PSS Family Week Ahead May 11 - 15 

DIVERSITY. CREATIVITY. COMMUNITY. 

TOGETHER WE SHINE  

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 School Information 

• Website: https://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/prairiesky/Pages/default.aspx     
• Address: 201 Skyview Ranch Rd NE  
• Phone: 403-817-3452  
• Attendance Line: 403-807-8029  
• Email: prairiesky@cbe.ab.ca 

Prairie Sky News  

Book Study- The Anxious Generation 

Chapter 1 Summary: A Surge of Suffering 

In Chapter 1, Haidt examines the sharp rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among children and teens over the past decade, particularly beginning in the early 2010s. He shares research showing that emotional distress has increased significantly for young people across many countries, especially among adolescent girls. 

A key idea introduced in this chapter is the shift from a “play-based childhood” to a “phone-based childhood.” Haidt explains that previous generations spent more time playing outside, interacting face-to-face, developing independence, and learning resilience through real-world experiences. In contrast, many children today spend much more of their time connected to phones, social media, gaming, and online spaces. 

The chapter explores how increased screen time, social comparison, sleep disruption, reduced independence, and less in-person interaction may all be contributing to the growing mental health concerns we are seeing in young people. 

One of the central messages of the chapter is that children thrive when they have opportunities for independence, unstructured play, problem-solving, and meaningful face-to-face relationships. Haidt challenges adults to think carefully about how technology is shaping childhood and what we can do to better support healthy development. 

Questions to consider: 

• How has childhood changed since you were young? 
• What role does technology play in your family life? 
• How can we create more opportunities for face-to-face connection, independence, and play? 

Lunch Recess 

As the weather starts to warm up, we want to remind our students that they should only be playing with school supplied sports equipment during recess. We ask all students to leave their personal sports equipment (soccer ball, basketball, kite, cricket bat, etc.) at home.  The PEW team and leadership will be looking to organize an outdoor soccer intramural league starting in May as well. Please have students talk with a PE teacher if they are interested in joining.  

Reminder to our division three students (grade 7-9) who may leave campus at lunch, they are representatives of Prairie Sky. It is very important to be good citizens and respectful when frequenting the stores in our neighbourhood. As well students need to be mindful of the time they are away and be returning to school on time (12:15). We have noticed more and more students are showing back late this spring. 

Safety 

With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, more students are choosing to bike to and from school. As sidewalks, pathways, and roads become busier, it’s important for everyone to practice safe riding habits to help prevent accidents and keep our school community safe. 

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet every time you ride to protect your head in case of an accident.  
• Use crosswalks, follow traffic signs, and stop at all intersections to stay safe around cars and pedestrians.  
• Stay alert by keeping both hands on the handlebars, watching your surroundings, and avoiding distractions like phones or headphones. 

School Council 

Next School Council Meeting: 

The next school council meeting will be at 5:45 pm on Monday, May 11th at Prairie Sky School, in the Gathering Space. We will continue to incorporate a 'live stream' Teams meeting options if you would prefer to join remotely, please click here to join. All parents and guardians are welcome! We hope to see you then. 

Microsoft Teams meeting 

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/284174051424775?p=F3Yta5iNREyZ68nAeQ 

Volunteering: 

Our School Council works hard to support our students, staff, and school community—and we need your help! Volunteering, even a little of your time, makes a big difference. Join us and be part of the effort that helps our school thrive. Please reach out to us at prairieskyschoolcouncil@outlook.com to be added to our email distribution list. This doesn’t mean you have to volunteer; it simply lets us share volunteer opportunities with you as they become available. 

Thanks, 

PSS School Council 

Well-being and Leadership 

Wellbeing Lunch Clubs 

• Art Club - May 13 
• Grade 5-9 
• Coding Club - May 12 
•  Grade 5-9 
• Bhangra Club - May 14 
• Grade 3-6 
• Bracelet Club May 11 – Grades 4-9 
• Minecraft Club 
• Wednesday May 20 – June 10 
• Grade 1- 4 

PSS Athletics – Badminton, Track & Field, Flag Football 

• Monday May 11 
• • Badminton Practice – Grade 9 @ 11:30 
  • Badminton Practice – Grade 7 @ 2:45 
  • Track and Field Practice – Grade 6 – 9 @ 2:45 
• Tuesday May 12 
• • Badminton Practice – Grade 6 @ 11:30 
  • Badminton Practice – Grade 8 @ 2:45 
  • Flag Football Practice – Jr. & Sr. @ 2:45 
• Wednesday May 13 
• • Badminton Practice – Grade 6 @ 2:45 
• Thursday May 14 
• • Badminton Practice – Grade 7 @ 7:00 
  • Badminton Practice – Grade 8 @ 11:30 
  • Badminton Practice – Grade 9 @ 2:45 
  • Flag Football Practice – Jr. & Sr. @ 2:45  
  • Track & Field Jumping Practice – Gr 6-9 @ 2:45 

Key Dates: 

• May 11 – School Council - @PSS Gathering Space 5:45 pm 
• May 14 – Division 2 (Gr 4-6) Spring Celebration 5 pm  
• June 11 – Band Concert & CTF Celebration of Learning 

This Week We Celebrate  

May – Asian Heritage Month, Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, Polish Heritage Month 

May 10 – Mother's Day 

May 15 – International Day of Families 

May 17 - International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia 

May 18 – Victoria Day – No School