Hello Beddington Heights Families,
I hope everyone is doing well and keeping healthy as we move into a long weekend for our students! We are hoping to see many families at our Meet the Teacher event from 6-7:30 tonight. We will have staff available in the Learning Commons from 6:30-7:30 to assist any families who require support in either creating a MyCBE Account or completing paperwork that has been sent electronically (FOIP/ Demographic forms).
Today marks Fall Equinox, a time when, like us, earth and all its inhabitants are preparing for winter. Today we also recognize the 145th anniversary of Treaty 7 Day as it was signed on this day in 1877 at the Blackfoot Crossing of the Bow River (present day Siksika Nation Reserve located east of Calgary).
Next week is Truth and Reconciliation Week and I wanted to highlight a few things for you:
Indigenous Dance Residency
As part of our ongoing learning, commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 will be participating in an Indigenous Dance Residency from September 26-29. These activities will be led by Blackfoot Elder Shirley Hill, from the Siksika Nation, who is a mother and grandmother. She is also a fancy shawl dancer who has over 35 years of experience sharing Blackfoot knowledge in an age appropriate manner about the buffalo, residential schools, and reconciliation, while also teaching hoop dance. Each class will have the opportunity to learn some Indigenous teachings, Indigenous dance, and participate in a small group traditional smudge. More information about this residency and smudging can be found here: Indigenous Dance Residency on Letterhead.doc
Orange Shirt Day
Beddington Heights School will be recognizing Orange Shirt Day on Thursday, September 29th. Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 when residential school survivor Physllis Webstad shared how her orange shirt was taken away on her first day at residential school. Our learning community will reflect on the history and legacy of residential skills and share ways that we can work together toward truth and reconciliation. Students are encouraged to wear an orange shirt to school on Thursday.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
With Friday, Sept. 30 being the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the intention of the day is to recognize and honour residential school survivors, their families and communities. Recognizing this day ensures that public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. A reminder that the school will be closed in honour of this day.
We are excited to continue moving this important work forward alongside our students.
Additional Notes:
Weather
In alignment with Fall Solstice, this week gave us our first glimpse of the winter ahead as Monday was quite chilly. Please ensure students are dressed for the weather each day as they do go outside twice a day, every day, unless it is -20 or colder.
I wish each of you a great weekend, and as always, if I can be of service, please do not hesitate to contact me at saross@cbe.ab.ca.
Take care,
Steve Ross
Principal, Beddington Heights School
Key Dates:
September 22nd Meet the Teacher (In Person: 6-7:30pm)
Fall Equinox
Treaty 7 Day (145th Anniversary)
September 23rd Non-Instructional Day (No school for students)
September 26th -29th Truth and Reconciliation Week
Indigenous Dance Residency
September 29th Orange Shirt Day
September 30th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (School Closed)
October 3-6 Literacy Week
October 4th First School Council Meeting (In-Person: 6:30-8:30pm)
October 7th System Professional Learning Day (No School for Students)
October 10th Thanksgiving Day (School Closed)
October 14th Grade 6 Celebration of Learning Assembly (During the day)
Recurring Relevant Messages
Beddington Heights Social Media Account
Beddington Heights School is now on Instagram! We will be posting information related to school events along with showcasing some of the learning taking place throughout our building!
Please follow us:
@beddingtonheightsschoolcbe
Meet the Teacher Night
Meet the Teacher Night will take place on September 22nd from 6-7:30pm. Homeroom teachers will provide two repeat presentations so you will be able to catch both should you have multiple children in the school. We will begin with a brief gathering in the gymnasium before branching out to homeroom class presentations.
Forms
Online forms:
As communicated through a system wide School Messenger, many forms will now be completed online through your MyCBE Account including the Demographic Verification form and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy form. To locate these forms, please log in to your MyCBE account and select Online Forms and School registration on the left-hand side.
Hard Copy Forms:
Your child should have come home with two forms earlier this week.
- Admirable Use Policy form – Students need to have a signed copy of this form returned to their homeroom teacher in order to access the school's technology (Chromebooks, iPads etc.)
- Brown Baggers Program form – Allows you to identify which foods should/should not be given to your child in the event they have forgotten their lunch on a given day.
Printable Forms (attached):
The following forms are either informational or are available to be printed off and returned to the school. Should you require a hard copy of the form, please contact the office, and we will ensure one is sent home with your child.
- Student Health Plan - This form must be:
- completed if a physical or medical condition may affect the student's attendance at school
- completed if medication is to be taken at school
- reviewed and updated annually or sooner if there is a change in the student's health concern or school registration.
This form may not need to be completed by all families. It is only required if any of the above conditions apply for your child.
- Walking Field Trip Form – Teachers organize short walking field trips during the course of the year. The attached letter outlines the rationale and process for these trips. Please contact the school if you have any questions about this process.
Annual Volunteer Registration Form – Needs to be completed every year in order to volunteer within the school or on field trips. Also requires a current (within the last 5 years) police check on file with the school. Contact the office if you have any questions.
