Dear Families, 

We’re excited to kick off the 2025–2026 school year with you and can’t wait to welcome your child(ren) back next week! 

Starting a new school year often brings a mix of emotions like excitement, nervousness, pride, relief, and curiosity. As you prepare for the first day, here are a few gentle reminders to help your child feel emotionally, mentally, socially, and physically ready: 

• Talk About It: Keep conversations open about the upcoming school year. Discuss what your child can expect, what they might be excited or nervous about, and reassure them that all feelings are normal. 
• Establish Routines: Begin adjusting bedtimes and morning routines now if you haven’t already. A consistent routine, along with healthy meals, limited screen time, regular exercise, and good sleep will help your child feel steady and focused. 
• Organize Supplies Together: Invite your child to help pack their backpack or prep their lunch. This not only builds responsibility but also helps them feel more in control and confident. 
• Review Social Skills: If possible, set up a playdate or reconnect with friends from last year. Discuss helpful social strategies like introducing themselves, asking for help, or handling tricky situations. 
• Encourage Relaxation: Whether it’s deep breathing, reading, or a calming bedtime routine, help your child find ways to manage any anxiety about the start of school. 
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate their efforts and adaptability. A little encouragement goes a long way in boosting confidence and building a positive mindset for the year ahead. 

With just a bit of preparation, your child can step into the new school year feeling confident and ready to thrive. We’re looking forward to a fantastic year together! 

Family involvement and positive home-school communication will have lasting positive impacts on your child’s success. Connecting with your child’s teacher on any matter of concern will always be your first step. The classroom teacher will have more knowledge and understanding about your child and will lead the work in supporting them.  Your child’s classroom teacher will also share regular updates about what your child is learning in class and the opportunities they are engaging with.   

You can also stay up-to-date on what’s happening at Valley View School by reading the parent weekly sent home by the administration team every Friday, and by following us on Instagram @valleyviewcbe. 

Meet the Teacher and Fall BBQ 

You are invited to meet your child’s teacher in person on September 25th at 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. to learn more about the academic, social, and well-being goals for this year. You will also have a chance to learn about your child’s classroom routines and expectations. During this time, the Valley View School Council and Rotary Club will be hosting a Fall BBQ! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the other members of the school community. The Fall BBQ will be held jointly with Ian Bazalgette School.

Traffic Safety and Punctuality 

As you get ready to bring your child back to school, please remember the importance of being on time to school and being safe around Valley View School. We want all families to respect and follow the traffic safety laws. 

Traffic Safety: 

• Follow the safety patrollers' signs and signals at the 41^st street crosswalk on the east side of the school when they begin their duties this Fall.  
• Use the “Kiss and Go” right after the crosswalk on 41^st street to drive up, park, kiss your child, and drive away. This lane is not for parking. If you wish to wait in the school grounds with your child prior to school starting, you must park in the surrounding communities. We appreciate your cooperation! 
• Do not use the staff parking lots for drop-off or pick-up at all. Please use the designated kiss and go or surrounding street parking. 
• Do not park in any of the designated bus lanes assigned by the City of Calgary. 
• Walk with your child on the sidewalks and not through the parking lots. 

Soft-Entry is from 7:50 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. When your child arrives during this block of time, they put their belongings away, say hello to their classmates, get settled, and begin a task which teachers have prepared for the morning. At 8:00 a.m., attendance is taken and your child transitions to a new task.  

We expect students to be on time for school. At Valley View School, this means they are in their classrooms at 8:00 a.m. ready to learn. If students come to school after 8:00 a.m., they must go directly to the office and sign in.  

When your child comes to school on time, they: 

• have some time to familiarize themselves with the agenda for the day 
• make connections with peers and classmates 
• have a smoother transition 
• boost their performance 
• feel good about themselves 
• build healthy lifelong habits 

Lunchtime Expectations and Bus Safety

As we are getting ready to welcome students back, we want to share some important information with you regarding the lunch break. Staying at school for lunch is a service that parents/guardians set up and pay for. Students are supervised by lunch supervisors, so students have a break with peers. Students who use the lunch service must follow all the school rules which apply throughout the day.  

Similarly, using CBE transportation is also a service which parents/guardians set up and pay for. All students who take the bus must follow all the rules and be respectful and courteous on the bus. 

Please review the following expectations with your child(ren) before they come to school on Tuesday. It’s important for them to understand and follow these expectations: 

LUNCHTIME STUDENT EXPECTATIONS 

SAFETY AND CONDUCT ON THE BUS 

Thank you! 

Guest Speaker Invitation

This year, our focus is on building community, connection, and collaboration, and we believe one of the best ways to do that is by bringing experts into the classroom. 

We would love to invite parents/guardians to share their knowledge, skills, or career experiences with our students as guest speakers. Whether your expertise is in science, the arts, technology, trades, or any other field, your perspective can enrich our learning environment and inspire students in meaningful ways. 

If you're interested in being a guest speaker, please complete this form. We’d love to connect with you! 

PowerSchool Forms

Over the coming days you will be asked to complete important demographic forms, consent forms, and pay student fees. All of this is done in your MyCBE parent portal. Please ensure that your account is active and ready to go. If you need assistance, you can access support through the main page of the MyCBE login page. 

School Fees 

School fees for the 2025-26 school year are due when assigned. For school fee inquiries, please contact the school directly. For information about school fees, transportation fees, lunchroom supervision fees, and school fee waivers, please visit the CBE website. For your information, if your child is staying at school for lunch, there is a mandatory lunchroom fee that can be paid through your MyCBE account. These fees can be paid in installments and are due by the end of the school year. 

Opt-In for School Messages 

We don’t want you to miss out on any school messages so make sure you’re up to date with opting in. For more information, visit https://calgary.schoolmessenger.com/cbe_subscribe 

Cello – VVS Assistance Dog 

We’re delighted to share that Cello, who is a certified assistance dog, will be in our school on occasion to assist with emotional regulation, motivation, engagement and classroom community building.  The Calgary Board of Education is committed to providing inclusive services and access for all students and employees.  This Assistance Dog is registered and trained through a professional organization.   

All students and staff will be instructed as to the proper protocols regarding working Assistance and Service Dogs, and students will be reminded to not touch or interact with Cello unless granted permission by Cello’s handler, Ms. Dharamsi, Principal of Valley View School.   

The school will take all the necessary precautions and will consider the rights of other students and employees (e.g. severe allergies to dogs, phobia to dogs etc.).  Please contact Ms. Dharamsi should this apply to your child, or if you have any further questions. 

Upcoming Dates: 

Monday September 1 – Labour Day (school closed) 

Tuesday September 2 – First Day of School (soft-entry at 7:50 a.m.); staggered entry for Kindergarten 

Friday September 5 - Early Dismissal at 12:15 PM (Grades K-6 attend; Mon/Wed Science Kindergarten attend)