Dear families of Fish Creek School,

This week, our Grade 6 students went to outdoor school at Camp Chief Hector. Their days were filled with outdoor activities and learning experiences that cannot be replicated in a conventional classroom environment. Evenings included songs and skits around a campfire. The students slept on bunkbeds in yurts, the recent replacements for the aging tipis. They returned on Thursday, tired and ready for the comforts of home.

Developing Independence: Getting Ready for Adventures

Some students express concern about what they are going to encounter at outdoor school. The best way to help students get ready is to start early with some experiences that will help develop independence and comfort with the outdoors.

• For sleeping arrangements, you might want to try setting up a tent in your own backyard and camping out together for a night. If the weather is uncooperative or you don’t have a tent that can accommodate everyone, a living room campout can still be a fun introduction. Put away the tech, turn out the lights, break out a battery-powered lantern and play some of your favourite games on the floor before going to sleep.
• For outdoor excursions, think about adding degrees of difficulty to outdoor walks and hikes. Fish Creek Park is an excellent place to start. A map like this is an excellent tool for helping children plan a trip and get a sense of how it feels to walk different distances. You can even bring some supplies so they can practice making their own sandwiches in the field

Air Quality and Smoke

As we enter into wildfire season, we know that air quality can quickly change as smoke blows in and out of the city. Schools the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to plan changes to regular school programming. As the AQHI increases, programming changes might include more rest breaks outside, shorter periods of strenuous activity, or even indoor recess and lunch if necessary.

Fitset Ninja

For three days next week, Fish Creek School will be visited by Fitset Ninja. They will take up residence at our school and bring new physical challenges to our students. These activities and obstacle challenges will encourage students to develop teamwork and collaboration skills in a fun and safe environment.

This residency is being funded by the Fish Creek School Council. We would like to thank them for their hard work helping bring experiences like this to our students. Moreover, we would like to thank all of the families that have generously supported their fundraising efforts, making events like this possible.

Drop Off / Pick up Area

If you have used our drop off/pick up zone recently, you will have noticed our signs reminding drivers to ‘Hug and Go’, and ‘No Parking.' Thank you! So many of our parents are now using this zone and quickly moving on. We have seen a noticeable decrease in traffic on Suncastle Drive because of your efforts and we appreciate everyone doing their best to make this area a convenient drive through, especially at the beginning of the school day.

Planning for Sports Day

We have begun our planning for Sports Day, which will occur on Friday, May 31. We will be setting up approximately 24 stations for all of our students to experience. What we need is our wonderful volunteers to run many of the stations. If you are a cleared volunteer and can join us in making this day fantastic for our students, please sign up for sports day!

In-Class Snacks

Some teachers allow students to have snacks during class time. It has been our experience that healthy snacks are the best choice. We recommend snacks like fresh fruit and vegetables. We discourage pop and chips.

FCS Celebration of Musical Learning

On May 30, we will be hosting a celebration of musical learning.

Fish Creek School Store

You can access the online Fish Creek School store. You can find official Fish Creek School gear such as t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and bags. The Fish Creek School Council receives a portion of the proceeds. Show your school spirit and support our School Council at the same time!

Important Dates

• Tuesday, May 21 - School Council and Parent Association meeting
• • Staffroom at 7:00 PM
• Tuesday - Thursday, 21 to 23 May: Fitset Ninja residency
• Thursday, May 30 - FCS Celebration of Musical Learning
• Friday, May 31 - Sports Day!
• Friday, June 7 - Welcome to Kindergarten

Sincerely,