Dear Vincent Massey families, 

 

While students are not in classes today, the staff are busy with a variety of professional development activities. These include enhanced math supports, first aid recertification, specific training which supports foods, drama, art, and construction classes, as well as various other opportunities. We’re also continuing to work on report cards and IPPs. 

 

Semester 2 started on Wednesday, and students have had their first class in their new complementary courses. Due to the need to balance class sizes, we are not accepting general requests for course changes. If there are exceptional circumstances, or if a student has been inadvertently enrolled in a repeat course, they should come to the office this week during the affected period.  

 

This coming Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30pm, we will be holding our monthly school council meeting. This month's meeting will include our 2026 School Planning Engagement presentation. The purpose of this engagement is to share information about school planning and gather feedback to be considered in making future planning decisions. Earlier today and related to this work, parents/guardians of Grade 7 students should have received an email from the CBE regarding Alberta Education's annual survey. Please take the time to provide this important feedback on our work supporting your child's learning and well-being.

 

Grade 9 students had the opportunity to visit their designated high schools this week. Based on my conversations with some of the kids, they are very excited about what’s waiting for them in September. While we work through course selections, we are reminding all students to stay focused on their day-to-day school work to be best prepared for high school learning. 

 

Outdoor Education teacher Court Rustemeyer, whose recent Antarctica adventure has been shared in previous messages, would like to invite interested community members to an evening presentation on his trip. This presentation will be given on February 18 at 7pm at Vincent Massey School. Please register using this Eventbrite link. The event is free, but attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Calgary Food Bank. Registration ensures that there is sufficient seating, so please don't show up without a registration confirmation. 
 

Volleyball season is well underway and I’ve seen some exciting games over the last two weeks. Jen, Meghann, and I are pleased to support Vincent Massey students attending home games with or without a parent. However, as with the basketball season, students attending away games must be accompanied by their parent or guardian.

 

Here are the upcoming events for the next three weeks: 

 

  • February 4 
    • Junior Girls Volleyball @ Bishop Pinkham, our matches at 6:30 and 7:30 
    • Senior Girls Volleyball @ Griffith Woods, our matches at 4:30 and 5:30 
    • School Council and Parent Association Meetings, 6:30 in the Learning Commons 
  • February 5 
    • Lockdown Drill 
    • Grade 8 Outdoor Education Snowshoeing trip 
  • February 10 
    • Junior Boys Volleyball @ William D Pratt, our matches at 4:30 and 5:30 
    • Grade 9 Outdoor Education cross-country skiing 
  • February 12 and 13 - Teacher’s Convention, no school for students, school office closed 
  • February 16 - Family Day, statutory holiday, no school 
  • February 18 
    • Grade 7 Band Festival (AM) 
    • Jazz Band Festival (PM) 
    • Junior Girls Volleyball @ Bishop Pinkham, our matches at 5:30 and 6:30 
    • Senior Girls Volleyball @ West Ridge, our matches at 6:30 and 7:30 
    • Antarctica Presentation, 7pm in south gym 
  • February 19 
    • Grade 8 Band Festival (AM) 
    • Grade 7 Outdoor Education snowshoeing 
    • Junior Boys Volleyball @ A.E. Cross, our matches at 4:30 and 5:30 
    • Senior Boys Volleyball @ Vincent Massey, our matches at 4:30 and 7:30 
  • February 20  
    • Grade 9 Band Festival (AM) 

 

Best wishes,

David Pugh

Principal