Queridas familias,

I hope you had the opportunity to have new adventures and to rest over the summer break. As we begin the school year, it is my pleasure you welcome you back!  It was wonderful to welcome families yesterday and to feel the excitement of students as I visited classrooms.  We look forward to an amazing school year full of learning and growth!

Terry Fox Run

Terry Fox Run will take place on September 20 from 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM. Parents interested in volunteering for the event, please contact Srta. Imperadeiro (smimperadeiro@cbe.ab.ca ) for details.

Last year we raised an amazing $1,085.00 for the Terry Fox organization. Our goal this year is to raise $1,140.00. We will be collecting Toonies for Terry from students starting on September 4 until September 20.

Online donations can also be made to the Terry Fox organization through the School Webpage.

MyCBE Account

This year the CBE will be using SchoolEngage to complete some of the necessary yearly forms.  In order to access SchoolEngage, you will require a MyCBE account.  If you do not have a MyCBE account, on the MyCBE page click on Create a MyCBE Account. For online help refer, to MyCBE - Creating an Account (includes instructions and a video).  The forms found in SchoolEngage include: Demographic Verification 2024 - 2025 and Annual Authorization 2024 - 2025.  If you plan to volunteer this school year, you can also fill out the Volunteer Registration Form. Please ensure that these forms are completed by September 13, 2024.

New Curriculum

As many of you are aware, this year we continue to implement the new curriculum. Specifically, we will implement the Grade 4 – Grade 6 Science curriculum.  Over the summer and the school year, teachers will participate in a variety of Professional Learning opportunities to facilitate the implementation of the new curriculum.  For further information please visit: (New Curriculum), (Existing Curriculum).

Volunteers

We are happy to welcome volunteers back to school!  If you would like to have the opportunity to volunteer this year, please make sure that you have your volunteer clearance up to date. Get Involved! If you are unsure of your volunteering status, please call the main office.

Soft Entry and Change of Designated Door

Similar to last year, we will continue our soft entry into the school from 8:55 AM to 9:10 AM.  During that time, all student doors will be unlocked for students to come into the school.  Teachers will be in their classrooms welcoming students and supervising them as they get ready for their school day.  Doors will be locked again at 9:15 AM.  Students are reminded to continue using their assigned doors throughout their entry into the school. 

Construction Area

Work has begun to remove the two portable classrooms on the west side of the building. At this time, the affected area has been fenced off and door #4 is not in use.  We ask that families stay away from this area while the work is completed. We anticipate to have the work completed by the end of September.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Safety

As we begin the school year, we would like to have the safety of our students and families in mind.  Please remember to use the cross walks close to the school and not jay walk across the street.  In addition, drivers, please ensure that when you park, you respect the neighbors’ properties by not blocking driveways or garages.  As well, please remember to leave the required 5m distance between corners/intersections and crosswalks.  Over the year, we will seek assistance from our partners at the Calgary Police Services.

SchoolMessenger

SchoolMessenger will be the means of communication between the school and our families.  There are two types of messages that you will receive over the year – General and Commercial.  In order to receive all of our messages, please ensure that you subscribe to both types of messages. 

Apple Fundraiser

Our parent council has begun their first fundraiser of the year (Apple and Pear Fundraiser from Davison Orchard).  I had the opportunity to try them last year and they were amazing!  All order forms have been sent home with your students today and the due date to order is September 17.  A digital copy is attached here as well, under "Related Information."  Pick up is scheduled for October 1, 2024.

School Absences

Please remember to call the attendance line to let us know of your student’s absence – 403 777 6100 ext. 1.  This not only helps us as we complete daily attendance but is also a security concern in the case of emergencies.  Just a gentle reminder to keep your students home if they are not feeling well.

Busses and Parent Pick Up

As we start the new school year, we would like to streamline the process for students that take the bus.  All students who are registered for the bus are to meet in front of the school to board the bus.  If parents need to pick up their child and they will not take the bus, please meet your child in front of the school and notify the bus attendant.  If you know ahead of time, please email the school at womitchell@cbe.ab.ca.

Brown Bagging

W.O. Mitchell School participates in the Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids program, which is a charitable organization that provides a simple snack and lunch delivered to the school at no charge. If your family would benefit from this program please contact Eve Moreau ekmoreau@cbe.ab.ca. Continue to send food with your child until you receive confirmation that your child is included in the program. Learn more about BB4CK!

WO Mitchell School Council 

WO Council helps connect parents to the school and provides additional learning opportunities for all students. There are many ways to get involved that do not require you to hold a position on council. If you would like more information about getting connected or volunteer opportunities, please send an email to womparents@gmail.com  The School Council and the Parent Society AGM will take place on September 26, 2024.

With gratitude,

Erick Noriega,

Principal 

Important Dates

September 2 – Labour Day (No School)

September 6 – PM Kindergarten

September 13 – AM Kindergarten

September 20 – PM Kindergarten

September 26 – Meet the Teacher Evening and School Council AGM (more information to come)

September 27 – Parent-Teacher IPP Conferences

September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (No School)

October 4 – AM Kindergarten