Good afternoon Ian Bazalgette Community,

Last week we had most but not all of our students return to classes on Thursday, Aug. 29. We anticipate having all of our students tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 3. Please ensure you review start-up reminders and the first School Newsletter of the 2024-2025 School Year.

​Start-Up Reminder

We do not have another homeroom class this week. Homeroom classes occurred last week. Homeroom lists will still stay up for the next three days so that students that were not in attendance last week can pick-up their timetables from their homeroom teacher:

  • Grade 7 Homeroom lists are located outside of the main gym.
  • Grade 8 Homeroom lists are located in the Bistro.
  • Grade 9 Homeroom lists are located at entry doors 3 and 4. 

We will be following a Tuesday schedule tomorrow.

Please note our start and end times for this school year.

  • Classes begin at 8:00 AM every day.
  • Monday through Thursday, classes end at 2:32 PM.
  • On Friday, classes end at 12:16 PM.

Personal Mobile Device & Social Media Use in Schools

As you may have already heard, CBE is implementing restrictions on Personal Mobile Device & Social Media Use in Schools effective Aug. 29. This policy will comply with the Ministerial Order provided by the Government of Alberta this past June based on survey feedback provided by families.

CBE cares about the mental health and well-being of students. Restricting access to personal mobile devices and social media is expected to improve student achievement and learning outcomes. CBE strongly recommends students simply leave their devices at home, because in most cases, personal mobile devices are not needed to support student learning.

For students in kindergarten to Grade 9, CBE will use ‘away for the day’ guidelines similar to what many schools have been using in recent years.  Personal mobile devices brought to school including cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, laptops, smart watches, Bluetooth speakers/headphones or any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet must be powered off or set in silent mode and stored out of sight in student lockers, backpacks or other designated area for the duration of the school day.

If a student is found to be using a personal mobile device in class without permission from the teacher, the CBE will work with the student to ensure the rules are understood. We rely on good communication and other existing processes to ensure students know what is expected. When necessary, schools will use a progressive student discipline approach in working with students.

These new rules will apply to all students, with exceptions for students using devices for health and medical needs, to support specialized learning needs and for educational purposes.

For students who require access to a personal mobile device for health and medical needs, it is advised that parents complete and submit a Student Health Plan as soon as possible or contact Mrs. Tanya Miller in student services.

For students who require access to a personal mobile device to support an identified educational need, families should contact the school to discuss this being included as an accommodation or support in the student’s individual program plan (IPP).

For English as an Additional Language Learners who require access to a personal mobile device, a new PMD Exception form will be approved by School Administration in conversation with parents/guardians. 

Also, aligned with the Ministerial Order, the CBE will restrict student access to all known social media platforms on the CBE network.

This policy will be in place for the first day of school. However, it is set to be reviewed in December, 2024. At that time, any feedback from schools will be considered before the Administrative Regulation is finalized as of Jan. 1, 2025.

Thank you for helping us to make this transition successful. For further resources, please view additional information on our website.

New Portable

Throughout the province cities and schools are experiencing unprecedented population growth. This has meant expanding schools through portable modular classrooms. At Ian Bazalgette, we are currently finishing the installation of an additional modular classroom (portable). Students will notice that there is protective fencing around the work being done. Please remind students that they are not to climb on such fencing.

City of Calgary Transportation Notice

City of Calgary is notifying Ian Bazalgette Junior High School of upcoming construction in front of your school. 

As part of the Various Street Improvements program, The City identified crossing and intersection improvements along 26 Ave S.E. at 39 St S.E. as a priority this year. We work closely with our contractor, ALSA Road Construction, to ensure timely completion of projects. 

The project is scheduled to begin work September 4, and we anticipate completing it with minimal impacts to the surrounding properties by working during non-peak hours, which typically range from 9 AM to 3 PM. 

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to improve Calgary’s infrastructure and make our city a better place to live, learn and work.  

For information on upcoming Various Street Improvements in your community, please visit calgary.ca/improvements. 

Video Surveillance Upgrade

Under the Education Act the CBE has an obligation to:

  • Create welcoming, caring, safe and respectful learning environment;
  • Protect and maintain school assets;
  • Comply with FOIP and all applicable laws;
  • Carefully ensure an appropriate balance is achieved with respect to supporting security infrastructure and practices and minimizing the impact on privacy.

Our school had a legacy Video Surveillance Technology (VST) that was at end-of-life. The CBE refreshed the security camera system with a modernized solution. At the first School Council meeting of the school year, more information will be provided and an opportunity for feedback.

Important Dates

School Dates

September 20

  • Terry Fox Run

September 19

  • Student Photo Day

September 26

  • Meet the Teacher Evening

September 26

  • Orange Shirt Day

September 30

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

School Council Dates

  • Sept. 16, 2023

*Important Notice* We need to elect for School Chair & School Treasurer

Notes from Administration

Please continue to monitor your health this fall. Do not come to school if you are ill.

Attendance

When reporting student attendance issues, including lates, absences and leave early, please call the Attendance Line at 403- 777-7360 and press extension 1. Remember to spell the last name of the student and leave the reason for the absence, late or leave early.

Administration & Student Services

At Ian Bazalgette school, we have many resources to ensure that your student is supported for best success.

Steven Pike, Principal smpike@cbe.ab.ca

Sarah Kornelson, Assistant Principal sfkornelson@cbe.ab.ca

Tanya Miller, Student Services talmiller@cbe.ab.ca

Tammy Johnston, Indigenous Education Support tacjohnston@cbe.ab.ca

Busing & Transportation

Fall Transportation News Schools do not plan or run transportation. It is centralized through our main board office. Learn more!

Bus Route and Stops

School bus stops and the route are posted in MyCBE when your registration has been processed.

2024-2025 Transportation Registration

Ongoing Register for Transportation in MyCBE CBE Transportation continues to accept registration after the deadline; however, students are added to the closest existing stop with available space. Processing times could be up to four weeks at the beginning of the school year due to volume. Families are responsible for transportation until their registration is confirmed.

Eligibility

General

General transportation (big yellow school bus) is available to students who:

  • Attend their designated school, and
  • Live beyond the school walk zone, and Ian Bazalgette 2024
  • Are assigned to general transportation as their mode All high school students and some Grade 6 to 9 students are designated to Calgary Transit.

For the purpose of transportation, only the student’s primary address in our student information system will be used to establish eligibility.

Specialized Specialized transportation (small yellow school bus) is available to students who:

  • Attend their designated school for their specialized program, system class, or unique setting, and
  • Are assigned to specialized transportation as their mode; or
  • Students with mobility challenges who have been assigned to specialized transportation Many students from Grade 7 to 12 who are in specialized programs are designated to Calgary Transit

Personal Mobile Device & Social Media Use in Schools

As you may have already heard, CBE is implementing restrictions on Personal Mobile Device & Social Media Use in Schools effective Aug. 29. This policy will comply with the Ministerial Order provided by the Government of Alberta this past June based on survey feedback provided by families.

CBE cares about the mental health and well-being of students. Restricting access to personal mobile devices and social media is expected to improve student achievement and learning outcomes. CBE strongly recommends students simply leave their devices at home, because in most cases, personal mobile devices are not needed to support student learning.

For students in kindergarten to Grade 9, CBE will use ‘away for the day’ guidelines similar to what many schools have been using in recent years. Personal mobile devices brought to school including cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, laptops, smart watches, Bluetooth speakers/headphones or any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet must be powered off or set in silent mode and stored out of sight in student lockers, backpacks or other designated area for the duration of the school day. If a student is found to be using a personal mobile device in class without permission from the teacher, the CBE will work with the student to ensure the rules are understood. We rely on good communication and other existing processes to ensure students know what is expected.

When necessary, schools will use a progressive student discipline approach in working with students. These new rules will apply to all students, with exceptions for students using devices for health and medical needs, to support specialized learning needs and for educational purposes.

For students who require access to a personal mobile device for health and medical needs, it is advised that parents complete and submit a Student Health Plan as soon as possible or contact Mrs. Tanya Miller in student services.

For students who require access to a personal mobile device to support an identified educational need, families should contact the school to discuss this being included as an accommodation or support in the student’s individual program plan (IPP). For English as an Additional Language Learners who require access to a personal mobile device, a new PMD Exception form will be approved by School Administration in conversation with parents/guardians. Also, aligned with the Ministerial Order, the CBE will restrict student access to all known social media platforms on the CBE network. This policy will be in place for the first day of school. However, it is set to be reviewed in December, 2024. At that time, any feedback from schools will be considered before the Administrative Regulation is finalized as of Jan. 1, 2025. Thank you for helping us to make this transition successful. For further resources, please view additional information on our website.

Lockers

Lockers will be distributed in a staggered manner through grade groupings throughout the month of September. At the time locks are distributed, we will spend some time learning how to open a combination lock-since this may be new to many students because of the period without locks during the Covid restrictions.

Ian Bazalgette Staff acknowledges and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action

Our actions will include but are not limited to the following:

  • We will offer a locally developed course for all students that focusses on understanding and learning about the cultures and ways of our Indigenous people. Details to come soon.
  • We will continue to use authentic resources such as knowledge keepers, Indigenous artefacts and learning from the land to assist in understanding stories that are essential in moving the reconciliation process forward.
  • We will continue to offer professional development for staff and involve them in the conversation as we know the work is not only that of teachers, but the entire learning community.
  • We will continue to have student voice present in the school, and it will be visible where we can all appreciate the varied and enriching stories, we all bring to learning.
    We commit to making relatives, honouring Indigenous Knowledges, and deepening our connections to land and place through the spirit of the drum.

On Smudging

Historically, students and staff at Ian Bazalgette have had opportunities to smudge in Room 205 before classes. Smudging is a traditional practice that consists of a smoke bath that is used to symbolically cleanse a space, article, or person. It might be used to practice gratitude and/or guide intentions for the day. The burning of various medicine plants to make a smudge or cleansing smoke is used by most Indigenous North American peoples. The most common medicines used in a smudge are sweet grass and sage, which will be used at Ian Bazalgette. Participation in smudging is optional.

P.E.

The Physical Education team is excited to welcome back students to Ian Bazalgette School for the new 2024-25 school year. Leading into next week, all Physical Education classes will focus on developing necessary routines and expectations for all students to set each individual up for success. Physical Education classes will be held primarily outdoors until the colder months approach. Each class will look to emphasize skill development, participation, cooperation, and active living for life through various activities such as basketball, soccer, cricket and low organized games.

School Athletics

Outside of Physical Education class students will have the opportunity to tryout for our Fall Sports, including cross country, soccer, basketball, and wrestling. Try-outs may begin as early as this week.

School Intramurals

Our lunchtime intramural program will be up and running the week of September 16, 2024, starting off with organized basketball. Students will be able to sign up outside the gymnasium this week. The Physical Education team is also providing open gym time in the morning starting at 7:30 AM and ending at 7:55 AM. Students are more than welcome to come and borrow a piece of equipment to play with during this time. We provide many opportunities to get active!

School Council

One of the most important ways you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Ian Bazalgette School students is by participating on our school council. By connecting our students, schools, and community, we can work together to support and enhance student learning. Meetings occur once a month on a Tuesday evening at 5:45 pm. Moreover, the meetings are most often in-person with an online link being offered to those that cannot make it to the in-person meeting. If you are interested in being a member of the school council, please email smpike@cbe.ab.ca

  • First School Council Date - Sept. 16, 2024

Student Photos

Our photography partners at Lifetouch will be taking student photos and student ID on Thursday, September 19, 2024. Students will be called down to the Main Gymnasium by grade homeroom designations (ex. 7-1, 7-2). Ordering information to be shared soon.

What's Happening In?

Research on best adolescent learning has shown importance must be given to creating curricular learning tasks that bring independent ideas and facts together under larger unified concepts - showing how what we learn applies to the world.

This year, we will be trisecting the year under three conceptual lenses, using Niitsitapi values (Blackfoot Nation; Piikani, Kainai, Siksika) as guiding thoughts. These big ideas include being aware of the environment though observation, that our universe often contains balance, and that we should aim to transfer what we know to others.

1. Kakyosin | Be aware of your environment; be observant

2. Aoahkannaistokawa | Everything comes in pairs (balance)

3. Pommotsiiysinni | To transfer something to others

Grade 7

ELA

In English Language Arts Grade 7 there is an emphasis on developing students’ reading and writing skills and honing these skills using a Daily Five framework to investigate various texts related to character analysis. The Daily Five framework will also guide the literacy block daily. This is to ensure students spend quality time engaging in reading, reflective writing, listening, and engaging in word work lessons. Students will also apply knowledge of phonics, sight vocabulary, structural analysis, language, or context clues when reading familiar texts. There will also be a focus on Exposition Writing this term.

Science

  • Review of crucial concepts from grade 6.
  • Diagnostic assessments to ascertain students’ strengths and areas of growth.

Math

  • Review of crucial concepts from grade 6.
  • Diagnostic assessments to ascertain students’ strengths and areas of growth.

Social Studies

  • Teachers and other support staff will utilize a variety of formative and summative assessment tools to guide students through the process of achievement of mandated outcomes. Driving assessment will be a pedagogy of inquiry (questioning) that diminishes an ‘answering pedagogy’. The latter expects students to simply engage in a ‘narrow sense of recall’, in other words to produce just enough knowledge to produce answers for a grade on assignments. Utilizing project-based learning in some curricula areas, our students will expand on their previous knowledge and through a sense of discovery, engage in finding a variety of answers to big questions through research skills, higher order thinking, asking questions themselves, sharing of ideas and problem-solving activities.
  • Students in grade 7 Social Studies will begin their year through Socratic discussion of current events, followed by basic diagnostic assessments to ascertain students’ strengths and areas of growth.

Grade 8

ELA

  • Visual journal reflection about their upcoming school year
  • Whole class screening assessments for reading comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary.
  • Introduce reading routines!

Science

  • Exploration of air pressure, thrust, and acceleration.
  • Pop bottle rocket projects.

Math

  • Grade 8/9 math students will be engaging in some review of crucial math concepts to begin applying them to new curricular outcomes.
  • Grade 8s will be focussing on furthering their understanding of integer operations, while the grade 9s will be exploring rational numbers. Assessments to evaluate understanding of mathematical concepts (MIPI)
  • Rational numbers

Social Studies

  • Teachers and other support staff will utilize a variety of formative and summative assessment tools to guide students through the process of achievement of mandated outcomes. Driving assessment will be a pedagogy of inquiry (questioning) that diminishes an ‘answering pedagogy’. The latter expects students to simply engage in a ‘narrow sense of recall’, in other words to produce just enough knowledge to produce answers for a grade on assignments. Utilizing project-based learning in some curricula areas, our students will expand on their previous knowledge and through a sense of discovery, engage in finding a variety of answers to big questions through research skills, higher order thinking, asking questions themselves, sharing of ideas and problem-solving activities.
  • Students in grade 9 Social Studies will begin their year developing their research and communication skills, delving into current events here in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and globally. They will practice discussing their findings and debating their opinions on complex topics. This will support their future work in learning about federal government policies in Canada, as well as discussions about the Canadian economy.

Steven Pike

Principal

Ian Bazalgette Junior High School