Professional Learning Day (no classes) - Friday, October 25
Riverside Remembrance Day assemblies – Thursday, November 7
Professional Learning Day – no classes – Friday, November 8
Indigenous Veterans’ Day – Friday, November 8
Remembrance Day – school closed – Monday, November 11
Fall Break – school closed – November 12-13, classes resume November 14
Metis Week – November 12-15
Athletics - See updates on our Athletics Page
With cooler weather approaching – and a small taste of it on Monday morning – I would like to take some time to make a quick reminder for students to bring appropriate winter clothing with them to school each day. Elementary students spend half of their lunch break and each of their recess breaks outside, while Grades 7-9 students are expected to leave the school unless they are under the supervision of an adult in a learning space. The CBE weather guidelines allow for students to be outside in air temperatures equal to or warmer than –20C, or above –25C with wind chill. While field studies certainly slow down over the winter months, they do still happen. Be prepared!
Over the last two weeks, Riverside hosted 7 pre-service (student) teachers from the University of Calgary, who were with us for their first Field Experience. They participated in lessons throughout the school and learned about life as professionals in schools. I am sure the students and staff at Riverside provided these new professionals with many valuable learning experiences, but it is also important to acknowledge that having student teachers in a school benefits the existing teachers as well. Questions from student teachers make us examine and reflect upon our own practice. We’ll hope that our paths will cross again in the future!
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Additional Free Dress Day – October 31
Students in our Grade 9 Leadership class approached me early this month to ask about the possibility of wearing costumes to school on October 31. I have been working with them since to consider the request. Students designed a bias-free survey question (which was approved by their teacher) asking if students should be permitted to wear costumes that day. The results came in with 90% of students saying ‘yes’.
I also asked the Grade 9s to consider how we might make that a special day for others who do not wish to participate in wearing a costume. This is why we arrived at a decision for a free dress day. The students are asking for families whose children wish to participate in a free dress day to bring in a non-perishable food bank donation, or a small cash donation, if they are able.
I know this is a change from historical practice at Riverside and I wish to thank everyone for their understanding. I think it is important to give this a try, especially given the strong desire for it among our students. If you have feedback for me about this, please feel free to contact me by email.
Student drop-off and pick-up – staff parking lot
With the ongoing construction project along 1st Avenue, and the long-term removal of the “Hug And Go” space on the north side of the street, we have seen a rise in families dropping their children off in the staff parking lot each day.
This is a significant safety concern as so many of our students walk through that area each morning. With the days getting shorter and the sky being dark at the start of the school day, the safety concern is becoming more urgent.
Families are welcome to drop off their children in the community – even just a short distance away – but I thank you all in advance for avoiding the use of the staff lot for this purpose. Keeping Riverside students is a priority we all share!
From School Council re: Silent Auction Fundraiser
Please review the message below from our School Council:
“The deadline for silent auction items is fast approaching! Thank you so much to those parents and families that have reached out with so many amazing items. If you’re still interested in donating an item, please email schoolcouncil.riverside@gmail.com. SNEAK PEEK! We have Flames tickets, spa cards, toys, designer sunglasses, pizza, Mari cards and so much more! Auction will be live on November 1st!”
Steve Radder, Principal
Riverside School