Week of April 23, 2026

 We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our student teacher, Ms. Tran, for the dedication, care, and support she has shown our class over the past 10 weeks. She has made a meaningful impact on student learning and the classroom community. We wish her every success as she begins the exciting journey into her own classroom.

** Please make sure that all field trip forms are returned to me by April 28, please.  Mr. V needs to have swimming ability forms by then to take to the pool by May 1.**

Looking Back:

This week was filled with meaningful learning opportunities as we wrapped up our final week with Ms. Tran. We are so grateful for the time, energy, and creativity she brought to our classroom over the past several weeks.

In literacy, students proudly completed the good copies of the paragraphs they began last week, focusing on applying editing skills and creating polished final pieces. We also launched an exciting new writing focus: circle stories. To build our understanding of this writing style, we explored familiar mentor texts such as If You Give a Moose a Muffin and other stories that follow a circular pattern. Students worked on identifying how these stories come full circle and are now ready to begin creating their own circle stories.

In math, we wrapped up our transformations unit as students explored translations, rotations, and reflections through a variety of hands-on and interactive activities. They applied their understanding by designing creative “cursive bugs” and practicing transformation skills through engaging digital Tetris-style challenges. This also marks the conclusion of our geometry unit. Over the coming weeks, students will apply their knowledge of polygons and geometric concepts in an exciting cross-curricular math and social studies project.

In science and social studies, students completed and presented their Simple Machine Natural Resource Transportation Systems projects. They demonstrated thoughtful problem-solving and creativity as they explained how simple machines can support the transportation of natural resources. We also wrapped up our energy unit in science with a summative assessment that allowed students to showcase all they have learned throughout the unit.

To round out the week, students also spent time preparing artwork and our singing performances for the Spring Concert. We hope you enjoyed the performance and were able to see the students’ hard work shine on stage. Although I was unable to attend, I greatly appreciated Ms. Tran for supporting the students and helping ensure everything ran smoothly during the performance.

Looking Ahead:

Next week, students will be offered the opportunity to try pomegranates and dates as part of our connection to The Boy at the Back of the Class. In the novel, the main character learns that these foods are commonly used in Syrian cooking. Participation is optional, but please let me know if you have any concerns.

MTS Reminders - Wednesday, April 22

Grade 2 and 3 Spring Concert McKenzie Towne School is excited to present "Singing Through the Seasons," our Spring Concert for the Grade 2 and 3 classes tomorrow.  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 4:30pm)  Grade 3: 6:30pm - 7:00pm (doors open at 6:00pm)  Muddy Conditions  With the muddy conditions, please send your students with an extra pair of clothes in case they need them (ie socks and pants especially!).  Rubber boots are a great help for keeping us dry as we enjoy the outdoors.  Toys at School- NO! This is a reminder that students are to leave their toys at home, including Pokeman cards and stuffies. Toys are a distraction in the classroom where the focus is on learning. As well, toys can get lost , misplaced, or fall into someone else’s hands. The school is not responsible for dealing with such issues or replacement of articles gone missing. 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 MTS Yearbooks To order go to: https://ybpay.lifetouch.ca/ Use Yearbook ID code: 10614126 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 Upcoming Dates FRIDAY                                     Non-Instructional Day - NO SCHOOL April 29                                     Fun Lunch - Coco Brooks May 6                                       Grade 3 and 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 and 4 Swimming Lessons at YMCA Seton May 26-28                                Grade 3 and 4 Swimming lessons at YMCA Seton May 27                                     Fun Lunch - Subway June 3                                      Grade 4 Field Trip to Calgary Zoo June 8-15                                 Grade 3 and 4 - Alien In-Line Skating June 17                                    Fun Lunch - Coco Brooks June 25                                    Sports Day June 26                                    Last Day of School