Welcome Back!
We're happy to say that the first couple of days back have gone smoothly, thanks to the great teamwork from our students, families, teachers, and school staff. It's awesome to see everyone working together to kick off the school year on the right foot.
In order to facilitate easy information sharing between CHS and home, each week, you'll get an email notification about our "Capitol Hill Connection." This will be your go-to for updates, events, important dates, and things to keep on your radar. Instead of sending these updates directly via email, we'll be posting them on our school website. This way, they're easy to access anytime, and you can even translate the page using the Google Translate button at the top-right corner of our website.
Thanks for being part of our community, and we're looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!
Reminder of School & Office Hours
Here are our school hours:
- Grades 1 – 6: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM – 3:10 PM; Fridays are early dismissal at 12:40 PM. Soft entry starts on September 3, with doors opening at 8:20 AM. Lunch supervision begins at 11:41 AM and runs through 12:40 PM.
- Kindergarten: Morning classes run from 8:30 AM – 11:21 AM, and afternoon classes from 12:19 PM – 3:10 PM. Fridays operate on an alternating schedule from 8:30 AM – 12:40 PM.
The main office is open from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Fridays.
Soft Entry Begins Sept. 3 at 8:20 AM
For the 2024-25 school year, we are excited to continue our 'soft entry' initiative, starting at 8:20 AM each school day. This approach allows students to enter the school and transition smoothly into their day before the official bell rings at 8:30 AM. During this time, all teachers are actively supervising within the building, providing a calm and welcoming environment that supports a positive start to the day.
Benefits of Soft Entry:
- Smooth Transition: A soft entry helps reduce the rush and anxiety that can come with a traditional start to the day. Students can enter the school, settle into their classrooms, and begin their morning routines at their own pace.
- Focused Learning: By starting the day in a calm and organized manner, students are better prepared to engage in learning as soon as the bell rings. This enhances their focus and readiness to absorb new information.
- Fulfilling Instructional Time Requirements: This approach aligns with Alberta Education's guidelines for instructional hours, ensuring that we meet the required instructional time while maintaining a high-quality educational experience for all students.
Important Reminders:
- Arrival and Supervision: Students should not arrive before 8:20 AM, as the school will not be providing supervision outside. Upon arrival, students should enter through their designated entry door and head directly to their classrooms where teachers will be waiting. Bus students will be escorted directly into the building as soon as the bus arrives. If students arrive after 8:30 AM, they will have to enter the building through the main doors on 18th St NW and will be recorded as “late”.
- Dismissal: Once students have been dismissed for the day, they are expected to leave the school grounds promptly, unless supervised by a parent or guardian. Parents are responsible for their children’s safety outside of school hours.
We appreciate families support of our “soft entry” routine, as it promotes a smoother, more focused start to the school day. For more information about instructional hours and expectations, please refer to the Guide to Education. Thank you for your cooperation in making this transition successful and for helping us create the best possible learning environment for our students.
Pedestrian Safety
Ensuring the safety of our students, especially during their commute to and from school, is a top priority. We kindly request your support in reinforcing the importance of pedestrian safety with your children. Please remind them to always use designated crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and remain vigilant while walking near the school zone. Additionally, encourage them to avoid distractions such as wearing headphones while crossing the street. As parents, you also have a vital role to play as drivers. Please adhere to speed limits, be extra cautious in school zones, and avoid any form of distracted or reckless driving. Together, we can create a secure environment for all our students and pedestrians in our school zone. Thank you for your cooperation in fostering a culture of safety. If you are dropping off students in the morning, or picking up students in the afternoon, please familiarize yourself with our Parking & Drop Off information. With your help, we can ensure students safety on the way to and from school.
Check the School Website First
Parents should prioritize checking the school website for information as their first step because it serves as a reliable and up-to-date hub for crucial updates, announcements, and resources. By regularly visiting the school's website, you can stay informed about important dates, curriculum changes, school events, and emergency notifications. This practice not only ensures that you are well-informed about your child's educational journey but also fosters a strong partnership between parents and the school, enabling a smoother and more supportive learning experience for your child. It's an efficient way to access valuable information and stay actively engaged in your child's school life.
Away for the Day: New Personal Mobile Device Policy
This school year, Alberta schools, including ours, will implement a new "Away for the Day" policy that restricts the use of personal mobile devices during school hours. These devices include cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and any other internet-connected gadgets, as well as accessories like earbuds and Bluetooth speakers.
For students in K-9, personal devices must be kept out of sight, silenced, and stored in backpacks, lockers, or designated areas throughout the school day—or better yet, left at home.
Exceptions are made for health, medical, and specialized learning needs. CBE will also block access to social media on school networks and devices. The policy aims to enhance student focus and well-being and will be reviewed in December 2024, with feedback considered before finalization in January 2025. Please see the Student Personal Mobile Devices Administrative Regulation for more information.
Dogs on School Property
We would like to kindly remind everyone that dogs are not allowed on school property (with the exception of accredited Service Dogs). While we understand the deep bond many of us share with our furry companions, this policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our school community. Some individuals may have allergies or fears related to dogs, and we want to create an inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable. Additionally, dogs can be unpredictable, and their presence may pose a risk to the safety of students, staff, and visitors. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this policy and thank you for helping us maintain a secure and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Alberta Education's Changes to K–3 Provincial Assessments
Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, Alberta Education will implement new literacy and numeracy screening assessments for Kindergarten through Grade 3:
- Grades 1–3: Mandatory assessments will be conducted in September and January, with a follow-up in June for students needing additional support. The assessments include:
- The Phonological Awareness Screening Test (PAST)
- The Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) Digits test
- The Letter Name-Sound (LeNS) Test
- Castles and Coltheart 3 (CC3) Reading Test
- Provincial numeracy screening assessments
- Kindergarten: Beginning January 2025, all Kindergarten students will undergo required literacy and numeracy screening assessments using the same tools, except the CC3.
For more detailed information, please refer to Alberta Education's General Information Bulletin 2024–2025 Literacy and Numeracy Screening Assessments.
New K–6 Curriculum Implementation
Starting in September 2024, students across Alberta will continue learning from the finalized curriculum in:
- K–6 Science (Previously implemented for K–3, now expanded to K–6)
- K–6 English Language Arts and Literature (Already in use)
- K–6 Mathematics (Already in use)
- K–6 Physical Education and Wellness (Already in use)
These curriculums are designed to enhance student learning and development across core subjects, providing a comprehensive foundation for academic growth. Additionally, school authorities had the option to pilot the draft K–6 Social Studies curriculum. However, the CBE has chosen not to participate in the Social Studies pilot at this time. For more information and resources for parents, please visit the new LearnAlberta website.
First School Council Meeting of the Year
Mark your calendars! Our first School Council meeting of the year is coming up on September 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The School Council is a great way for parents, caregivers, and guardians to get involved and have a say in what’s happening at our school. It’s all about working together with teachers and administrators to make our school the best it can be for our kids.
Joining the School Council is a chance to share your ideas, bring up important topics, and help shape the school year ahead. Your input really makes a difference! We’d love to see you there as we kick off this year’s meetings, discuss our goals, and start planning for the year.
For more details, check out the School Council page on our website. See you on September 26th!
Important Upcoming Dates
Sept. 3 - Labour Day – No School
Sept. 20 – Terry Fox School Run
Sept. 25 – Orange Shirt Day
Sept. 26 – Meet the Teacher Open House (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) – more information to come!
Sept. 26 - School Council
Sept. 27 – Non-Instructional Day – No School
Sept. 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – No School