September Vista View 

Dear Vista Heights Families,

I plan to provide a monthly update on the weeks ahead. As we approach our Meet the Teacher Event on Thursday, September 19, here's a mid-month overview of our progress. September is a time for reviewing school expectations, building peer connections, and adjusting to changes. We're excited about the upcoming opportunities to enhance engagement and learning.

Parent Council & Enhancement Society

As a reminder, join us for the Parent Council Annual General Meeting on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 6 PM. This is a great chance for more families to get involved in school decisions and support your child's learning. We greatly appreciate the council's fundraising efforts, which help keep costs like field trips low for families.

Nutritional Program | Breakfast, Brown Bagging for Kids & Hot Soup

At Vista Heights School, we’re committed to ensuring every child has access to nutritious food. We offer breakfast and lunch programs, including hot soup on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All food provided is Halal, except for the soup program, where we request a signed letter before serving. Since we don't have a snack program, please pack ample healthy snacks for your child. Feel free to call the school with any questions about our food programs.

Learn Alberta | New Curriculum Information

In September 2024, students across Alberta will learn from finalized curriculum in:

  • K-6 English Language Arts and Literature 
  • K-6 Mathematics
  • K-6 Physical Education and Wellness
  • K-6 Science (*New for Division 2 students this year)

Grade 3 students at Vista Heights School will also be piloting the draft curriculum in social studies.  

You can find further information about the goals and content of any curriculum on Alberta Education’s website, new.learnalberta.ca. We are also committed to keeping families informed about what children are learning throughout the year by ensuring that teachers send a monthly update as well.

Orange Shirt Day| Thursday September 26, 2024

In the last week of September, students will learn about Canada’s shared history with residential schools and the importance of Treaty relations and reconciliation.

On Thursday, September 26, Vista Heights School will mark Orange Shirt Day with our first walking field trip. Students and staff will wear orange shirts and participate in a community walk to show solidarity and commitment to moving forward together.

Please note that Monday, September 30, is a school holiday in observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is dedicated to honoring the children who lost their lives at residential schools, recognizing the struggles of survivors, and acknowledging the intergenerational trauma affecting their families.

Upcoming School Events:

  • September 16: Parent Council AGM Meeting 6:00 PM
  • September 16-17: AMA Safety Patrols begin
  • September 18: Lockdown Drill Practice
  • September 19: Meet the Teacher Event 4:30-6:30PM
  • September 19: Grade 6 Outdoor School Meeting 6:30-7:30PM
  • September 20: No School for Kindergarten
  • September 20: Early dismissal for grades 1-6
  • September 26: Orange Shirt Day & Community Walk for Truth & Reconcilation
  • September 30: No School due to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Dates of Significance for Truth & Reconciliation:

  • September 22: Treaty 7 Day
  • September 22: Fall Equinox
  • September 23-27: National Week for Truth & Reconciliation
  • September 30: National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Dates of Significance to Honour the Vista Heights Community:

  • September 7: Ganesh Chaturthi 
  • September 7: Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Day
  • September 8: International Literacy Day
  • September 11: Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year)
  • September 15-October 15: National Hispanic History Month
  • September 22: Treaty 7 Day
  • September 22: Fall Equinox
  • September 22-28: Gender Equality Week

 

See you next week, 

Ms. Jessica & Mrs. Crone

Principal & Assistant Principal

Vista Heights School