Dear Simon Fraser Families,

We were so excited to welcome all children back to Simon Fraser for the 2023-24 school year. There was nervous excitement in all as we started back, but we truly had an amazing first two days of learning. For families new to Simon Fraser, the Principal weekly update contains important updates and reminders for the whole school. All teachers also send a weekly update to provide families with valuable information on the week ahead in learning!

Important Dates

Monday September 4 – No School Labour Day
Wednesday September 6 – Picture Day

Changes to Timetables and Class Make-Up

Students have been placed into classes through a thoughtful process by last year's teaching team. Changes for this year will be made through a collaborative team approach after we have had time for our learners to settle. We review how your child is doing academically and socially and then consider whether a change may be required. We ask families to reach out if you have some questions in the first month. Changes to options will be available starting on September 11 to the 15. We want students to try the option before making extensive changes to scheduling.

Busing Update

Reminder that you need to register for busing every year. Please check your child’s busing information in your MyCBE account to ensure they have a stop assigned/route. Please also talk to your children if they have siblings in the school to meet at their bus at the end of the day. The main entrance is very busy and some children were missed by their sibling and we had some worry and frustration this week. Also, to track the bus please use the following:

• CBE Transportation-403-817-7433
• Southland Transporation – 403-726-5963

Fenton Bus Lines has a bus app to help families monitor their child’s bus route. The app is called “Bus Status”. Fenton Bus Lines are responsible for route J and K. For families taking Southland transportation, please refer to My School Bus Monitor every morning to make sure your child/ren’s bus is on time and has no delays. If you do not remember your child’s bus number, you can look on your MyCBE account for that information.

Please use My School Bus Monitor to track your child’s bus. Families must call Southland or CBE Transporation for support and concerns. We are very aware of the busing struggles and will be redirecting you. Please check emails regularly as any information we have will be communicated promptly.

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 21, 2023, at 7:00 PM. 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 are also requiring some positions be filled: Treasurer, Fundraising Coordinator and Fun Lunch Coordinator.

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.

Volunteers Welcome

We welcome volunteers on field trips and with certain tasks at school or at home. Certain activities or field trips would not be possible without the active participation of our volunteers. As a CBE volunteer, you are placed in a position of trust with students, staff or property. All adult volunteers require a valid security clearance - no exceptions.

Volunteer Security Clearance Process

• Step 1: Prospective volunteers must first register as a volunteer at the school office. School administrators will verify your identity and register you in the CBE volunteer database. The school office will provide you with a letter enabling you to obtain a police information check from the Calgary Police Service (CPS).
• Please note, prospective volunteers must reside in Canada for a full year before registering. Police clearances from countries other than Canada are not accepted.
• Step 2: Visit the CPS online system, electronic Police Information Check (ePIC), to obtain your police check using your CBE volunteer letter.
• If you are unable to complete the process online, you may visit a police information check location instead.
• Step 3: Once you have received your clearance document from CPS you will need to share it with the school in-person or by email.
• Cost: your security clearance is valid for five years and the cost is $21.25 ($15.00 for police clearance and 5.95+GST service fee) which is charged during the online ePIC application. This fee is not covered by the CBE.

Annual Volunteer Registration

Each school year you must complete the CBE volunteer registration form. By completing the form, you agree to abide by the conditions that protect the safety, confidentiality and working environment of our schools. You also make a signed declaration with regard to criminal charges.

• Annual Volunteer Registration Form
• Volunteer | Administrative Regulation 5003

Have a wonderful weekend with your children! We look forward to welcoming them back for a 4 day week of learning next week.

Laureen