Vista View | Principal Message March

Good Morning Vista Heights School Community, 

Happy Leap Year! It has been a gift to have more daylight on our morning commutes to work, and yet during the second weekend of March, we will once again “spring ahead” and adjust our clocks according to daylight saving time.

Attention | Punctuality and Attendance

Just a friendly reminder about the importance of arriving on time for class. Instruction starts promptly at 8:50am, so we encourage you to be present and prepared by arriving before the bell at our soft entry time of 8:40am. 

If, for any reason, you are unable to attend, please call the school and notify the attendance line of 403-777-6000 extension 1 or email Ms. Freda at mfsorochuk@cbe.ab.ca. 

Alberta Education Assurance Survey | Parents, Students, Teachers

Thank you to the parents of students in grades 4-6 who completed the Alberta Education Assurance Survey.  The survey random access code was mailed through Canada Post to gather parent voice to assess what is working well and where there is room for improvement. The final day to complete this survey is Friday, March 1, 2024. 

Student Learning Conferences | March 21 & 22

We will be using the Calgary Board of Education On-Line Booking System, to schedule conferences on Thursday, March 21 from 4:30pm-7:30pm and Friday, March 22 from 9:00am-12:00pm.  This conference is organized so the teacher can have an in-person meeting, online meeting or phone conversation with each parent/guardian for a scheduled 15 minutes. Parents/guardians and teachers will discuss learning goals and next steps in learning. To book a conference please go to your MyCBE Account. 

Link for MyCBE Account: https://sis.cbe.ab.ca

Link for instructions:

 https://cbe.ab.ca/support/Pages/MyCBE-PowerSchool-School-Conferences-Booking.aspx

Parent Voice & Vista Action | Recess Schedule Change

On Friday, February 5, 2024, our lunch block was adjusted to support literacy intervention during the day. This change allows for more classes to interact together as well, which was brought up at School Council. The new lunch schedule is as follows:

Grades 3-6:

• Lunch 11:40-12:00pm
• Recess 12:00-12:23pm

Kindergarten & Grades 1-2:

• Lunch 12:30-12:50pm
• Recess 12:50-1:13pm

Book Fair | March 20-22

Vista Heights School is excited to welcome the Scholastic Book Fair in our doors! This shopping experience is always a highlight for students. Over a two-day period, students will have a chance to both window shop and also bring funds to school to shop. During student learning conferences, the book fair will also be open. This will provide an opportunity for parents to shop with or for their children in the evening Thursday, March 21, 4:30-7:30pm and Friday, March 22, 9:00-12:00pm. You can anticipate fliers being sent home to support this activity. 

School Update | School Development Plan (SDP)

The Vista Heights School Development Plan is a comprehensive framework, which is accessible on the school's website. This plan embodies a holistic approach that recognizes and nurtures the spirit, heart, body, and mind of each child. 

• Spirit to Be (Diversity & Inclusion)
• Heart to Belong (Positive Relationships)
• Body to Do (Regulation and Conflict Resolution)
• Mind to Know (Literacy & Math)

School Development Plan Measures:

• Holistic: A balanced body of evidence using observations, conversations, and product will be complied from students. Teachers will demonstrate progression in their assessment practices that honour a culture of holism, specific to triangulation using the CBE’s Teacher Self-Assessment Tool.
• Wellbeing: Student perception data (K-3 Well-Being Survey and CBE Student OurSCHOOL Survey) will note improvement in social emotional outcomes (positive relationships). 
• Literacy: Assessment of Foundational Reading Skills (AFRS), Quick Phonological Awareness Screening (QPAS), LeNs and CC3 will be measured to note improvement in student ability to blend sounds in words. 
• Math: Numeracy assessment (number line) and school generated common number line assessments will note improvement in number. 

Learn and Share | School Planning 

We know we make better decisions to support student learning when we build understanding and work together. That’s why we’ll be sharing information about school planning and asking you to share your perspectives.

During this engagement, you will have the opportunity to:

1. Learn About

• School planning, which includes the school development plan, school budget and school fees
• How the school development plan sets the overall focus and direction for a school to improve student learning outcomes
• How the school budget provides funding to implement our school development plan
• School fees and why they are necessary

2. Participate

• Participate in our school council meeting to learn more about school planning. There will be an opportunity to provide feedback at this meeting.
• Share your perspectives through an online survey.

Your input is important to us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your perspectives.

Volunteers Need | Parent Council Casino Fundraising May 28 & 29

Mark your Calendars! Vista Heights School Parent Council is preparing for the school’s biggest fundraiser this spring, and they need your help! For 48 hours, on May 28 & 29 we need a number of volunteers to work the casino to secure funds for the students at Vista Heights School. 

An 8-hour shift can reduce school fees for families considerably, and all raised funds go directly to positively impact learning experiences for students (field trips etc.). Family and friends can support volunteering at the casino as well. 

If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at vhsenhancementsociety@gmail.com or you can text or call Lauren at 587-576-7470.

Thank YOU Council & Enhancement:

• In-Line Skating Residency & Family Night +Canteen (~$3500)
• Grade 5-6 Healthy Living School Field Trip (~$2500)
• Grade 1-2 Field Trip Zoo (~$300 + Grant)
• Indigenous Elders & Knowledge Keepers ($1000)
• Frisbee Rob in February ($750)
• Future field trips at no cost to parents

Thank you for your continued support. 

Ms. Jessica

Principal, Vista Heights School