SABES QUE Apr 2, 2026
El programa de natación/The swim program was a great success in terms of excitement, skill development, and fun! We are extremely appreciative of all volunteers who supported students from grades 1 to 6 on a daily basis. Students felt supported and cared for every step of the way.
Normalmente/Normally, our 2026/27 school budget would have been released by now. However, due to some external complexities, CBE will release school budgets towards the end of this month.
Annually, at our April School Council meetings, we review registration and future grade numbers with attendees. Something that has been of great interest to future grade 5 and 6 families is whether the school will continue to have grade 5/6 combined classes next school year. Although it is difficult to anticipate next year's funding, it is important for us to begin analyzing possible scenarios based solely on student numbers. Currently, our grade 4 student numbers are 54, and grade 5 is 33. At our last school council meeting, I shared that continuing with grade 5/6 combined classes next year is a possibility, but that we need to wait and see how our budget turns out to determine the structure of our grade configurations. To this end, once we have a school budget and a few proposals/options, we will initiate an engagement process that will include administration, staff, CBE, and parental voice.
We look forward to hearing from parents/guardians during this engagement process in early May. In the meantime, we will continue to have students, staff, and admin concentrate on teaching and learning.
Esta siguiente parte/This next part of the Sabes Que is special as it is written by two students who wish to share their experiences and review of Escuela Glenmeadows School with you. This is part of the grade 6 mathematical data analysis, research skills and writing in the areas of content and organization, with a specific focus on persuasive writing. Please enjoy.
A school filled with inclusion, opportunities and academic excellence
Glenmeadows School is recognized for its strong academic performance and emphasis on STEM learning. Gleanmeadows School maintains strong academic performance annually, with a Fraser Institute rating of 8.1/10 for 2025. Currently, we rank in the 7th percentile of all elementary schools in the province of Alberta, among higher-performing academic schools. We are the 6th-best-performing elementary school in the Calgary Board of Education and the number 1 best-performing elementary school in the CBE Spanish bilingual program.
Last year, its average PAT outperformed both the CBE and Alberta averages by up to 27.4%. Strong results on the PATs were achieved across all areas: Mathematics, English Language Arts, and Social Studies. Glenmeadows’ focus on STEM learning is demonstrated by its consistently strong performance at the Calgary Youth Science Fair, earning medals and awards every year. In 2024, Gleanmeadows won the most cumulative medals and awards at the Calgary Youth Science Fair**, a truly remarkable achievement. Students in grades 4-6 are encouraged to participate in CESMC math competition organized by MRU. Last year, multiple students received certificates of distinction for achieving high scores.
Apart from incredible opportunities to learn, students also gain a rich understanding of other cultures. At Glenmeadows Bilingual School, 5/6 students have the privilege of performing every year at “¿Qué Pasa?”, a prestigious event held at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, where all Spanish schools showcase their talents through performances filled with music, dance, and drama.
As grade 6 students, we have had the opportunity to watch the tremendous impact and influence the staff have on the eager students. Over time, students earn teachers' trust, leading to more remarkable opportunities to demonstrate responsibility and maturity. An example of this is how the incredibly behaved grade 6 students receive the splendid opportunity to attend Camp Chief Hector, a unique and valuable experience. There are high academic standards in place to push students outside their comfort zones, which have drastically changed results for us and others. Throughout the year, there are many scheduled conferences to keep parents posted on their children's noteworthy progress and where weaknesses can be addressed. In addition, students who require extra support can receive additional guidance, demonstrating the school's commitment to meeting every child's unique needs. The courteous staff also values making school an enjoyable experience and puts significant time and effort into planning activities and organizing whimsical events such as the Fiesta-val, Welcome back barbeque, and dances. All events are completely voluntary, simply for the students, showing dedication, desire and passion. However, these spectacular events would not be possible without the marvellous school council. Our exceptional school also hosts phenomenal plays and concerts led by the incredibly talented Sr. Casas, a former member of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Calgary's most prestigious orchestras.
Our school also has an evident priority of keeping the students as safe as possible. Gleanmeadows underwent a Provincial Health and Safety audit, in which 22 CBE schools were randomly selected through a complex, detailed process. In these exact words, the auditor stated that ‘This is the first school for which I have not noted any deficiencies in”. An astounding feat. The auditor did a meticulous search of all the classrooms, storage areas, basement and mechanical rooms. In addition, the auditor had very thorough conversations with staff members regarding processes and policies related to Health and Safety. The glistening hallway dazzled the auditor, with all shoes and boots neatly organized.
In our school, every student feels welcomed, valued, and supported regardless of their background, abilities, or learning style. School provides a safe and respectful space where students are encouraged to express themselves, ask questions, and grow with confidence. The teachers are not only great educators but also compassionate mentors who understand the unique needs of their students. In addition, the supporting staff and principal are tirelessly working on the school environment and cleanliness. However, one of its key advantages is the chance to learn another language, which is highly valuable and opens many doors to future opportunities.
In conclusion, we have the privilege of being in a school with a clear priority for STEM learning, outstanding academic results, a strong Spanish program that allows students to participate in Que Pasa, and amazing, knowledgeable, and determined staff. Every student feels safe and welcomed in an inclusive environment. Overall, our school excels in all areas, which explains why demand for our school is sky high.
By Filip (everything) and Leo (mooching off Filip’s talent), both grade 6 students
Tengas un buen fin de semana
Ray Suarez
Principal
IMPORTANT DATES
NEXT WEEK
Mon-Fri, Apr 13-17 – Swimming Gr 3, 5 & 6
Mon-Fri, Apr 13-17 – La Semana del Libro/Week of the Book
Tuesday, Apr 14 – Gr 2 Field Trip, Heritage Park
Wednesday, Apr 15 – Healthy Hunger Panago
Wednesday, Apr 15 – Gr 6 Camp Chief Hector meeting
Friday, Apr 17 – PM Kindergarten attends
MONTH AHEAD
April 22 – Healthy Hunger Mucho Burrito
April 22 – Crazy Recycle Hat Day
April 23 – Book Character Dressup Day
April 24 – PD Day, no school
April 29 – Healthy Hunger, Booster Juice
April 30 – Science Olympics
May 6 – Healthy Hunger, Saucy Co.
May 6 – Gr 3 Field Trip, Butterfield Acres
SCHOOL UPDATES
SWIM UPDATE
Swimming lessons start next week for grades 3, 5 & 6s. There are a few items to remember to bring each day for your students which are:
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- A bag to keep wet items in
- Underwear
- Extra snack (these kids come back hungry!)
SWIMMING VOLUNTEERS
Please make sure you have filled out your consent form for week 2 of swimming and bring it along with you to the pool. We will have some extras available at the school and the pool if you do happen to forget.
LA SEMANA DEL LIBRO / WEEK OF THE BOOK
As part of our Literacy initiative, Glenmeadows School will celebrate La Semana del Libro “Week of the Book” for the week of April 13 to 17, 2026. The purpose of this activity is to keep promoting and encouraging the love for reading and to strengthen literacy skills in Spanish.
On Thursday, April 16th, with many other classroom activities, our students are invited to wear a costume of their favorite book character. We recommend that students find an item from home or create it as opposed to purchasing costumes. Parents are welcome to visit the following link for ideas:
SCHOOL COUNCIL & SOCIETY UPDATES
SPRING PLANT FUNDRAISER
Glenmeadows school society is partnering again with Growing Smiles Fundraising, we have some beautiful spring plant options. From Herbs to hanging floral baskets. Ordering is super easy, click on link here. https://glenmeadowsschoolsociety.growingsmilesfundraising.com/home, pick what you want, add to cart, and place your order.
Important Details:
- Plant orders: Order now, until April 17 at 11:59 PM
- Plant delivery/pick up: Plant orders will be delivered on May 4th, and you will be able to pick up between 3:45-5:30 PM at the school, on the 4th & 5th
- Pickup is just before Mothers day, so make sure you include a gift for the fantastic Mothers in your life!
SPRING BREAK STEM CHALLENGE
The Spring Break STEM Challenge is now compete! Thank you to all families that participated. We received a lot of great entries and there was participation from students in every grade across Glenmeadows! The prize draw will occur at the school early next week. All submissions will now be compiled into a single video that will be posted on the Glenmeadows YouTube channel once complete. Keep watching Sabes Que for the link to the final video.
Thank you and we hope you had a lot of fun completing the challenge!!
SKIP THE DEPOT
Save those empty cans and contribute them to the school instead! Create an account online or look up Escuela Glenmeadows School Society
LOST BUT FOUND!
Did you know your online label purchase can support the school? Select Glenmeadows School (Calgary) when checking out. Mabels Labels
WEAR SCHOOL SPIRIT
It's a great time to show school spirit with our spirit wear store!
Select your style and colour with a portion of sales going back to the school. Spirit Wear