Week Ahead         

Upcoming Important Dates 

Principal’s Message| 

"We are all like a snowflake, different in our own beautiful way.”  

This week we witnessed the first snowflakes start to fall outside our classroom windows. Students were excited to get outside and begin playing in the powder-filled fields. The first snowfall of the year brings about many emotions – worry about road conditions, joy toward catching snowflakes, apprehension for the impending winter, and excitement for skiing down snowy slopes.   

The snowy weather also signals change. It reminds us that we need to pull out our winter boots, wool hats, snowpants and warmer jackets. As previously shared, students at Sibylla Kiddle will spend time each day outdoors, both learning and playing. It is important that students are prepared for the weather and ready to go outside. This includes dressing in layers and packing warm winter gear. As a rule, students will be outdoors for recess if the weather is above –20 degrees with the windchill.  

We also know that snow, cold temperatures and wind chill make getting to and from school challenging. Families are reminded to prepare and take extra caution during the winter months and periods of extreme weather. It is important that families plan for longer travel times to and from school each day. This supports safe travel for both vehicles and pedestrians. Families are reminded to respect all traffic safety rules and expectations for parking at the school during the winter months.  

Despite the challenges, the snow brings with it many opportunities for new and enjoyable experiences. As the weather changes, consider how you will continue to enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature. How will you and your family find time to head outdoors?   

Lisa and Denise 

Celebrations of Learning | 

Throughout the year, each of our grade teams will be sharing their learning through a Celebration of Learning. Our Celebrations of Learning provide an opportunity for students to take a moment to pause and reflect on the meaningful work that they have been engaging in. Teachers are encouraged to consider three priorities in their planning: How will you celebrate the process of learning in your classroom? How will you celebrate the product of learning in your classroom? How will you tie that all together to allow students the opportunity to meaningfully present their learning to the broader community?   

Our first Celebration of Learning will take place on November 7, with our grade 4 classes hosting our Remembrance Day Assembly. Parents are welcome to attend these Celebrations of Learning when they have a child presenting in the celebration. Furthermore, as our gymnasium has space limitations, we would ask that you limit your party to 2 people.  

We look forward to welcoming families to our Celebrations of Learning this year. We hope it allows you the time to pause and find joy in your child(ren)’s learning this year.   

Veterans Food Drive| 

Sibylla Kiddle (who our school is named after) consistently gave back to her community.  She would bake cookies for sick children, knit clothing for others, and even performed eye exams for kindergarten children.   

At Sibylla Kiddle School, we also value the importance of empathy, community awareness, kindness and community service.  In the upcoming weeks around Remembrance Day, our school has organized a food drive for The Veterans Food Bank of Calgary.  From November 7 to 28, non-perishable food items will be collected in our classrooms to be donated to this food bank. Virtually any food item that is sold in a jar, can or box is acceptable. Commonly requested items include; canned meats (just not Spam), fruits, tomatoes, pasta, rice and cereal.  

Thank you for your support of our students in their efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Picture Day Proofs| 

School pictures are ready! 

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.ca or create an account using your student's student ID number. 

Paper proofs will also be sent to your home soon. 

All families can also log on and order a FREE digital Pictures2Protect Card. 

More about the Pictures2Protect program here. 

Digital Citizenship| 

Digital Citizenship (DC) is having the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to demonstrate responsible and respectful behaviour when using technology or participating in digital environments. A digital citizen models these competencies: Respectful, Informed, Involved, Balanced, Safe, and Responsible. 

All CBE Schools create and update Digital Citizenship Plans yearly. Our 2024-2025 digital citizenship plans are now posted on the school website here. 

Halloween at Sibylla Kiddle| 

Halloween will be a special learning day at Sibylla Kiddle School. Classes will not be having parties but may engage in Halloween or Autumn-themed learning activities. We know that this is a big day for children, and we also recognize that not all families celebrate Halloween. As an inclusive environment we want to make sure all students feel comfortable and safe at school. We know that many of our families look forward to Halloween each year and welcome the opportunity to capitalize on our students’ excitement to enhance their learning. 

• Please have your child bring a healthy snack for themselves. Do not send a treat for the whole class as we will not have class parties and cannot accommodate class food due to allergies. 
• We know that some families will want their children to wear costumes to school and some may want to save them for community events after school hours. On October 31, we welcome students to wear their costumes, pajamas or orange/black to school if they wish.  
• When choosing a costume to wear to school please remember: 
• Keep your child’s comfort and safety in mind for indoor and outdoor play. Make sure your child can wear a coat and indoor and outdoor shoes with their costume. 
• Long capes, uncomfortable shoes, or other tripping hazards are discouraged. Students should be able to participate in gym and outdoor play safely throughout the day. 
• Please ensure their vision is not obscured by their costume. For this reason, masks may not be worn. 
• Please leave loose props at home. We cannot be responsible for anything lost or left behind at the school before Halloween night and there will be no staff here to accommodate entrance to the school for any forgotten items. 
• Do not send costume weapons to school (swords, guns, etc.) 
• No extremely gory costumes. Please remember we have small children in the building, students, and staff with varying levels of sensitivity. We want everyone to feel safe and have fun! 

School Council/Parent Society Notes| 

Our next School Council/Parent Society meeting is Wednesday, November 6 at 6:30pm. The meeting will be held in the Learning Commons at the school. You can find the agenda for the meeting under the Get Involved tab on the School Website. We look forward to seeing you all there!