Dear Families,
School is in full swing, and your child should now be familiar with our routines and processes. Our priority is to create a safe, caring, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Part of our goal is to help students understand the Valley View School Commitment and to encourage kindness towards others.
We recognize that conflicts are a natural part of growing up, and it's important for students to learn how to express their feelings and communicate effectively. Supporting students in self-regulation and using positive language is integral to this process. At VVS we use the Connecting to Spirit Framework which states that in order for students to learn, they need to feel safe and regulated. To support child development, the Connecting to Spirit Framework considers the holistic aspects of oneself, including the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental. Connecting to your spirit is knowing who you are; it’s your resting calm state.
We also use Friendology to help students learn the language of friendship. Knowing what to say and how to say it supports a positive resolution.
We greatly appreciate your support in reinforcing our school commitment with your child, and collaborating with our staff. Together, we can foster a positive and respectful school community.
Valley View School Commitment:
These commitments are to be followed, inside the school, on the playground, and when away representing VVS.
We are connected to our Spirit.
We understand our own limits.
We are patient and we take turns.
We are peaceful with our words.
We are gentle with our actions.
We are respectful of others’ space.
We are seen by trusted adults.
We are great problem solvers.
We are great helpers.
Walk for Wenjack
This year as part of our commitment to reconciliation our school will be participating in the Walk for Wenjack. The first Walk for Wenjack took place in 2016 and retraced the steps of Chanie Wenjack, a 12-year-old Anishinaabe boy who died after escaping residential school. He was attempting to reach his family 600km away. It started at the Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School in Kenora, ON, and continued to Redditt, ON for a ceremony representing Chanie's final resting spot near Farlane, ON. Since then, people throughout the country have hosted their own walks to educate and raise awareness of the true history and impact of residential schools. This year, DWF is challenging everyone in Canada to "Do Something", as Gord would say, by participating in their own Walk for Wenjack.
Our school will be participating in the Walk for Wenjack on Tuesday October 22, 2024 and our goal is to raise $500. We hope each student can bring a loonie ($1) to support this cause. Donations will be collected all of next week. Thank you.
Valley View School Patrollers
Valley View School Patrollers will be trained by AMA and will begin their responsibilities the first week of November. Each day, grade 5 students and a teacher will be outside on 41st street to keep community members safe while using the crosswalk. Please be respectful to them and obey all traffic laws. Thank you.
School Council AGM Tuesday Oct 22nd
The School Council Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday Oct 22nd at 6:00 p.m. This is a crucial opportunity to get involved in the school community, as parents will be nominating and electing the School Council executive roles. Your participation is vital! School Council seeks volunteers for various initiatives, including fundraising and events like the casino night. Your ideas and support can make a real difference for all VVS students and the school.
During this meeting, Youth Centres of Calgary will be sharing about their new Youth Centre recently built right across our school, and the opportunities available for VVS students. Ms. Dharamsi and Mr. Todos will also share an update on current school activities, including the Fall budget and staffing based on the September 30th student count.
All families are invited to attend virtually. A Microsoft Teams link will be shared the morning of the meeting.
Toys/Personal Items from Home
We are finding that students are bringing toys and personal items from home. These include teddy bears, balls, trading cards, etc. Please do not send your child to school with these items as they become a distraction, sometimes can be the cause of conflict, and may get lost or stolen. Our priority is on student learning and when toys and personal items become the focus for conversation, it takes away from the support we can provide for learning. Please note that the school is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday October 24 - Spooktacular School Dance from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Admission by ticket only)
Friday October 25 – Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)