Dear Families,
May is a month rich with opportunities to recognize and honor the diverse identities, experiences, and well‑being of our students, families, and staff. Throughout the month, we acknowledge several important dates of significance, including:
- Asian Heritage Month – celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian communities
- Canadian Jewish Heritage Month – recognizing the lasting contributions of Jewish Canadians
- Polish Heritage Month – honoring Polish history, culture, and heritage
- Mental Health Week – a time to promote mental well‑being, awareness, and support for ourselves and others
- And many other cultural, historical, and awareness days that invite learning, empathy, and inclusion
We encourage our community to take time to reflect, ask questions, and celebrate the diversity that makes our school such a vibrant place to learn and grow.
To learn more about all CBE dates of significance, please visit: https://cbe.ab.ca/registration/calendars/Pages/dates-of-significance.aspx
Thank you for partnering with us as we foster a welcoming, respectful, and caring school community throughout May and beyond.
Bus Driver Appreciation Day - May 4
Every school day, more than 620 bus drivers safely transport around 27,000 CBE students across Calgary. These drivers are essential members of our school communities, helping students arrive at school safely, on time, and ready to learn. We encourage families to show appreciation in their own unique way, whether through a note, a small gesture, or a simple thank-you. Your recognition helps reinforce the important role drivers play in supporting student success.
Mental Health Week
Next week, our school will recognize Mental Health Week, a time dedicated to promoting student well‑being, self‑awareness, and positive coping strategies.
Throughout the week, school activities will vary between classrooms, allowing teachers to engage students in age‑appropriate lessons and conversations focused on emotions, resilience, and seeking support when needed. In addition, daily morning announcements will highlight the importance of mental health and share simple, supportive strategies students can use both at school and beyond.
Mental health is an essential part of overall wellness, and these activities are designed to help normalize conversations around feelings while fostering a caring and inclusive school environment. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home by checking in with your child and reminding them that support is always available.
If you have any questions or would like access to additional mental health resources, please feel free to contact the school. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the well‑being of our students.
Outdoor Learning Space Land Blessing
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Elder Saa’kokoto from the Kainai Nation will lead a land blessing for the site where our new Outdoor Learning Space will be constructed. Student representatives from Kindergarten to Grade 9 will be observing this meaningful and significant event.
Kindergarten Orientation Friday May 22, 2026 (Next Year Students)
The early years are an important time of growth and learning. Our kindergarten program supports each child’s unique strengths through play‑based exploration, social interaction, and the development of early literacy, math, and communication skills.
Kindergarten classrooms are supported by a multidisciplinary team that works with teachers throughout the year to enhance student learning. Families are encouraged to support their child’s education by talking about school each day, fostering a positive school experience, and getting involved where possible.
We look forward to welcoming our 2026-2027 kindergarten families on May 22, 2026 to the kindergarten orientation.
Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs)
Grade 6 students will be participating in the upcoming Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) in the coming weeks. These assessments support curriculum reflection and help monitor student learning across the province. The schedule is as follows:
- Grade 6 English Language Arts and Literature Part A: Monday, May 25
- Grade 6 English Language Arts and Literature Part B: Thursday June 4
- Grade 6 Science: Friday, June 12
- Grade 6 Mathematics Part(ie) A: Monday, June 15
- Grade 6 Mathematics Part(ie) B: Thursday, June 18
More specific details, including timings, will be shared by classroom teachers. Thank you for your continued support.
Lifetouch Photos – Kindergarten and Grade 6
Lifetouch will be at Valley View School on Monday and Tuesday to take kindergarten graduation photos. They will also take a group photo of our grade 6 students for their farewell on Monday.
Upcoming Dates:
Monday May 4 – M/W Kindergarten Graduation Photos + Grade 6 Group Photo
Tuesday May 5 – T/R Kindergarten Graduation Photos
Friday May 8 - Early Dismissal at 12:10 PM (Grades K-6 attend; Tues/Thurs Science Kindergarten attend)