Homework & Reading

Students are not assigned regular, daily homework; however, families are strongly encouraged to read together at home. Home reading may be introduced at each teacher’s discretion, reflecting the learning needs of each student. Assignments that are incomplete may be sent home for further work and/or completion, also at the teacher’s discretion. 

Our primary work in a K-5 school is to foster joyfulness in reading, writing and numeracy through celebrations with excellent literature, sharing our work, exploration and hands-on investigations. Our Learning Commons has a collection of rich literature that students will borrow and read on a weekly basis; but we strongly encourage families to also take advantage of the free memberships available through the Calgary Public Library. Consistent interactions with inviting stories through these avenues will foster the development of avid, engaged and thoughtful readers. 

Families should be checking their child's homeroom teacher's daily agenda blog to know what is happening in the classroom and to have further conversations with their child about their daily learning.  Families can also refer to LearnAlberta to find information about the Alberta curriculums and programs of study that are followed. 

Non-Instructional Days and Early Dismissals

Our Northern Lights School annual calendars encompass the Alberta Education mandate of 180 teaching (instructional) days, with a minimum of 950 instructional hours/year for students in Grades 1 – 5, and 475 instructional hours for students in Kindergarten. Our annual calendar is published on the website – the Non-Instructional Days are set by the system and are common across the schools.  

Our Northern Lights School timetable is structured in a manner that classes consistently have access to Phys. Ed. in the Gym and to Music in the Music Room. 

On Fridays, we dismiss at 1:05 pm. Friday afternoons are used for teacher and staff professional development, organization and program improvements.