Week Ahead         

Upcoming Important Dates 

Principal’s Message

“The Earth is what we all have in common.” ~ Wendell Berry 

Monday, April 22 is Earth Day, an opportunity to celebrate our planet. I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of environmental stewardship and how each of us, as students and families, can make a positive impact. 

Our Earth is an incredible place, providing us with everything we need to thrive. From the air we breathe to the water we drink and the food we eat, our planet sustains us in countless ways. However, it's also facing significant challenges. 

Our students have a unique opportunity to be champions for the environment. Whether it's through small everyday actions like reducing waste, conserving energy, or recycling, or through larger initiatives like participating in clean-up efforts or advocating for sustainability in the community, each of them can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for our planet. At school, they have opportunities to learn more about this beautiful place we call Earth, as they take part in community walks, visit the coulee, learn about the abundance of life on our planet and create models of landforms. Through this, students continue to build an appreciation for our planet.  

The choices we make today will shape the world we live in tomorrow. Let's use this Earth Day as a reminder to appreciate the beauty of our planet and to recommit ourselves to protecting it for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference! 

Grade 3 - 5 Spring Concert

On the evening of Thursday, April 18 we would like to welcome families of students in Grade 3 - 5 to our Spring Celebration. This will be an opportunity for families to see their children on the stage as they share in song and performance.  

We will be holding three concerts, each featuring a specific grade of students. Families are invited to watch the concert of their child(ren)’s grade. This format allows you to enjoy your child participating in every song, rather than feeling the need to watch the performances of students from other grades. The concerts are designed to be about 20 - 25 minutes in length before the group is cycled out and a new group takes the stage.  

The concerts will run at the following times: 

All Grade 4 classes 5:30-6:00pm (Front doors will open at 5:15pm) 

All Grade 5 classes 6:15-6:45pm (Front doors will open at 6:00pm)   

All Grade 3 classes 7:00-7:30pm (Front doors will open at 6:45pm) 

We look forward to having you join us on April 18 to watch our young performers take the stage. 

First Class Childcare April 18 Notice

If you have a child who attends First Class Childcare after school, there will be an adjustment to your pick-up doors on Thursday, April 18. Due to the Grade 3 - 5 Spring Concert, students should be picked up at the Grade 1 Exit Door (Northeast Doors). Please note: Grade 3 - 5 students must be picked up from First Class, leave the building and then enter the school for the Celebration through the front doors at their given time. 

Planning for Next Year

We would like to provide you with some initial information as we plan for the 2024-2025 school year. To create an optimal learning environment for all students we are examining the organization of the school, the class configuration and teaching assignments of teachers.   

Although the start of the next school year is still several months away, we can share a few updates with you:   

• Every homeroom will be placed in a classroom.  Teachers may elect to create teaming environments by opening walls between classrooms to create shared learning spaces;  
• Each homeroom will be assigned a teacher, and this teacher will be your main contact for assessment and learning information;  
• All of our teachers work in grade teams to provide a similar experience for each student;  
• We will be organized using “straight grades” (no multi-age or split grades);   
• All students will not only learn in their homeroom classroom, but also in other flexible learning environments such as the learning commons, gym or music room;   
• Current teachers may teach a different grade than they are teaching this year;   

In May, we will begin the process of creating class lists for next year. As a staff, we spend a great deal of time preparing these lists to create optimal learning environments to ensure success for each student. The following criteria go into our processes:   

• Attention to the complexities of learning needs of specific students and as a group.   
• Academic, social and emotional needs of students;   
• Keeping students with complimentary classmates / friends;   

Given the complexities detailed above, it is not possible for parents to request specific teachers. We have personalized processes that allow us to make informed decisions for your child. Should you have additional information regarding your child’s learning needs that you would like us to consider when creating class lists, please email Mrs. Patten no later than May 10 at sibyllakiddle@cbe.ab.ca detailing this information.    

Traffic Reminders

Spring is an excellent time to walk, wheel and ride to school. This supports the traffic congestion at school and is a wonderful way to get some fresh air before the school day begins.  

We would like to remind parents not to use the staff parking lot for pick up or drop off, including students that attend First Class. The parking lot is for staff use only. As there is much traffic coming in and out of the parking lot as staff arrive and depart, we want to ensure our student and staff safety. Thank you for finding alternative parking along Cranford Drive or Cranford Street. 

Digital Device Policy

A friendly reminder that digital devices (cell phones, ipods, smart watches or gaming devices) are not to be used during the school day. These devices should be safely stored in students backpacks throughout the day. If a student needs to contact their parents, they should do so from the office so that adults in the building are aware and can support your child. Personal digital devices should not be used during the day to contact parents. Thank you for your support in reinforcing this policy.