OUR SCHOOL MOTTO

“Together we can reach new heights.”

SCHOOL HISTORY

Olympic Heights School was officially opened in 1991. During the official opening of the school, the school logo was approved. The bell symbolizes our school; the Olympic rings symbolize the Olympic movement and the tower symbolizes reaching new heights and signifies the unity of students, staff, parents and community working together.

WHAT MAKES OLYMPIC HEIGHTS UNIQUE?

Parents, communities and educators working together in the best interest of all children is a primary learning goal of the Calgary Board of Education and the staff of Olympic Heights Elementary School. Through this goal it is our intention to make each child’s learning experiences personalized, enriching and deeply satisfying.

Our Uniqueness ~ Three Learning Communities

Our school is organized into three learning communities (Kindergarten – Grade 6). Within each learning community, there are six to nine classrooms. This organization offers three main advantages: it reduces the anonymity that occurs within large schools; it provides opportunities for older and younger children to work together; and it creates a sense of belonging for the children. The multi‐purpose room has been named the Plaza to represent a meeting place.

Our Uniqueness ~ Inquiry Learning

Rich and engaging educational experiences that entice children into learning, to formulating important questions they want to seek answers to, and to being active participants in learning are presented. Quality standards for each child to achieve will be set. Working alongside of experts has deepened children’s learning experiences. There is a seamless approach in taking up inquiry topics. There are definite times throughout the day devoted to specific subjects; there is also time devoted to inquiry learning where the meaningful connection of subjects occurs. Technology and the creative arts can be infused in the inquiry studies.

Our Uniqueness ~ Peace School International

We are one of the members of the Peace School International organization. We are committed to fostering peace and resolving conflicts with peaceful resolution strategies.

Our Uniqueness ~ Global Citizenship

Our school has a beautiful blend of thirty‐one cultural groups which increases our understanding of our global world and enriches our studies as we embark on international studies connected to the new Social Studies curriculum.

Our Uniqueness ~ The Virtues

We promote the creation of a culture of character and caring in our school through the implementation of The Virtues Project. Our students are lead to demonstrate the positive attributes and values that facilitate a positive and empowering learning environment and support the development of ethical and moral global citizens.

Our Uniqueness ~ Our School’s Three Pillars

In meeting the needs of the individual student, school expectations will emphasize socially responsible behaviour that includes respect for the rights and well‐being of others, property and self. Discussions with children center on three pillars.

• Take Care of Yourself
• Take Care of Others
• Take care of Our Place

• Be punctual for classes and attend school regularly.
• Be organized and return notices promptly.
• Be accountable for absences and tardiness as required by our school.
• Be clean and tidy, both in personal care and dress.
• Be prepared for engaging in studies.
• Be responsible and use appropriate language in school, on the playground and on field trips.

• Be kind and courteous to classmates
• Tell an adult when you see an injury or witness verbal or physical attacks
• Be responsible for maintaining a non‐threatening, non‐violent environment.
• Be respectful to all school staff, adults and visitors

• Be respectful of public property, community and personal property
• Place litter in the garbage cans by the school doors
• Be responsible for the payment or replacement of school property that has been lost or damaged
• Remove wet and dirty footwear
• Reduce daily waste by bring lunches and snacks in recyclable containers

Our Uniqueness ~ Environmental Initiatives

Olympic Heights is in a CBE partnership with ENMAX Corporation called the GEN E Program. All students have the opportunity to learn about renewable energy technologies and accessing the real data on our school Vantage Pro2 Weather Station and from our school Skystream 3.7 Wind Turbine. Teachers and students will be comparing renewable energy technologies with schools with solar and photo voltaic cells, as they pertain to their inquiry studies.

Our Uniqueness ~ Three Nature Areas

Three nature areas on our school grounds provide a rich opportunity for children to engage in nature studies and for children to make a positive contribution to their environment and to respect and protect living things. Our three nature areas are the West Garden area, Native Plant Park & Amphitheatre and the Prairie Circle.