Looking Back:

Literacy:

Phonics:

In phonics, students continued building their word skills through our daily vocabulary practice. During warm-ups, they practiced breaking words into individual sounds and blending sounds together. Students also explored how changing or adding sounds can create new words, helping them become more confident readers and spellers.

Reading:
During reading, students worked in their reading groups to read together and build fluency. They also practiced using the 5-finger summary strategy (somebody, wanted, but, so, then) to check their understanding and strengthen their comprehension skills.

Text Features:
Students also learned about non-fiction text features, such as images, captions, diagrams, labels, charts, and maps. To apply their learning, students created collages using catalogues and magazines by finding and labelling different text features. This hands-on activity helped students better understand how these features support meaning in non-fiction texts.
Writing:
This week in writing, students continued working on their hamburger-style paragraphs. We focused on how to write a strong topic sentence (hook) and a clear closing sentence. Students experimented with different styles of hooks and closings, then chose their favourite to add to their paragraphs.

Math:
This week in math, students reinforced their understanding of perimeter by solving problems with missing side lengths. They used their knowledge of addition to determine unknown sides.
We also began our transformations unit. Students explored translations by creating a transformation scrapbook, completing practice activities, and playing a translation race board game to apply their learning in a fun, interactive way.
Science:
In science, students wrapped up our simple machines unit by learning about Indigenous simple machines. Students researched a simple machine of their choice and created a slideshow to share their learning.
Next week, on Wednesday, April 22nd, students will have an assessment on our energy unit, which includes forces and simple machines. We will be doing review activities in class to help prepare.

Social Studies:
This week in social studies, students combined their knowledge of simple machines and natural resources to design transportation systems for moving resources in Alberta. This activity helped students make connections between science and social studies concepts.
Looking Ahead:
Next week will be Ms. Tran’s last day on Thursday, April 23. To celebrate Earth Day and say goodbye, we will be watching The Lorax and having a small class celebration. Students will have the option of buttered popcorn and Timbits. If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out.

MTS Reminders - Wednesday April 15

MTS Yearbooks
To order go to: https://ybpay.lifetouch.ca/
Use Yearbook ID code: 10614126
Early Bird Pricing: $29 (Now until April 17, 2026)
Regular Pricing: $34 (April 18 - May 18, 2026)
Last day to order: May 18, 2025
If you have any pictures from any school events (ie, first day of school, Terry Fox Run, Halloween) that you would like to share with the Yearbook Committee, please click on the link below.
Once you log in, please enter this code. ADD-PICTURES-TO-YEARBOOK-26
YEARBOOK PICTURES
Grade 2 & 3 Spring Concert
McKenzie Towne School is excited to present "Singing Through the Seasons," our Spring Concert for the Grade 2 and 3 classes on Thursday April 23rd.
The dress rehearsal is open to families to come watch. Please note, there may be pauses during this performance to fine tune some details.
Dress Rehearsal:
Grade 2: 11:00am -11:30am
Grade 3: 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Evening Performance:
Grade 2: 5:00pm - 5:30pm (doors open at 4:30)
Grade 3: 6:30pm - 7:00pm (doors open at 6:00)

McKenzie Highlands Open House
On May 7, McKenzie Highlands School will be hosting their Open House to all families in the community.
The event will run from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Please see the attachment for more information.
McKenzie Highlands Open House.pdf

Fun Lunch
The next Fun Lunch will be held on Wednesday April 29.
Fun Lunch is only for grades 1-4 and our EES students.
Go to healthyhunger.ca
Log into you existing account or create a new one.
Add your child’s information in the “add child” box – name, province, city, school, grade and class.
All Fun Lunches will then populate – select the order now button!
Please make sure to send a morning snack with your child on Fun Lunch Days. Orders must be placed by the Friday before the day.

Food Support
Did you know that the Breakfast Club of Canada has shared research demonstrating that 40% of Alberta’s children experience food insecurity? This means that 4 out of 10 children do not have access to food when they are hungry.
If your family is experiencing challenges with providing food for your children you can find help at Brown Bagging Calgary.
Complete this form for support and they can deliver lunches to McKenzie Towne School for your children. https://go.bb4ck.org/l/858913/2024-01-15/38fdbw You can also find out more information on their website https://bb4ck.org/
Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids

Upcoming Dates
April 23 Grade 2 & 3 Spring Concert
April 24 Non-Instructional Day - NO SCHOOL
April 29 Fun Lunch - Coco Brooks
May 6 Grade 3 & 4 Students visit McKenzie Highlands
May 7 Grade 3 Field Trip to Calgary Philharmonic
May 12 Class Photo Day
May 14 Kindergarten Open House for 2026/27 Students - 4:00pm - 6:00pm
May 15 Non-Instructional Day - NO SCHOOL
May 18 Victoria Day - NO SCHOOL
May 19-21 Grade 3 & 4 Swimming Lessons at YMCA Seton
May 26-28 Grade 3 & 4 Swimming lessons at YMCA Seton
May 27 Fun Lunch - Subway
June 8-15 Grade 3 & 4 - Alien In-Line Skating
June 17 Fun Lunch - Coco Brooks
June 25 Sports Day
June 26 Last Day of School