A Week of Learning, Teamwork, and New Adventures
It has been another wonderful week at Valley View, filled with opportunities for students to explore, and grow together.
One of this week's highlights was our Grade 4 field study at the Calgary Farmyard. Students had a fantastic day exploring the farm, learning about animals, and discovering how living things interact within a farm ecosystem. There were plenty of smiles, lots of questions, and many hands-on learning experiences that helped bring classroom learning to life in a meaningful way.
Back at school, classrooms have been buzzing with activity. As we move through the fall season, many of our students have begun preparing for our upcoming Remembrance Day Assembly during music classes. Through music and discussion, students are learning about the importance of remembrance and reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.
Another exciting part of life at Valley View has been our football intramurals, which have been taking place every day at lunch. Students have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to learn the game, build their skills, and compete in a fun and supportive environment. While there have certainly been touchdowns and big plays, there have also been many important lessons about teamwork, perseverance, leadership, sportsmanship, and learning how to navigate both the victories and challenges that come with being part of a team.
We also completed our fall lockdown practice drill this week. These drills are an important part of our school's safety procedures and help ensure students and staff know what to do in the event of an emergency. I was incredibly proud of our students, who listened carefully to staff, followed directions promptly, and demonstrated maturity throughout the exercise. Practising these procedures helps us maintain a safe and prepared learning environment for everyone.
Moments like these remind us that schools are about so much more than academics alone. Whether students are exploring a farm, learning a new song, participating in intramurals, or demonstrating responsibility during a safety drill, they are building confidence, developing friendships, and creating memories that help make Valley View such a special place to belong.
Helping Keep Valley View Ready for Learning
As we move further into the school year, we'd appreciate your support in reviewing a few important reminders with your child. These small habits help us maintain safe, welcoming, and focused learning environments for all students.
Whenever possible, please send healthy snacks and lunches to support your child's learning throughout the day. If your child arrives without food, please know that we are here to help. Healthy breakfast and lunch options are available at school, and we are always happy to ensure students have something to eat.
Students are welcome to bring water or milk to school. We ask that families avoid sending pop, diet pop, iced tea, sports drinks, energy drinks, vitamin water, or other caffeinated beverages. If one of these drinks arrives at school, students will be asked to place it in their backpack to take home, and water or milk will be offered instead. Administrative Regulation 3047 - Nutrition (AR-3047)
Helping Keep Leave Toys and Special Items at Home
We also ask that toys, collectibles, stuffies, and other special items remain at home unless specifically requested by a classroom teacher. While these items are often important to children, they can become distractions to learning or may unfortunately be lost or damaged. From time to time, teachers may organize special spirit days or classroom activities where students are invited to bring an item from home. Families will always receive advance notice when these opportunities arise.
Some students benefit from using a fidget tool to support focus and self-regulation. If a fidget is needed, families are asked to connect with their child's teacher beforehand. Fidgets should support learning, be used only by the student they are intended for and not distract others.
Appropriate Halloween Costumes
As Halloween approaches, we know students are already beginning to think about costumes and celebrations. We look forward to seeing students participate in the fun while helping ensure the day remains safe and enjoyable for everyone. When selecting costumes, please remember that masks, weapons (including toy or replica weapons), inflatable costumes, and costumes depicting excessive gore or violence are not permitted at school. Thank you for helping us create a positive and inclusive environment where all students can participate comfortably.
Dress for the Weather
As we head further into fall, Calgary weather can change quickly. Please ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately for the forecast, including a waterproof jacket, suitable footwear, and any other outdoor gear they may need. Students spend time outdoors each day for recess and lunch, and while a sunny morning can quickly turn into a rainy or windy afternoon, students who become wet or cold outside often find it uncomfortable to participate fully in learning for the remainder of the day. Thank you for helping your child stay comfortable, safe, and ready to enjoy outdoor learning and play throughout the season.
Attendance Matters
Regular attendance continues to be one of the strongest factors influencing student success. Each day at school provides important opportunities for learning, social connection, and participation in classroom experiences that cannot always be replicated when students are absent.
As we move further into the school year, we encourage families to continue prioritizing punctual and consistent attendance whenever students are healthy and able to attend. If your family is experiencing barriers impacting attendance, please reach out. We are committed to working alongside families to support student success.
Safe and Respectful Learning Environments
At Valley View, we continue to focus on creating learning spaces where every student feels safe, welcomed, and valued. Students have been practising problem-solving strategies, strengthening friendships, and learning how to resolve conflicts respectfully.
Families can support this work by encouraging students to talk through challenges, seek help when needed, and treat others with kindness and respect. Together, we can continue building a strong sense of belonging for all students.
School Council Annual General Meeting
One of the best ways to become involved in your child's school is through School Council.
School Council helps strengthen the connection between home and school by bringing parents, guardians, and school staff together to share ideas, provide feedback, and support initiatives that benefit all students.
We would love for you to join us on Tuesday, October 20 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
This meeting will serve as our Annual General Meeting (AGM), where we will celebrate the successes of the past year, review priorities for the year ahead, approve the annual budget, and fill vacancies on the School Council Executive.
This year, we are looking to fill the positions of:
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Fundraising Coordinator
We are also looking ahead to the future of our Parent Council. By attending meetings this year, you'll have the opportunity to learn from current members, gain an understanding of how Council operates, and help ensure a smooth transition and continued success in the years ahead.
Whether you're interested in taking on a leadership role or simply want to stay informed and contribute your perspective, School Council is a great way to become more involved in the Valley View community.
Your voice matters, and we would love to have you join us.
If you have any questions, please contact Amy Bennett at 587-433-0773 or president@valleyviewsuperkids.com.
School Council and Superkids Society
The VVS Superkids Society is excited to invite students and their families to our annual Spooktacular School Dance on Thursday, October 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are $4 per person and can be purchased through the VVS Superkids Society online store:
http://valley-view-super-kids-society.square.site/
A reminder that ticket sales close on Monday, October 26, and tickets will not be available at the door. We look forward to a fun evening of music, laughter, and community connection.
We are also continuing to recruit volunteers for our School Council Casino Fundraiser taking place on November 19 and 20. This important event brings more than $80,000 back to Valley View and directly supports learning opportunities, resources, technology, and student experiences throughout the year.
If you are able to help for a few hours, we would greatly appreciate your support. Volunteer sign-up is available at:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944ADA62AA2F8C34-65283048-superkids
Thank you for helping make a difference for Valley View students.
Healthy Hunger Lunches
Our next Healthy Hunger lunch is coming up soon. Families can continue to place orders through www.healthyhunger.ca. Please remember that ordering closes in advance of each lunch date, so be sure to place orders early.
Important Dates
October 19 - Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)
October 20 - School Council AGM, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
October 29 - Healthy Hunger: McDonald's and Spooktacular School Dance
November 11-15 - Fall Break
November 19 & 20 - School Council Casino Fundraiser
November 27 - Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)
November 30 - Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet: Movie Music - Greatest Hits Performance