Week Ahead         

April 22-26 Support Staff Appreciation Week 

  Upcoming Important Dates 

Principal’s Message  

This past week was Education Week in Alberta. Education Week is a celebration of community. The school is not just a building in the neighbourhood, it is the foundation of the community. The week provides a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on the importance of education in our children's lives and the broader community. 

This year, our theme is particularly resonant: "Learning Uplifts All." Education is not just about academic achievement; it's about empowering our children to reach their full potential, fostering their curiosity, and nurturing their growth as individuals. Learning uplifts not only the individual but also the entire community, as educated individuals contribute positively to society in myriad ways. 

This week we were engaged in a powerful example of the connection between school and community as we welcomed families to attend our Grades 3-5 Spring Concert. Through this celebration of learning and music, we were able to see how learning has the power to uplift us all. It is clear to see that through learning our students are continuing to grow as unique individuals, developing their own passions and talents to let their true colours shine through. 

I encourage you to join us in celebrating Education Week by engaging in meaningful conversations about the importance of education, and perhaps even sharing your own experiences of how learning has uplifted you. Together, let's embrace the journey of lifelong learning and continue to uplift and inspire each other along the way. 

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 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.    

Support Staff Appreciation Week 

We wanted to take a moment to shine a spotlight on a group of individuals who play a crucial role in our children's education: our incredible support staff.  

From our facilities staff who ensure our school environment is clean and safe, to administrative assistants who keep things running smoothly behind the scenes, and educational assistants, early childhood practitioners and Braille assistants who offer invaluable assistance to students with diverse needs, as well as Lunch Supervision staff who support work each day to ensure that our students have a positive lunch experience every day. Each member of our support staff contributes significantly to the success of our school community. 

Next week, from April 22-26, we will be celebrating Support Staff Appreciation Week. It's an opportunity for us to express our gratitude and recognize the dedication and hard work of these unsung heroes. Their commitment to our children's well-being and educational experience is truly commendable, and they deserve to be celebrated.