Good evening families of Simons Valley School,
Here are some important information pieces next week:
Key Dates for November 2024
· Nov 25-Lockdown practice drill at 1:30 pm
· Rothney Observatory Field Trip Nov 26 5C/D Nov 27 5A/B
· Nov 27 Gr. 6 Edmonton Legislative Building Field Trip
· Nov 28/29-School Conferences (Sign up process will be communicated this week)
· Nov 28 4:30pm – 8:00pm and Grade 5 Winter Market
· Nov 29 8:30am – 1:00pm
· Dec 12 @ 6:30 PM: Winter Celebration (Grade 2 and 3 students)
https://simonsvalley.cbe.ab.ca/calendar
Gratitude
A big appreciation to our patrols and safety buddies that help keep our street safe with our school entry and exit times. It can be tricky in our current weather as there is a lot of ice and snow to contend with and we feel fortunate that you have committed to these important volunteer positions.
Gift Card Donations
The Christmas season will soon be upon us! It is a time when many families look forward to gathering, sharing gifts, and having a warm meal. Unfortunately, not all families can participate in many of these activities which most of us take for granted.
In previous years, the SVS staff and community have had the pleasure of being able to assist some of our SVS families during this time. Again, we will support a few of our families by providing them with gift cards. The most asked-for cards are to Superstore and Walmart, but any card and denomination will be accepted. Please, NO liquor store cards.
You can show your support by purchasing a gift card or an e-gift card and have your child drop it off at the office by Friday, December 13th. All e-gift cards can be sent to Jillian High at jchigh@cbe.ab.ca. We will then distribute the cards to the families the last week of school before Winter break (December 16th to 20th).
If your family would like to be considered for receiving gift cards, please contact Mrs. Reeve at lareeve@cbe.ab.ca before December 13th. Unfortunately, we have a limited number of cards and will contact only families who will be receiving a bag.
Your generosity will go a long way in supporting families in our community. Let's come together as a school community to make a positive impact.
Thank you for your generosity and care.
Grade 5 Winter Market
Come one! Come all!
Wanting to do something special for someone? Looking for some unique gift ideas? Have we got some news for you! We would like to invite families to visit the Grade 5 Winter Market on the evening of Thursday November 28th! Do some fun shopping in between meetings with your childs’ teachers! All proceeds will go towards fundraising for grade fives to go to Camp Chief Hector in June. We have a variety of booths and products available. There will be:
-a used books sale
-scrunchies and bracelets
-popcorn
-Christmas ornaments
-Gently used toys and more!
-Raffle for 4 General Admission Zoo Passes
The market will be held in the Buffalo Space and will be open from 4:30pm-7:30pm or while quantities last!
Sales will be cash only. Please bring small bills and coins as limited change will be available.
****Books, Books, Books!
For our sale we are looking for book donations in good condition and appropriate for students up to grade 6. Please drop them off in the office or Mrs. Neumiller’s classroom in room 10. The deadline to drop off is Wednesday November 27th.
Lego Donations
As we are preparing for the re-opening of our library and the move of our grade 5 team into the portables, we would like to request the donation of any second-hand Lego that you may not be using. We are looking at creating a makerspace area and would like to start building our inventory of Lego. Any secondhand Lego can be dropped off at our main office. Thank you.
Lockdown Practice Drill (Nov 25 at 1:30 pm)
A School Messenger communication was sent out yesterday regarding the details of our first lockdown. We suggest discussing this safety practice with your students and contacting your teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
Extended Student Absences
It is important to notify the front office should your student have an extended absence from school. You will need to complete a form that describes the nature of the absence prior to your leave. The Calgary Board of Education believes there is a strong positive correlation between attendance and effective education. The Education Act, only excuses students from attending school due to illness or other unavoidable cause, religious holidays, suspension/expulsion, or permission from the Board. Schools are not mandated to provide schoolwork for extended absences. There are a lot of important learning moments that cannot be replicated by a textbook or worksheet and therefore it becomes the parent’s responsibility to review and support their child’s learning, so they do not fall behind during the extended absence. Consistent attendance in school is critical for children to complete their education successfully. Extended absences can interfere with their ability to achieve success in learning and social development.
Volunteering and Police Information Check (PIC)
To volunteer at SVS you need to have a valid police clearance and fill out the Annual Volunteer Form on your My CBE account, under “Online Forms and School Registration”. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the office.
Have a great week.
Chris Hooper, EdD