Dear SS Parents and Guardians,  

I want to share a HUGE thank you for everyone who supported our students and School Council/Parent Association by volunteering at the Casino Fundraiser on May 7 and 8, 2025. We anticipate this will raise about $70,000.00 for the School Council/Parent Association to support the school and our students with everything from busses for field trips, materials and supports over and above our school funding, technology, residencies for the arts and physical education, etc. You all rock harder than old school Metallica! 

Educationally yours,  
Derek 😊   

Derek Rakowski   
Principal, Silver Springs School    

 Please Mark Your Calendars

  • May 9 – Last day to order Subway Fun Lunch   
  • May 13 – School Council Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 6:30 PM   
  • May 14 – Subway Fun Lunch   
  • May 15 – Grade 3/4 classes Zoo Field Trip   
  • May 16 – PD Day, no classes for students   
  • May 19 – Victoria Day, School Closed   
  • May 22 – Volunteer Tea   
  • May 27 – Grade 5/6 Field Trip to Reader Rock Garden   
  • May 27 – Kindergarten Orientation for 2025/26 at 5:00 PM   
  • May 28 – Grade 6 ELAL Provincial Achievement Test Part A Writing assessment   
  • May 29 – Grade 5/6 Field Trip to Reader Rock Garden  
  • May 30 – Wonder Day #4  
  • June 2 – Grade 5/6 field trip to Reader Rock Garden  
  • June 6-9 – Eid al-Adha  
  • June 6 – Sports Day  
  • June 6 – Deadline to order little Caesars Fun lunch  
  • June 9-20 – Swimming lessons for all classes  
  • June 10 – School Council meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 PM  
  • June 11 – Fun lunch from Little Caesars  
  • June 13 – Grade 6 Math PAT part a at 9:00 AM  
  • June 16 – Grade 6 PAT ELAL part B Reading at 9:00 AM  
  • June 17 – Grade 6 PAT Math part B  
  • June 18 – Grade 6 PAT Social Studies  
  • June 25 – Farewell assembly for Grade 5/6s and Grade 5/6 swimming  
  • June 26 – Last day of school for students – early dismissal at 12:35 PM  
  • June 27 – Organizational Day for teachers – no classes for students  

Moving for Calm Enhances Focus and Well-Being

Dr. Greg Wells explores how rhythmic physical activity can promote relaxation and creativity in his latest blog, “Exercises that Create Theta Brainwaves.” Gentle, repetitive movement such as walking, cycling, or swimming can help shift brain activity into a theta state, which is linked to mental clarity, reduced stress, and creative insight. This “moving meditation” approach makes calm more accessible, especially for those who find traditional stillness challenging. 

Student Chess Tournament (I have never seen this before, so wanted to share it out!) 

Whether you're a seasoned player or just love the game of chess, come test your skills at the Semester 2 School Chess Tournament, hosted by the Checkmate Foundation! 
📅 Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025 
🕒 Time: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM 
📍 Location: UCalgary – Hunter Student Commons (Rooms 124A & 128) 
💵 Entry Fee: $12 (e-transfer: info@checkmatefoundation.ca – includes food!) 

🎓 Sections: 

  • Junior (Grades 4–8) 
  • Senior (Grades 9–12) 
    🔢 6 Rounds | 10|0 Format 

🏆 Prizes: 

  • Top 3 win Amazon gift cards + medals 
  • Best school (min. 5 players) wins a custom prize 
  • Over $200 in prizes! 

🍕 Enjoy 2 slices of pizza + a drink during the 3:30 PM break 

👥 Register Now: 

Questions? Email info@checkmatefoundation.ca 

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School Council Updates

Our Next School Council & Parent Association Meeting is May 13, 2025  
Our next School Council meeting is on Tuesday May 13, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the Learning Commons. I can’t wait to see you there!  

Fundraising Coordinator Position Needed  

We are looking for parents to join our School Council & Parent Association for the 2025/2026 school year. We are currently looking for people who would be interested in the Fundraising Coordinator position. Mentorship and transition support will be provided, and volunteering for the Council is a great way to stay involved & engaged with what the students are up to!  

Silver Springs School Council Email Opt In 

To ensure you don’t miss out on information on school fundraisers, events, and other activities, please add your email to our list here:   School Council Email Opt-in   

For any questions about the above, or your School Council and Parent Association in general - please email sssparentcouncil@gmail.com   
Céleste Howard and Erin Olesen (School Council Chair and Vice Chair)