The Power of Community and New Experiences...

The 89th Annual Cambridge Skating Races will light up the ice at Galt Arena Gardens on Friday, February 22nd at 7pm. This year’s event is particularly special as many Chalmers Street students will have the opportunity to participate for the very first time. The event prides itself on being about community, friendship and sportsmanship. The atmosphere will no doubt be electric as neighbouring schools will pack the stands to cheer on their friends and fellow competitors.

I have loved this event since being a child, and even more so as a volunteer. There’s something to be said about the feeling that is created when a child’s smile extends ear to ear as they take the last corner or as the arena erupts when a young skater is assisted across the finish line.

This past weekend’s introduction to Hockey Night in Canada caught my attention. Ron Maclean spoke about the inclusiveness of sport, specifically hockey, and how this community of athletes is united together by sheer passion for the game. Everyone is valued as an equal counterpart once the jersey is on and the skates hit the ice. Respect, gratitude and admiration runs deep; each player is distinctly unique and has within their possession an identity and a story that only they truly know. At all levels (locally, nationally, internationally), it reinforces the notion of community, the inclusiveness of sport and a celebration of diversity. It’s more than just a game... it’s what they love, it’s a significant part of who they are and it has the potential to transform into something more.

Whether we’re talking about education, professional sports, or an authentically grassroots event at the community level, the overarching goal is to provide each person with new learning and experiences that spark excitement in them, to showcase the strength of human connection, and to create conditions where everyone can achieve success.

An event like this took place at Chalmers a few weeks ago. Students and their families were invited to come out and participate in Arts Discovery Night. We had an amazing turnout and witnessed parent engagement at its finest as students explored music, dance, and crafts. Thank you Parent Council and the wonderful volunteers from the Forward Church for organizing such an engaging event for our school community.

The power of possibility can’t be underestimated. The next experience may not only shape memories that could last a lifetime, but it may also lead to something magical.

That new experience might be the Cambridge Skating Races, encouraging your child to get involved or take a risk. For you, maybe it takes the shape of helping in one of our classrooms, joining the Parent Council discussion or simply coming in for a chat.

Regardless of the context, these experiences and connections matter. We hope to see you at Chalmers or out in the school community very soon. #CougarPride

Jeff Johnson, Principal

A Message from Parent Council:

Candy Grams are back again! This time we are handing out lollipop flowers for Valentine’s Day. Take the work and planning out of the holiday and let Parent Council do all the work for you. Simply have your child bring in their money between February 4th and Feb 12th. We will be taking orders during first nutrition break. We will take care of making the Candy Grams, adding a neat To/From label and delivering all the treats to the students. As the students collect them, they will end up with a “bouquet of flowers.” How cute is that? What a great opportunity to share treats and give back to the school so that we can continue to enrich our child’s education!

Coming soon: Greeting Card Fundraiser featuring your child’s artwork! Keep your eye out for more information about this exciting and memorable project!

Student Leaders in Action:

Our Chalmers Leadership Council will be taking over our Reflection Board for the month of February with the theme focused on kindness. Chalmers staff, students and guests are welcome to engage in a mindful moment by reflecting and responding to the prompts provided.

A big shoutout to Mrs. Little and Mrs. Huc for launching the concept of the reflective board back in the fall. So far this year, we’ve shared who we were running for during our Terry Fox campaign, what we were thankful for in November, holiday wishes in December, and our personal goals to kick-off the new year.

Initiatives like these may seem simple on the surface, but I believe it reinforces the significance of intentionally engaging in a minute or two of gratitude. Although the impact may not be recognized by all participants, these personal thoughts and feelings connect us schoolwide on a very human level.

To all contributors, you make us Cougar proud!

Upcoming Dates and Activities:

February Pizza Orders: Due on School-Day.com by February 5th

Report Cards Go Home: Friday, February 15th

Family Day: Monday, February 18th

Cambridge Skating Races: Friday, February 22nd

Grade 3-4 Knitting Club: Every Day 5

Chalmers Movie Night: Friday, March 1st (stay tuned for further details)