Dear Families, 

The last week of school for 2023 has arrived and there is so much for us to be grateful for. Our students have been working so hard to build their literacy and numeracy skills. As we have implemented a standard structured literacy approach in all our classes, students are gaining new skills and confidence in reading. This work will continue throughout the year, and we are proud of their accomplishments. In mathematics, many are gaining skills and confidence in basic math facts. We hope students will continue practicing their math skills, and make time for daily reading, over the break. 

Student Voice Summary 

We had an opportunity to meet with our student voice representatives from each class to get their perspectives on what our school should feel like, sound like and look like. As always, students had great feedback to share. Here are some of the highlights: 

Look Like.. More artwork, decorations, and colourful hallways; cleaner washrooms, more trees and plants outside, more playground equipment, soccer nets, and basketball nets 

Sound Like.. Peaceful, nature sounds in the morning, good language used by students, and festive music 

Feel Like.. Fun, exciting, joyful, happy, like all people belong, safe, kindness, and relaxing 

Our next steps will be to consider student voice in our progressive discipline plan for the school and use their feedback to help make Valley View School even better. 

Winter Spirit Week 

Next week it’s spirit week at Valley View School! Here are the spirit days for the week: 

Merry Monday: Kick off the festive season holiday headgear (Santa hat, reindeer antlers, elf ears, etc.) 

Tinsel Tuesday: Dazzle and shine in your holiday bling! 

Keep Warm Wednesday: Stay snug and warm in your coziest, comfy clothes (warm socks, onesies, snuggies, etc.) 

Thermal Thursday: Beat the cold in your favourite plaid, long johns or flannel 

Festive Friday: Let your fashion take a festive detour with an ugly holiday sweater 

We look forward to a week of fun! 

Elder Pablo Russell - Highlights 

Elder Pablo Russell shared his winter stories, song and drum, with students on Monday. He was warmly received by everyone and conversations about new learning occurred in classrooms all week. His advice about being like the buffalo will resonate with all of us, as we try to stay strong while working through our challenges. Thank you to the School Council for supporting this experience. 

Upcoming Dates: 

Friday December 22 - Early Dismissal at 12:15 PM (Grades 1-5 attend; Tues/Thurs Science Kindergarten attend; no school for Community Kindergarten) 

Monday December 25 – Friday January 5 – Winter Break (SCHOOL CLOSED) 

Monday January 8 – School Resumes; Soft-Entry at 7:50 am