Coalhurst Elementary School (CES) is all a buzz about books! On January 27th– National Family Literacy Day – CES launched the One School, One Book program which gets theentire school and every family reading the same chapter book.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is the book at the centre of the program which will run the first two weeks of February and thanks to a generous donation from Lethbridge Toyota, each family received a free copy.
In this extraordinary tale, Kate DiCamillo and Bagram Ibatoulline take us on a journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage heap to the fireside of a hoboes' camp, from the bedside of an ailing child to the streets of Memphis. And along the way, we are shown a true miracle — that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.
CES staff did a wonderful job getting students excited about this new program at the school assembly. With a magic show and a life sized talking rabbit, student from all grades were pulled into the excitement. Following the assembly, teachers read the first two chapters to the children and a list of scheduled family reading was sent home along with each family’s copy of the book.
“It’s a wonderful program,” says CES principal, Dawn Ronne. “It’s a great way to get families reading together. Often when kids get old enough to read on their own parents no longer read aloud to them and this is still a very important part of their development. It helps with comprehension and overall improvement of literacy.”
Throughout the program, classes will spend time talking about the book, answering trivia, playing games and incorporating the messages of Edward’s Journey into their daily work.
One School, One Book is an American based program which was first introduced in Canada at Dr. Gerald B. Probe Elementary School in Lethbridge. Over the last four years One School, One Book has spread to numerous Lethbridge area schools. This is the first year CES has offered the program.
During the January 27thassembly, CES was visited by CTV Lethbridge who covered the story for Family Literacy. The segment can be viewed on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuHfyXZRbtk.
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For sixteen grade 5/6 Coalhurst Elementary students, an ocean reading unit has turned into an exciting life experience they won’t soon forget.
Teacher Jeff Bryant has a love of scuba diving and was excited to share that passion with his students. He recently took his class to the Maxbell Pool at the University of Lethbridge to explore the underwater world. There may not have been any tropical fish or a coral reef but learning to breathe underwater was exhilarating just the same.
“I remember what it was like the first time I went scuba diving,” says Brant. “It’s so much fun to share that with them. Without this, some kids might not have ever had the opportunity to try.”
Each student got to join Bryant individually in the pool. He swam alongside them wearing the oxygen tank and using his secondary breathing regulator while the students used the main regulator and a weight belt to keep them underwater.
“We rented the shallow end of the pool and were in just five feet of water. For anyone who was nervous about it, all they had to do was stand up,” says Bryant.
CES Teacher, Jeff Bryant helps his students as they experience scuba diving for the first time.
Each student had the opportunity to swim the length of the pool and back with Mr. Bryant by their side. Before leaving the pool,
the experience was caught on film as each student got an underwater photo taken to remember their scuba school.
Bryant said it was great to see the kids gain confidence in the pool.
“Some kids were saying ‘come on Mr. B, you’re not keeping up’ but others were more tentative.”
In the end, all the students dove in and tried and all enjoyed the experience.
Back at school, the class was asked to write stories describing how they felt about their first scuba dive, the perfect way to meld life experience with school learning.
“I think we need to do more of this in education,” says Bryant. “It’s a genuine experience.”
Bryant is excited that this field trip may have sparked a love of diving in his students and says the seed has now been planted.
“I have one student, who’s mom is a diver, and he’s already asking where they can go next.”
Like any new school year there were some excited new faces arriving at CES on the first day of class. Among the new preschool and kindergarten students were the equally excited new administration. Principal, Dawn Ronne and Vice Principal, Jason Prebushewski are both looking forward to great year ahead.
Mrs. Ronne is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge. She began her teaching career in Milk River/Coutts where she taught kindergarten for five years. In 1990 she moved to RI Baker in Coaldale were she continued to teach kindergarten until making a grade switch to grade two at Jennie Emery. In 2002 she made another change to the Nobelford School where she continued in the grade two classroom.
The next big change for Mrs. Ronne was a role in administration when she took the position of principal at Sunnyside School in 2006. While at Sunnyside she completed her Masters of Education Leadership at the U of L with a focus on parent involvement in student assessment and reporting.
"I really loved Sunnyside," says Mrs. Ronne "but I was ready for a new challenge."
CES is a larger school and she admits getting to know all the kids has been a bit overwhelming.
"I’m used to knowing all the kids, their parents, what they drive, their pets - I just want to know all the families right now," says Mrs. Ronne who jokes about the cheat sheet of student pictures and names she carries around each day.
For Mr. Prebushewski, AKA Mr. Preb, AKA Harry (from Harry’s Hotdogs), CES is a familiar and comfortable place. He came to CES in 2006 and taught physical education and grade 1-2. Mr. Preb spent last year at Jennie Emery in Coaldale before returning to CES. He is a graduate of Minot State University the University of Honolulu and just recently completed his Masters also in Education Leadership from the University of Lethbridge.
"It was an incredibly easy decision to come back to CES," says Mr. Preb. "I knew lots of the kids, families and staff so I could concentrate on the areas that would be new to me."
In his first administration role, he’s looking at things from a much different perspective.
"Teaching in the classroom your really only focused on the kids in your class, now I’m responsible for all the students," says Mr. Preb.
Both agree there isn’t anything broken at CES and parents probably won’t see any huge changes.
"This is an excellent school with a great reputation," says Mrs. Ronne. "We’re not going to change things that are working well but we are able to come in with two fresh sets of eyes."
When Principal Laurie Wilson locks up Coalhurst Elementary School for the summer break she’ll be closing the door on a 30 year CES teaching career and moving on to a different challenge.
As the new Director of Learning for Inclusive Education with Palliser Regional Schools, Wilson will be sharing her love of education with a bigger audience and leaving a wonderful legacy at CES.
Wilson’s career began as the CES kindergarten teacher, a positions she held for 16 years. Through her career she taught grades one, two, three and four before moving on to administration serving as both vice principal and principal.
Anyone who’s had Wilson as a teacher or their child’s teacher and the staff that have worked with her can attest to her unwavering passion and commitment.
Sharla Nicol, CES School Council president says much of the school’s success can be attributed to Wilson’s wonderful leadership.
“CES parents feel welcome at the school and that’s because Laurie is always open and understanding. She also has an amazing connection with the kids making each one of them feel special,” says Nicol. “She’s contributed so much to this school and the entire community.”
Excited about her new role and the chance to make a difference for even more kids, Wilson knows she will miss the relationships she has at CES.
“I had a student hug me and tell me I was their best friend today, you can’t beat that,” says Wilson.
She jokes that she has two children (daughters Rianna, 26 and Raelyn, 22) but has had hundreds of kids. Adding the most rewarding part of the last 30 years is when she gets an email or letter from one of these kids letting her know how they are doing.
An emotional farewell assembly on June 10th, highlighted the impact Wilson has had on so many lives. Coalhurst town council, current and past co-workers, parents, former students and Wilson’s family all gathered to sing her praises and offer a heartfelt thank you.
Confident that she is leaving her kids in good hands, Wilson is excited to welcome new principal Dawn Ronne to CES. Ronne comes to Coalhurst from Sunnyside School where she has been principal for five years.
In grade three Wilson decided her career path after an amazing teacher touched her life. As her tearful students bid farewell, it’s obvious that she’s had the same impact on many young lives and will undoubtedly inspire future teachers.
For every Coalhurst Elementary School (CES) event, fundraiser, field trip or class program, you can guarantee Marla Hope-Rapp and Kelcey Walker had a hand in making it a success. Both of these dedicated parents put in countless hours to ensure their young children have a safe, happy, healthy learning environment.
Their hard work and constant support is something all CES staff and families benefit from and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. For their extraordinary involvement, these close friends and neighbours were recently recognized by the Alberta School Council’s Association with Parent of Distinction Awards.
This annual award recognizes individuals who demonstrate the ability to promote parental involvement in the public education system.
“They really are a dynamic pair,” says CES Principal, Laurie Wilson. “We can always count on their help together as a team and we couldn’t possibly nominate one without the other.”
Hope-Rapp began volunteering at CES four years ago as a member of the CES Kindergarten Parent Advisory Group and has been a parent member of the CES School Council ever since. She is currently the chairperson of CES Kindergarten Parent Advisory Group and treasurer of the CES School Council.
Walkeralso began as a volunteer member of the Kindergarten Parent Advisory Group four years ago and became an elected member of the CES School Council the following year. Over this time she has served as both vice-chair and secretary.
As CES council members, they have leant their talents to many important projects. They helped to revise the bylaws, create a new vision for the school, and create goals for the council which aligned with the school and district goals.
Both are quietly focused and excellent examples of leadership. They don’t let setbacks, lack of funds, or hard work stop them from getting things done if it will benefit students and the school community. Not afraid to promote change, they always present their ideas in a respectful and considerate manner.
Wilsonbelieves one of their biggest accomplishments is their work to create and implement a world cultures program as an alternative to weekly religious studies. While respecting the wishes of those wanting religious studies, the pair also recognized the need for an alternate program and went to work to create a solution.
“It’s the first time we’ve had parents develop a program from the ground up,” says Wilson. “And they’ve delivered it so well with creative, age appropriate activities.”
Instrumental to CES fundraising success, Hope-Rapp and Walker volunteer regularly to work Legion bingos and have organized numerous other fundraising projects.
Turkey Bingo and Spring Carnival are two large community events which they have recently worked to restructure and reorganize. These changes have created incredibly successful fundraisers and grown into events that bring together the entire Coalhurst community.
Another major accomplishment is the pairs work to successful secure grant funding for a new school sign. Thanks to their commitment and hard work, CES can now advertise upcoming events on a beautiful sign that also promotes the school’s logo and vision.
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Both of these dedicated mom’s volunteer their time in the classrooms, with the hot lunch program, and were involved in helping to promote the delivery of healthier lunches for students.
These are just few examples of their unwavering dedication, never thinking twice about giving of their time and talents if it means improvements for CES.
“These two parents are very deserving of the Distinction Award and I’m pleased we can honour them, at least in some small way, for the immense amount of work they do for CES,” says Wilson.
The two were recently presented their award at a special school assembly held May 17th
“Emotions are the first language of the child and the universal language.” - Mary Gordon, Founder of the Roots of Empathy program.
Students participate in math lessons, writing and reading but what about learning emotions? The Roots of Empathy program at Coalhurst Elementary School (CES) gives student the opportunity to explore emotions while supporting the goal of being a safe and caring school.
Each year, a grade 1-2 class is chosen to host a very special guest. Once a month an infant and their parent visit the classroom to teach the children about growth, development and most importantly, about empathy.
The program has been offered at CES for five years and facilitator, Brenda Rathwell says students learn through nine lessons: meeting the baby, crying, caring and planning, emotions, sleep, safety, communicating, who am I? and good bye and good wishes. Each theme includes three class session (pre family visit, family visit and post-family visit) for a total of 36 lessons throughout the school year. Rathwell a parenting coach for Family and Community Support Services visits the class to prepare the students for the baby visit and after the baby visit, she returns to discuss the baby’s growth and development in relation to the current theme.
“By watching the connection between the parent and their child, students learn what unconditional love and nurturing look like,” says Rathwell. “Through the program themes, children are able to take the caring and empathy they see from the parent and child and expand it to the classroom, playground, their home and their community.”
Parents have great things to say about Roots of Empathy as well. They often feel cared for and cared about when they enter the classroom and school. Their little ones are treated like princesses and princes by the students and this feeling of inclusion is carried into the community.
“If children see their baby in the store or post office they are thrilled and lots of times they will drag their parents over to meet their new little friend,” says Rathwell.
Being immersed in the world of acceptance and love, children become more heartfelt citizens, they begin to include others who have traditionally been left out, they stand up for the underdog more often and they encourage others to become more caring classmates.
Roots of Empathy was founded in Canada in 1996 by Mary Gordon, an internationally recognized educator, author and child advocate and today has reached more than 325,000 children worldwide.
Grade 1-2 students share time with baby Luke as part of this year's Roots of Empathy program.
In school, students are taught each day to listen to their teachers and to work hard to learn new things. So how can school staff and administration do the same thing?
Each year, CES survey’s parents to gage how satisfied they are with their child’s education. This feedback is used to identify areas of concern and develop goals for the upcoming school year. Parent’s ideas help influence change and shape the schools objectives. This information is vital in learning how the school can grow and improve. Remember, your feedback counts!
We are happy to report that last year’s survey results were very positive. Thirty two parents submitting their forms which rated 14 statements as agree, somewhat agree, disagree or don’t know.
The highest marks went to parents feeling welcome and students feeling safe. Ninety seven per cent of parents agreed with these statements.
Eighty seven per cent agreed that CES promotes physical activity, health and wellness. Activities such as running club and the fitness challenge have strengthened this over the last year and will continue to be a priority this year.
Some areas for improvement include increasing communication to parents which is one of the main goals of both the school and school council. Improved communication will also help address two other areas of concern. Just 77 per cent of parents agreed that the school has a clear plan for improving the quality of education for all children and 72 per cent agreed that school council played a meaningful role in school.
As we welcome new families to CES for the 2010/2011 school year we want to ensure parents have the answers they need, below is a compiled list of frequently asked questions CES teacher receive.
Frequently Asked Questions - Coalhurst Elementary
Q: How can I get more information about what is happening at CES?
A: One of the main goals of CES and of the CES School Council is to keep parents informed. There are numerous ways to get more information about your child’s education.
Q: There are more than enough students to make full classes for each grade. Why are there combined classes at CES?
A: Initially grades were merged together as a way to even out the number of children in each class. The school was seeing some classes very full while the next grade had relatively low enrolment. By merging classes, the number of students in the two grades could be evenly split. The decision to merge classes was made after extensive research around the benefits. This research showed students do better when they have the same teacher over two years and schools see less bullying when older students are friends with the children in lower grades. This system has worked very well for CES which is why it has continued despite growing class sizes.
Q: Can the community use the school library or is it only for students to access?
A: Yes. Any resident can get a library card through the librarian, Mrs. Lundgren. The school library is open to the public during school hours. The items in the library are geared toward elementary children’s interests.
Additionally, the Lethbridge Public Library Bookmobile visits Coalhurst every other Friday. The Bookmobile parks on 51st Avenue outside of CES. With both adult and children’s books and a great selection of videos, the Bookmobile has something for everyone. To find out the Bookmobile’s Coalhurst dates and times visit http://www.lethbridgepubliclibrary.ca/about/bookmobile.
Q: Are the preschool and ECS part of Coalhurst Elementary?
A: The preschool and kindergarten programs at CES are funded and operated differently than grades 1-6.
The preschool is administrated through Palliser School Division and funded by a monthly cost to parents. CES administration is still responsible for the preschool.
While there is no cost to parents for ECS, the program is also funded somewhat separately from the remainder of the school and as such has its own parent council and fundraising initiatives. Although the basics are funded through the government, the extras such as field trips and other excursions are funded through the initiatives of the parent council. The ECS has a parent representative on the CES school council and falls under the administration of CES.
Regardless of administration and funding, preschool and ECS students are a welcome and important part of our school community. They are our future CES families and are always invited to be involved in school activities such as concerts and other special events.
Q: With no ocean anywhere near Coalhurst, how did the whale theme become part of the school?
A: Many years ago the school decided to raise money to save a whale. This went over so well that the school started to use the whale as a mascot along with the saying “A whale of the school.”
Last year, CES staff began looking at a new logo and vision for the school. In doing so, it became obvious that the whale theme is entrenched in CES history and a memorable part of past student’s experience. Instead of creating something new, it was decided that the whale theme should be resurrected, updated and adapted to a new generation of CES students.
By introducing “pods” (cross classroom groups), raising money to adopt twelve whalesand engaging in year-long team building exercises in the 2009/2010 school year, the whale theme is alive and well at CES.
The new CES logo which includes a whale also has the school’s new vision “Success for every child.”
Q: I’ve seen other students with CES hoodies. How can I order a sweatshirt for my child?
A: These new sweatshirts where ordered last year depicting the schools new logo and vision- “Success for every child”. Another order will be placed this fall. Watch for more information coming home.
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We all know how important our pals are in our life. They’re the ones who encourage us, listen and offer support in all we do. That’s why PAL (Partnership Approach to Literacy) is the perfect acronym for the non-profit program operating out of Coalhurst Elementary School (CES).
PAL connects students needing extra support with reading buddies who can encourage them to become life-long readers as they listen and support literacy; just like any good pal would do.
The program which has been operating since 1998 has historically searched for adults in the community to become reading buddies. Program coordinator, Lori Walker says there has been a constant need for buddies to be paired with students.
This school year, the program took a more targeted approach to recruitment when they invited seniors to become involved in PAL.
Beth Barclay is a local senior who served as the CES custodian for 27 years and has been a PAL since its inception. She proposed the idea of approaching seniors who have free time during the day and a passion for reading.
A two month pilot project began in the fall of 2009, assigning eight seniors with reading buddies. It was an instant success and seven of the eight have continued on for the entire school year.
Barclay also approached the Town of Coalhurst to get permission to use the Community Centre for the program. Access to the centre is easier for the seniors and the students appreciate the change of scenery. Every Thursday both seniors and students enjoy eating lunch together and spending some quality time reading.
Barclay believes the PAL program goes well beyond just reading. “I think the attitude of those students involved really changes. They are more caring and respectful towards seniors.”
Walker says it’s great to see the excitement and bond between the seniors and students. “The kids light up when they see their buddies.”
The success of the project has been great and Barclay already has seniors interested in returning next year.
“I think everyone who signed up to become a buddy did it because they love reading. We want to show the kids the secret of what you can find in books.”
PAL also enlists grade six students to volunteer as “tutors in training”. These extra readers offer help to students in lower grades. Becoming involved at a young age will hopefully inspire students to continue volunteering into their high school years, adulthood and maybe even retirement!
Twenty one team members, 10 weeks in, 198 lbs lost, 908 hours of activity. These would be impressive statistics for a season of Survivor; instead they describe the first half of a health challenge implemented amongst Coalhurst Elementary School (CES) staff.
Grade 3/4 teacher, Pauline Peddle has introduced her colleagues to a new way of looking and health and wellness. In January, 21 staff members formed three teams of seven and joined the CES Biggest Loser challenge named after the popular TV show.
“If you had told me I would be doing this five years ago, I would have said you were crazy,” says Peddle. “I didn’t have the energy to get out of bed.”
Inspired by a fellow co-worker who had made a major health and fitness transformation, Peddle decided to challenge the rest of the staff to do the same.
She developed a points system with log sheets for each competitor. The challenge includes a weekly weigh-in with one point awarded for each pound lost and five points for every 30 minutes of exercise.
“We wanted to make the challenge relevant for everyone, even those who didn’t have a weight loss goal,” says Peddle.
So a weight maintenance option was added to the game. For those already at their goal weight, points are awarded for maintaining that number on the scale.
The teams also partake in fun challenges every few weeks. Health quizzes and fitness tests all add up to more points.
Peddle says working as teams has helped to keep everyone motivated.
No ones weight is ever reported individually, only team results are shown. This has created a lot of positive energy and interest in the staff room.
“We now sit and talk about the best kind of low fat cheese we have found,” jokes Peddle
She says this positive energy also flows over to the class room. Peddle herself has been successful in losing a significant amount of weight and embracing an active lifestyle.
“It shows the kids that the teachers are excited about fitness and we talk about making healthy choices.”
Principal Laurie Wilson says the challenge has been great for participants on an individual basis but also as a team building experience.
There are no fancy school uniforms or secrete handshakes and the same smiling faces still meet you at the door but Coalhurst Elementary is now a member of a very elite club.
In the fall of 2009, CES was nominated for not just one, but two Garfield Weston Awards of Excellence in Education from the Fraser Institute and the W. Garfield Weston Foundation.
CES placed in the top five for both, Determination in Academic Achievement and Improvement in Academics and is now recognized as a school of distinction.
“We are so excited about this recognition,” says Laurie Wilson, CES Principal. “It’s a real reflection of the commitment we have from our staff, students, parents and the entire community.”
CES was one of just five schools in Alberta to receive a nomination in both categories, a long way to come from being labeled a school of priority just a few short years ago.
“When I first started as vice principal in 2006 we where under achieving in the provincial exams,” says Wilson.
She credits some very devoted teachers and a collaboration project for bringing the school so far in such a short time.
In 2006 the school enlisted the help of the University of Lethbridge to create collaboration groups for the staff. These groups continue to help teachers share ideas and build on common themes across all grades.
Wilson says becoming a school of distinction has served as a positive reinforcement that the school is moving in the right direction but also as a motivator to keep everyone striving for excellence.
In November, eight CES staff members traveled to Calgary to a gala event and awards ceremony to celebrate this special recognition. The awards are currently on display at the main entrance of the school.
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It was a fun filled day of Olympic spirit and Canadian pride when the Vancouver 2010 torch relay visited Coalhurst January 17th.
With face painting, crafts, tattoos, food and of course lots of Canadian flags, the celebration had something for everyone. Although it wasn’t as winter white as the planning committee had hoped, the warm weather was perfect for outdoor games and most importantly, getting a good look at the Olympic flame.
Coalhurst Elementary School and the Town of Coalhurst had the special honur of playing host to the afternoon rest stop for the relay team.
CES students put extra effort into making the school shine for the festivities. “Go Canada Go” banners, Olympic rings and Vancouver 2010 memorabilia decorated the halls.
Paralympic medalist, Joanne Kelly hosted a wheelchair basketball demonstration and displayed her many awards and accomplishments in sport. Joanne is a truly inspirational athlete who embodies the Olympic spirit.
An entourage of event sponsors and police escorts guided the torch bearers into town and to CES for a short ceremony. Staff, students, parents and community members lined the streets to cheer on the flame and joined local dignitaries at the gym to celebrate this special event.
The torch continued on its way through town with various participants taking their turn to run a leg of the relay before continuing into Lethbridge.
We have all had to try new and creative ways to make or kids eat their vegetables, to clean their rooms and practice their lessons. It’s no different when it comes to school. That is why CES strives to provide a variety classes, activities and events for students.
When Coalhurst Elementary introduced the band program for grades five and six students in the fall of 2008, it also opened up new options for students to choose from.
“Band offered a great opportunity for students to explore music,” says Principal, Laurie Wilson. “But it did involve a cost which wasn’t possible for all students.”
That’s when Wilson says the teacher created other options to be offered opposite band. These options now change with every reporting period and include classes such as art, drama and outdoor education. If there is a class option you would like to see offered at CES please let staff know.
Other activities available for students include: • Mini volleyball • Mini basketball • Hand bells and hand chimes • Choir • Running club • Intramurals
The school is also a buzz this year with “Pod” activities to match the “Whale of a school” theme. Most recently the Sea of Literacy Day saw students partake in literacy stations throughout the school.
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If you would like more information about any of these activities please contact the school office.