Dear Families,
Today, we hosted our first Passion Friday, and it was a huge success! Students enjoyed connecting with peers from different grades while engaging in passion projects that truly interest them. We look forward to the upcoming Fridays as students continue to build skills, explore their interests, and strengthen their sense of belonging at Valley View School.
Education Week - April 13th - 17th
Education Week is a celebration of the power of learning and the people who make it possible. Taking place from April 13–17, this tradition began in 1928 as Alberta School Week and continues to recognize the important role public education plays in our communities.
Education Week:
- Celebrates how teachers inspire curiosity, motivation and growth, and school staff, volunteers, and families work together to create welcoming places where children can flourish.
- Reminds us that learning doesn’t just shape minds, it helps shape the future.
During Education Week, families who wish to do so are welcome to join in the celebration in simple, meaningful ways, whether that’s sharing a kind word, sending a note of appreciation, or talking with their child about the important work educators do each day.
Thank you for being such an important part of our students’ learning journey.
School Engagement Results
Highlights from our recent School Development Plan presentation:
Thank you to the parents who joined us and shared feedback during our recent School Development Plan (SDP) presentation at the last School Council meeting. We appreciate your engagement and support.
Key feedback highlights:
- Parents agreed that the School Development Plan supports the learning of all students and reflects meaningful goals, actions, and resources for children across the school.
- Families confirmed that the learning needs of all students are prioritized within the plan.
- There was strong agreement that school activities, such as field trips, guest speakers, experts in schools, outdoor education, and sports, are important and valuable for student learning.
- Parents also agreed that school fees are reasonable when considering the benefits these activities provide.
Homework approach:
- Homework at our school is minimal and flexible, recognizing that families’ schedules vary.
- Typically, homework consists of unfinished classroom work.
- Families are encouraged to support learning through daily reading and math games.
- As a general guideline:
- Division I (Kindergarten–Grade 3): 5–10 minutes
- Division II (Grades 4–6): up to 20 minutes
Where to find information:
- The School Development Plan, Truth and Reconciliation Commitment, and Fees Report to Parents are available on our school website under “About”.
Next steps:
- The updated School Development Plan will be posted on the school website by November 30, 2026.
Thank you again for your partnership in supporting student learning at our school.
Provincial Achievement Tests (PAT’s)
Grade six students at Valley View School will be writing Provincial Achievement Tests beginning in May.
PATs are administered annually in English Language Arts (and Literature), Français Langue Première et Littérature/French Immersion Language Arts and Literature (Grade 6), Français/French Language Arts (Grade 9), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies in grades 6 and 9. Grade 9 PATs based on the Knowledge and Employability programs of study in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are also administered. French versions of all Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies PATs are available for Grade 6 and Grade 9 students in Francophone and French immersion programs.
The purpose of the provincial achievement testing program is to:
- determine if students are learning what they are expected to learn;
- report to Albertans how well students have achieved provincial standards at given points in their schooling; and
- assist schools, school authorities, and the province in monitoring and improving student learning.
All parents/guardians of grade six students have been notified of these tests.
Upcoming Dates:
Friday April 17 - Early Dismissal at 12:10 PM (Grades K-6 attend; Tues/Thurs Science Kindergarten attend)