Hello Bayside Parents!

It has been terrific connecting with parents this evening for Meet the Teacher night and we are looking forward to meeting with many more families tomorrow. If you were unable to meet with your child’s teacher this week, please feel free to reach out to book an appointment at another time. We value our relationships with you and want to work together to support your child’s success at school.

Updates and Reminders:

Changes to the volunteer clearance process: There have been some changes to the CBE volunteer clearance process. Visit the CBE Volunteers page for information about how to apply. If you have any questions, or would like to check when your volunteer clearance expires, please contact our office bayside@cbe.ab.ca or call 403-817-3436.

Open Minds: Bayside staff and students have an amazing opportunity this year to participate in the Open Minds/ Campus Calgary program! Read my recent blog post to find out more.

Dress for the weather: As we enter the fall season, we would like to remind families that our students spend time outdoors every day, both for learning and for play. Please ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately for the weather. Layers are a great idea right now when the mornings can be very cool and the afternoons warm and sunny. Thank you in advance for ensuring your child come to school prepared for learning every day.

Alberta Engagement on DRAFT Social Studies Curriculum: Alberta Education is inviting parents and other stakeholders to provide input and feedback on the DRAFT Social Studies Curriculum. Click here to read the letter from the Minister and for the links to provide your input.

Dogs on School Property: A reminder to our families that dogs are not permitted on school property according to City of Calgary Bylaw. We love our furry friends but there are people with varying levels of sensitivity in our community and we need to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. Thank you!

Congestion around the grade 2 & 3 Door: With our growing population, we have a large number of students moving in and out of the school in the morning and after school. In the morning, students are able to enter the school any time between 7:50- 8:00 AM which helps to reduce the congestion during that time. After school, many parents are finding it to be very crowded around Door D, where our grade 2&3 students exit. We encourage families to find a meeting spot away from the door, perhaps closer to the compound, in order to help make some space. Students with a sibling in another grade can also exit the grade 2&3 door, then make their way to their sibling’s exit to meet up with parents and caregivers. We anticipate that the blue fencing around our landscaping should be removed by the end of October which will also help a great deal to free up more space. Thank you for adjusting your routines to help us to manage our “growing pains”.

Truth and Reconciliation Week: National Truth and Reconciliation will be observed during the last week of September, in conjunction with National Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30. The school will be closed on September 29 in lieu of the National holiday recognizing and honouring residential school survivors, their families and communities. During the week, our teachers will be engaging students in age-appropriate learning honouring Every Child Matters and Orange Shirt Day. We invite students, staff, and volunteers to wear orange on Thursday September 28. If you have any questions about Truth and Reconciliation week, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher.

Coming Up:

September 22             Non-Instructional Day

Meet the teacher conferences K-5, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

September 25-28        Truth and Reconciliation Week

September 29             National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, no school

October 12                  Terry Fox Run

October 19                  Fall Photos

Have an wonderful weekend!

Darby