Dear MLS Families,
We knew the cold weather was on its way, but the extreme temperatures and wind chill were certainly felt by all. As a result, we experienced several indoor recesses and lunch breaks while waiting for warmer conditions to return.
During cold weather days, students remain in their classrooms and participate in recess activities chosen by their teacher. While our staff work provide indoor options, extended periods without fresh air and active play can impact students’ ability to regulate, focus, and fully engage in learning.
For this reason, we will be introducing a recess program called Polar Bear Club at McKenzie Lake School. This program will provide students with the opportunity to go outside for a short, supervised fresh-air break when temperatures fall below -20°C (within reason), provided we have parent/guardian permission.
If you would like your child to participate in Polar Bear Club, please email your child’s teacher to provide consent.
Winter Olympics
Mrs. Dugas organized a number of exciting Olympic-themed activities, building enthusiasm and school spirit around the Winter Olympics. We hope the excitement cultivated at school carries through as you watch the final days of competition this weekend—and perhaps results in a few more medals for Canada!
Students are invited to wear red and white on Monday as we celebrate Team Canada’s Olympic achievements, and hopefully a gold medal in men’s hockey.
Pink Shirt Day – February 25
Pink Shirt Day began in 2008 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, when two high school students responded to an act of bullying by organizing their peers to wear pink in support of a younger student. That simple act of kindness sparked a movement that spread across Canada and around the world.
Today, Pink Shirt Day is observed annually on the last Wednesday of February and serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, inclusion, and respect. It encourages people of all ages to:
- Wear pink as a visible symbol of support for kindness and belonging.
- Raise awareness and have meaningful conversations about bullying and its impact.
- Support initiatives that help children and youth build self-esteem, resilience, and safe, caring communities.
The Calgary Board of Education recognizes Pink Shirt Day across all schools and provides professional learning and classroom resources that support student well-being. As a school community, we honour the grassroots act of kindness that started this movement and reaffirm our shared commitment to creating welcoming, caring, safe, and respectful spaces for everyone.
Dayna McComish