Dear Families,
Our Grade 6 students had a fantastic time at Camp Chief Hector this past week! They spent their days outdoors, hiking, playing games, learning new skills, and working together. It was a meaningful and memorable experience for all. We’re grateful to the YMCA for providing such an invaluable experiential learning opportunity. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our Grade 6 teachers for the time and effort they dedicated to organizing and attending the camp. We also extend our sincere thanks to the VVS School Council for their generous donation, which helped reduce the cost for families. It’s through the ongoing fundraising efforts of the School Council that we’re able to support enriching experiences like this one.
Culture Week – May 20th – 24th
Recognizing and celebrating culture in schools helps foster a sense of belonging, respect, and understanding among students. When we create space to learn about one another’s traditions, stories, and identities, we strengthen our community and make everyone feel seen and valued. Over the past few weeks, the Student Voice representatives have been working with Ms. Dharamsi to plan a Culture Week at VVS. The purpose of Culture Week is to raise awareness about the rich diversity in our school and to highlight the many cultural groups that make up our community. Student Voice representatives have created posters, now displayed throughout the school, including interactive ones where students can share the music they listen to, the foods they eat, and the clothes they wear. They’ve also prepared announcements to be shared throughout the week, reflecting on the importance of recognizing all the cultures and backgrounds within our school, and sharing a bit about their own. We look forward to learning more about each other next week.
OurSCHOOL Survey – Grades 4-6
Students in grades 4-6 will be participating in the OurSCHOOl survey next week. The CBE's Education Plan prioritizes student voice and well-being in our decision-making processes. Responses from the OurSCHOOL survey are used at the system, area and school level to recognize and improve what is necessary for students to feel safe, welcome, and cared for when at school. The OurSCHOOL survey provides an opportunity for students in grades 4- 12 to give feedback on sense of belonging, positive relationships, anxiety, feeling safe at school, life satisfaction, general health, orientation to well-being, goal-oriented, self-regulation, and cultural awareness of others.
Spring Orientation for Next Year Families on May 23, 2025
We will be hosting all future Kindergarten parents and new students to the Science program at an orientation on May 23rd throughout the day. Parents of 2025-2026 students have received notification of the upcoming orientation. We look forward to meeting our new families next week!
Student Learning Progress
VVS students have been working hard all year to improve their reading, writing, and math skills. They've also been learning how to work well with others and solve conflicts. Our teachers have been assessing students in all subjects and have seen many students make great progress. To keep this positive momentum going, and to finish the year strong, it’s important for students to continue building these foundational skills.
Spend some time with your child reviewing some of the basic concepts they have learned this year. For example, in mathematics, your child should be able to identify some strategies they use when they are solving number facts mentally. Use these resources to help guide your conversation:
https://cbe.ab.ca/programs/program-options/Documents/My-Childs-Path-to-Number-Fact-Fluency.pdf
https://cbe.ab.ca/programs/program-options/Documents/Number-Fact-Fluency-Supporting-Document.pdf
Oral language is a crucial part of learning to read and write. It's different from written language, but it plays an essential role in how children learn. When children develop their oral language skills, they connect sounds, like the sounds of letters and spoken words, to their meanings. This connection is vital for becoming a good reader.
Use this resource to support oral language development at home:
Finally, keep accessing the Friendology program at home with your child. Friendology has a lot of great information and resources to support your child with building healthy friendships.
Upcoming Dates:
Monday May 19 – Victoria Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
Friday May 23 – Spring Orientation for 2025-2026 New Families to VVS
Friday May 23 - Early Dismissal at 12:15 PM (Grades 1-6 attend; No school for Community and Science Kindergarten)