The SAM Explorer

As we embrace the winter season, I am thrilled to share the excitement building up to our upcoming Winter Concert. The dedication and talent of our students promise an unforgettable evening of music and celebration. Your support for our budding musicians means the world to us, and we can't wait to see you there.

I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible parent volunteers who have been instrumental in creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment inside our classrooms. Your time and commitment contribute significantly to the success of our educational programs, and we are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated community. Without these incredible parents, SAM School would not be able to host as many wonderful events as it does!

Additionally, a big thank you to all the parents who helped make our recent Family Movie Night a fantastic success. It's heartening to witness the sense of togetherness and joy that events like these bring to our school community.

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement. Together, we continue to create a nurturing and enriching environment for our students.

Dawn & Cam

Last week, SAM School celebrated Métis Week. As part of our activities and learnings last week, we were so fortunate to welcome Ms. Amy Watson back to SAM to lead us through a school wide mural inspired by the art of Christi Belcourt. Christi Belcourt is a famous Métis artist from Saskatchewan and is well know for her Dot Art Technique. We look forward to revealing the final school-wide project soon!

Week of Nov 27 - Dec 1

Mon, Nov 27

• Grade 6 Boys Volleyball Games at SAM School 4-5pm

Tues, Nov 28

• Grade 4, 5, 6 Students attend 'Elf: The Musical'
• Grade 6 Girls Volleyball Games at SAM School 4-5pm

Thurs, Nov 30

• Student Leadership Club presents 'Celebrity Star Day'
• Taylor Swift Sing-a-long/Bookmark making event at recess

Fri, Dec 1

• SAM Spirit Assembly 10:30am
• Taste of Ukraine Hot Lunch

Week of Dec 4 - 8: Computer Science Education Week

Tues, Dec 5

• Grade 6 Immunizations

Wed, Dec 6

• Cupcake Day
• Early Dismissal - No Kindergarten

Fri, Dec 8

• Tim Hortons Hot Lunch

At SAM School, we value and celebrate the rich diversity of our community. We're eager to learn more about the various cultures, traditions, and celebrations that make each family unique. If you're interested in sharing the traditions important to your family, please take a moment to complete this brief form. Your input will guide us in creating opportunities for students and families to share and learn about the meaningful traditions that shape our community. Thank you for helping us make SAM School a place that embraces and appreciates the cultural richness within our school family.

As we get ready for another busy school week, we want to send out a gentle reminder to make sure your child has enough food and snacks packed for the day. Even though our school offers wholesome options to those in need, it's crucial to remember that we don't have enough resources to meet the demand from students for lunches and snacks at school at the current rate. We value your assistance in making sure that people who most need these resources may access them.

As we embrace the holiday season, let's take a moment to celebrate the various traditions that make this time of year so special. Whether you celebrate Christmas, lighting the menorah for Hanukkah, sharing the joy of Kwanzaa, commemorating the winter solstice, or partaking in any other festive observance, may the spirit of unity, joy, and goodwill be with you. Over the next few weeks, we hope you can enjoy some of our many ways to celebrate and give during this time of the year. You will notice a few different events taking place over the next few weeks and we invite you to participate in, or just come check out, one or more of the following events:

• Food Bank Donation Drive
• Mitten Tree & Children's Clothing Drive
• Bulletin board: Learn about the traditions of Hanukkah
  
• Festive Friday
• 'Wonder & Light' Concert

In the spirit of giving, we ask you to consider donating items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and other non-perishable food items that can make a significant difference in the lives of families facing food insecurity. Additionally, monetary contributions are welcome, as they allow the food bank to purchase fresh produce and other essential items to complement the donated goods. Your generosity can truly make a difference in the lives of our neighbors who may be struggling during these challenging times. Every can, every box, and every dollar contributed will help us create a stronger, more resilient community.

We understand that the holiday season can be a busy time for everyone, but even a small contribution can have a big impact. Together, we can make a positive difference and spread the warmth of the season. Thank you for your support and let's make this year's Food Bank Donation Drive a resounding success!

Food items can be dropped off in the large boxes outside our main office.

Cash donations can be provided to Ms. Stadnyk in the office.

Bundle up kindness this winter! Join our children's winter clothing drive and make a difference by donating new or gently used boots, jackets, snow pants, and more. Help keep little ones warm and cozy as they embrace the magic of the season.

All items can be dropped off to Ms. Sara in her room.

Join us in spreading warmth and kindness by contributing to our Mitten Tree in the library. We're collecting new mittens or gloves to help keep some chilly fingers stay warm during the winter months!

All items can be dropped off to Mrs. Leathem in the library.

Get ready to jingle all the way on Festive Friday! Join the holiday cheer at our school activity by wearing your most festive clothing – from Santa hats to ugly sweaters, let's light up the halls with joy and celebration. Don't miss out on the fun, be part of the sparkle this Friday!

We are so excited to have all of our SAM students performing during concerts in December! Please check the schedule carefully and mark your calendar with the date and times when your child’s class is performing. Each child will receive 2 tickets for their evening performance. Additional guests are welcome to attend the daytime performances - no tickets are required.

CONCERT A: Wednesday, Dec. 13th @ 10:00 am & 6:00 pm

• KDRE & KBOW, 1PRO & 1ROB, 2RAV & 2SMO

CONCERT B: Wednesday, Dec. 13th @ 1:15 pm & 7:00 pm

• 3TAR, 4MAR & 4ROB, 5BEA & 6CLA, SAM Chorus, Handbell Choir

CONCERT C: Thursday, Dec. 14th @ 1:15 pm & 6:00 pm

• 3MP & 3MIT, 456FRI, 5JUK & 6LET, SAM Chorus, Handbell Choir

Understanding our provincial funding model helps us better understand some of the difficult financial decisions that are being made in public education. Check out this newsletter if you want to learn more about how we are funding based on the "weighted moving average" (WMA) and how this impacts our division, schools, and classrooms.

Logically Illogical: Info & Insight into Autism
Where: St. Albert Public Schools Division Office - Heritage Room
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023 9:00AM - 10:30AM

Ros Blackburn is an adult with autism. At three months old she appeared withdrawn, isolated and very much in a world of her own. At 18 months she was diagnosed very severely autistic but with average intellectual ability.

Now at 54, Ros lectures nationally and internationally giving insight into her own experiences and the care and education practices she has observed. In spite of the severe limitations imposed by her condition, Ros displays great courage (and a strong sense of humour) in facing her fears and tackling life’s challenges.

Registration is free, but pre-registration is required as we are limited to 40 attendees. Click here to register.

Explore factors that contribute to your child’s mental health and wellness and learn how you can be your child’s greatest mental health asset.

Part 1: Increasing Wellness Deposits

In this one-hour Lunch & Learn webinar, we will look at what mental health and wellness is and discuss strategies for increasing your child’s mental health ‘deposits’ – the protective factors that provide a buffer to life’s challenges and promote wellness. For caregivers of children in grades K-6; for adults only.

Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2023

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Part 2: Reducing Wellness Withdrawals

In this one-hour Lunch & Learn webinar, we will discuss strategies for reducing mental health ‘withdrawals’ – the risk factors that increase stress and drain your child’s inner resources. We will also look at the key perspectives that help children feel more resilient and able to take on their world. For caregivers of children in grades K-6; for adults only.

Date: Wednesday, December 13, 2023

12:00 – 1:00 pm

To register for these events, please follow the Alberta Health Services, Education Caregiver series link.