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- Thank you to everyone for their flexibility and understanding during our time as a school within a school.
- Thank you to all our families that joined us for our conferences in November, it was wonderful to see so many of you in person.
- Thank you to all our families for their support and understanding with all the bussing concerns. We know that CBE transportation is working hard to support our families.
- Thank you to Hugh A. Bennett, Annie Foote, Monterey Park, and Dr Gordon Higgins staff for all their support and care.
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| Dear Prairie Sky Families & Friends, Winter Break is here! As we approach the end of the year, it is with great pride that we look back at what our students and staff have accomplished in just four months. Student learning continues to take center stage at Prairie Sky School – in all four sites. Across all grades and subject areas students and teachers collaborate in the learning process through innovative teaching practices, feedback and student input into their learning and assessment. Throughout the school year, the Prairie Sky Post will continue to communicate important information and dates for the upcoming months. Google Classrooms and D2L will also continue to address what's new and happening in your child's classroom. Please ensure you visit your child's Google Classroom/D2L weekly for updates. As we continue to work through a school within a school model, many adjustments have been made to support our students, families and staff. Please note our current Admin Team at PSS: - Ms. Mona Bains, Principal
- Mr. Michael Pierce, AP
- Ms. Amandeep Sanghera, Acting AP, Inclusive Education
- Ms. Jasmyn Kennedy, Physical Education & Wellness, Learning Leader
- Ms. Tracy Pocherewny, Admin Secretary
- Ms. Sue Grant, School Secretary Annie Foote Site
- Ms. Gurdeep Johal, School Secretary Monterey Park Site
We invite you to become a member of our School Council. Please come and be a part of our learning community. Your voice, your ideas, your participation all help in achieving and supporting our School Development Plan and activities in our school. We know it is important for parents/guardians to understand how their children are doing in school. Research shows that students are more successful with active parent/guardian involvement. The report card is one component in communicating student learning. In addition to the report card, schools communicate with parents/guardians about student progress on an ongoing basis in a variety of ways. Assessment happens every day, in every classroom, throughout the school year. Assessing a student's progress is one of the most important ways we support the continued learning of our students. We have developed some resources related to assessment and report cards, and to help you learn more about your child's learning. These resources can be found under Supporting Documents on the CBE Website: https://cbe.ab.ca/programs/curriculum/assessment-and-reporting/Pages/default.aspx Each year our teaching staff is asked to align our school's goals with the CBE's Three-Year Education Plan. We work in September and October looking through data and research, creating a year plan and focusing our professional learning as a staff. We then spend the year putting into practice our goals for student success and gathering evidence of these plans. This year our School Development Plan is organized to support student growth over the school year and support next steps for 2023-24. We will focus on three main goals during the 2022-23 school year. - Literacy: Student achievement in reading will improve.
- Mathematics: Student's ability to solve mathematical problems will increase.
- Well-Being: Students' ability to self-regulate will improve
Our School Development Plan (SDP) is published on our website. To support our School Development goals, we have been implementing a few resources across grades K-8. The Words Their Way program carefully aligns instruction with the five developmental stages of spelling: Emergent-Early Letter Name, Letter Name, Within Word Pattern, Syllables and Affixes, and Derivational Relations. Words Their Way is a developmental phonics program designed to teach the word features students need at their instructional level through the use of word study. Words Their Way enables teachers to assess, clearly identify and document each student's spelling stage, group students with common needs and tailor activities to improve students' spelling knowledge. Jump Math will be supporting our mathematics goal and supporting the implementation of the new K-6 curriculum. Jump Math is a supportive resource for teachers and students. The Mind Up Program to support our Well-being goal. Mind Up is a "research-based curriculum that uses the latest information about the brain to dramatically improve behaviours and learning for all students. Each lesson offers easy strategies for helping students focus their attention, improve their self-regulation skills, build resilience to stress, and develop a positive mind-set in both school and life."
Finally, we would like to wish our Prairie Sky School friends, our families, our staff and the community a safe, happy holiday. It is moments like this, when we can pause, catch our breath and look back, that we realize how honored and fortunate we are to be a part of this learning community. Best wishes for a safe, relaxing and peaceful holiday and a happy new year. Sincerely, Ms. Mona Bains, Principal, Mr. Michael Pierce, Assistant Principal, Amandeep Sanghera, Acting AP, Ms. Jasmyn Kennedy & PSS Staff
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| Dear Prairie Sky Families & Friends,
Oki! (oh-gee: hello in Blackfoot) Wow! It is hard to believe we have been in school for two months. We want to take the
time to acknowledge and appreciate all our families and students for their patience and
understanding during our time as a school within a school. The CBE Indigenous Education Strategy is guided by a Holistic Lifelong Learning
Framework symbolized by the medicine wheel which represents a holistic approach to
learning. This symbol is considered a universal symbol of connection, unity, harmony,
and wholeness by many Indigenous Nations. We are all on this learning journey together. Our goal is to embed Indigenous
foundational knowledge within the K-8 curriculum in a thoughtful way that will support
the learning of all our students. We strive to incorporate multiple perspectives within the
curriculum, so each student can see themselves reflected within it. All schools in the
CBE have an important role to play in promoting an inclusive school climate and
learning environment. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th was to commemorate
the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools and to honour the
survivors. “Reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually
respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this
country. In order for that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past,
acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes,
and action to change behavior. We are not there yet. The relationship between
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples is not a mutually respectful one. But we
believe we can get there, and we believe we can maintain it.” (Truth and
Reconciliation Commission of Canada). During the week of September 26th, students participated in conversations and
dialogues to start our understanding of Truth and Reconciliation. Prairie Sky School
acknowledges and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to
Action and makes the following commitment to action for the 2022-2023 school year: To
build a legacy of Truth and Reconciliation and understanding for all students, staff, and
families at Prairie Sky School. To understand and know Indigenous perspectives and
stories authentically. To improve opportunities for students and staff to learn from the
land. Using the Holistic Lifelong Framework to understand our students and to support
their needs. In making our commitment, Call to Action #63 offered inspiration.
Student Code of Conduct As students settle into routines and learning at Prairie Sky School we want to ensure
that each one understands their role at school and within the community. Teachers
have reviewed the CBE Student Code of Conduct – AR 6005. The purpose of this
Administrative Regulation is: To prompt positive learning environments for each student. - To help students learn how to develop empathy and become good citizens both
within and outside the school community.
- To meet the CBE’s responsibility to provide students and staff with welcoming,
caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and
fosters a sense of belonging for all members of our school community.
- To outline the roles and expectations related to student conduct.
- To explain the consequences when a student’s disruptive behaviour negatively
affects the learning environment.
It is important that each family reviews the AR for their understanding and if there are
any questions, please contact the school.
To support communication between home and school, our teachers use Google
Classroom and D2L. Teachers will post a message, pictures and other important
information at the beginning or end of each week to provide families with an update of
the learning in the classroom. Additionally, we will continue to use School Messenger to
communicate school-wide information. We will start sending out our Prairie Sky Post
through the School Messenger monthly. Additionally, please check the school website
for important updates. We are here to support you. Should any questions or concerns arise; please feel free to
call or email the school at 403-777-7233 extension 2323.
Sincerely, Ms. Mona Bains, Principal & Mr. Michael Pierce, Assistant Principal |
| Dear Prairie Sky Families and Friends, Welcome back to a new school year! We are excited to have you join our Prairie Sky School Learning Community. Each new year brings excitement for all the opportunities it presents. It has been a challenging and wonderful start to our school year in four different sites. We want to thank everyone for their patience, flexibility, and understanding as we move forward with a school year not in our new building. Communication Each month the school website will be updated with information about whole school events and dates. Please be sure to check it out. https://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/PrairieSky/Pages/Default.aspx Teachers will be creating Google Classrooms (K -6) and D2L Shells (Gr. 7-8) for classroom communications. Teachers will share - post weekly announcements to support what is happening in the classroom and any special dates that pertain to the grade. They will also send the update through school messenger, which you will receive by email. Attendance We have a dedicated attendance line: 403-807-8029, it is a mobile phone so you can text your attendance or call and leave a message. If you are receiving this email, your child is a student of Prairie Sky school even though they are physically attending one of our host schools: Hugh A Bennett, Annie Foote, Monterey Park, or Dr Gordon Higgins. Our host schools will no longer be taking attendance messages on behalf of Prairie Sky school – you need to inform us directly at the number above. Picture Day Our scheduled picture day at all four of our host schools in on Tuesday, October 4. If your child is sick this day please don't send them. We will have a retake day later in the fall where any missed students can get their school photos taken. Flag at Half-Mast In honor of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the school flag will be at half-mast until the end of the day on Monday, September 12. Meet the Teacher Prairie Sky School will not be hosting a "meet the teacher" in the four different sites. Our first conferences will be held in our new building. We know that our families are eager to meet their child's teacher and see the classroom. We look forward to seeing everyone in our new building, hopefully, sometime soon. Families are welcome to reach out to teachers by email currently for any questions or concerns. Thank you again for your patience and understanding. School Council The first school council meeting for Prairie Sky School will be held on Monday, October 3rd @ 6:00 pm at Hugh A. Bennett. More information to follow. All families are welcome to join this meeting. School Council typically meets once a month. Cell Phone Policy There is much research to suggest that digital devices in the school environment are detrimental to students. Studies have stated that more time on electronic communication results in lower psychological well-being in adolescents. Some studies link a decline in human relationships due to screen time with anxiety and depression. Other studies have shown that the mere presence of the phone (on a desk or in a pocket) can lower working memory capacity. Recent surveys by the Screenagers “Away for the Day" initiative found that 82% of parents do not want their child to use their phone during the school day. Parents are encouraged to visit the following website for further information on the research on phone use at school: https://awayfortheday.squaresp... We borrowed the Screenagers initiative name and call this our “Away for the Day" policy. We encourage all parents to read this policy and we ask that parents support us in its implementation. The policy will have an impact on those parents who have expected their child to answer texts and or phone calls during the school day. All parents will need to understand that messages left on their child's phone will not be heard until the end of the school day (or at lunch time for grade 7-9 students who choose to leave the school grounds). Urgent messages will need to be called in to the school office where school personnel will forward these to our students. We encourage all parents to ensure that after-school plans and early-dismissal pick-ups are well communicated to your child before the school day. Digital Device Policy – “Away for the Day"Digital Device Definition A “digital device" is any handheld device (smartphone, iPod, iWatch, gaming device, etc.) that has internet access, texting, music, or gaming capabilities. It does not include personal laptops, iPads and tablets brought to school for educational purposes. These learning tools are covered by our digital citizenship policy. Away for the Day Digital devices are not to be used or visible at any time during the school day. At the end of the school day students are free to use their devices within the school. Grade 7-9 students who choose to leave the school grounds may use their devices while off of school property. Devices must be put away once on school property and immediately placed in the student's locker. Messages to and from StudentsUrgent messages from parents should be called in to the main office. School office personnel will forward these to our students. We encourage all parents to ensure that after-school plans and early-dismissal pick-ups are well communicated to your child before the school day. Students who need to contact a parent during the day can do so from any phone in the school with teacher permission. At the end of the school day (2:30 M-TR, 12:00 F) students are free to check for messages from their parents and to contact parents on their devices. Music and HeadphonesThis policy applies to headphones and digital devices used for the playing of music. Students who have music as an accommodation specifically identified in their Individualized Program Plan will be exempt from this rule (for the playing of music only). These students will keep their device on airplane mode to negate incoming texts, e-mails and notifications. Theft and ResponsibilityThe school does not take responsibility for the theft of, or damage to, any digital devices brought to the school. Special SituationsThere may be certain learning situations where the use of digital devices is deemed appropriate by staff. In this case, the use of the device will be under direct teacher supervision. Students who may need to use the device throughout the school and therefore are not under direct teacher supervision (e.g. for digital photography, filming) will be given a special lanyard for identification. Digital No Use ZonesAt absolutely no time (including after school hours) are digital devices to be used in the washroom or change room areas. Consequences for Inappropriate UseFirst Offence The digital device will be sent to the main office where it will be logged and securely held until the end of the school day. The student is allowed to pick up the device at the end of the school day (not at lunch). Second Offence The digital device will be sent to the main office where it will be logged and securely held until the end of the school and/or administration will call a parent before releasing the device to the student at the end of the school day. Third Offence The digital device will be sent to the main office where it will be logged and securely held until the end of the school day. A parent will be required to pick up the device from administration. Further Offences Any further offence will result in increasing disciplinary action due to defiance with regards to CBE and school policies, rules and regulations. Upcoming Dates: - Thursday, September 29 Orange Shirt Day
- Friday, September 30 Truth & Reconciliation - School is closed
Thank you for your continued support and understanding. We look forward to meeting all of you when we move into our new building. Michael Pierce, Assistant Principal & Mona Harswinder Bains, Principal
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| Dear Prairie Sky Families & Friends, Welcome to Prairie Sky School and another exciting school year! We are looking forward to welcoming our new learning community. We hope your summer break offered you rest, growth, and renewal opportunities and was filled with all good things!
It is a true privilege to be a part of a community where the excitement of a new school is strong and parents, teachers, and students care for each other and strive to build positive relationships that support academic success and social growth. We have a fantastic staff at Prairie Sky School that is guided on the principle of doing what is best for students.
If you have questions about the upcoming school year, please don't hesitate to contact the office. We would be happy to help and answer any questions you have. Current office hours are 8:00am – 2:30pm. We can be reached at Prairiesky@cbe.ab.ca, 403-777-7233 ext 2323 or cell # 403-807-8029.
We are so excited to welcome our friends on Thursday, September 1st . Please note the following information for all four sites. Bell Schedule
The first day of school for the 2022 – 2023 school year is September 1, 2022. Our bell times will vary based on which school our students are attending prior to our move into our new location. The bell times for each location are listed below: Prairie Sky School at Hugh A. Bennett (Only Kindergarten) | Monday – Thursday | Friday | 8:00am | AM Class Start | 8:00am | Class Start | 10:51am | AM Class Dismissal | 11:46am | Class Dismissal | 11:39am | PM Class Start | | | 2:30pm | PM Class Dismissal | | |
Prairie Sky School at Annie Foote (Grades 1 – 5) | Monday – Thursday | Friday | 9:00am | Soft Entry | 9:00am | Soft Entry | 9:05am | School Start | 9:05am | School Start | 12:05pm – 12:50pm | Lunch | 1:05pm | Dismissal | 3:40pm | Dismissal | | |
Prairie Sky School at Monterey Park (Grades 1 – 5) | Monday – Thursday | Friday | 8:55am | Soft Entry | 8:55am | Soft Entry | 9:10am | School Start | 9:10am | School Start | 12:30pm – 1:15pm | Lunch | 1:10pm | Dismissal | 3:50pm | Dismissal | | |
Prairie Sky School at Dr. Gordon Higgins (Grades 6 – 8) | Monday – Thursday | Friday | 7:55am | Soft Entry | 7:55am | Soft Entry | 8:00am | School Start | 8:00am | School Start | 11:54am – 12:36pm | Lunch | 12:00pm | Dismissal | 2:30pm | Dismissal | | |
Teachers and staff will be outside, weather permitting, to support our Prairie Sky School friends and families on September 1st. Students coming on the bus will be supported by staff as well.
We are proud to introduce you to our current Prairie Sky staff: Kindergarten – Georgia Smith, Patty Dolan
Grade 1 – Anne Breuer, Lauren Salemi, Karli Brinson, Aneesa Hakda
Grade 2 – Nicole Brierly, Anna Tung, Natalie Chung
Grade 3 – Gurinder Samra, Karen Arcure, Keri Hoogers, Megan Barry
Grade 4 & 5 - Melissa McLaughlin, Karly Zinkin, Tylene Malkin, Aften Ballem, Shayleen Toews
Grade 6 - Alexis Crich, Mohamed Noordeen
Grade 7 - Jasdeep Ubhi, Salima Kassam
Grade 8 - Dawit Mussie, Julie Miller
Physical Education / Well-Being / Health – Jasmyn Kennedy, Jerome Makasiar
Music / Band – Stephanie Tryon
Inclusive Education – Amandeep Sanghera
Office Staff – Tracy Pocherewny, Administrative Assistant; Sus Grant, Secretary
Educational Assistant – Michaele Hernandez, Farah Abdujabber
Early Childhood Practitioner - Mewreedjeou Merelo
Behaviour Support Worker - Elizabeth Gil-Simal
Learning Commons Assistant – Alice Adams-Woods
Lead Lunchroom – Joly Shahnaz
Lunchroom Supervisors – Hazer Chreif, Rita Dua, Virdevinder Sraon, Nahida Salloum, Isha Bagai, more TBA Prior to school start-up, our teachers will be composing welcome letters to share with you. Letters will be emailed to you on Tuesday, August 30. It is important to keep in mind that our staffing needs are changing daily. This will most certainly not be our final list. Finally, please understand that we are not able to accommodate parent requests for teachers.
A reminder that all students should come prepared on the first day of school with a backpack containing their indoor shoes, a water bottle, snack, and lunch. We strongly recommend that a change of clothes is sent for those students in the younger grades. Thank you for your commitment to your child's education and safety, and for supporting Prairie Sky School. We are going to have a beautiful year of learning!
Sincerely,
Ms. Mona Bains, Principal,
Mr. Michael Pierce, Assistant Principal and
Ms. Tracy Pocherewny, Admin Secretary
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| Dear Parents/Guardians,
I am thrilled to introduce myself as the principal of the new school that’s being built in
Skyview Ranch Community. I am honoured and excited to be part of the Skyview Ranch K-9 School’s dynamic and
vibrant learning community. I look forward to continuing the learning for our students
who will be an integral part of a wonderful school community! I have been an educator with the Calgary Board of Education since 2004 and I have a
wide range of teaching and leadership experiences, from Kindergarten through Grade
9. Currently, I am transitioning from being the Principal at Chief Justice Milvain School
to the Skyview Ranch K-9 School. We come to school to learn. I am passionate about learning and I believe strongly that
our work is to ensure the success of every student, every day, without exception. Together, our school will be a place of celebrated learning and exciting challenges to
engage our entire school community. I am now working in my role as principal and will be dedicated to the work of opening
the new school. In the months leading up to the opening, I will be doing many things to
prepare. Some of that work will include meeting with parents and students, hiring staff,
determining the organization of the school and preparing the school budget for the
2022-23 school year. We will work together. Working alongside the new Assistant Principal, staff and you,
our community, to collectively build the Skyview Ranch K-9 School into an incredible
place for learning, where students thrive intellectually, grow to be active and engaged
citizens and learn to be kind, caring and empathetic individuals. It’s a wonderful
opportunity. I know this school community has been patiently awaiting the school’s construction. I
will be sharing an update on the school's opening in mid-April 2022. I am very excited
to work with parents, students and staff to build a new school community that reflects
the unique qualities of Skyview Ranch and is a supportive and positive place for your
children to learn. For information and to answer some of your questions, visit the new school page. Please check back regularly for updates as new information is posted when it becomes
available. You can also e-mail cbecommunications@cbe.ab.ca with any questions
related to new school construction and accommodation. Over the upcoming months and into the next school year I look forward to meeting
each of you and your children. Kind regards, Mona Harswinder K Bains
Principal
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