Dear Parents & Guardians:
In this post you will find information for the following:
· Important Dates
· Writer/Author in Residence – Suzy Vadori
· Stuffies for Stories – Donation Request
· Upcoming School Council Meeting
· Late French Immersion – Grade 7
· 2025-26 Student Registration & Kindergarten Open House
· Martinis and Masterpieces Volunteer Opportunities
· School Fundraisers
Important Dates –
· Jan 20-24 – Green Fools Circus Skills PE Residency
· Jan 22 – Fun Lunch (Edo of Japan)
· Jan 23 – School Council Meeting (1:30-3:00)
· Jan 27 – Report Cards available in MyCBE
· Jan 31 – Professional Development Day (No School)
· Feb 6 – Kindergarten Parent Open House (6-7 p.m.)
Writer/Author in Residence – Suzy Vadori’s Books
Suzy’s writing workshop wrapped up this week with students and teachers learning some new skills to enhance their writing. Many of the older students had asked her about purchasing her books. She did gift one set to the Learning Commons but if students are interested in signed books, they can get them here: suzyvadori.com/elbowpark
Stuffies for Stories – Donation Request
James Short Memorial School is looking for a donation of 100 new or gently used (and clean) stuffed animals. These are used to encourage reading practice with their students. If you have any stuffed animals to donate, please bring them to the office.
Upcoming School Council Meeting
Our upcoming School Council meeting is on Thursday, January 23 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. The meeting is in-person in the Learning Commons and we also provide a MS Teams link for individuals who prefer to participate virtually. All current EPS parents are welcome to attend.
Please visit our School Council webpage for future meeting dates and agendas and meeting minutes.
Our upcoming agenda will include the following:
· Discussion of School’s Centennial Project for Fall 2026
· Staffing updates
· Review of AB Ed Assurance Parent Survey Results and upcoming survey details
Late French Immersion – Grade 7
The Open House for Elboya School will take place from 6:00-7:30 pm on Thursday, February 6, 2025. If you are interested in learning more about the Late Immersion French program, we encourage you to attend with your child. Student representatives, teachers, and administration will be available to answer your questions.
Their staff will be here to speak with our Grade 6 students on Jan. 22 about the program.
Kindergarten Registration & Open House
Kindergarten registration for the 2025 - 26 school year begins on January 13, 2025. Please tell your neighbours and friends who have Kindergarten aged children and live within our attendance area.
Kindergarten Parent/Guardian Open House for next-year Kindergarten parents (enrolling for September 2025): Thursday, February 6, 2025 (6:00-7:00 p.m.). We have an information flyer available for download here.
Martinis and Masterpieces Volunteer Opportunities
A team is starting to come together to plan the 2025 Martinis & Masterpieces event for the spring (bi-annual fundraising featuring art residencies and student art auction, silent auction and gala-style event). Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact melissa.sawatzky@live.ca for sub-committee sign-ups or to chat about how to get involved.
School Fundraisers
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to our two fundraising campaigns this school year: Birthday Books and the Annual Family Contribution campaign hosted by EducationMatters. Each year, EPPS (Society) covers around $250/student. We fundraise through events and bi-annual casino nights, but also rely on the annual family contribution and birthday book campaigns to cover what we’ve historically done for the school
To date, we have raised $2700 for our “birthday books” campaign. This annual campaign keeps the Learning Commons library circulation current with new books. Students get to participate in the fun tradition of selecting their book to be inscribed with their name, and they are the first to take their book home. This is $25/child due by the end of January.
To date, we have raised $7500 in our “Annual Family Contribution” campaign. Funds raised from this and our other initiatives are used for residencies, upgrades and events that go beyond what the school board provides. These are key enhancements for student experiences and development. It is a suggested amount of $80/child due by the end of January.
To make the process easy and allow for tax receipts, you can contribute online. If you’re not sure if you’ve already done this, check your email for receipts from EducationMatters. Please complete by end of January.
These funds cover the costs of our residencies including these ones already hosted this year: Elev8 Lacrosse, Celtic Fiddler: Kierah and our author writing residency continuing in January.
Please visit our Fundraisers & Donations webpage for more information.