Towne School.

A link to the agenda is provided below for your review.  If you have something you would like to cover in a future meeting please contact Sean Tyson and we can have it included in one of our next meetings.

Look forward to see you there.

Link: Agenda Monday, February 27, 2012 


P.S. If you can't make this meeting save the date for our next meeting on March 19th .

 

MTS Capacity Update

Good news! Late yesterday, we received an update regarding the capacity and relocatables for MTS. We have been advised that two out of the four requested relocatables have been approved for McKenzie Towne School. As this approval was received before the end of February and in accordance with the CBE's timelines, we are hopeful that these relocatables will be in place and ready for students for September 2012. We have also been advised that the final two relocatables will be requested again in November 2012 for the following school year.

Thanks to all parents who have sent emails, letters or made phone calls regarding your concerns. We appreciate your involvement and hope that you continue to stay informed and involved with respect to the future of MTS.

Coco Brooks Pizza Fundraiser

The McKenzie Towne School Parent Association is pleased to be working with Coco Brooks for our newest fundraising program. Coco Brooks creates premium quality, frozen, personal sized (7-8”) pizzas that are individually packaged with reheating instructions. They offer 35 different varieties, ranging from gluten free to thin-crust to the classic kids pepperoni!

To get  a list of all the pizza options click here for the order form.  For each order you take you will need a new form.  When you are done please tally everything together on Form #2 (print here).  For more information and to print these instructions please click here.

All orders and payments must be into the school by Feb 24th.  Pizzas can be picked up ONLY March 15th between 7-8:30pm. Product is frozen so there is no exceptions to this time.  Thank you in advance for all your support and efforts to make this another successful event.

MTS Capacity

Dear MTS Parents,

We are writing today to advise you of a concern regarding capacity and student accommodation at McKenzie Towne School. As many of you will know, last year we successfully lobbied for four relocatables to be added to our school to accommodate the students for this school year. While we were successful in having those relocatables approved, due to delays with construction and installation, it appears as if those relocatables will not be ready for students until the spring.

On January 23rd, we had a number of guests from the CBE attend our school council meeting to discuss enrolment projections for the coming years and the process involved in acquiring relocatables. We learned that our school will continue to see increasing enrolment and that capacity is quickly becoming a major concern. Based on information we were given when the school was announced in 2008, it is our position that our school was built to accommodate 450 students in its core and an additional 200 students in relocatables. The CBE is now saying that our auxiliary gymnasium, which has been used to accommodate approximately 40 grade 4 students this year, is considered a classroom. This means that according to the CBE, MTS can accommodate 475 students in its core. We strongly disagree with their position on this matter and have asked them to honour the commitment they made in 2008 regarding the core capacity of MTS. It is our view that the auxiliary gymnasium is not appropriate instructional space and should not continue to be used as classroom space next year.

With the addition of the 4 relocatables currently underway, the school will be able to accommodate 550 students next year, based on the CBE's guidelines of 25 students per classroom. We are projected to have 605 students enrolled next year. As 155 of these students will be kindergarten students, our enrolment is considered to be 528 full-time equivalent students. In order to accommodate that number of students in the space that we have, we will no doubt see larger class sizes, split grades, an impact on programming and the use of non-instructional spaces for classroom teaching. It is important to understand that these enrolment figures have been in line with the expectations of how and when the school would grow. This is not unexpected growth.

This school year has seen two grade 4 classes sharing the auxiliary gymnasium as a classroom and one kindergarten class having to use common space as part of their classroom centres. In our view, this is unacceptable. It is our belief that all students should have appropriate instructional space in which to learn. The CBE has made a formal request for an additional 4 relocatables to be built on the east side of the school. We have been advised that in order to have those in place for September, the CBE would need government approval by the end of February.

We have been told that once the CBE hears whether or not the additional 4 relocatables are approved, they will consider a timeline for discussions with the community regarding future capacity at MTS. Should the relocatables not be approved, we will reach our capacity by the end of the next school year and decisions will need to be made about the future of MTS. Even if we do receive the relocatables, capacity will be reached within a couple of years. We have communicated our desire to be involved in any discussions and decisions around how capacity is managed at MTS, whether that be by capping school enrolment, changing the grades of the school or any other options considered.

We are asking the parent community to once again get involved in this important issue. We have seen in the past how our efforts to effect change have been successful when we have worked together. Please consider contacting our current MLA, Art Johnston and the Education Minister, Thomas Lukaszuk to share your concerns and ask that the additional relocatables be approved by the end of February. Representatives from the school council will be trying to arrange a meeting with Mr. Johnston and will continue to communicate with both the Ministry of Education and the CBE, but we need your help. We have been told in the past that individual letters from parents have a bigger impact than a petition or one letter on behalf of all parents. In addition, we encourage you to share your vision of McKenzie Towne School with the CBE. Let them know what is important to you about student accommodation. Contact information is as follows:

Honourable Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Education
423 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB, T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-5010
Fax: (780) 427-5018
Email: jeff.kasbrick@gov.ab.ca (Executive Asst to the Minister)

MLA Art Johnston
255, 11488-24 Street SE
Calgary, AB, T2Z 4C9
Phone: (403) 215-4380
Fax: (403) 215-4383
Email: calgary.hays@assembly.ab.ca

Trustee Carol Bazinet
1221- 8 Street S.W.
Calgary AB T2R 0L4
Phone: 403-817-7930
Fax: 403-294-8282
E-mail: cabazinet@cbe.ab.ca

Family Dance Reminder

Thanks to your support, this year's Family Dance is sold out!

Unfortunately, due to the capacity of the gym, tickets were limited and sold
on a first come first serve basis.   If you are unable to attend, and have tickets, please contact fundraising@mtsparents.com and let them know so another family on the waitlist can take your place.

There is a large number of Auction items up for bidding this year so please bring your cash or check to get in on the fun.  Click here to see some of the many items up for grabs.

Recap Of Meetings

January 23, 2012 was the first meeting for MT School Council and Parent Council.  This meeting was packed with updates and new ideas for MTS.  Jane Rogerson - Area V Rep; Carol Bazinet - Board Trustee; Brent Hughes - CBE and Ingrid Schmidt - CBE Senior Planner were in attendance to talk about capacity concerns at the school and to provide an update with respect to the west side relocatables.  A great deal of information was shared and the school council will be putting out additional information and a call to action for parents in the coming days.

Ms. Janet Purdy and Ms. Rachel Anderson discussed what they are doing in their classrooms to help students learn and problem solve. 

Dr. Slater and Mr. Murphy briefed us on their Feb 6-15 Random Acts Of Kindness initiative to help students learn about caring for others.  Check out February's Newsletter to find out more about it.

At the Parent Council Meeting we discussed casino spending and a decision was made to support the Trickster Theatre Company residency in 2013 pending approval from Alberta Gaming.  We will continue to discuss spending decisions, including music and technology spending priorities at our February meeting.

We are still in need of a Volunteer Coordinator.  If you are interested please contact vicechair@mtsparents.com.  Fun Lunches will be held on the last Thursday of every month.  Some upcoming fundraisers/family events include Coco Brooks pizza and the Family Valentine Dance. If you would like to volunteer for either event please contact Amy at Fundraising@mtsparents.com

Our Next meeting will be held February 27, 2012.

MTS Meeting Reminder at 6:30 & 8pm on Monday, January 23rd

Monday marks the first School Council and Parent Association meetings of 2012.  Attached (below), you will find the proposed agendas for both meetings.  We have extended the duration of the meetings for this month, as there are some critical issues that require discussion.  Two particular areas are outlined below.

In addition to regular business, during the School Council meeting we will have special guests Trustee Carol Bazinet, Brent Hughes and another representative from the CBE's planning department, as well as our Area Director, Jane Rogerson.  As some of you may know, there were concerns raised last year about sufficient space in the school for all classes for this school year.  We were happy to receive the announcement in June 2011 of the four relocatables currently in the process of installation.  Our guests will be providing an update with respect to those relocatables.  We have also asked for some information regarding the process involved in receiving additional relocatables in future.  As our school population continues to increase, the potential need for additional relocatables exists.  We are hoping to understand what our needs may be for the next school year and what, if anything, we as parents can and should be doing to ensure our children have the appropriate space in which to learn.

In the Parent Association meeting, we will hear updates from the various committees regarding events and activities.   We have also set aside time to have a discussion regarding spending of casino funds.  This discussion began at our last meeting in November, with some spending proposals outlined.  We anticipate the opportunity to discuss the details of the proposals and make some decisions about spending for the remainder of this school year as well as for the 2012-2013 school year.  These discussions and decisions are incredibly important as they affect all students in the school.  Included in MTSPA Agenda is the proposed plan as presented in November.   If you would like to have input, comment on or have a better understanding of the details regarding the proposed plan, we strongly encourage you to attend Monday's meeting.

The School Council meeting begins at 6:30 pm on Monday in the staff room.  All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.


Links:
MTSC Agenda
MTSPA Agenda and Casino Spending Proposal

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Sean Tyson

Chair - MTSPA | chair@MTSParents.com