Friday, January 31, 2020

Hello Ranchlands School Community!

English as Another Language

Research has shown that knowing more than one language has many cognitive benefits. For instance, people who speak more than one language have improved memory, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, greater concentration, ability to multitask, and better listening skills. The importance of keeping one's home language while learning English is imperative for students for this reason as well as many others. Over time, students learning English may begin to forget their native language or use it less often as their English vocabulary increases. There are many benefits to continuing to use one's home language:

1. Your child will develop stronger English skills if you continue to use and develop your home language.
2. Your home language will help your child to learn. When a child knows about things in the home language, he or she will learn about things in the second language more easily.

3. Your home language supports your child’s sense of identity.
4.  Knowing the home language helps children to communicate easily within the family and the community. (adapted from Coelho, E. Adding English 2004 Pippin Publishing)

For practical suggestions and ways in which you can support your child at home in doing so visit: 
https://portal.cbe.ab.ca/staffinsite/teaching/inclusive/ell/Documents/keep-home-language-alive.pdf

The CBE and the Calgary Public Library will be holding a session for parents and caregivers on keeping the home language alive. Details are given below.

Friday, January 24, 2020

Hello Ranchlands School Community!

Patrol News 




Our next patrol meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, January 30 at lunch in Rooms 23 and 24. All patrollers should bring their lunch that day (even if you do not normally stay) for the meeting. Please review your patroller handbook and bring a pencil to the meeting.




The following are some helpful links to review the patrol procedure and expectations:

https://amaabcainternal.blob.core.windows.net/2019/november/SSP_Winter_Patroller_Activity_Sheets_2019-2020.pdf
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vi0fDcrFRLhMckT2CLG3e8pYHFpTq7-E3w5f6CAU7Kw/edit#slide=id.g23be27f4c8_1_56

Don’t forget about the AMA incentive Monster Mini Golf’s two for one deal. Patrollers can show their membership card and get a free entry when accompanying a full price admission. *This deal cannot be combined with any other offer and is only open to patrollers who show a valid membership card. Offer expires on June 30, 2020.

Here is the schedule for February:

RANCHLANDS SCHOOL PATROL SCHEDULE

February 2020

________________________________________________

Monday - Thursday

(Arrive at patrol station)   Feb. 3-7           Feb. 10-12

(8:50)     8:55 – 9:10           Team 1              Team 4   

(12:20)   12:25 – 12:40       Team 12             Team 9  

(12:55)   1:00 – 1:15           Team 8              Team 13

(3:45)     3:50 – 4:05           Team 2               Team 3

Friday: only before and after school teams go out.

(8:50)     8:55 – 9:10           Team 1               Team 4

(1:15)     1:20 –1:35            Team 2               Team 3

Monday - Thursday

(Arrive at patrol station)   Feb. 18-21          Feb. 24-28

 (8:50)     8:55 – 9:10          Team  2             Team 3  

(12:20)   12:25 – 12:40       Team  7             Team  10  

(12:55)   1:00 – 1:15           Team  6              Team  11

(3:45)     3:50 – 4:05           Team  1              Team 4 

Friday: only before and after school teams go out.

(8:50)     8:55 – 9:10            Team  2            Team 3

(1:15)     1:20 –1:35             Team  1             Team 4

*Please arrive at the patrol station 5 minutes before you scheduled time in order to be ready.

Friday, January 17, 2020

 

Hello Ranchlands School Community!

BICS and CALP
Learning English is divided into two types of skills: BICS and CALP. BICS is the everyday language a student learns in order to converse with peers and others. CALP is academic language necessary for learning in school. Below is more information on BICS and CALP from the CBE.

Learning English for School
There are two kinds of English skills. One kind is the “everyday” language for conversation. This is called basic interpersonal communication skills or BICS. The other way to use English includes ways of thinking, talking and writing about ideas, especially the ideas of school topics such as science, history or literature. This is called cognitive academic language proficiency or CALP. It may take students many years to learn CALP English. Students develop both BICS and CALP through many different school activities and interactions. They develop English at the same time as they develop their understanding of school topics. They transfer knowledge from their first language.

Elementary Schools
Students take classes with English speakers. Teachers adjust their way of communicating, select different materials, or use different groupings and techniques to help English Language students learn English.

BICS usually takes 1-2 years to acquire while CALP takes longer at 5-7 years. For every student, the time will vary. It takes time to develop English language skills - patience and practice are key!

Friday, January 10, 2020

Happy new year Ranchlands School Community!


This was a busy week as students and staff returned to school. Students had an opportunity to share their customs and traditions around the new year from their home countries as well as traditions in Canada. Students learned about new year's resolutions and set some of their own.

 




















Imagine Learning
Students that are using Imagine Learning at school are encouraged to use the program at home. Please contact me at the school if you require assistance.

Bridge Club
A reminder that Bridge Club restarts on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. We are accepting new registrations. Forms are available in the main office.

Friday, December 20, 2019

Hello Ranchlands School Community!

Wishing all of you a very happy holiday season and see you in the new year!

Here is the schedule for January 2020:

RANCHLANDS SCHOOL PATROL SCHEDULE

January 2020 

Monday - Thursday

(Arrive at patrol station)   Jan. 7-10           Jan. 13-17

(8:50)     8:55 – 9:10           Team 2              Team 3   

(12:20)   12:25 – 12:40       Team 14             Team 15  

(12:55)   1:00 – 1:15           Team 6              Team 7

(3:45)     3:50 – 4:05           Team 1               Team 4

Friday: only before and after school teams go out.

(8:50)     8:55 – 9:10           Team 2               Team 3

(1:15)     1:20 –1:35            Team 1               Team 4

Monday - Thursday

(Arrive at patrol station)   Jan. 20-24          Jan. 27-30

 (8:50)     8:55 – 9:10          Team  1             Team 3  

(12:20)   12:25 – 12:40       Team  9             Team  11  

(12:55)   1:00 – 1:15           Team  8              Team  13

(3:45)     3:50 – 4:05           Team  5              Team 4 

Friday: only before and after school teams go out.

(8:50)     8:55 – 9:10            Team  1            Team 3

(1:15)     1:20 –1:35             Team  5             Team 4

*Please arrive at the patrol station 5 minutes before you scheduled time in order to be ready.