Student Services Update

WiseGuyz

MidSun and WiseGuyz have partnered up again this year.  Wiseguyz is a weekly program for Grade 9 boys that addresses the following topics: human rights, sexual health, gender and positive relationships.  It has been a great way to connect boys from diverse backgrounds and we look forward to working with the WiseGuyz team again this year.

GSA at MidSun

MidSun’s official start date for this year is Tuesday, November 3 at lunch.

What is a GSA?

A GSA is a school-based group run by students and supported by teachers that works to create safe, caring and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ students and their allies.

All students are welcome as we spread the words of kindness, acceptance and diversity throughout MidSun.

Natalie Norcross

Learning Leader, Student Services
MidSun School

Message from Mme. Ryall - French 8 Field Trip

Cuisine et Chateau Interactive Culinary Centre Field Trip forms were sent home today with Grade 8 French students.

See D2L for more info.

Forms due back Thursday November 5, first come first served.

Grade 9 Update from Midsun

Grade 9 students are off to a busy start!  They are involved in studying politics, chemistry and exponents.  Students are also proudly representing Midsun through their athletic and extra-curricular involvement.   As we prepare our students for future plans and high school study there are some upcoming events we encourage them to participate in.

Take Our Kids to Work Day

November 4, 2015

Take Our Kids to Work Day (TOKWD) is an annual event sponsored by the Learning Partnership that encourages grade 9 students to spend a day with their parent/guardian/family friend at their worksite.  It is an opportunity for students to develop an appreciation for the importance of staying in school, gaining exposure to skills required in today’s workplace, developing an appreciation for parents’ roles in making a living, and exploring career options in a practical way.  This is not a CBE sponsored event but we strongly encourage all our grade 9 students to attend.  Forms have been sent home with students and if they are attending, the form must be returned to their teacher ASAP.  Please note: the letter and form are available from the D2L shells of grade 9 core teachers.

Centennial High School Open House
November 19, 2015  7-9pm

Centennial High School, our feeder school, will be holding an open house from 7-9pm on November 19.  This is an opportunity for Midsun students to explore Centennial, meet staff and hear about courses, options, the Advance Placement Program (AP) and the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).  Students are encouraged to attend and see what Centennial has to offer!  Please note, if a student is considering attending a different high school, they should meet with Ms. Norcross to discuss.  Open houses will be scheduled throughout November and December at all Calgary high schools and families are encouraged to check the school websites for information on these events.

If you have any questions or concerns related to grade 9, please contact Mrs. Kaiser, grade 9 Learning Leader, via email (mekaiser@cbe.ab.ca) or phone (403-777-6430 x3045).

Picture Retake Day

PICTURE RETAKE DAY   Wednesday, October 28th

 IF A RETAKE IS REQUIRED, PLEASE RETURN YOUR ORIGINAL PROOF ORDER FORM 

TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER. STUDENTS NEW TO MIDSUN SCHOOL OR STUDENTS THAT MISSED ORIGINAL PHOTO DAY ARE INVITED TO HAVE THEIR PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN TO  BE INCLUDED IN THE YEARBOOK.

Please contact Lifetouch if you have questions regarding proof order forms and picture packages.

Lifetouch Canada Inc. - 1.866.457.8212

Parent Teacher Interview Update

We are looking forward to next week’s Parent/Student/Teacher interviews which take place on Tuesday October 27 from 5:30-8PM, Thursday October 29 from 5:30-8:00 PM and Friday October 30 from 9 AM – Noon.  Please make sure to book through our new on line system. Our school will be following a Friday schedule with short days on Tuesday and Thursday and of course, there will be no school on Friday for students.

Our school will be emphasising the importance of reading comprehension and encouraging a home reading program this year.  It is important for teachers and parents to help children select appropriate reading materials that engage them as readers.  A good book is a treasure!  To help support our library and get good books in the hands of children we are hosting a book fair over our interview period.  Plan to come early or stay around a bit longer to shop for some great teen novels.

We will also be raising funds for school programs by asking parents to bring their empty bottles to school during interviews and drop them off in the REVERSE BOTTLE DRIVE truck in our parking lot.  This is a great and easy way to support the school.  Please plan to drop off your bottles and help the school on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday next week.

See you at our conferences!
Veronica Saretsky
MidSun Principal

MidSun Wrestling Schedule 2015

What's happening in Math/Science?

October at Midsun

With October in full swing, and students settling into their classes, now is the time to set up good learning habits that will help our students be successful all year long. There are lots of things that students and parents can be doing at home to help facilitate the learning that is happening in the classroom!
Take a look below for some great learning opportunities that students can engage in outside of class time:

1)     Using Mathletics on a regular basis: All students have their own account with Mathletics and will have access to this great online learning tool all year! Not only does this program have practice questions and tests that directly align with what they are learning in the classroom, but it also provides opportunities to practice and improve their basic facts by competing against other classmates, the computer, or even other students on the other side of the world! Mathematics literacy is extremely important and many of our students often lack the skills the fundamental recall skills that help make learning more difficult concepts so much easier.

2)     The Key and SNAP study guides: A synervoice email was sent to all parents providing ordering information about these study guides that will reinforce concepts that are being taught in class. They are also great tools for studying for the final exams in June. If you would like more information or did not get the email, please feel free to email Jacquie Phillips at jabailey@cbe.ab.ca and she can get you the information you need.

3)   Science Fair: Midsun will once again be offering students the opportunity to take part in the 2016 Calgary Youth Science Fair. The annual city-wide Science Fair is open to students in Grades 5 to 12. Students will benefit in a variety of ways by completing a science fair project at the school level. For those students who wish to compete at the next level, our annual city-wide fair will also provide a healthy competitive environment. The fair is organised to benefit all students, regardless of whether or not they end up winning a major prize. The Science Fair experience is truly a unique learning opportunity that we highly recommend for your students. There will be an information meeting held during lunch or RTI time in October for students that are interested. Please feel free to contact Jacquie Phillips at jabailey@cbe.ab.ca or Doug Stretch at dcstretch@cbe.ab.ca for more information.

Interview Booking Processes for March 2016

The new faces in MidSun's Library/Learning Commons

MidSun Grade 8 Update

It has been a very busy start to the school year.  This year, our grade eights have expanded to 9 classes, with approximately 270 students.  Out grade 8 team now resides entirely in the Gold Pod part of the school which has been wonderful for teachers and students alike.  It has enabled us to streamline our work with the grade eight learners.

This month in Grade 8 has been focused on World Issues.  In Humanities, the students have been discussing and learning about their World Views.  Some students represented their World Views in visual displays that were an amazing symbolization of how they view themselves as part of the global community. 

In Science, we have been learning about how important our water is and what impact we have on the water.  We built simulation models of water sheds to demonstrate the erosion and deposition process, and how the oceans become salty!  We learned about how everything we do here in Calgary eventually ends up in the Hudson’s Bay.  Another big event this month was the Riverwatch Field study trip.  We learned first hand how our water goes from wastewater to fresh water.  We saw evidence of how the river forms the land and how Calgary is using flood mitigation strategies to reduce bank erosion.

Douglas C Stretch

Learning Leader, Midsun School
Calgary Board of Education | cbe.ab.ca
dcstretch@cbe.ab.ca

New Club Opportunity at MidSun

News from Grade 7

Hello Gr. 7 Families,

It is hard to believe a month has passed and we are into October!  Gr. 7s are settling into their weekly schedule and daily classroom routines. 

All classes had the opportunity to participate in the field trip to Bebo Grove as part of the Interactions and Ecosystems unit in Science.  The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society guides were very informative as they introduced us to a variety of plant and animal species living in our very own Fish Creek Park.

In Language Arts, the theme of protection and preservation carried over into our discussions around Dr. Suess’s The Lorax where students explored purpose in writing.  We have discovered that, although entertaining, Dr. Seuss’s books also offer us a deeper perspective into societal issues. 

The Terry Fox Run turned out to be a sunny and successful event.  The entire school showed their support for individuals affected by cancer by participating in several laps around Sikome Lake.  Teachers and staff showcased some very interesting costumes and we’ve managed to raise over $2000 so far.  Way to go Lakers!!!

Our drama teacher, Ms. Smith, is preparing auditions for The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet.  Students are encouraged to try-out for parts on-stage or behind-the-scenes.  We are also well underway with our volleyball and cross-country seasons; all practice times can be found on the MidSun blog.

As the leaves change, and the air cools, we look forward to the month of October, please ensure your students are dressed for the weather.  We look forward to the change of season and the exciting energy and events that come with this month. 

Mrs. Curran
Grade 7 Learning Leader

Centennial High Open House Information

Centennial Grade 9 open house

All grade 9 students and their parents are invited to Grade 9 Open House atCentennial High School on  Thursday, November 19^th at 7:00 p.m.  Our evening will start in the Gym at 7:00 sharp with a welcome by Centennial  Principal, Dr. Matt Christison, followed by presentations by Centennial  Guidance Counsellors.  The presentation by our Work Experience/RAP Coordinator will take place in the Library at 7:45 p.m. followed by the Advanced Placement presentation at 8:15 p.m.  Throughout the evening, parents and students are encouraged to walk through the school and embrace the culture.  Displays and demonstrations will be available for viewing and interaction, as well as Centennial High School students will be available for discussions.

More information is available at http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b870/