Week Ahead

Upcoming Important Dates 

Principal Update

Sibylla Kiddle School Families 

A big thank you to everyone who came out to our Meet the Teacher / Open House last night. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and to meet many new families. Your presence not only strengthens the connection with your child’s teacher but also helps us grow together as a school community. 

Earlier this week, some of you may have observed me outside as a human pylon at the entrance to the staff parking lot. There was a moment while I was out there that caught my eye. Almost simultaneously I saw a hot air balloon gliding over the northern horizon, while high in the sky an airplane was descending into Calgary. Higher still, the moon, still large from the recent full moon still glowed in the early light while a bird flew across my field of view. 

It struck me that all of these objects are in the sky and they are all moving. Through education, I can explain the science of each object but through the eyes of many of our students, they simply look at the wonder and simplicity of it all. As adults we are quick to explain wonder while forgetting to just enjoy moments for what they are.

This is where our children can teach us. Take time this weekend to see the world through their eyes. Enjoy the world around us for what it is, without the need for explanation.

Simply, exclaim, ‘look at that’. Reciprocally, point out your observations of wonder to your child. In the process, you are teaching back the value of curiosity, joy, gratitude and contentment all at the same time. 

Brad Emery Principal 

Fire Drill

We will have our first fire drill of the year on Monday, September 15. For many students, these safety drills are second nature to our school routines. For some students these drills, especially early in the year, can feel a little overwhelming. We will do lots of instruction as a school and in our classrooms, prior to this drill, normalizing the process and explaining exactly what students can expect. If you have any questions, please feel free to connect with your child’s teacher. 

Electric Scooters / Scooters / Bicycles

Before and after school can be very congested with foot traffic in and around our school. We kindly ask that students and families walk their scooters and bicycles when on school property or adjacent sidewalks. We have witnessed some close calls and even some collisions this past week. This is especially true for students riding on electric scooters as they are capable of speeds which are unsafe for the crowded areas. 

As a school we have coined the phrase, ‘Walk Our Wheels’. This means we are requesting that all equipment with wheels is to be walked while on school property or directly adjacent sidewalks. Thank you for your support. 

Parent / Visit Building Access

We have been noticing an increase in the number of parents coming into the school in the morning with their child. Our building is to be a secure campus meaning all parents and visitors must check-in at the main office before accessing the school building. If your child requires extra support entering the building in the morning, please work with your child’s teacher to develop an appropriate plan. 

MyCBE / PowerSchool Account Set-Up

Having an active PowerSchool Account is critical for accessing everything from fees to report cards to booking Parent / Teacher Conferences. To access your account or to create an account please go to the Student and Parent / Legal Guardian Sign In page on the CBE website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office. 

Severe Allergies

Several students at our school have severe and in some cases life-threatening allergies to various nuts and nut products. Out of respect for these students and their families and in the interest of allowing all students to be safe at school we are asking that you do not pack lunches or snacks that contain these products. 

Student Code of Conduct

Parents are encouraged to read through the CBE’s Student Code of Conduct. This document outlines guiding principles and responsibilities as to what is expected from students and parents concerning the school. Our teachers have been reviewing the concepts contained within this document with our students this week, using developmentally appropriate language and examples. 

Birthday Treats

We know that birthdays are really important to our students. In light of student food allergies, we ask that you are mindful, should you choose to send in-class treats to celebrate your child’s day. Our preference is that you keep treats for home-based celebrations. However, non-food-based treats such as a special pencil or a new book for the classroom can be great alternative ways to celebrate the day. Thank you for your support and understanding. 

Fees

Once school fees have been uploaded by the CBE, they will appear on your MyCBE Account. Generally, these fees are uploaded in late September or early October. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office. 

Lunchroom

All students may stay at school over the lunch break to eat their lunch and have an active living break. Once the system has been updated, you will be able to register and pay for the lunchroom program via your MyCBE. 

Please note, we are operating under the assumption that all students will be staying for lunch. If your child will be going home for lunch, please let the school know so we do not include them on our lunchroom attendance lists. 

Busing

If your child is NOT going to be on the bus, it is critical you call or email the school. We operate under the default that if your child is registered for the bus, then they will be on the bus unless we are told differently. Locating and confirming where students are at the end of the day can put considerable constraints on our office staff. Thank you for your understanding. 

Information regarding your child’s bus route has been directly uploaded to your MyCBE. If you have any concerns or questions regarding registration or routes, you can go to the main transportation website or email transportation@cbe.ab.ca.