Vista View | Principal's Message for October

Good Morning Vista Heights School Community,

We are excited about welcoming a new season and hope that everyone was able to enjoy some sunshine over the weekend!

Action Required | Demographic Verification

Please complete the annual Demographic Verification and Authorization forms. In accordance with the Education Act, the CBE has shifted to include parent opt-in consent options through this digital platform.

This is especially important to ensure parents indicate consent regarding student participation in surveys and instruction of the human sexuality portion of the curriculum.

Please log on to your MyCBE Account to complete the required annual Demographic Verification and Annual Authorization forms in SchoolEngage.

Orange Shirt Day & Truth & Reconciliation Community Walk

On Tuesday, September 29, students and staff are encouraged to wear an orange shirt as we recognize Orange Shirt Day and reflect on the importance of Truth and Reconciliation. Wearing orange is a way to honour the experiences of Indigenous children who attended residential schools, remember those who were impacted, and show our commitment to learning, understanding, and building respectful relationships.

As part of this commitment, students in kindergarten to grade 4 will participate in a community walk together and our grade 5 & 6 students will spend time on the land during their field trip to ‘The Site.’  

Please send your child in an orange shirt on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.  

Throughout the day, students will participate in age-appropriate learning opportunities that help deepen their understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives. We invite all members of our school community to wear orange as a visible reminder that Every Child Matters.

Reminder that following this day, there is no school on Wednesday, September 30, a day in lieu of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We look forward to seeing students back to school on October 1, 2026.

Community Walks | Field Trips within Walking Distance

Classrooms regularly use the outdoors and Vista Heights community as an extension of the classroom. Teachers will aim to provide 48 hours’ notice of the off-site community walk with adjustments made due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Please ensure your child is dressed in appropriate outdoor clothing for these community walks. Read more about off-site field trips within walking distance of the school here: https://vistaheights.cbe.ab.ca/environmental-citizenship

Attendance

If your child is away from school, please contact the attendance line 403-777-6000 extension 1 to ensure that the school does not send you an unnecessary School Messenger notice. This also allows us to monitor your reasons for absence in a way that can be supportive and understanding for your family needs.

Safety | Video Surveillance

Our school has a video surveillance system to help maintain a safe and secure environment at the school for students, staff and the public, and to help address vandalism and criminal activity on school property.

The video surveillance system is installed and reviewed in accordance with Administrative Regulation 1066. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Education Act and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), specifically section 10(1) and the Access to Information Act (ATIA)​.

This technology can be placed in areas such as ​the school parking lot, building entrances and exits, and hallways. This information is recorded and collected to help maintain a safe and secure environment in the school and on school property. The users of this information are the principal or designate and​ law enforcement personnel in the case of reported incidents that would require an investigation. Only authorized persons will review video surveillance information.

School Technology | Admirable Use of Technology Policy

We would also like to highlight our expectations around technology. At Vista Heights, we adhere to the CBE’s Admirable Use Policy, which guides students in using technology responsibly and respectfully.

You can read more about our technology and digital citizenship expectations here: https://vistaheights.cbe.ab.ca/digital-citizenship

Personal Electronic Devices | Away for the Day Guidelines

CBE’s “Away for the Day” guidelines apply to every child and student at Vista Heights School and aligns with the Ministerial Order #014/2024. Any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet, such as a cellphone, tablet, gaming device or smartwatch, and sometimes headphones, must be powered down and put away for the day.

You can read more about expectations here: https://vistaheights.cbe.ab.ca/student-personal-mobile-devices-k-9

Food Nutritional Programs

At Vista Heights, we do have limited food supports however we do want to ensure that the basic needs of every child are met to ensure they have the fuel to regulate their bodies and be prepared to learn.

Breakfast:

In order to receive breakfast, students would have to visit the office during our soft start (8:36-8:44am) to pick up food and carry it back to class. Ideally students are sitting down before 8:44am when instruction starts. 

Lunch:

Brown Bagging for Kids supports a bagged lunch for families in need. If families require food support, please contact the office so that we can request bagged sandwich lunches according to need.

A hot soup lunch option from Meals on Wheels will join our menu for students on Tuesday and Thursdays.

A letter outlining the nutritional programs available at Vista Heights was sent home to be signed and returned.

Dates of Significance for Truth & Reconciliation:

  • September 30: National Day of Truth & Reconciliation Day
  • October 4: Sisters in Spirit Day
  • October 17-22: Secret Path Week
  • October 21: Take Me Outside Day

Upcoming Events

  • September 29: Orange Shirt Day & Whole School Community Walk off-site
  • September 29: Grade 5-6 Field Trip to ‘The Site’
  • September 30: National Day for Truth & Reconciliation – No School
  • October 1: Classes Resume
  • October 2: No Kindergarten
  • October 2: AMA Patroller Training
  • October 5: World Teachers’ Day
  • October 6: Grade 5-6 Community Tree Partnership Presentation
  • October 9: Blackfoot Elder
  • October 12: Thanksgiving – No School
  • October 13: School Photo Day
  • October 13: School Council Meeting @ 6 PM
  • October 20: Grade 5-6 Field Trip to Fish Creek Park
  • October 23: Flex Friday Clubs
  • October 26-30: Cricket Residency

CBE Days of Significance 

The CBE is committed to building a culture of appreciation and inclusion, where students and staff can see themselves valued, respected and celebrated. For more information on key dates, please visit the CBE Dates of Significance webpage.  

Thank you for your ongoing support as we learn and grow together at Vista Heights.

Follow us on Instagram page: @vista_heights_school_cbe ​​​​​​​

Ms. Jessica

Principal, Vista Heights School