Dear Families,
We want to share an update on the work our staff is doing in relation to our School Development Plan (SDP) goals. This year, our focus is on enhancing students’ abilities in three key areas: improving phonological awareness and decoding skills in literacy, developing procedural fluency in math number sense, and fostering self-awareness to support self-regulation.
To achieve these goals, we are implementing various actions across all areas, including collaboration with the Calgary Regional Consortium (CRC) to build procedural fluency from a strong conceptual understanding in mathematics. The CRC has already begun working with our teachers, and we look forward to their continued support during the upcoming Non-Instructional Day on January 30th.
For more information about our SDP and the initiatives we are undertaking, please visit the school website. Additionally, you are invited to attend the next School Council meeting in March, where you can learn more about our school goals, review the results report from the last school year, and discuss school fees.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in our students’ learning journey.
Literacy Week
Families across Calgary are invited to join the Calgary Board of Education in celebrating Family Literacy Week from Jan. 26 to Feb. 2, with a focus on environmental learning through the theme “Learn to Be Green, Together.”
The CBE Literacy & Early Learning Team has prepared a variety of information and activities to help families engage in meaningful learning at home and at school. Reading together or doing learning activities at home is crucial to a child’s learning and development.
Here’s some further resources and ways for families to participate:
2026 Family Literacy Week Flat Sheet
At Valley View School, we are thrilled to announce that starting January 26th, we will be diving into our very own Book Battle! Inspired by the "March Madness" basketball brackets, this competition is designed to introduce students to fantastic stories, spark a love for reading, and build a fun sense of community across the whole school.
How the Battle Works
We have two brackets—Division 1 and Division 2—each featuring eight books going head-to-head. Over the next several weeks, classes will explore these titles to determine which one reigns supreme.
Weekly Matchups: Each week, teachers will share two stories with their classes (through live readings or video read aloud).
The Vote: After enjoying both books, students will vote for their favorite via Microsoft Forms.
Advancing the Bracket: Winners move on to the next round until we find the "Best Book of All."
The Prize: The winning book from each division will be purchased and added to our Learning Commons for everyone to enjoy!
We're looking forward to seeing which books make the final cut!
Youth Centres of Calgary Support at Lunch
We’re happy to share that, through our partnership with YCC (Youth Centres of Calgary), two of their staff members will be at VVS on Tuesdays and Thursdays over the lunch hour to teach and play recess games with our students. We’re excited to have them work with us and support students.
Scholastic Book Fair Volunteers Needed
We are excited to announce that our upcoming Scholastic Book Fair will be held from March 16th to March 20th! This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage a love of reading and to support our school library.
To make this event a success, we need your help! We are seeking parent volunteers to assist with setting up before the fair, helping students during their fair, and taking down the displays after the event. Your support is invaluable in creating a fun and engaging experience for our students.
If you're able to volunteer, please contact Ms. Diana (Library Assistant) for more information. Thank you in advance for your support and enthusiasm. Together, we can make this Book Fair a memorable event for our students!
Science Alternative Open House – Ian Bazalgette School January 29th
Ian Bazalgette will be hosting an Open House for students interested in the Science Alternative Program (Grades 7-9). Event details are as follows:
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Address: 3909 26 Ave. S.E.
PowerPoint in the Main Gymnasium
5:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Informal Self-Directed Tours: Families will have an opportunity to explore the school and to enjoy the Science.
5:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Upcoming Dates:
Friday January 30 – Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)