Dear Vincent Massey School community, 

This past week, students took the time to learn on the land, with many classes visiting White Oak Park on Spruce Drive.  This park contains interpretive information on the Indigenous history of this part of Calgary, known as Inniiwaa'iitainniksissta'poohpi (where the buffalo run down the hill).  You can find more about events and learning opportunities associated with Truth and Reconciliation Day (Saturday, September 30) on the main CBE website here. 

I also wanted to add a few words on homework. Junior high students can expect 30-60 minutes of homework per night across all classes. The purpose of homework is to practice and reinforce concepts covered in the classroom. From time to time, students might also be asked to complete a task that complements or supports learning in the classroom, such as having a discussion with a trusted adult or making observations in the community. While students should expect quizzes and tests to reflect the homework content, they should not be directly marked on homework – this ensures the fairness and accuracy of assessment information. Regular homework routines will support your child's learning, improve their understanding of the curriculum, and help prepare them for high school success.

The weekly updates are below. Parents of Grade 8 and 9 students, please take note of the West Coast Sailing trip interest meeting, which will determine whether we are offering this opportunity this year.  The meeting will be held immediately before our school council meeting on Wednesday, October 4.  Please come out and support the council and consider helping out with one of the key roles that need to be filled. 

Sincerely,

David Pugh

Principal 

  

Massey Mastery 

Need some extra help with assignments or homework? Massey Mastery is here for you! 

In the Learning Commons on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 8:15-8:50am & 4:00-4:45pm (for morning sessions, please come in the doors by the North Parking Lot) 

Teachers will be on hand to help you out and answer any questions 

Terry Fox Run 

Vincent Massey School is pleased announce we will once again be hosting our annual Terry Fox Run on Friday, October 6.  

Our run will follow the same course as last year, taking place on our back field. The course is approximately 1 kilometer in length and students will be encouraged to complete the course ten times for a total of 10 km. Teachers, volunteers and supervisors will be on hand to supervise and assist students along the way. We are encouraging all participants to bring a water bottle to the run, as there will be a water/refreshments station during the route for all participants to fill up water bottles.  We also invite you to participate by walking, jogging or by cheering for your children as they complete their runs! 

For Terry Fox Information please go to our school website or https://schools.terryfox.ca/30206 

We appreciate the involvement of the entire school community for such a great event. If you have any questions in regards to this year’s Terry Fox, please contact Mr. Rustemeyer. 

In the last two years, Vincent Massey has been ranked #1 & #3 in Western Canada, raising an average over $22,000 per year!  We just might be fortunate enough to get over the $300,000 mark total in the past 15 years! What an incredible feat that will be! We hope to count on your support. Let’s keep Terry’s dream to find a cure for cancer alive. 

Outdoor Leadership Grade 8 Skills 

Attention Grade 8 Students. If you have not handed in your Skills Camp Permission form to Mr. Rustemeyer please do so by Monday, October 2nd.  There are still spots open for the October 5 Outdoor Leadership Skills Camp 

Grade 8 & 9 Sailing Trip 

We are currently planning a student educational trip to Sidney, BC and the Salish Sea. The dates for this trip will be Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15, 2024 inclusive. We are working with S.E.A. Programs Inc/Duen Sailing Adventures on Vancouver Island.   

The sailing trip offers experiential learning opportunities aboard a classic sea vessel. Here students will learn to work as part of a team (crew) as they engage in basic sailing techniques and procedures as well as living together in ship’s quarters. Marine biology, ecology, and oceanography as well as history about the Gulf Islands and BC coast are integrated into active days that include hikes, kayaking, and excursions. 

An expression of interest meeting will be held Wednesday, Oct 4 from 6-7 pm at the Learning Commons in Vincent Massey. Students who are eligible to participate are in Grade 8 or 9, with Grade 9s taking precedence should we exceed the maximum amount of participants. 

School Council 

The Annual General Meeting will be held in the Learning Commons on Wednesday, October 4, beginning at 7pm. All parents and guardians are automatically members of the school council. We have several key roles to fill and need your support. 

Cross-Country Running 

Congratulations to the Vincent Massey Cross-Country Team for an excellent season! The runners took part in three meets this month competing against numerous schools in the South Division. Well done, Team!  Special mention to Sky in grade 9 and Hudson in grade 7 who each had two top-ten finishes! 

Other Sports

Our soccer teams are on a roll with strong victories again this week!  As a result, this will be a bye week, with semi-finals on October 9/10 and (hopefully) finals on October 11/12. Basketball starts this week with away games for the boys on October 4 and the girls on October 5.  Our first home games will be the following week. 

Beginner Band Clinic 

Tuesday, October 3, 4:00-5:30pm 

All Grade 7 band students and grade 8/9 beginners are expected to attend. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Morawski.