Good afternoon,

Thank you to our families for helping to maintain a safe space in front of our school. This is particularly important as we ensure the safety of our Learning Program students.  We are aware that Thursday was particularly difficult for families.  While we appreciate families wanting to ensure their children get to school safely, we are asking families not to turn right into the parking lot to drop students off, as this causes significant traffic congestion.  Please consider alternate pick up and drop off locations to help facilitate the traffic flow in and around our building and the neighboring communities.  

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Band Fundraising

The RTHS Band is fundraising to support an upcoming trip.  Please see the link below to the Purdy’s Fundraiser.  The deadline to purchase is November 11, 2024

https://fundraising.purdys.com/1706477-118332

School Council

Please join us for the Robert Thirsk School Council AGM on October 1, 2024 at 6:30pm.  Agenda and other Council information can be found on our website https://robertthirsk.cbe.ab.ca/school-council

Athletics

Our online store is up and running! Have a look as we have added some new options, jacket, hats, toques etc. If you are thinking about placing an order, please do so prior to Sep 20. There will be a 2-3 week delivery time. Below is the link.

https://rm-apparel.square.site/shop/robert-thirsk-high-school-2024-2025-on-line-store-now-open/4

Comets in Action this Week

• Boys Volleyball have their home opener against Ernest Manning on Tues Sep 17! Juniors at 5pm & Seniors at 6:30pm.
• Girls Volleyball have their first regular season game at Bishop Carrol High School. Juniors at 5pm & Seniors at 6:30pm.
• Football is playing against Bowness Friday Sep 20 7pm Encana Field.
• Our first Cross Country meet is Wednesday Sep 18 at Canmore Park.

For any questions regarding Athletics, please contact Lindsay MacWilliam at lmmacwilliam@cbe.ab.ca.

Student Absences/Lates

If you have questions or concerns regarding your student’s attendance, please reach out via email to directly to the classroom teacher.

Parking

Assigned parking begins Monday, September 23, 2024.  Fees will be assigned to MyCBE and will need to be paid prior to picking up your pass.  Passes can be picked up next Wednesday and Thursday during Focus.

School Clubs

Please see below for a list of current clubs taking place:

Independent Student

The School Act defines an Independent Student as a student who is:

• 18 years of age or older, or
• 16 years of age or older and
  i. Who is living independently as determined by a board in accordance with section 6 of the Education Act, or
  ii. Who is a party to an agreement under section 57.2 of the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act

A notification letter of the changes in rights and responsibilities of independent students will be sent to the parent(s) / legal guardian(s) of the student the month prior to the student turning 18.

Success Centre

Grade 12 Graduation Credential Checks

Today in Connect, all grade 12 students received their Alberta Education credential report that outlines progress towards their high school diploma or certificate of high school achievement. Students need to review this with their parent/guardian and bring back signed forms to their Connect teacher by Friday, September 20th. Any student who is not on track to meet credential by June 2025 should book an appointment with their colour community guidance counsellor at earliest convenience. 

Post- Secondary Visits at RTHS

Students can learn about opportunities about different post-secondary schools from student recruiters and ask questions for the following post-secondary institutions: 

• University of Victoria: Wednesday, September 18th (8-8:45 AM) in the Space (Booth)
• University of Calgary: Wednesday, September 18 (lunch time) in the theatre (Presentation)
• St. Mary's University: Tuesday, September 24  (lunch time) in the Space (Booth)
• SAIT: Wednesday, September 25 (lunch time) in Rooms 210/212 (Presentation)

More post-secondary visits and information will be shared shortly!

Post-Secondary Open Houses - Fall 2024

Opportunities for students and families to explore post-secondary programs and campuses: 

• Old's College of Agriculture and Technology
  Friday, October 4 & Saturday, October 5 from 10AM-2 PM; register here. 
• St. Mary's University
  Saturday, October 5 from 10 AM-2 PM; click here for more information
• Mount Royal University
  Saturday, October 19 from 9 AM- 3 PM; register using link 
• Ambrose University
  Saturday, October 19 from 10AM-2PM; register here
• SAIT
  Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19 from 9AM-3PM; register using link  
• University of Alberta
  Saturday, October 19 from 9AM- 3 PM; click here for more information
  Calgary students can book a free roundtrip bus ticket from Calgary to Edmonton using link above
• University of Calgary
  Saturday, October 26 from 9AM-3 PM; register here. 
• Alberta University of the Arts
  Saturday, October 26; additional information here. 
• Bow Valley College
  Saturday, October 26 from 10 AM-2 PM; register here
• University of Lethbridge
  Saturday, October 26 from 10AM-3PM; register here

Youth Advisory Council (Luna Child & Youth Advocacy Centre)

As a member of the Youth Advisory Council, you will play an integral role in guiding Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre’s initiatives and projects geared towards youth engagement, community outreach and advocacy.

This position offers you an opportunity to make a tangible impact by providing input, feedback and innovative ideas that will shape Luna’s strategies and ensure the needs and aspirations of young people are met.

The Luna Youth Advisory Council is open to people aged 15-22.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are continually updated in the Success Centre D2L Shell. Success Centre also recently posted upcoming scholarship opportunities for September/October 2024 on our school site listed here, so that families are able to see as well, which includes further information on Loran Scholarship, University of Toronto Book Award, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and more. Students can also access scholarship information through Success Centre D2L shell. 

Community Resources 

AHS Community Education Sessions

Here is an upcoming list of free, virtual educational sessions offered through AHS: Cross Cultural Parenting Program; ADHD Essentials for Parents; and Navigating Technology with our youth. Click here for more information and to register.

 Kickstand Connect - A Virtual Clinic Tailor Made for Alberta Youth 

• Free, virtual counselling for youth aged 12 to 25 and their parents or caregivers  
• Online portal and mobile app  
• Individual counselling appointments with trained healthcare professionals and a safe space for group sessions.  
• Youth can access same-day and pre-booked appointments (up to a week in advance) with a mental health or substance use professional, peer support worker, or employment specialist 
• no waiting list and does not require any form of payment 
• https://mykickstand.ca/
  

Upcoming Dates

Sept 26                       Meet the Teacher (more details to follow)

Sept 27                       No School for all students

Sept 30                       National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – No School for All Students

Oct 1                          School Council Meeting 6:30pm                     

Oct 10                        Academic Awards

Oct 14                        Thanksgiving – No School for all Students

Oct 24/25                   Parent Teacher Conferences