A Wonderful Week at Valley View!
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This week, our Grade 1/2 students headed out on their very first community walk. Taking close to 60 six- to eight-year-olds off school property is no small task, and we couldn't have done it without the support of our parent volunteers. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Students explored a park in our community, enjoyed being outdoors, and came back with plenty of stories to share. If you ask them about it, you'll likely hear that it was one of the highlights of their week. We also held our annual School Council AGM. It was great to see several new families join the meeting and learn more about the work happening behind the scenes. Thank you to everyone who attended online, and a special thank you to those who stepped forward to fill executive positions. School Council and the Superkids Society accomplish a tremendous amount for our students and families, and that work is made possible by volunteers who generously give their time to our school community. Spooktacular School DanceThe VVS Superkids Society is excited to host our annual Spooktacular School Dance on Thursday, October 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Doors 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/ Please note that ticket sales close on Monday, October 26 and tickets will not be available at the door. We are also still looking for a few volunteers to help throughout the evening. Whether you can help with setup, supervise an activity, or assist with cleanup, your support is appreciated and helps make events like this possible. We hope to see many of you there for an evening of fun, music, and community. Appropriate Halloween CostumesHalloween is just around the corner, and students are already talking about costumes and classroom celebrations. To help make the day safe and enjoyable for everyone, please remember that masks, weapons (including toy or replica weapons), inflatable costumes, and costumes depicting excessive gore or violence are not permitted at school. Families can also expect direct communication from their child's teacher regarding any classroom activities, celebrations, or special plans taking place on Halloween. Safe and Respectful Learning EnvironmentsOne of our ongoing priorities at Valley View is creating a school where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Over the past several weeks, students have been practicing problem-solving skills, learning how to navigate conflicts respectfully, and building positive relationships with their peers. Staff have also noticed an increase in inappropriate language during recesses, lunch breaks, and other less structured times throughout the day. While this is not uncommon as students learn and navigate friendships, it is an area we are actively addressing through direct teaching, reminders, restorative conversations, and positive reinforcement. Families can help by encouraging respectful communication at home and discussing the importance of treating others with kindness and dignity. Valley View is a place of learning, and we will continue to maintain high expectations while teaching and supporting students in meeting them. Our goal is not simply to correct behaviour, but to help students develop the skills and awareness needed to contribute positively to our community. Student Safety During Pick-Up and Drop-OffWe would also like to remind families about safe arrival and dismissal practices. Unfortunately, we continue to see vehicles stopping or parking in designated school bus zones. While we understand that mornings and afternoons can be busy, these areas must remain clear to ensure the safe movement of students, families, and buses. The City of Calgary Bylaw Services has advised us that they will be increasing their presence around the school in response to community concerns and complaints. Stopping or parking in bus zones may result in significant fines. We know it can be frustrating to find a parking spot close to the school, especially during busy times. Whenever possible, we encourage families to park a little farther away and walk to their child's entrance. Taking a few extra minutes helps improve traffic flow and, most importantly, keeps students safe. Dress for the WeatherFall weather in Calgary can change quickly. Please ensure your child comes to school with clothing appropriate for the conditions, including a jacket, suitable footwear, and any other outdoor gear they may need. Students are outside every day for recess and lunch. When students are cold, wet, or uncomfortable, it can be challenging for them to focus once they return to class. A quick check of the weather each morning can go a long way in helping students have a comfortable day. Attendance MattersRegular attendance remains one of the strongest predictors of student success. Every day at school provides opportunities for learning, social connection, and participation in classroom experiences that cannot always be recreated later. As we move further into the school year, we encourage families to continue prioritizing consistent attendance when students are healthy and able to attend. If your family is experiencing challenges that are impacting attendance, please reach out. We are always willing to work with families to support student success. Digital Citizenship Plan 2026-2027The Valley View Digital Citizenship Plan will soon be 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 our school website. School Council and Superkids SocietyCasino Fundraiser: Volunteers NeededOur School Council Casino Fundraiser takes place on November 19 and 20 and brings more than $80,000 back to Valley View students. We are still looking for volunteers to help make this important fundraiser a success. If you are able to support for a few hours, we would greatly appreciate your help. Casino Volunteer Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944ADA62AA2F8C34-65283048-superkids Important DatesOctober 28- Grade 6 Science Classes off to Drumheller (Families need to coordinate pick up at school for 4:00pm) 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 Have a wonderful weekend, Valley View families |
