Non-Instructional Day | Monday, October 19
Monday, October 19, is a non-instructional day for students, and there will be no classes at CHS. The school will be used as a polling station for Alberta’s Provincial Referendum throughout the day. Please ensure your child does not come to school on Monday and that any necessary alternative care arrangements have been made. Regular classes will resume on Tuesday, October 20.
Yellow Steps Residency: Oct. 16–29
Our Yellow Steps place-based learning residency officially got underway today, with students meeting Jenn from Yellow Steps and beginning to talk about the places they will explore and the fieldwork they will take part in over the next two weeks. From October 16–29, classes will spend time learning beyond the classroom in the community around Capitol Hill School, using nearby places within our local 1 km learning area as meaningful contexts for inquiry, observation, and curriculum-connected learning.
Students will be outside for their fieldwork sessions, so please make sure they come dressed for the weather. October in Calgary can keep us guessing, with freezing mornings and surprisingly warm afternoons, so layers are definitely the way to go! We are very grateful to our School Council for funding this incredible learning opportunity and helping make this whole-school residency possible.
How We Play Gaga Ball at CHS
Our new Gaga Ball pit is officially open and has quickly become a popular addition to our playground. Gaga Ball is a fast-moving game played inside the octagonal pit. Players use an open hand to hit the ball along the ground and try to tag other players below the knee. If a player is tagged, they exit the pit and rejoin the line for another turn. Players may not kick, catch, carry, or hold the ball.
Games are limited to 12 students at a time, helping play remain safe, fair, and fast-moving. Students are expected to follow our Pillars of Care by playing honestly, including others, and leaving the pit promptly when they are out. Check out our Gaga Ball 101 poster!
Thank you to School Council and CHEES for supporting the project and to last year’s Grade 6 students, whose legacy idea will be enjoyed for years to come.
Reminder | Return IPP Signature Pages
Individual Program Plans (IPPs) were sent home on Friday, October 9, for students who require them. If your child has an IPP, please review the plan, sign the signature page, and return that page to the school as soon as possible. The complete IPP is yours to keep for future reference.
If you were expecting an IPP but did not receive one, please contact your child’s teacher. Families who would like future IPPs delivered by email should also complete and return the included consent form for electronic delivery.
Thank you to everyone who has already returned their signed pages.
Urgent | Casino Volunteers Still Needed
Our CHEES Casino Fundraiser at ACE Casino Airport is less than two weeks away, and multiple volunteer positions still need to be filled for October 28 and 29. Thank you to everyone who has already committed to helping. We genuinely appreciate your support.
For anyone unfamiliar with casino fundraisers, volunteers are not gambling, playing casino games, or spending their own money. They fill operational roles required for the charitable casino event, such as assisting in the cash cage, count room, or with chips. Volunteers receive clear instructions and work alongside experienced casino staff and advisors. By providing the required volunteer team, CHEES receives a share of gaming proceeds through Alberta’s charitable gaming program.
Our last casino raised $82,956.03, supporting artist residencies, field-trip transportation, books, technology, inline skating, and sports and art equipment.
You do not need to be a Capitol Hill parent to volunteer. Any adult supporter can help, including grandparents, extended family members, friends, neighbours, and former members of our community. No police information check or school volunteer clearance is required.
Daytime, evening, and late-night shifts are available. If you or someone you know can help, please sign up or share the link as soon as possible.
Sign up for a casino volunteer shift
Pumpkin Patch Math Fundraiser | Friday, October 23
Our Mathnasium-sponsored Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser is coming up next Friday, October 23. Mathnasium has generously provided pumpkins for families to pick up after school in exchange for a donation. The suggested donation is $5 per pumpkin, and all money raised will come directly back to Capitol Hill School to purchase math-related materials and resources for students.
The Pumpkin Patch will be set up in the compound by the Geodome following dismissal at 12:46 p.m. Stop by to choose a pumpkin, support math learning at Capitol Hill, and get ready for Halloween.
Art Cards by Kids – Orders Due October 26
Art Cards by Kids sample cards and artwork proofs have now been sent home with students. Art Cards by Kids turns student artwork into professionally printed greeting cards and other keepsakes, giving families a fun way to celebrate and share their child’s creativity while also supporting the school.
Each sample includes your child’s artwork along with instructions for placing an order. Families who would like to order cards or other keepsakes can follow the instructions provided with the sample card and order online at www.artcardsbykids.com.
Please note that all orders must be completed by Monday, October 26 at the latest.
Once orders are complete, Art Cards by Kids will print and ship them to Capitol Hill School, individually packaged for each student.
Halloween Dance: October 29
Our School Council Halloween Dance is coming up on Thursday, October 29, from 6:00–8:00 PM in the school gym. Admission is free, and all Capitol Hill families are welcome! Come dressed in your coolest Halloween costume and enjoy the music, dancing, and the free photo booth. Please remember that costumes should be school appropriate, with no masks, weapons, or violent/gory accessories or imagery. As with previous dances, this is a family event rather than a drop-off event, so students must attend with and remain supervised by a parent or guardian.
Pizza, candy bags, swag, and other refreshments will also be available. Pizza, candy bags, and swag are $2 each and purchases at the dance will be made using event tickets sold at the entrance. Tickets are cash only, so please bring cash if you would like to purchase anything. Once inside, no cash will be accepted at the food or sales tables. We’re looking forward to a fun evening together!
Free YMCA Membership for Grade 6 Students
All Grade 6 students in Calgary are eligible for a free 13-month YMCA Calgary membership, valid until August 31, 2027. Made possible through the support of the Calgary Flames Foundation, the program helps young people stay active, build confidence, meet new people, and explore new interests.
The membership includes access to YMCA Calgary health and fitness locations, swimming, sports, games, weekly Grade 6 programming, and special events across the city. Members may also receive up to 25% off eligible registered programs and day camps.
Families of Grade 6 students can learn more and activate their child’s complimentary membership using the link below.
Get a Free Grade 6 YMCA Membership
Upcoming Dates
Please see our school calendar for all upcoming events and activities.