GISH GLIMPSE
October 2024
Principal's Message
Dear Gish Families,
With one month completed, we have truly begun to settle in as a school community. Teachers’ routines are established, students have brushed off the “summer fog” and the machine that is education is operating full steam ahead!
As I reflect on the past month and look ahead to October I am met with positive memories and encouraging direction. Leadership abounds in our building. I would like to thank our teachers, counselors, educational assistants, and two assistant principals for stepping up and creating an efficient and engaging first month of school. I am grateful for everyone’s support and willingness to jump in.
Highlights of September:
One unexpected fire drill, one scheduled.
School evacuation to Servus Place
Div 1, 2 and 3 assemblies
Terry Fox Run - all divisions
4 Volleyball teams created - Jr. and Sr. teams.
Staff PD - acceptance, empathy and equity.
K-3 Government Screenings
Thank you to all of our parents and caregivers for cooperating with our neighbours and adhering to parking signs, not blocking driveways and for ensuring that crosswalks are clear for pedestrians.
We are looking forward to a great fall season!
Respectfully,
Mr. Harrison
Reminders
Upcoming Dates to Remember.....
Thursday, Oct. 10 - Theme day - "Matching Day"
Friday, Oct. 11 - PD Day - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, Oct. 15 - School Council Meeting 6:30 pm
Thursday, Oct. 24 - Individual Photo Retakes
Friday, Oct. 25 - Fall Ball Dance - Kinder to Gr. 6
Friday, Oct. 25 - Gish Wear/Hat Day ($2 for Autism Edmonton)
Please Label Your Child's Clothing
Please label your children's clothing. It is MUCH easier for us to return it to them if their name is on it. In the future our lost and found will be cleared out monthly, so please help us by labeling each piece.
No Utensils or Microwaves Available for Student Use
Please send your child with the lunch tools they need to be successful. We are NOT able to heat up lunches or provide forks and spoons.
Individual Photos
Life at Gish
Dallas Arcand Performance
Thanks to amazing fundraising efforts by last year's board, the GPA was able to sponsor the presentation and dance by Dallas Arcand, world renowned hoop dancer. Dallas used his lived experience and passion for his heritage to inspire students at Gish to become allies in the Truth and Reconciliation process.
Divisions 1 and 2: iLead
At Elmer S. Gish School, students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 develop leadership skills through the exploration of the 7 Sacred Teachings and Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Happy Kids. Our goal is to promote and recognize behaviors that reflect positive attitudes, values, and citizenship while fostering respect for the land and the teachings of Indigenous elders.
Recently, students have been introduced to the concepts of being proactive and demonstrating honesty. Throughout the year, we also focus on characteristics such as humility and thinking win-win, love and seeking first to understand, truth and synergy, courage and beginning with the end in mind, wisdom and sharpening the saw, and respect and putting first things first.
Positive behavior truly matters, and we celebrate it at Gish School.
Gr. 7-9: Habitudes
Introducing Habitudes: Building Leadership Skills in Junior High Students
We are excited to share that ESG is incorporating Habitudes into our junior high curriculum. Habitudes is a research-based program designed to help students develop essential leadership skills and character traits. Created by Dr. Tim Elmore, Habitudes uses images, relatable stories, and interactive discussions to teach important principles in a way that resonates with young people.
What Are Habitudes?
Habitudes combine the words “habits” and “attitudes,” focusing on the development of both in students. The program teaches timeless leadership principles such as empathy, integrity, character, communication, time management, and discipline.
Why It Matters
Junior high is a crucial time for growth, and Habitudes helps students build confidence, make wise decisions, and develop skills that will benefit them in school and beyond.
Feel free to visit https://growingleaders.com/habitudes/ for additional information or to contact the school.
ESG iLead Leaders
Warriors Athletics
Sr. Girls Volleyball team
Jr. Girls Volleyball Team
Hot Lunch
Wednesday, Oct. 9 - IHop
Wednesday, Oct. 16 - Pizza Hut
Wednesday, Oct. 23 - Pita Pit
Wednesday, Oct. 30 - Boston Pizza
Wednesday, Oct. 31 - Confetti Sweets & Kernels
GPA Update
GPA Meetings are held once per month in a hybrid format, in person and online. Our next meeting is Monday October 21, at 6:30pm. A link will be sent prior to the meeting for those who wish to attend online. But! We love to see you in person too!
Fall Ball!
The GPA will be hosting a Fall Ball and Silent Auction for grades k-6 students and their families, this is one of our most anticipated events of the year! Stay tuned for more information coming to your emails and the GPA Facebook group.
Compassion Committee
As we have announced previously, we raised over $1600 for the Gish Compassion Committee. These funds are used to help families at Gish who are facing difficult or unexpected life circumstances. The need for this fund is always growing. Any family can contact the school admin to ask for support This is a completely confidential process. The Compassion Committee does not know the name of the family; they only receive the age/grade of the children and what the family might need. Please email Sue Werner, if your family could use some extra support any time through the year.
Volunteers
There are a lot of ways to get involved at Gish! The GPA works tirelessly through the year to fundraise and foster community. We have made signing up for GPA volunteer opportunities a super easy process! If you have an interest in volunteering for the Gish Parent's Association please email esgpavolunteers@gmail.com or Join us for our monthly meetings. ALL ARE WELCOME.
Join our GPA Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/eqB1z73Rv6Bo6hHe/
Join our GPA WhatsApp Group - https://chat.whatsapp.com/GKqQPhoXOhU6VlCg3Sjit2
Want to be contacted for GPA volunteer opportunities? https://signup.com/go/vmdDXzV
Elmer S. Gish School
Email: esg@spschools.org
Website: https://esgish.spschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=970059&pageId=12037863#page
Phone: 780-459-7766
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElmerSGishSchool/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARBsk-ZhqD_tyEPuCBCEkKBKOTXg_NJu1B9P7KnPimYa8yYQT6DOxnwErtRKsMhMqaVgej4sgTISzn12
Twitter: @GishEnergy