Welcome Back Assembly Buzzes with Excitement!

Our first assembly of the year was a buzzing success as we kicked off 2024-25 with a fun bee-themed celebration! We renewed our commitment as a "Bee School," highlighting the importance of protecting and promoting pollinators in our community. The students were full of energy, and it was clear that everyone was excited to be back!

We also introduced our amazing staff, including some new faces to our hive: Ms. Berg (Grade 4), Ms. Drever (Grade 6), Mr. Sager (Div. II French), Ms. Whitehead (Music), Ms. Malhotra (Educational Assistant), and of course, Mr. Eakins (Principal).

During the assembly, we chatted about our Pillars of Care: care for ourselves, care for others, and care for our place—values that guide us throughout the school year. It was the perfect way to set the tone for a fantastic year ahead, and we’re excited to see how this positive energy will keep growing!

Library Visits Begin Next Week!

We’re excited to announce that starting next week, students will begin their weekly visits to the library/learning commons with our fantastic library assistant, Ms. Ploeger. These visits are more than just about borrowing books—students will develop valuable skills in reading, research, and critical thinking while exploring the joy of reading. Ms. Ploeger will provide orientations to all classes, teaching students how to locate specific books, check out resources using the computer, and understand their responsibilities as library users.

During these orientations, students will also learn important reminders about keeping their borrowed books safe and in good condition. Each student can check out books for a two-week loan period, with opportunities for renewal if needed. We encourage families to help students find a safe place to store their library books at home, away from potential hazards like water, pets, and small children. If a book does get damaged, students are encouraged to let Ms. Ploeger know right away.

Responsibility is a key focus in the library, as it ties directly into our Pillars of Care (care for ourselves, care for others, and care for our place). By returning books on time and in good condition, students practice care for others by ensuring resources are available for everyone. Caring for our place means maintaining a clean and orderly library and taking pride in the books we borrow.

If a book is overdue, Ms. Ploeger will kindly remind students to locate and return it. If a book is lost or repeatedly damaged, families may receive a reminder email, and in rare cases, a letter may be sent home requesting payment for the lost item. We aim to foster responsibility and respect for shared resources, but rest assured, fees will only be applied in repeated cases, and any charges will appear in your child’s MyCBE account.

Thank you for helping us nurture a love of reading and responsibility in our students! We look forward to another year of exploration, learning, and growth in our library.

Important: Complete Annual School Forms

It’s that time of year! Families are required to review and complete a few important forms for the school year. Some forms are paper-based, while others can be easily accessed online through SchoolEngage in your MyCBE account. Here's a quick rundown of the online forms you need to complete for the 2024-2025 school year:

• Demographic Verification (2024-25): This form includes your child’s personal information as well as parent/legal guardian contact details.
• Citizenship Information Update (2024-25): This form becomes available if any citizenship changes are made on the Demographic Verification form.
• Annual Authorization (2024-25): This includes several consents:
• • School District Use of Personal Information (how CBE uses personal info)
  • Consent for CBE Use of Student Information (suggested, but optional consent for additional use of student information)
  • Consent for Use of Student Information by News Media and Outside Groups (suggested, but optional consent for use by outside groups/third parties)

Please ensure that the Demographic Verification and Annual Authorization forms are completed by Monday, September 16. These forms are mandatory each year for Alberta Education to confirm student funding.

Visitor Expectations: Building Safety and Student Independence

At Capitol Hill School, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students. For this reason, we are reinforcing our policy that all visitors, including parents, must check in at the main office and sign in before entering the building. This policy is essential to ensure that we know who is in the school at all times and can maintain a secure environment. Limiting access helps us prevent disruptions to the learning environment and allows us to monitor visitors for the safety of everyone on campus.

In addition to safety, fostering student independence is a key part of this policy. Encouraging students to walk to their classrooms and manage their own belongings without parental assistance helps them develop confidence and responsibility. While we appreciate the desire to assist, we ask that families support these efforts by allowing students to enter the building on their own. By maintaining these boundaries, we create a calm and focused learning atmosphere for all students, free from unnecessary interruptions.

Parents who are dropping off or picking up their child from Adventurers School Age Care are kindly reminded to wait at the door rather than entering the building, in accordance with guidance from Adventurers Director of Operations, Ryan Sabourin. We appreciate your cooperation in following these guidelines and helping us maintain a safe environment for all students and staff.

Exploring Our Community: Walking Distance Trips

Starting soon, students will have the opportunity to take class trips to various locations within walking distance of Capitol Hill School. These outings offer great learning experiences right in our community, without the need for transportation. According to CBE guidelines, parents do not need to fill out a consent form for trips where walking is the only mode of transportation and no restricted activities (such as swimming) are involved.

These local trips could include visits to nearby parks, libraries, and other educational sites that enrich our classroom learning. Teachers will provide at least 48 hours' notice before a trip, sharing important details such as the date, time, destination, any specific hazards, and the names of the supervising teachers. You’ll receive these notifications via email through SchoolMessenger.

To learn more about the specific locations we may visit and the potential risks associated with these walking trips, please refer to the Walking Distance Trips Letter. Your ongoing support helps ensure the safety and educational value of these outings for all students.

Save the Date: Scholastic Book Fair Coming Soon!

We’re excited to announce that the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Capitol Hill School the week of September 23-26! This is always a highlight of the school year, giving students and families the chance to explore a wide selection of books that cater to all reading levels—from picture books and early readers to engaging chapter books and young adult novels.

The Book Fair is not just about buying books—it’s about fostering a love of reading and supporting literacy in our community. Plus, a portion of all sales goes directly back to our school, helping us purchase new books and resources for classrooms and the library.

Be sure to visit the fair during our Open House on September 26, where families can browse and shop together! It's a great opportunity to find new reads and contribute to our school's growing collection. We look forward to seeing you there and appreciate your support in making this event a success!

Reminder | 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.

Attending a School Council meeting 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. 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