Dear Families, 

We had our first Student Voice meeting this week and student representatives from each class shared their ideas about how Valley View can be a better school. The ideas shared included: 

-getting more variety of books to read in the classroom and in the learning commons 

-building out our art supply to include mixed media, acrylics and canvases 

-have more opportunities to learn outdoors 

-having fun activities like spirit weeks 

-working with other classes more in learning activities and through buddies 

Many more ideas were shared and we’re looking forward to supporting our students and working with them to continue strengthening our school community. 

School Patrols and Active School Travel 

We have partnered up with Active and Safe Routes to School and some of our Grade 4/5 students will be working hard to investigate the active travel and safety issues surrounding Valley View School. They will focus on positive solutions while working with community partners. This work will begin in November, and information will be shared back with the rest of the school community. Active School Travel creates regular newsletters to promote safety in our communities. The most recent edition focuses on Road Safety Skills During Halloween, AMA Safety Patrol, and Healthy Schools Certification. Please take time to read the attached newsletter. 

Valley View School Patrols are almost trained and will begin their responsibilities on Nov 6. Each day, grade 5 students and a teacher/supervisor will be outside on 41^st Street to keep community members safe while using the crosswalk. Please be respectful to them and obey all traffic laws. Thank you. 

Leaving Valley View School? 

We have students coming to Valley View and leaving Valley View throughout the year. If you are leaving us, please give us some notice so we can support your child’s transition to their new school. 

Photographs and Video of Students on School Property 

It has come to our attention that parents are taking photographs of students on the playground after school. Photographing or videotaping students is not allowed, unless they are your own children. If photographs or video are taken, this is a privacy issue.  

A parent of a student has the responsibility to (AR 6005 Student Code of Conduct): 

a) take an active role in the student’s educational success;  

b) assist the student in complying with the Student Code of Conduct  

c) promote the prevention of bullying  

d) assist the school in addressing disciplinary issues involving their child; and  

e) ensure the parent’s conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment. 

Halloween Spirit Week 

During the week of October 30, we will be having a Valley View Spirit Week to build community. The Spirit Days are as follows: 

Monday Oct 30 – Wear Orange Day 

Tuesday Oct 31 – Halloween Costume Day (see further instruction below) 

Wednesday Nov 1 – Fancy Hat Day 

Thursday Nov 2 – Wear Your Clothes Backwards Day 

Friday Nov 3 - Jersey Day or Wear Red Day  

On Tuesday October 31, we will have Halloween dress up day at school. Staff and students are encouraged to wear costumes. The type of costume should be considered for ages 5-11 and not include weapons, fearful, violent, gory attire, full face masks or promote cultural appropriation. We understand that some families would like to share candy with their child’s class. Please do not send candy to school for distribution as we are not permitted to do this. 

Toys/Personal Items from Home  

We are finding that students are bringing toys and personal items from home. These include teddy bears, balls, Pokémon 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: 

Friday October 27 - Early Dismissal at 12:15 PM (Grades 1-5 attend; Mon/Wed Science Kindergarten attend; no school for Community Kindergarten)