The SAM Explorer

We are thrilled to announce that after much anticipation and creative input from our wonderful school community, we are proud to unveil our new school logo and name: The SAM Bears!

Amidst a myriad of fantastic ideas, there were compelling reasons shared by our community on why a bear would be an exceptional symbol for SAM School. Some believe bears embody peace and harmony, while others see them as a reminder to be thankful for our abundant landscape. Additionally, bears are seen as symbols of leadership and courage. Among the incredible submissions, one idea truly stood out, and it is with great pleasure that I announce the winner of the SAM Logo contest - The Priddle Family!

The Priddle Family not only crafted a visually stunning image for SAM School, but their description of the bear resonated deeply with our school's values. They envision the bear as the embodiment of everything SAM stands for – leadership, confidence, courage, strength, and grit. These qualities are perfect for fostering in our students, creating a strong foundation for their character development.

Given SAM School's existing connection with Asiniwaciy as our Ambearrister, the continuation of a bear theme feels especially fitting. The SAM Bears are not just a logo; they represent the essence of who we are and the qualities we aspire to instill in our students. Let's join together in congratulating the Priddle Family for their outstanding contribution to our school's identity.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the logo contest. Your creativity and enthusiasm have made this process truly special.

Week Dec 11 - Dec 15

Tues, Dec 12

• SAM Chorus Rehearsal (8am - Music Room)
• Climbing Club Sign-Up Meeting (Lunch Recess in GYM)

Wed, Dec 13th

• 'Wonder & Light' Concert A: 10:00am & 6:00pm
• 'Wonder & Light' Concert B: 1:15pm & 7:00pm

Thurs, Dec 14th

• 'Wonder & Light' Concert C: 1:15pm & 6:00pm

Fri, Dec 15th

• Festive Friday - wear your festive clothing
• Diary Queen Hot Lunch

Week of Dec 18-22

Tues, Dec 19

• Panago Hot Lunch

Thurs, Dec 21

• SAM Spirit Assembly 10:30am (GYM)
• Christmas Dance Party 12:00pm (GYM)
• Newcomer's Club Holiday Party (Ms. Sara's Room at Lunch)

Fri, Dec 22

• Early Dismissal -- 12:30pm

Are you ready to embark on an adventure that will take you to new heights, literally? Come discover the excitement, challenges, and camaraderie in the spectacular world of INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING!

• Attend our first information meeting on Tuesday December 12th at lunch recess in the GYM.
• Students will be given waivers to be signed and returned by December 20th.
• Did you miss the first meeting? Email Miss J or Mr. Beauchamp before Dec. 14th!

In the upcoming weeks, SAM School will continue to accept donations to help support our local community. 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, you can make cash donations to the St. Albert Food Bank & Community Village Canada directly here. These donations allow these organizations to purchase fresh produce and other essential items to complement the donated goods.

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

Each month at our SAM Spirt Assembly we will recognize the incredible contributions of our students, staff, and volunteers who help make SAM an amazing school to come to every day. The SAM SPIRIT Award is a monthly themed award where teachers choose two students from their class to recognize for demonstrating our SAM SPIRIT qualities. In November, we recognized students who embody the spirit of helpfulness. These students’ desire to lend a hand has not only made a great impact in our classrooms but has also increased the sense of community that is so important to us here at SAM School. Congratulations to our November SAM Spirit Award Winners!

Kindergarten

Espyn Lehman 0DRE

Riley Gray ODRE

Amara Stad OBOW

Lincoln Funnell OBOW

Grade 1

Gabby Buller-Pritchard 1ROB

Everly Woods 1ROB

Hadley Buchanan 1PRO

Evah Brown 1PRO

Grade 2

Ellowyn Sillito 2SMO

Georgia Heebner 2SMO

Summer Sinclair 2RAV

Nicolas Darke 2RAV

Grade 3

Drew Metlin3MIT

Aubrey Pelletier 3MIT

Griffin Ladouceur 3MP

Emma Russell 3MP

Katarina Mackie-Okrainec 3TAR

Silas VanKeeken 3TAR

Grade 4

Mila Fry 4MAR

Emma Laurie 4MAR

Ewan Cockburn 4ROB

Bela Gill-MacLeod4ROB

Grade 5

Dean Fayad 5BEA

Owen Metlin 5JUK

Anderson Barrett 5JUK

Anahad Bains 456FRI

Grade 6

Rowan McRobie 6LET

Alec Campbell 6LET

Sophie Fox 6CM

Levi Baril 6CM

Emily Ma 456FRI

We are very excited see you all next week at our "Wonder and Light" Concert on December 13th and 14th. Although tickets are not required to attend the daytime performances, there is limited space for our evening performances so please bring the tickets that were issued to you for each performance.

SAM School will also be collecting food bank donations at the door. There will also be QR codes available if you would like to make direct cash donations to the St. Albert Food Bank and Community Village Canada.

CONCERT SCHEDULE

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 & 6CM, SAM Chorus, Handbell Choir

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

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.

Our SAM Fundraising Society is a group of parent and community volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to raising money to many wonderful initiatives at SAM School. In order to continue to offer certain events, like Cupcake Days, Hot Lunch, and Swim Lessons, we rely on families donating their most precious gift to us .... their time!

There are many low commitment ways that you can help out with the fundraising at SAM School. A few hours of your time goes a long way in putting on some incredible events for our school community, as well as fundraising money to support student learning. If you are interested in volunteering, please click here to view our current volunteer opportunities. Next week we are looking for more parents to be able to volunteer a few of their hours selling Basket Raffle Tickets on Dec. 13 & 14 during our Wonder & Light Concert.

If you have any questions, please contact SAM Fundraising using at samfundraising@spschools.org.

Our next School Council meeting is on Tuesday, January 16th at 7pm in the SAM Library. To read the highlights from our November 2023 meeting, please click here.

Presented in partnership with the City of St. Albert. Soulfire takes place on the first and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. Join Community Resource Coordinator, Colleen and tap into ways you can find deeper connections and learn about your own mental health! But in a FUN and UNIQUE way!

Come hang out, meet awesome new people, and try new and exciting activities.

No registration required. Just walk-in.

Geared for children in grades 5-7

December to March:

Go on a spiritual exploration through winter berry harvesting and jam making and see how you can experience joy through collaboration and support. Understand how simple acts like sharing your homemade jam highlight connection and giving. Learn to create calming oils for a peaceful state of mind.

Time:4:00pm - 5:30pm

Location:Jensen Lakes Library

For more information, visit the City of St. Albert Library programs and events.

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.

Ensure your voice is heard by contributing your perspectives through Alberta’s Budget 2024 Consultation. This feedback is crucial for setting financial priorities and will influence the government's focus on balancing the budget, addressing growth, affordability, and advocating for Albertans. The public can participate through an online survey and join telephone town halls with Finance Minister Nate Horner. Additionally, businesses and organizations can submit their suggestions via an online portal. The consultation process, including the survey and town halls, is open until Jan. 19, 2024, with town halls scheduled for Dec. 11 and 12.