A Wonderful Week at Valley View!

What a wonderful week of learning, exploration, and community at Valley View!

Our Grade 6 students returned from their field study to Drumheller full of excitement and stories to share. During their visit, students explored the fascinating world of paleontology and participated in hands-on learning related to fossil casting. Opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences help bring concepts to life in meaningful ways, and this trip certainly delivered. In the words of one Grade 6 student, it was the "best field study ever!" We are grateful to our staff and volunteers who helped make this memorable learning experience possible.

Our Grade 5/6 Community Classes also continued their weekly adventures throughout Calgary. Whether faced with sunshine, wind, or cooler fall temperatures, students continue to embrace opportunities to learn beyond the classroom walls. These experiences encourage curiosity and help students develop a deeper understanding of the communities and environments around them.

The excitement continued Thursday evening as our gym was transformed for the annual Spooktacular School Dance. The school was filled with creative costumes, laughter, music, and dancing as students enjoyed an evening of fun with friends. Events like these help build the strong sense of belonging and school spirit that makes Valley View such a special place.

A special thank you goes out to our incredible School Council and Superkids Society volunteers for organizing this event. From planning and decorating to coordinating activities and supervising throughout the evening, countless volunteer hours contributed to its success. The smiles on students' faces said it all. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and supportive parent community.

Weeks like this are a wonderful reminder that learning happens in many different ways. Whether students were exploring fossils in Drumheller, discovering new places through community-based learning, or building connections with friends at the dance, they were creating memories and experiences that enrich their school journey.

Provincial Literacy and Numeracy Screening Results

Parents and guardians, please note that teachers sent home individual results from your child's Provincial Literacy and Numeracy Screening Assessments completed this fall.

These province-wide screening assessments provide valuable information about foundational literacy and numeracy skills and help teachers identify areas of strength as well as opportunities for growth. The results are one source of information used alongside classroom observations, daily learning tasks, assessments, and student work to support instructional planning and student success.

Teachers look forward to discussing these screening results, along with your child's progress toward curricular outcomes learned thus far this school year, during Student Conferences on November 26 and 27.

Please note: Kindergarten students will participate in the provincial literacy and numeracy screening assessments in January 2027.

Digital Citizenship Plan 2026-2027

The Valley View Digital Citizenship Plan is now available on our school website.

Technology plays an important role in both learning and everyday life. Throughout the year, students engage in conversations and learning around topics such as online safety, protecting personal information, respectful online communication, digital footprints, and making responsible choices when using technology.

These skills are just as important as the academic skills students learn in the classroom. We encourage families to review the plan and continue these conversations at home so that together we can help students develop into safe, responsible, and confident digital citizens.

The Valley View Digital Citizenship Plan can be accessed through Valley View School Website.

Student Conferences

Student Conferences will take place on November 26 and 27.

These conferences provide an important opportunity for families, students, and teachers to come together to celebrate successes, discuss progress, review literacy and numeracy screening results, and identify next steps for learning.

We greatly value the partnership between home and school and look forward to connecting with families later this month.

Additional booking information will be shared by classroom teachers.

Please note that November 27 is a Non-Instructional Day for students to support conference scheduling.

Student Safety During Pick-Up and Drop-Off

Student safety remains our highest priority.  We continue to observe vehicles stopping or parking in designated bus zones during arrival and dismissal times. While we understand that these are busy times of day, bus zones must remain clear to ensure the safe movement of students, families, and school buses.

The City of Calgary Bylaw Services has advised schools that enforcement in school zones will continue throughout the year. Vehicles parked or stopped in restricted areas may be subject to fines.  Whenever possible, we encourage families to park a short distance from the school and walk to their child's entrance. These small adjustments help improve traffic flow and contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

Attendance Matters

Regular attendance is one of the strongest contributors to student success.  Every day at school offers valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, problem-solving, and social connection. Consistent attendance helps students maintain routines, strengthen peer relationships, and remain engaged in their learning.

As we move into November, we encourage families to continue prioritizing attendance whenever students are healthy and able to be at school.  Should your family be experiencing challenges that impact attendance, please know that we are here to help. We encourage you to reach out so we can work together to support your child.

Dress for the Weather

With colder temperatures arriving, now is a good time to ensure students come to school prepared for changing weather conditions.  Students spend time outdoors each day during recess and lunch and are often involved in outdoor learning opportunities as well. Warm jackets, appropriate footwear, hats, mittens, and layers help students stay comfortable and ready to learn throughout the day.

A quick check of the forecast each morning can help ensure students are prepared for whatever Alberta weather may bring.

School Council and Superkids Society

School Council Meeting

Our next School Council Meeting will take place on November 17 at 6:00 p.m.

School Council plays an important role in supporting student learning, enriching school experiences, and fostering strong connections between home and school. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend, whether you are a regular participant or joining us for the first time.

Casino Fundraiser - Volunteers Needed

Our School Council Casino Fundraiser will take place on November 19 and 20.

This important fundraising opportunity generates more than $80,000 that directly supports learning resources, educational experiences, technology, student activities, and enhancements throughout our school.

We are still seeking volunteers for a variety of roles. Even a few hours of your time can make a significant difference in helping this event succeed.

Volunteer Sign-Up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944ADA62AA2F8C34-65283048-superkids

Thank you to everyone who has already volunteered their time to support Valley View students.

Important Dates

November 10 – Remembrance Day Assembly for Students

November 11-15 – Fall Break (No School)

November 17 – School Council Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

November 19 & 20 – School Council Casino Fundraiser

November 26 & 27 – Student Conferences

November 27 – (No School for Students)

November 30 – Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet: Movie Music - Greatest Hits

Have a wonderful weekend, Valley View families.