Jun 28
Principal Update June 2022

Wow!  What a year this has been! It's hard to believe we have finished the 2022-22 school year! I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting your child as a learner this year.  I know we had some very challenging times this year, and I believe we have become more resilient as a school community.  I hope that families have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather that summer brings!  We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on September 1, 2022.

Learning and Literacy

We are very excited to announce that we are adding an additional class of Learning and Literacy at Vista Heights.  With the addition of this class, we will be adding additional staff members to support this program.

Staff Changes

The end of each year brings change, and we have some staffing changes for the upcoming year.  We are saying farewell to Mrs. Sushko, Mr. Olson, Ms. MacDonald, Mrs. Saenz and Mrs. Dawood.  We wish them well as they embark on new adventures. 

We are also wishing Mrs. Schumacher well as she takes time to welcome a new addition to her family.  Ms. Campos is also taking time to celebrate a new addition to her family.

We wish Mr. Brinovac well as he embarks on the new journey of retirement. 

We will be welcoming 2 new teachers to Vista Heights in the 2022-23 school year.  Mr. Colin Harney will be joining us in Grade 4/5 and Ms. Kimberly McIntosh will be joining us as an L&L teacher in Grade 4/5.

School Configuration for 2022-23

Kindergarten – Mrs. Malik

Grade 1 – Mrs. Klassen/Ms. Robichaud

Grade 2/3 – Mrs. Shahzad

Grade 2/3 – TBD

Grade 4/5 – Mrs. Jonsson (L&L) and TBD

Grade 4/5 – Ms. McIntosh(L&L) and Mr. Harney

Grade 6 – Mrs. Joe Kong (L&L) and Mrs. Calvert

​Back to School Information

Please see Back to School information that is updated on the Vista Heights School Website.

Thank you for all your support, and we look forward to working with you as partners in your child's education!

​Have a wonderful summer break!

Karen and Andrea

 

 


Apr 04
Principal Update | April 1, 2022

Dear Vista Heights Families:

Welcome back from Spring Break! I hope everyone had a restful break and had time to enjoy the lovely warm weather (and some snow!).  We are looking forward to an exciting last term of school.  We have many activities and field trips planned.

Mrs. Bose has returned to Vista Heights as of March 28.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Sherry Goldenberg and Mrs. Lois Reid for stepping in as Acting Principal in my absence.

Remind | No School April 15 and 18

There is no school on April 15 as it is Good Friday, and April 18 is is a Professional Day.  Students will return on April 19.

​Covid-19 Protocols

Stay Home if Feeling Unwell

Covid protocols have changed, however,  it is important that anyone feeling unwell stay at home. Students and staff must use the daily checklist to identify if they should attend or stay home. If your child is not well, please do not send them to school. Please do not send your child to school if they have symptoms or you will be will be asked to pick them up immediately. Please ensure you have an emergency plan in place for your child. Thank you for helping us to ensure the health and well-being of all students and staff at Vista Heights.

Transportation for L&L students

Our Yellow school bus service continue to be impacted by last-minute staffing challenges due to illness. Buses have been delayed or unable to run for the day due to driver availability. If your child's bus is delayed, please check the CBE transportation website for more information. Families should also have back-up plans in place if school bus transportation is unavailable.

Safety

Thank you for choosing safety over convenience as we support our students to cross the street safely at the crosswalk at the end of the day.

If you are picking your child up before dismissal time, please ensure you are coming to the office so that we can sign out your child. 

As a reminder, please call the school if your child is going to be absent or late. 

Hot Soup

​Our Hot Soup program will be ending as of April 28.  Please ensure you are sending a full lunch for your child(ren) after this date.  If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the school.

Athletic Residency

We would like to thank the Vista Heights Enhancement Society for providing us with a 2 week athletic residency.  We are very excited to have Tennis beginning on Tuesday, April 5 until Friday April 8 and Cricket from April 11 to April 14.

Field Trips

With the reduction in Covid restrictions, we are very excited to be able to participate in field trips. We have many classes going to the Telus Spark Centre and the Calgary Zoo.  We need volunteers to be able to go on these field trips.  If you do not have a security clearance for field trips and would like to volunteer, please call the office and we can assist you.

Next Year Planning

We are beginning our planning for the 2022-23 school year.  A letter was sent home today asking for information if your child(ren) will be attending Vista Heights next year.  Please return this form by Friday, April 8.  Please check your child's backpack for a bright pink paper.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Registration for the 2022-23 school year is up and running.  Please share this information for anyone living in the Vista Heights area with a child born in 2017.

Please see the registration page on the CBE website.

Kindergarten Registration

​School Council

Our April school council meeting is on Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30 pm. Please see the School Council link on our website for the link to the virtual meeting. Please click on the link below.

Link: Vista Heights School Council website

​​Thank you for all your support!

Karen and Andrea



Sep 28
September 28, 2021 Update

Terry Fox Run | Sept 29

Tomorrow is our Terry Fox run! During students Physical Education block on Wednesday, they will be running laps around the school field in recognition of the sacrifice and lasting legacy Terry Fox has left for Canada and the world. Students have been learning new Terry Fox facts daily and classroom teachers have led discussions and lessons on the importance of this Canadian historical figure. 

​We will be collecting monetary donations for the Terry Fox Foundation. The Terry Fox Foundation funds a variety of different cancer research projects such as lung, brain, breast, ovarian, colorectal, pediatric and blood. We are asking families to donate if they can! A toonie for Terry could go a long way to help end cancer once and for all. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Sept 30

There is no school for students on Thursday, September 30 while we recognize and honour residential school survivors, their families and communities.

Orange Shirt Day |October 1

All students are invited to wear orange shirts on October 1.   Students will be spending time reflecting in sit spots on our school grounds, and learning about the history and legacy of residential schools.

Welcome Back Package

Welcome Back Packages have gone home.  Please return all forms as soon as possible.

Covid Protocols

Health Checklist

Please ensure you and your child are completing the updated Alberta Health Covid Assessment daily.  If your child is exhibiting any of the core Covid-19 symptoms; they should stay home while they are sick.

 Updated Covid-19 Checklist

Please ensure you are sending at least one mask with your child every day.  The fabric ones work best as the disposable ones often break. 

  • Masks are required for all students, staff, and visitors entering the school.
  • Students will hand sanitize upon entry
  • Students will be in grade team cohorts
  • The playground is not available for use before and after school

Noon Supervision

If your child will be staying for lunch, please register through MyCBE/PowerSchool. Registration for lunchroom is on-going throughout the year and fees will be available for payment after registration starting on Oct. 15. 

Nut Aware School

​We need your help to ensure we are keeping all students and staff members safe.  As we are now eating lunch in the classrooms, we would ask that you please refrain from sending all nut products for snacks and lunches. 

Breakfast Program

Vista Heights offers a 'grab and go' breakfast program.  If students have not had breakfast, they can come down to the office to get a brown bag breakfast.  This usually consists of a protein (cheese, yogurt, or hard-boiled egg); Fruit (fruit cup or applesauce); and a grain (muffin or granola bar).

Hot Soup

Our Hot Soup program started on Tuesday, Sept 21!  Please note we are unable to accommodate any concerns around dietary restrictions including allergies.  We do not receive any soup that does not contain meat. (no vegetable soup).  If you have concerns around your child receiving soup, please let us know.

School Messenger

Please ensure you have subscribed to School Messenger so that you receive emails from Vista Heights and CBE System Updates.  School Messenger and the Vista Heights School webpage are the primary means of parent communication. If you require a paper copy, please let the office know

Thank you for all your support!

Karen and Andrea

 

 


May 13
May Update

I hope this update finds everyone healthy and safe.  Thank you for all you are doing to ensure learning continues online while students are Learning at Home.  I hope we can all be back together soon!

Learning at Home

I know this is a big transition for the next two weeks.  Please let us know if you need support through the Learning at Home phase.

Attendance

Attendance will be taken both am and pm during the Google Meet sessions.  If your child is unable to attend the Google Meet sessions, please email your child's teacher.

School Council| May 11, 2021

Please join us for the May School Council meeting tonight at 6:30 via TEAMS.  The link can be found on the Vista Heights School Council website. 

No School | May 21 and 24

Please note that there is no school on May 21 as this is a Professional Day, and May 24th is Victoria Day.  Teachers will not be online on these days.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Registration started on January 11.  If you have a child that will be 5 on or before December 31, 2021, they are eligible to register for kindergarten for the 2021-22 school year.  Please see the Registration page on the CBE website.

Registration Link

Kindergarten Orientation

Our Kindergarten Orientation will be held virtually on May 20 at 6:30 pm.  A link has been sent to parents of incoming kindergarten students. If you are intending to register for kindergarten, please submit your forms to the office.

Thank you for all your support!

​Karen and Andrea

 

 


Apr 07
April Principal Update

I hope this update finds everyone healthy and safe.  I hope everyone had a great Spring Break.  I know the staff and students are excited to be back at work.

COVID Update

Covid case numbers are continuing to rise within the province.  We are reminding students about proper mask protocols.  This includes making sure the masks are covering both the chin and the nose. We are reminding students that they are required to wear masks in the hallways, bathroom, to and from recess and gym.  Please ensure your child has their mask prior to coming to school.  Please complete the AHS Self-Assessment Checklist with your child prior to attending each morning.  If your child has any of the symptoms outlined in the checklist, please follow the guidance listed from Alberta Health Services. At school, we use this document if a student presents with symptoms. 

We are finding that students need to have a spare mask in their backpack.  Masks often get wet if the students are outside or if they are wearing them for an extended period of time.  Please send a spare mask with students. 

We know that washing and sanitizing hands, masking, distancing and staying home when sick are the best protections against COVID and we continue to ensure these measures are in place. Your support is greatly appreciated.

School Council| April 13, 2021

Please mark your calendars and join us for the next School Council meeting on April 12, 2021 at 6:30 pm via TEAMS.  The link can be found on the Vista Heights School Council website. 

No School | April 26, 2021

Please note that there is no school on April 26 as it is a Professional Day.

​Hot Soup

Our Hot Soup program is up and running!  Please note we are unable to accommodate any concerns around dietary restrictions including allergies.  We do not receive any soup that does not contain meat. (no vegetable soup).  If you have concerns around your child receiving soup, please let us know.

Please mark your calendars-hot soup will end on April 22. 

Breakfast Program

​Vista Heights offers a 'grab and go' breakfast program.  If students have not had breakfast, they can come down to the office to get a brown bag breakfast.  This usually consists of a protein (cheese, yogurt, or hard-boiled egg); Fruit (fruit cup or applesauce); and a grain (muffin or granola bar).

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Registration started on January 11.  If you have a child that will be 5 on or before December 31, 2016, they are eligible to register for kindergarten for the 2021-22 school year.  Please see the Registration page on the CBE website.

Registration Link

Demographic Forms

We are required to have updated demographic information for all students.  Please ensure you have sent back your demographic form for each child at the school, and have signed and dated the last page.  If you have a child in HUB, please call the school to book an appointment to drop off the form.

Thank you for all your support!

Karen and Andrea

 


Mar 05
March Update

Wow!  Can you believe we are in March already? It seems like we just came back from Winter Break!  Our students are working so hard in their classrooms.

COVID Update

As the case numbers continue to grow, we are reminding students about proper mask protocols.  This includes making sure the masks are covering both the chin and the nose. Students are required to wear masks in the hallways, bathroom, to and from recess and gym. Please ensure your child has their mask prior to coming to school.  Please complete the AHS Self-Assessment Checklist with your child prior to attending each morning.

We are finding that students need to have a spare mask in their backpack.  Masks often get wet if the students are outside or if they are wearing them for an extended period of time.  Please send a spare mask with students. 

We know that washing and sanitizing hands, masking, distancing and staying home when sick are the best protections against COVID and we continue to ensure these measures are in place. Your support is greatly appreciated.

School Council| March 9, 2021

Please mark your calendars and join us for the next School Council meeting on March 9, 2021 at 6:30 pm. I will be presenting a proposal for a Shortened Friday for Professional Learning beginning in the 2021-22 school year. We meet virtually through TEAMS.

There will also be further opportunities to provide feedback as the consideration of the Shortened Day process progresses.  More information will be available on the Vista Heights website https://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/VistaHeights/Pages/default.aspx

Please use this link:

School Council meeting

Safety

We are noticing some safety concerns as the weather is improving.  Students are reminded to use safe practices when crossing the road, and they are not to be in the teacher's parking lot at any time.  We have also noticed that there are cars that are driving very quickly in the alley behind the school. If your child uses this pathway to get to school, please reinforce safe practices with them.  We will be sharing this information with our School Resource Officer as well. If you are picking your child up at the end of day, please be mindful of our bus zone. Please feel free to contact the office if you have safety concerns.

​High School Scenario Feedback

CBE is looking for feedback around future High School plans.  Please take a moment to check out the information on the CBE website for more information about providing your feedback.   

Parent Teacher Conferences |March 25 and 26

We are looking forward to meeting with you via phone call on the evening of March 25 and the morning of March 26.  Conferences will be booked using Conference Manager in PowerSchool.  If you are experiencing difficulty with booking a conference please call the office.  The teacher will call you at your booked time. Please answer the call if it says NO CALLER ID.

No School | March 12

Please note that there is no school on March 12 as it is a Professional Day.

Hot Soup

Our Hot Soup program is up and running!  Please note we are unable to accommodate any concerns around dietary restrictions including allergies.  We do not receive any soup that does not contain meat. (no vegetable soup).  If you have concerns around your child receiving soup, please let us know.

Breakfast Program

Vista Heights offers a 'grab and go' breakfast program.  If students have not had breakfast, they can come down to the office to get a brown bag breakfast.  This usually consists of a protein (cheese, yogurt, or hard-boiled egg); Fruit (fruit cup or applesauce); and a grain (muffin or granola bar).

​Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Registration started on January 11.  If you have a child that will be 5 on or before December 31, 2016, they are eligible to register for kindergarten for the 2021-22 school year.  Please see the Registration page on the CBE website.

Registration Link

Demographic Forms

We are required to have updated demographic information for all students.  Please ensure you have sent back your demographic form for each child at the school, and have signed and dated the last page.  If you have a child in HUB, please call the school to book an appointment to drop off the form.

​Spring Break | March 27-April 5

There is no school for students from March 27-April 5 for Spring Break. Students will return to school on April 6.

Thank you for all your support!

Karen and Andrea

Jan 11
January Update

Principal Updates | January

Welcome Back!

We are excited to see our students in person on Monday, January 11.  As outlined in the email to families; “As we continue to follow provincial direction, all of our schools will be resuming in-person classes on Monday, Jan. 11.  The decision to move between scenarios is made by Alberta Education in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health."

Thank you for all of your support while we were Learning From Home last week.

COVID Update

As the case numbers continue to grow, we are reminding students about proper mask protocols.  This includes making sure the masks are covering both the chin and the nose. Students are required to wear masks in the hallways, bathroom, to and from recess and gym. Please ensure your child has their mask prior to coming to school.  Please complete the AHS Self-Assessment Checklist with your child prior to attending each morning.

We know that washing and sanitizing hands, masking, distancing and staying home when sick are the best protections against COVID and we continue to ensure these measures are in place. Your support is greatly appreciated.

No School | January 29

Please note that there is no school on January 29 as it is a Non-Instructional Day

Hot Soup

Our Hot Soup program is up and running!  Please note we are unable to accommodate any concerns around dietary restrictions including allergies.  We do not receive any soup that does not contain meat. (no vegetable soup).  If you have concerns around your child receiving soup, please let us know.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Registration starts on January 11.  If you have a child that was born on or before December 31, 2016, they are eligible to register for kindergarten for the 2021-22 school year.  Please see the Registration page on the CBE website.

Registration Link

Demographic Forms

We are required to have updated demographic information for all students.  Please ensure you have sent back your demographic form for each child at the school, and have signed and dated the last page.  If you have a child in HUB, please call the school to book an appointment to drop off the form.

School Council| January 12, 2021

Please mark your calendars and join us for the next school council meeting on January 12 at 6:30 pm. We meet virtually through TEAMS.

The link will be sent out on Monday, January 11, 2021

Report Cards| February 1

Report cards will be sent home on February 1.  They will also be able to be viewed via MyCBE/PowerSchool.


Thank you for all your support!

​Karen and Andrea


 


Dec 03
Principal Updates | December

COVID Update

We continue to follow the guidance of the Alberta Government, CBE and AHS with respect to protocols for COVID-19.  At this time, Kindergarten to Grade 6 students continue to learn in person.  We will be moving to online for one week after the Winter Break (Jan 4-8).  We will provide more information about this in the coming weeks.

As the case numbers continue to grow, we are reminding students about proper mask protocols.  This includes making sure the masks are covering both the chin and the nose. Students are required to wear masks in the hallways, bathroom, to and from recess and gym. Please ensure your child has their mask prior to coming to school.  Please complete the AHS Self-Assessment Checklist with your child prior to attending each morning.

We know that washing and sanitizing hands, masking, distancing and staying home when sick are the best protections against COVID and we continue to ensure these measures are in place. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Teachers were able to connect with parents via phone calls on November 19 and 20.  If you were unable to meet with your child's teacher during this time, please email the teacher to book a time for a phone call.

No School | December 4

Please note that there is no school on December 4 as it is a Non-Instructional Day

​Hot Soup

Our Hot Soup program is up and running!  Please note we are unable to accommodate any concerns around dietary restrictions including allergies.  We do not receive any soup that does not contain meat. (no vegetable soup).  If you have concerns around your child receiving soup, please let us know.

Demographic Forms

We are required to have updated demographic information for all students.  Please ensure you have sent back your demographic form for each child at the school, and have signed and dated the last page.  If you have a child in HUB, please call the school to book an appointment to drop off the form.

School Council| December 8, 2020

Please mark your calendars and join us for the next school council meeting on December 8 at 6:30 pm. We meet virtually through TEAMS.

The link will be sent out on Monday, December 7.

Winter Break| December 18-January 4

The last day of school before Winter Break is December 17.  We will return for our week of online learning on January 4.  Please mark your calendars.

Thank you for all your support!

Karen and Andrea

 


Nov 17
Principal Updates | November 16

Parent Teacher Conferences | November 19 and 20

We are looking forward to meeting with you via phone call on the afternoon of November 19 and the morning of November 20.  If you have not already booked your conference, please do so via PowerSchool.  If you are experiencing difficulty with booking a conference please call the office.  The teacher will call you at your booked time. Please answer the call if it says NO CALLER ID.

No School | November 20

Please note that there is no school on November 20 due to Parent/Teacher Conferences.

Hot Soup

Our Hot Soup program is up and running!  Please note we are unable to accommodate any concerns around dietary restrictions including allergies.  We do not receive any soup that does not contain meat. (no vegetable soup).  If you have concerns around your child receiving soup, please let us know.

Demographic Forms

We are required to have updated demographic information for all students.  Please ensure you have sent back your demographic form for each child at the school, and have signed and dated the last page.  If you have a child in HUB, please call the school to book an appointment to drop off the form.

COVID Update

We continue to follow the guidance of CBE and AHS with respect to protocols for COVID-19.  We are reminding students about proper mask protocols.  This includes making sure the masks are covering both the chin and the nose. Students are required to wear masks in the hallways, bathroom, to and from recess and gym. Please ensure your child has their mask prior to coming to school.  Please complete the AHS Self-Assessment Checklist with your child prior to attending each morning.

We know that washing and sanitizing hands, masking, distancing and staying home when sick are the best protections against COVID and we continue to ensure these measures are in place. Your support is greatly appreciated.

​Water Bottle Filling Station

​We would like to thank Vista Heights Enhancement Society for purchasing a touchless water bottle filling station.  Teachers have been training students on how to use the station appropriately.  Please feel free to send a labelled water bottle with your child.

 

Thank you for all your support!

 

Karen and Andrea

 

 


Nov 04
November Update

November Update

It's hard to believe we are already in November! Thank you for continuing to follow all of our protocols for Covid-19. Last week, new guidelines were announced by Alberta Health that removed runny nose and sore throat from the list of core symptoms.  These symptoms continue to be part of the secondary symptoms.  Yesterday, we sent home a new self-assessment guide for students.  Please ensure you are completing this with your child before they come to school. 

Please find information on the upcoming OurSCHOOL Student Survey.  This online survey will be given for all students the week of November 2 - 6th, to measure student engagement, increase student involvement and sense of belonging at school.

School Retakes

Students have been given their school photo proofs.  If you wish to order school photos, please return the order form by November 10.  If you wish to have retakes, these will take place on November 10.

Remembrance Day

There will be no school on November 11 for the observance of Remembrance Day.  We will be holding a virtual assembly on November 10. 

Parent Teacher Conferences

We will be holding parent teacher conferences on November 19 from 4:15-8:00 pm and November 20 from 8:00 am -12:15 pm.  There will be no school for students on November 20. More information will be forthcoming to book conferences.  Due to COVID-19, these conferences will be by phone call only.​


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RT @UsihChristopher: The 2022-23 Chief Superintendent Student Advisory Council held its final meeting this pm. The students shared key reflections and strategies to empower student voice and agency. I’m immensely proud of our students. Thanks to staff advisors & admin #WeAreCBE https://t.co/BXhDHqye3t

Merci, for joining the board meeting to share your experiences as French Immersion students! #WeAreCBE https://t.co/ivayR9ftXL

The Board of Trustees approved the 2021-24 Education Plan and 2023-24 budget at its May 30 regular board meeting. https://t.co/ylUAHroBxY #yycbe https://t.co/5qnHPtS9av

Today’s Board of Trustees public meeting starts at 11 a.m. at the Education Centre. Join us in-person or stream the meeting online https://t.co/nvCl1fNOeh #yycbe https://t.co/1H1fGiuyK1

Monday, May 29 is a system-wide non-instructional day so there are no classes for CBE students. It is also the provincial election day – don’t forget to vote! Have a safe long weekend. #WeAreCBE https://t.co/nihcInFUcL