E-News November 2011
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WEBBER ACADEMY E-News November 2011 Mr. Rae Churchill, a Ret. Squadron Leader who served during World War II, visits Webber Academy with his son Doug and daughter-in-law Sheila. Granddaughter Hannah is a new Senior School ELA and GH teacher at Webber Academy. E-News November 2011 About Webber Academy Managing Editors: Our School Mission is to prepare students to Morgan Haigler thrive in university and beyond. This mission will & be accomplished by creating an environment of Lorne Webber high expectations of achievement, behaviour and Contributors: service. Mariaan Camp, Joël Chalifoux, Our society needs citizens with strong moral and Christina Clouston, Deborah Ferguson, Johnathan Harris, Jennifer Harriman, ethical values, who believe in the responsibilities Audrey Hughes, Janice Lacroix, of citizenship and service to others. At Webber Lorna MacLachlan, Rebecca Parker, Brent Pierce, Academy, we will actively encourage the growth David Rose, Jemmie Silver, Shannon Tomney, Sandra Valchi, Dr. Neil Webber, Lexi Wilson and development of these traditional values in our students. Participation in, and enjoyment of Contact Information school life, will prepare our students for respon- sible involvement in their communities and our Email: society as a whole. Lorne Webber Head of Advancement & Communications Webber Academy was incorporated in 1997 as a [email protected] non-profit company with a mandate to be a high Morgan Haigler quality, non-denominational, co-educational, Communications Coordinator university preparatory, accredited private school. [email protected] Subsequently, Revenue Canada recognized WEBBER ACADEMY Webber Academy as a charitable organization. 1515- 93rd Street S.W. Calgary, Alberta T3H 4A8 The school is located in southwest Calgary in a beautiful setting overlooking the foothills and Tel: (403) 277-4700 Fax: (403) 277-2770 mountains to the west. The facilities consist of a Kindercentre for four and five year old students, Website: www.webberacademy.ca a main campus building with two large gymnasi- ums for Grades One to Twelve, a 400-meter run- Cover: ning track, soccer field, and cross country trails through the aspens. Retired Squadron Leader Mr. Rae Churchill with his son Doug, daughter-in-law Sheila and grand- daughter Hannah. 2 Webber Academy E-News November 2011 2 Table of Contents Grade Six student Sarah Jeune is striving to become a Mr. Rae Churchill as a Squadron Leader during World War II. competitive figure skater someday. (More details on page 23.) Cover Story IN THIS ISSUE Mr. Rae Churchill shares his experiences as a Squad- ron Leader at Webber Academy’s Remembrance Pg 04 Fraser Institute Awards Webber Academy Day Ceremonies. (Details on pages 12 and 16). Pg 05 Message from Head of Elementary Pg 07 Grade Six Halloween Stories Pg 11 Hippie Fun Lunch Day Pg 12 Message from Head of Senior School Pg 16 Remembrance Day Pictorial Pg 20 The Importance of Being Earnest Pg 22 Sports Update Pg 23 Senior Varsity Boys and Girls Volleyball Pg 24 News from Junior High Debate Club Pg 27 Taylor Hayes Leads Biggest Southwest Win Pg 29 ¡Felices Fiestas! Pg 31 Performance in the Band Programme Pg 33 Book Fairs Dr. Neil Webber speaks at the Fraser Institute’s Excellence in Education dinner celebration . (See full story on page 4) Webber Academy E-News November 2011 3 Fraser Institute Awards Webber Academy in First Place Dear Staff and Students, It is also a privilege to inform you that based upon our student performance in the Grade Six provincial achieve- On Tuesday, November 8, ment tests in science in the school year of 2008-2009 2011, the Fraser Institute and 2009-2010, Webber Academy was noted as a School held their annual Awards of Distinction for the Imperial Oil Foundation Award for for Excellence in Education Excellence in Science. dinner celebration. The Top 30 schools in the Province I am so proud of all of our hard working students and of Alberta were invited to at- teachers. Heartfelt congratulations goes to all of you for Neil Webber tend this prestigious event. these outstanding achievements and we wish everyone ongoing success into the future. I am so pleased to report that based upon the results of the Grade Three and Grade Six provincial achievement tests in English/Language Arts in each of the five school Sincerely, years, 2005-2006 through 2009-2010, Webber Academy was the recipient of the award for first place. The award Dr. Neil Webber is entitled, The Garfield Weston Award for Excellence in Founder and President Language Arts, and it honours the school teams whose students have achieved ongoing success in the acquisition of reading and writing skills. Well done everyone! Webber Academy’s staff at the Fraser Institute’s Excellence Dr. Neil Webber with Ms. Harriman and Mrs. Camp. in Education dinner celebration. 4 Webber Academy E-News November 2011 Message from Head of Elementary Dear Elementary Parents, to give parents a sense of their child’s growing skills, both academically and socially. They are a continuation of our It is hard to believe that the faculty’s commitment toward ongoing communication first term is now over, and that with parents. the end of the calendar year is upon us! From the children Please take the time to sit down with your child and cel- in our Junior Kindergarten ebrate his or her successes; initiate a joyful conversation programme, who have learned about everything he or she is doing well. If there are areas to print their names, to the in which your child requires improvement, become pro- Janice Lacroix students in Grade Six, who active problem solvers with your child and your child’s have learned about the House teacher. Ask our teachers how you can help. Work with of Commons, Webber Academy Elementary students our teachers to create consistency in expectation. Share have had a wonderful term filled with much learning and your own experiences with your child. Set timely, realis- laughter. If you have not already done so, we invite you tic goals. Give your child ownership. Most importantly, to admire their work, displayed proudly in our hallways. communicate to your child the idea that education is im- portant, and provide ample positive encouragement and I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with feedback! I can only imagine the kind of successes that some important information pertaining to the Elementary we will continue to see as the rest of the year continues… Division at Webber Academy, in order that you and your family may effectively plan for the upcoming month. Winter is Here! A Warm Webber Welcome! Please make sure that your child is dressed warmly each and every day that they attend school – we have noticed Please welcome back Mrs.. Janet Adamson who has in the recent cooler weather that some of our students rejoined our Grade Six team upon her return from mater- come to school without warm winter jackets, snow pants, nity leave last week. Mrs. Harriman and Mrs. Adamson toques or mittens! As the weather can change in the blink will be sharing the responsibilities of the Grade Six ELA of an eye, please assist your child in making wise deci- programme and look forward to a positive and successful sions regarding dress. year! Elementary Winter Concerts First Term Progress Reports We hope to see you at our Elementary Winter Concerts, to Report cards were issued to all Elementary students on be held on three separate occasions (see next page). Our Monday, November 21, 2011. These reports are designed teachers and your children have been busy preparing a Webber Academy E-News November 2011 5 Message from Head of Elementary Continued wonderful holiday programme for you to enjoy! A Positive View of the Future – children need to be able to visualize themselves actively contributing to the build- Division One (Grades 1 to 3) Winter Concert - ing of a bright future. Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 7:00 pm Joy – marvel in the magic of all things, small or large. Division Two (Grades 4 to 6) Winter Concert - Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 7:00 pm On behalf of the staff in the Elementary division, I would like to extend our warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday Junior and Senior Kindergarten Winter Concert- season – may it be filled with love, laughter, and all the Friday, December 16, 2011 at 9:00 am happiness your hearts can hold. Please note all Elementary Winter Concerts will be held in Season’s Greetings! the Elementary Gymnasium. Mrs. Janice Lacroix, Head of Elementary Holiday Wishes The holidays are a special time for connecting and giv- ing, and a wonderful time to evaluate what we give to our children. Besides love, affection, and looking after their physical needs, other important gifts we may give our children include: Time – in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is impor- tant to give freely of your time. Let your children share, and help them know that you are listening. Independence – respect your child as an individual and encourage them to take chances on their own! Life is about learning from mistakes. Praise – provide ample praise for your child when the ef- fort is there. A Sense of the Past – children have a need to know that they are part of something larger than themselves. 6 Webber Academy E-News November 2011 Trick or Dare Written collaboratively by the 6A group me hungrily. Slowly, he stepped forward, trying desperate- “Whoosh!” The candy in our Halloween bags was ly to get away, I tripped backwards over the rug . When rustling loudly each time Emma and I took a step. We I had the courage to get up, I bolted up the stairs as they were both silently making our way to the alleged haunted unexpectedly split in half.