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.