Dear Families,
We’re thrilled to cheer on our Grade 5 and 6 students as they take the field this weekend for the Kiwanis Diversity Cup! Our players are so excited and ready to showcase their skills while having fun competing against other schools. Events like these are fantastic opportunities to build school spirit, foster teamwork, and create lasting memories.
Meanwhile, our Grade 6 students have entered the final stretch of their Provincial Achievement Tests. Over the next week, they’ll be tackling a few more exams, showing dedication and perseverance as they work toward their goals. We’re so proud of their hard work and determination!
Transitions
Transitions can be bittersweet for everyone. As we wrap up this school year and prepare for the next, we are dedicated to supporting our students through these changes. Many students experience mixed emotions during this time, and we remain committed to maintaining consistent routines and clear expectations to help provide stability.
To ease these transitions, classroom teachers have been holding regular talking circles to give students a safe space to share their thoughts and feelings. Additionally, we will be hosting a 30-minute teacher swap, where the next grade level teachers will visit to do a read-aloud, share insights about the upcoming grade, and answer any questions students may have. Please note that the teacher who comes to your class may not necessarily be your child's teacher next year as we are still working through staffing changes.
National Indigenous Peoples’ Month and Our TRC Commitment
As we recognize National Indigenous Peoples’ Month, we honour the rich heritage, traditions, and cultures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. Next Friday, students will participate in meaningful activities such as land acknowledgements, read-alouds, and reflective outdoor experiences, while acknowledging National Indigenous Peoples' Day.
We are also joining the City of Calgary in celebrating Aboriginal Awareness Week from June 14 to 21, 2025. The theme this year is “Keeping the Circle Strong through the Sacred Relationship with Mother Earth.” This highlights the important role Indigenous peoples play as caretakers of the land and water, which are seen as sacred and life-giving.
As part of this theme, students will create a special piece of artwork, a circular design symbolizing the circle of life and our connection to the earth. The artwork will include orange ribbons tied to the circle, representing strength, unity, and remembrance. Through this project, students will explore Indigenous teachings about the environment and express their own understanding of what it means to care for the land and water. The artwork will be hung along the windows in the Learning Commons so they can be viewed from inside and outside of the school.
We are also working with an Indigenous artist, Adrian Goulet, who will share drumming, singing and storytelling with our staff and students next Thursday.
TRC Update: Next week, we will review all the feedback received on this year’s TRC commitment and decide on our focus for next year. This update will be shared with families on Friday, June 21.
Wear Orange: To honour the survivors and remember the impact of residential schools, we encourage all students to wear orange on Friday, June 20.
Thank you for supporting your child in this important learning journey.
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day June 21st
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which takes place on the summer solstice, June 21st, the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.
Sankofa – One More Class
We will have one more dance session with Sankofa. Students are so engaged and excited about their dance routine and we look forward to seeing them showcase their talent at the farewell assembly for staff and students.
Eco-Schools Gold Standard
We are proud to announce that our school has received the Eco-Schools Gold Standard, a prestigious recognition awarded to schools demonstrating outstanding commitment to environmental education and sustainable practices. This award reflects our ongoing efforts to reduce waste, conserve energy, and engage students in meaningful actions that protect our planet.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making our school a leader in environmental stewardship!
Lost and Found
Get a head start on collecting all those lost personal items at school. Any unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity by the end of June.
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday June 17 – Last School Council Meeting of the Year (Link to be shared that morning)
Thursday June 19 – VVS School Dance (6 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Ticket Required)
Friday June 20 - Early Dismissal at 12:15 PM (Grades 1-6 attend; Mon/Wed Science Kindergarten attend; no school for Community Kindergarten)