Dear Families,
Students and staff had a fantastic time during our Spirit Week and Halloween festivities. It was delightful to see our students all dressed up during our costume parade. Now, everyone is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Fall Break, which is set to begin on Friday, November 8th for students. Please be aware that the next weekly parent message will not be sent until Friday, November 15th.
Picture Retakes – November 5th
Did anyone miss their original photos or retake photos? Or do you just want another opportunity to have a school photo taken? Life Touch will be back at Valley View School on November 5th to take photo retakes.
Remembrance Day Service – November 7th
Students have been actively engaged in learning about Remembrance Day and the profound contributions made by all veterans who sacrificed their lives for Canada. On this day, our students will take part in a Remembrance Day service to pay their respects to all veterans and show their tribute by observing a moment of silence. We would like to bring your attention to Friday November 8th, which is National Indigenous Veterans Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging the significant contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who have served in the military for our nation.
Please note that due to our gym capacity, this service will be for staff and students only.
Indigenous Education Professional Learning for Staff - November 8th
On November 8th, all staff from Valley View School will be engaged in the system PL related to Indigenous Education. This year, the focus will be on the CBE’s new Land Acknowledgment. Through intentional work around the Acknowledgement of the Land, we are able to engage in critical reflection and create personal connections to this important work in many meaningful ways and opportunities.
Acknowledging the land where we gather demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the original spirit and intent of Treaty 7, also known as the Blackfoot Treaty. This agreement is to share the land and live well together, in peace for ‘as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows.’ This acknowledgement is an act of Truth and Reconciliation to honour the Indigenous peoples who have cared for their traditional territories since time immemorial and leads us to consider our individual and collective roles and responsibilities to the treaty relationship.
Métis Week November 12th – 15th
Métis Week will occur from November 12th – 15th and the purpose is to celebrate the heritage, history and contributions of Métis people in Alberta and Canada with events held across the province. Students at Valley View School will be learning more about Métis week and the rich culture and heritage of the Métis people.
Nations Visions – November 14th
Thanks to all families who returned forms for their child to participate in Nations Visions. Nations Visions provides annual eye exams to children who have not yet accessed eyecare in the community or for the children of parents who find it difficult to access eyecare in the community. Ophthalmic testing; identifies students most in need of further assessment by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If you didn’t return you form, you can still do so. If you don’t have a form, please ask your child’s teacher for a new one. Eye exams will start on November 14th.
Art Cards Fundraisers
Valley View School will be launching a fundraiser in November to support our students with experiential learning activities. Art Cards offers each student to create a winter holiday card and receive a copy of their card as a keepsake. If you wish to purchase copies of your child’s cards to share with friends and family this winter season, you will have the option to purchase box sets. The money raised will go back to Valley View School and be used for experiential learning initiatives. More information will be shared once the cards become available for purchase.
Lost and Found
Our lost and found is quickly accumulating. We request that you label your child’s clothing and personal belongings so they can be returned quickly.
Family Violence Prevention Month
Alberta has the third highest rate of self-reported spousal violence among Canadian provinces, yet family violence is preventable. November is Family Violence Prevention Month (FVPM) in Alberta. It is a time to increase awareness of the warning signs of family violence and the resources and supports available so we can work together to end family violence and build healthier relationships in our communities. For more information, please visit the Alberta Government website.
Dates of Significance
At Valley View School we recognize and celebrate the diversity of our students and staff as much as possible. We follow the CBE's Dates of Significance as a guide. November will highlight some important dates of significance, which we share with students through the morning announcements.
Upcoming Dates:
Friday November 8 – System Indigenous Education PL Day (No School for Students)
Friday November 8 – Wednesday November 13 – Fall Break (No School)
Thursday November 14 – School Resumes; Nations Visions clinics begin
Friday November 15 – Early Dismissal at 12:15 PM (Grades 1-6 attend; Mon/Wed Science Kindergarten attend; no school for Community Kindergarten)