Dear Families, 

On behalf of our entire staff, I am delighted to welcome both our returning families and those joining our school community for the first time. We are excited to begin another year of learning, growth, and achievement together. 

As we prepare for a successful year, we are committed to creating a safe, caring, and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported. We believe that positive relationships are at the heart of a strong school community, and we look forward to working in partnership with you throughout the year. 

One of our core values is the importance of respectful dialogue. We encourage students, staff, and families to communicate with kindness, empathy, and understanding, even when perspectives may differ. By modeling respectful conversations and approaching one another with openness and compassion, we create a school culture where everyone feels heard, appreciated, and connected. Together, we can demonstrate for our children the skills needed to build positive relationships and solve challenges respectfully. 

This year will bring many opportunities for learning, exploration, and celebration. We encourage our students to embrace new experiences, take pride in their accomplishments, and support one another along the way. Our staff is eager to help every student reach their full potential and experience success. 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growth with you and your children. 

Wishing all our families a positive, successful, and exciting school year! 

Inform| Class Size Reduction Grant 

This fall, the CBE has hired hundreds of teachers, education assistants, and other school staff to support student learning. These positions have been funded by the Government of Alberta with the intention of addressing classroom complexity and class sizes. 
 
We are pleased to welcome (back) additional staff to our school for the 2026-27 school year: 

• Jillian Howell-Fellows, grade 8 and 9 Humanities 
• Kathrina Cabalteja, grade 8 and 8 Math/Science 

We are very pleased to welcome back these staff members to our school community! This additional staff will help ensure students benefit from: 

• Increased teacher attention 
• Improved classroom learning environments 
• Greater support for diverse learning needs 

Inform| IPP Process 

Parents and guardians of students who have an Individual Program Plan (IPP) will receive an email from Lois Johnson, Student Services Learning Leader, the second week of school with additional information about the IPP process for the 2026-27 school year. 

During the start-up process, staff have been reading files and documentation provided by families and previous schools to get ready to receive all students into classes. We will be spending these first weeks of school developing a positive school community, collecting data and getting to know your students. 

Please watch the IPP Information email from Lois Johnson during the week of September 8. 

Inform| Student Supplies Donation 

We are pleased to share that our school has received a generous donation of backpacks and school supplies for students who may require them. 

If your family would like to take advantage of this donation, please ask your child to come to the main office, where they can discreetly access these supplies. 

We are grateful for the support of our community in helping ensure all students have the tools they need for a successful school year. 

Inform| Transportation 

Families who submit late Calgary Board of Education (CBE) transportation registrations are not permitted to ride yellow school buses until their applications are officially processed and confirmed in the system. Forms can take up to 48 hours to appear in MyCBE accounts. 

Unfortunately, the school is not in charge of transportation, and the wonderful team at CBE is navigating many schools, students, and routes. Please be patient and kind.  

Remind| First Day of School 

Monday, August 31, 2026, is the first day with students. The first day of school is an important milestone that sets the tone for the year ahead. It is a time for new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and growth for every student. While excitement and nervousness often go hand in hand, a positive and confident start helps students build the foundation for a successful year. 

As parents and guardians, your preparation and encouragement play a vital role. Establishing routines, ensuring students are well-rested, preparing supplies, and speaking positively about school can help children feel ready and confident as they enter the building on the first day. 

One of the most important skills we help students develop is resiliency. Learning to navigate new situations, build relationships, solve problems, and adapt to change are all essential parts of a child's growth. While it can be difficult to see your child feeling nervous or uncertain, these moments often provide valuable opportunities for them to develop confidence and independence. 

To support a smooth start, we encourage parents to say their goodbyes outside the school whenever possible. Children are highly attuned to the emotions of the adults around them, and sometimes a parent's understandable nervous energy can unintentionally increase a child's anxiety. In some cases, prolonged goodbyes or entering the school with students can make the transition more difficult rather than easier. A brief, positive, and confident farewell sends a powerful message: "You've got this, and I'll see you later." 

We would also like to remind families that course and class placement changes will not be accommodated. Considerable time and care have gone into creating balanced classrooms, informed staffing decisions and schedules developed that support student learning and success. We encourage students and families to give placements time, allowing relationships, routines, and learning communities to develop naturally. 

First Day Entry Information: 

• Grade 6 students will enter through the main doors and be guided to the school compound (weather permitting). If weather does not cooperate, grade 6 students will enter through the main door and proceed to homeroom classrooms (staff will assist) 
• Grade 7 students will enter through the main doors and proceed to the gym   
• Grades 8 & 9 students will enter through the second-floor east door (on 33^rd Street) and proceed to homeroom classrooms.  New students will be assisted by staff as they enter. 

Request| Tissue Paper  

As we begin another exciting school year, we are reaching out to ask for your support. Throughout the year, our school uses a significant amount of facial tissue in classrooms and common areas to help keep students comfortable and promote healthy learning environments. 

If you are able, we would greatly appreciate donations of facial tissue boxes. Any contribution, large or small, helps us ensure that classrooms remain well stocked throughout the year. 

Donations can be sent with your child or dropped off at the school office at any time. 

Save The Date| Grade 9 West Coast Sailing Trip Parent Meeting 

There will be an important information meeting on Thursday, September 17th from 5:00-5:45 pm in the gymnasium for any parents of grade 9 students interested in this year’s West Coast Sailing Trips.  If you have any questions regarding the meeting, please contact Mr. J. Komori by email at: jakomori@cbe.ab.ca 

Important Dates 

August 31: First Day of School  

September 7: Labour Day (No School for Students) 

September 11: Wellness Day (modified schedule)  

September 16: Picture Day  

September 17: Meet the Teacher Night  & West Coast Sailing Parent Meeting

September 18: Terry Fox Run (modified schedule)  

September 21: School Council Meeting  

September 29: Orange Shirt Day  

September 25: Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)  

September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (No School for Students)