Vista View | Principal's Message for May

Hello Vista Heights School Community, 

Is that sunshine we see this week? We’re hopeful this is the last stretch of snow for the season, though we know the moisture is something we all benefit from. Here’s to brighter days ahead as we head into the last couple months of school. 

Celebration of Learning | Wednesday, April 29 @ 10:15 AM (doors open at 10am)

We are excited to invite families to our upcoming Celebration of Learning assembly, where each class will share a highlight of their learning through a short presentation or performance. Teachers are organizing content that reflects the unique experiences and accomplishments of their students, we look forward to celebrating together as a school community!

HeARTbeat Theatre | K-4 Students & Families @ 2:00 PM

Families are welcome to attend a special HeARTbeat Theatre performance at 2pm. The performance, “Here, There Be Dragons,” is a playful blend of science, storytelling, and live theatre that explores themes of communication, inclusion, and understanding differences. This production will only be showcased for our K-4 students; however, we are opening the doors to any families with younger children at home. 

Construction | Exterior Door Replacement

You may have noticed that we have fencing a sea-can behind the school. This area will store construction materials for exterior door replacements. As construction progresses throughout the spring, specific doors will be closed and unavailable for student use. The north side will likely be the first affected. It may be difficult to plan, however we will have to support students in adjusting to alternate exits routines during construction time. The front entrance doors are expected to be the last impacted, likely occurring over the summer. 

Please reinforce with your children the importance of staying away from all construction zones and respecting the barriers and signage in place. 

Outdoor School | May 5-8

Our Grade 5 and 6 Outdoor School will take place May 5–8 at “The Site”, offering students a meaningful opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together outside the classroom. We strongly encourage all students to participate, as this experience will not be offered next year. Please take time to carefully review the packing list and ensure the highly subsidized fee is paid so your child can fully take part in this valuable learning opportunity. Please call the school or reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions you may have. 

Provincial Achievement Tests | Grade 6 PATs 

All Grade 6 families should have received letters outlining information about the upcoming Provincial Achievement Test (PAT) and accommodations available to their child. Teachers have been working to set students up for success by ensuring they have access to the same tools and supports they use regularly in the classroom, including speech to text, breaks, additional time and multiplication tables. We are also providing practice sessions to help students become familiar with the digital platform and online accommodations that are available. As a parent, the most important thing you can do is encourage your child to feel confident and comfortable as they approach these assessments. 

The first P.A.T. (English Language Arts – Part A: Writing) is scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026.

Human Sexuality Education | Grades 4-6

As part of the Physical Education and Wellbeing curriculum, students in grades 4-6 can learn about human sexuality education. This is a mandatory part of the curriculum. Alberta’s Physical Education and Wellness curriculum learning outcomes are as follows:

  • Grade 4 – Students explain how development and puberty are connected
  • Grade 5 – Students connect puberty to the capacity for human reproduction
  • Grade 6 – Students investigate human reproduction from fertilization to birth

As part of the Education Act, parents have voice in whether they want their child to participate or not. A letter outlining the program has been sent home and parents are required complete the permission form to indicate if they do not wish their child to participate in the learning. This instruction is scheduled to take place from Monday, May 25 to Thursday, May 28, 2026. 

The following websites can help you talk to your child about sexuality. The information on these websites is accurate, objective and is supported by Alberta Education.  https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/parents

Parent Council Fundraising | Kernels & Movie Night 

We are incredibly lucky to have a committed School Council who has arranged a fun family night and fundraisers to support programming for Vista Heights students. The actions of these committed parents ensure that students can experience on-site and off-site learning opportunities with zero cost to parents. 

  • Kernels Popcorn Fundraiser:
    • Cost: $3.50 per bag or $10 for 3 (forms sent home April 28, 2026)
    • Order by: May 8
  • Vista Heights Movie Night –bring cash for entry, pizza and popcorn
    • When: Wednesday May 20
    • Entry: $2 per person or $5 for family
    • Time: Doors open at 5pm, movie to start shortly after
    • Supervision: Parents or guardians are required to attend and supervise their child(ren) through the duration of this event
  • Friends Pizza and Pasta Fundraiser - May 20 all day, if you’re unable to attend Movie Night, consider grabbing a slice, as a portion of proceeds will support our school

Thank you so much for your support for our school community. Parents are always welcome at the meetings and there are various ways in which you can get involved. Our next meeting is Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

VHS Movie Night.jpg 

2026-2027 School Planning | Registration Open

Thank you to parents who let us know if they will be returning to Vista Heights next year. We are excited for the new school year and continue to have open spots available in our full day kindergarten program. Please let neighbours residing in Vista Heights know that registration is open for all grades. 

Kindergarten orientation is scheduled to take place early June. 

Upcoming Events

  • May 4: Bus Driver Appreciation Day
  • May 5-8: Grade 5-6 Outdoor School 
  • May 6: Hats on for Mental Health 
  • May 7: Telus Spark Family Night
  • May 8: No Kindergarten
  • May 8: Kernels popcorn orders due
  • May 12: School Council @ 6pm
  • May 13: K & Gr. 4 Red Reading House Field Trip
  • May 15: Non-Instruction Day
  • May 18: Victoria Day – No School
  • May 20: K, Gr. 3-4 Farmyard Field Trip
  • May 20: Council Movie Night
  • May 20: Friends Pizza & Pasta Fundraiser
  • May 22: Honour Tea (Invitation)
  • May 25: Grade 6 PAT ELAL Part A
  • May 25-28: Human Sexuality Instruction Grades 4-6 (Opt-In)
  • May 28: AHS Grade 6 Vaccines
  • May 29: No Kindergarten

Dates of Significance for Truth & Reconciliation:

  • May 1: Tsuut’ina Day
  • May 5: National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women  
  • May 10: Bear Witness Day (Jordan’s Principle)
  • May 14: Moose Hide Campaign

Dates of Significance to Honour the Community:

  • May: Asian Heritage Month
  • May: Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
  • May 4: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
  • May 4-8: Mental Health Week
  • May 10: Mother’s Day
  • May 15: International Day of Families
  • May 21-23: Shavuot
  • May 27: Eid al-Adha
  • May 25-May 29: National AccessAbility Week

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.

Sincerely, 

Ms. Jessica

Principal, Vista Heights School