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.

Friday, December 13, 2019

Hello Ranchlands School Community!

TSN
Students had their last session of TSN on Friday for the first round. Students in the Public Service Announcement TSN had the opportunity to begin editing the final cut of the three PSA's. In the film industry this part of the process is called "assembly" - putting the final pieces together. Students used a program called iMovie. 

Bridge Club
Students in Bridge Club had their last meeting this Wednesday before winter break. Bridge Club will start again on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. We would like to thank Aaron Fulmek, Afterschool Program Coordinator, and Rabiya, Rasmi, and Skylar, our Afterschool Program Facilitators, for such an exciting and fun first term! Students have enjoyed the many lessons, activities, and field trip. We look forward to the next round in January. 

Students received a special gift bag from The Calgary Bridge Foundation Afterschool Program! Thank you!

Congratulations to Safwan for being the Leader of the Day!

Patrol News
The schedule for January will be posted next Friday.

The last day for school for students is Thursday, December 19. Friday, December 20 is a PD Day.

Friday, December 6, 2019

Hello Ranchlands School Community!

We have several updates from this very busy week!

TSN

Students have filmed their final Public Service Announcement and will now be in the editing stage. On Friday, Krasimira taught students some different types of shots including the very important over the shoulder shot!

Bridge Club

The Bridge Club will be having their last session before winter break this upcoming Wednesday (December 11). 

Patrol News

Teams have changed for the last two weeks of school in December due to student moves and requests. New teams have been posted at the patrol station and in classrooms.

Parent Workshop
The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth and In School Settlement Program will be holding a workshop on Employment and Workplace Communication for parents. 

Friday, November 29, 2019

Hello Ranchlands School Community!

It was a pleasure to meet many parents and families last week at parent-teacher me conferences. Many parents have asked me ways in which they can help their English language learning children at home. Here are some strategies and tips to support you:

•   Don’t be afraid to use your home language - You can explain unfamiliar words and concepts in the language familiar to your child and continue to build his or her literacy skills in the home language, while practicing and developing English.

•   When it comes to homework, have a routine – Establishing a good study routine at home can make a significant difference in your child’s learning. Provide a quiet environment  by removing or minimizing any potential distractions and make sure that your child has all the supplies he or she needs including pencils, books, paper, etc. Take the time to answer any questions your child may have. If you don’t know the answers, you can help your child find resources to help answer the questions he or she has, or you can help your child write down the question to ask his or her teacher. Even if you cannot yet speak English yourself, you can still check on your child to see if homework assignments are finished.

•   Use creative outlets to practice and learn language - A fun way to practice and learn language is to engage in creative activities. For example, make a scrapbook together featuring things that have taken place in your new home, city, and/or country and write all the captions and titles in your new language. Does your child like to paint or write? Have them draw a picture and write or tell a story about it. Vocabulary journals and telling stories are also fun ways to practice and learn language.

•    English learning websites and games – If you have access to the Internet, there are a variety of educational websites and games to help develop English language skills. Additionally, many websites offer quizzes and tests. Use websites that introduce and practice phonics for reading development. Some websites offer audio book downloads, read alongs with text, and pronunciation assistance. Playing learning games can peak interest, offer motivation, and also teach new vocabulary.

•   Encourage involvement in extracurricular activities - Extracurricular activities both at school and outside of school time can provide additional meaningful opportunities to develop language and literacies. Understanding and using language and literacies skills across settings is important in learning and achievement.

•   Stay connected and collaborate with teachers - By staying informed, you can keep up to date on your child’s linguistic, academic, and social progress in school. Understanding what is going on in school will give you a better idea of how you can support your child at home. Coordination and partnership between the school and home helps children thrive and succeed in their new learning environments.