Dear TMC Titan Students, Parents and Guardians,

Happy Monday and so glad we are moving into a week of much better weather! Just a reminder that it looks like students will be going outside for Nutrition and Lunch Break this week as it will be warm enough. Please remind them to dress for the weather so they are prepared, as we all know how quick the weather can change in Calgary…

Titan Leadership Summits – Friday January 19, 2024 - Respectful and Appropriate Language at School

One of the strategies I have come up with in order to be able to work with all of our Titan students, develop a positive school culture, and support students in not only understanding expectations but also in knowing what to do if they or someone they know are struggling, is meeting with each grade level during our Titan Leadership Summits.

On Friday, we discussed what is meant by “respectful and appropriate language.” I reviewed the pertinent parts of the CBE Student Code of Conduct that states that all of us must engage in conduct that contributes to a Welcoming, Caring, Respectful, and Safe learning environment for everyone here at the school. We also discussed that some name calling, swearing, racist language, LGBTQ2S+ slurs are all inappropriate language and will not be accepted in our school. There is also a phrase going around with the older students in Grades 8 and 9 that I have had to deal with about 10 times. The phrase is so inappropriate and horrible, that I have asked them to never use again. It is texted as KYS or is said as “kill yourself,” and is just never acceptable. I shared that no one has the right to say that phrase to anyone else, ever.

We discussed the concept of empathy and putting yourself in other people's shoes, and that "I was only joking" and "But they are my friend" are not acceptable excuses for saying horribly negative things. Lastly, we spoke about supports such as Kids Help Phone, Mrs. Gillis, myself, teachers, parents, and friends that could help them if they are struggling.
https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Bell Let’s Talk Mental Health Day

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 is Bell Let's Talk Day in Canada. Help our students build critical mental health skills to support themselves and others. On January 24 and every day throughout the year, we can all take meaningful action to create change. The 2024 theme of “Let's create real change” asks everyone to play a role and provides practical examples of ways to create change in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Here are some actions we can all take:

• Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support
• Help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them
• Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health
• Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies
• Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health
• Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma

Grade 8 Sailing Trip Kernels Fundraiser

Grade 8 students have been given the opportunity to participate in the SEA Program.  With 29 spots available, and 29 student applications - all interested students were able to participate this year.

The students will fly to the West Coast where they will embark on a 5-day journey through the Gulf Islands.  They will be split between two sailboats where they will become an active and participating crew member.  During this time, they will learn how to sail and navigate through the waters, participate in all crew duties, learn about the surrounding ecosystems and have hands-on marine biology lessons.

To help with the financial obligation, there will be a Kernels Popcorn Fundraiser on April 18, 2024.  Popcorn can be purchased through your Healthy Hunger account and will be distributed to the students prior to lunch.  Orders can be placed now up until April 12.  Snack bags are $3.50 each and available in Butter Salt, Dill Pickle, White Cheddar, Salt and Vinegar, Low Fat Caramel, and Cheddar.

We appreciate your support! (Yum! ~Mr. R!)

Family Literacy Week

Each January, families, schools, libraries and communities across BC celebrate Family Literacy Week.

It’s about families learning together through daily activities. Across Canada, we celebrate Family Literacy Week from January 21 to 28, 2024, and Canada’s Family Literacy Day is on annually on Saturday January 27, 2024.

The CBE Literacy & Early Learning Team is celebrating Family Literacy Day by sharing out a week's worth of information and activities to support literacy development at home and at school.

Pink Shirt Day - February 28, 2024

This year TMC has partnered with Choose Kind YYC for Pink Shirt Day. Since 2017, Choose Kind YYC has been supplying Pink Shirts, with all proceeds supporting Youth Mental Health Programs and Initiatives at the Alberta Children's Hospital. 

“Choose Kind YYC is a group of parent volunteers based in Calgary, with a strong desire to spread the message of kindness. Our mission is to raise awareness and support for child and adolescent mental health initiatives at the Alberta Children's Hospital, through the sales of BE KIND Shirts for Pink Shirt Day. More information about programming and supports Youth Mental Health can be found at https://www.buildthemup.ca/.”

To order your Pink Shirt attire, please visit our TMC Spirit Wear site at tmcspiritwear.ca.

Thanks,
Tracy, School Council Spirit Wear Coordinator (and amazing volunteer! ~D)

TMC Open House on February 1, 2024, from 6:00 to 6:45 pm at TMC School

As has been shared, for 2024-25 TMC School is welcoming Grade 6 to 9 regular program students residing in the community of Scenic Acres. This has been sent out to those families, but if you know someone new to Tuscany or who is looking at TMC for next year, they are welcome to join us as well.

Twelve Mile Coulee School will be hosting a TMC Open House on February 1, 2024, from 6:00 to 6:45 pm for incoming Grade 5 Scenic Acres School and other Arbour Lake School students and parents. This will be in-person and then we will have some opportunities for them to move to see the classrooms, some of the teachers, the Band/Music Room, the CTF Foods Lab, the CTF Construction Lab, the Main and Auxiliary Gyms, the Learning Commons, etc. If you are unable to make it in person, I will also set up a Teams meeting so that you can join online if you are unable to join us in person and will send that link out at a later date.

Educationally yours,
Mr. R J