Principal Update Sept. 11-15 | Peace Initiatives, Course Changes, Absences/Lates, Forms, Safe Envirionment, Casino

Dear Simon Fraser Families, 

We look forward to welcoming children back for a full week of learning next week. Meet the teacher evening is coming up on September 21, so please mark your calendars and come and meet our incredible staff! 

  • Thursday September 14 – Peace Initiatives 
  • Friday September 15 – Terry Fox Run 
  • Thursday September 21 – 6-7:30 Meet the Teacher 

Peace Initiatives Day September 14 

Peace Initiative Day is on Thursday, September 14.  Here at Simon Fraser, we use this day to develop strong connections between peers and teach important skills to foster and maintain healthy relationships.  

We will be spending Thursday, September 14 in our homeroom groups doing team building activities to nurture a community of trust, openness and of course fun.  For this day to run smoothly and for teachers to engage with their students and participate with them, we are requesting parent volunteers to help run the activities and stations.   

If you can help we would really appreciate and love to have you!  Please email Bree Schreiber bbschreiber@cbe.ab.ca  with the name and homeroom of your student.  Also, if you have any questions, please email Ms. Schreiber. 

Complementary Course Changes 

Students have had the opportunity to try their complementary courses. If students want to switch to a different course, they need to fill out a Complementary Course Change request, have it signed by a parent/guardian, and return the form by Wednesday, September 13th. Change request forms will be available in the main office starting on Monday September 11th.  

Absences and Lates

Reminder to call the absence line when your child is late or absent. Emailing teachers or administration may mean a delay in attendance reporting. Accurate attendance keeps children safe and effective communication between the school and families! Call 403-777-7290  

School Council Meeting 

Our first School Council Meeting will be held on Monday September 18, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Simon Fraser School Learning Commons. This meeting is the Annual General Meeting. We so hope that families will consider joining us. It is so important to have parent voices as part of our decision making. We also require a treasurer this year! 

Demographic and Media Release Forms 

Demographic, Citizenship and Annual Authorization are found in PowerSchool in SchoolEngage.  Please prioritize the review and approval of these forms. These will show up on the first day of school. If families do not approve the media release, your child’s picture will not be displayed in the yearbook. 

Supporting a Welcoming, Caring, Safe, Respectful and Inclusive Learning Environment 

Continuing to develop and sustain a welcoming, caring, safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment is a priority at Simon Fraser. On Tuesday, we are spending the first period working with all students in homerooms to engage in interactive learning experiences and conversations to ensure the CBE (Calgary Board of Education) Student Code of Conduct is understood by our school community. Students will bring home a commitment for families and students to sign.  We have attached the Student Code of Conduct, Progressive Discipline Policy, Dress Code and Away for the Day Cell Phone Policy to support conversations with your child. 

Casino Fundraiser - Volunteers Required 

On December 13 and 14, 2023 the Simon Fraser Junior High Education Support Association will be hosting a casino. We require a minimum of 36 volunteers for the two-day event. There are both day shifts and night shifts available. The jobs are easy to perform, and all training is provided, as well as a free meal. The casino will take place at Ace Airport Casino (40 Aero Cres NE). 

This is a major fundraiser for our school and will generate approximately $60,000 in funds to be spent enhancing our children’s educational resources and experiences. These funds go towards paying for things like computers, library resources, physical education equipment, and special events. If we cannot get enough volunteers, we will forfeit the casino funds - which would be a huge loss for our school. 

Please consider volunteering for the casino. All volunteer positions must be filled by early October to apply for our license. To view the available shifts, click the following link and follow the instructions in the Sign-Up Genius. Contact Shannon King with any questions about the volunteer positions.  

Have a wonderful weekend as a family.  We look forward to welcoming your children back for a full week of learning.

Laureen