Dear Midnapore families,

After a long dry summer, we narrowly avoided a rainy start to our school year. Fortunately, we got lucky and the rain stopped 15 minutes before we gathered outside to meet our new teachers and classmates. It was wonderful to see the smiles and feel the excitement of the first day of school. We do not take lightly the privilege it is to be a part of your child's lifelong memories and we strive to do our best to make them as enjoyable and memorable as possible. We all have our own memories of ‘first days’ and it is always an honor for us to play a role in your child’s journey.

We are looking forward to another great year here at Midnapore School with plenty of opportunities to create new memories and friendships. These weekly Admin Messages are a great way to stay up to date on events and information that impacts your student’s time here with us. Please continue to read through the message for important information regarding our school year.

Designate a Meeting Place

It is very important to have a designated meeting spot for 2:30 pick-up times. All students in grades 1-6 will be dismissed from their exit doors and are to go immediately to the meeting spots that they have identified with their families. Please ensure you have not chosen a meeting place in the school parking lot as it is off-limits to parents and students. Kindergarten is the only age group where teachers will wait for a parent to arrive before dismissing students. All students have been taught in class that if they get to their meeting spot and there is no one there to pick them up after five minutes they are to come to the office through the front entrance of the school for help.

Label Everything

Every year we send thousands of dollars' worth of clothing and other lost items to charity that go unclaimed in our Lost and Found. Items found with your child(s) name labelled on them will be returned directly to them. If you are missing an item, we also have a designated lost and found location for you and your child to check.

Crosswalk Safety

A top priority for our staff is the safety and well-being of you and your child. We will continue to have staff patrol our crosswalk (Unless it is below –20). Staff do their very best to coordinate crossing stops to support the flow of traffic, as well as to ensure you make it safely to school. Also keep in mind that the parking lot is for staff only.

Lastly, we understand the first few days of school can be hectic as we adjust to new routines. Keeping this in mind, please remember that the front of the school is only a drop and go zone. We cannot park and take our children to their door. If you would like extra time with your child in the morning, please park on the road so that we can continue to support all families in dropping off their child.

School Council

You will note our first school council meeting is September 11 here at Midnapore School. Our meetings will be a hybrid model where parents can attend in-person or online. Doors will open at 6 and the meeting will start at 6:30 sharp. Our first meeting will be our AGM meeting where we assign roles for the year. Being a part of the school council is an amazing opportunity as you can be a key contributor towards the direction of the school year.

Reminders

A few other important reminders that have become apparent on week 1 are:

• The school will not be supplying utensils for student’s lunches. If your child needs a spoon or a fork to eat their lunch, please pack one in the lunch kit.
• A reminder that dogs are not permitted on school grounds
• Students will be spending their PE classes and recess breaks outside and are required to have appropriate footwear to participate safely. Sandals and flip-flops, although weather-appropriate, are not suited for physical activity.

Student Fees

All fees must be paid online via your MyCBE account or by credit/debit card at the school. We do not accept cash or cheques.

Central Student fees (lunch and transportation) will be allocated around October 16, 2023, in your MyCBE accounts.

Field trip fees must be paid prior to the field trip taking place.

Final Notices will be sent out to families with outstanding previous year fees on September 19. Unpaid fees will be sent to collections in February 2024.

Central Fee Costs & Applying for Fee Waivers

Please click on the link below for 2023/24 central fee costs and the process for applying for a fee waiver.
https://www.cbe.ab.ca/registration/fees-and-waivers/Pages/default.aspx

Lunch Supervision Registration – Deadline Sept. 30

All students remaining at school during the lunch hour MUST be registered for Lunch Supervision via your MyCBE account, Fees, Lunch Supervision.

Student Medication

If you require medication to be stored at school, please complete the attached form along with the medication in a ziplock bag containing the child’s name.
https://www.cbe.ab.ca/FormsManuals/Student-Health-Plan.pdf

Severe Medication Conditions

If your child has been diagnosed with a severe medication condition, please complete the attached form and return to the office ASAP.
https://www.cbe.ab.ca/FormsManuals/Student-Health-Emergency-Response-Protocol-Form.pdf

Medical forms must be revised annually.

Volunteering & Annual Forms

Every year cleared volunteers are required to complete a new annual volunteer form (see below). Please complete it before September 30 and return to the office.
https://www.cbe.ab.ca/get-involved/volunteer/Pages/volunteer.aspx

Watch this space for the new process for new volunteers.

Reporting Absences / Lates

If your child is going to be late or absent, please call the school office 403-777-8680. Please speak clearly and slowly when leaving a message and include:

1. Your child’s name
2. Teacher's name
3. Reason for the absence or late

Thank you,

Greg & Meagan

Key Dates

September 4 - Labour Day (No school for students)
September 11 - School Council - Online and In-School 630PM
September 15 - Terry Fox Run
September 21/22 - Meet the Teacher Conferences - No School
September 25 -29 - Truth and Reconciliation Week
September 28 - Orange Shirt day
September 29 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - No School
October 2 – School Wide Mid Autumn Festival Celebration