Dear Midnapore Families,

Welcome back to the 2023-24 school year! We trust that this summer has provided time to enjoy the outdoors, to be with one another and to make some wonderful memories. On behalf of the entire staff at Midnapore School, we are excited to welcome students back, and we are looking forward to working with our Midnapore families to ensure growth for all our students. As a staff we will be committing to being open and honest in all our communication with you and will work to ensure you are always in the loop when it comes to your child’s education.

Please review the information below to ensure you have all the information you need for school start-up.

School Start-up Information

Just a reminder that Thursday, August 31 is the first day back for students. A copy of our school calendar can be accessed here – Midnapore Calendar

This year Midnapore bell times are as follows:

School Start & End Times

School hours for Grades K-6 for 2023-24 school year are:

• Monday to Thursday: 7:55 am to 2:30 pm
• Fridays: 7:55 am to 12:05 pm

On the first Day Back please expect a higher volume of traffic around the school. If you are driving your child, please be courteous of others also trying to get their children to school safely. I recommend walking or parking at a close location to the school so that you can ensure your child finds their correct door. All students can expect a phone call from their child’s teacher prior to the first day of school to welcome you to school, meeting spots for the first day, lunchtime, materials to bring, any other pertinent information to ensure a smooth start.

Creating class lists is a very intentional process that staff members undertake to ensure the best possible learning environment for each and every child. This work began last June but is shaped by balancing many factors. It should be noted that classrooms may still require slight changes, and this is always done to support the overall best needs of students. We know that sometimes this comes with disappointment as some students may have their heart set on being in a certain class. As a parent, your support in navigating this conversation with your child is appreciated. An essential part of growth in the early years is learning how to deal with obstacles or setbacks. These resiliency skills will serve them well in the long term.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten students will begin with a staggered entry and an early in-person meet the teacher opportunity. Below is information regarding your child’s first two days of school. If you require more information, please contact:

Mandarin- Aiting Yang- aiyang@cbe.ab.ca
English- Amber Gugolj- adgugolj@cbe.ab.ca

First Day of Classes – Kindergarten

Staggered entry days:
Tuesday/Thursday group:
First Day of School will be Thursday, August 31, from 7:55 AM - 10:50 AM.

Staggered entry days:
Monday/Wednesday group:

First Day of School will be Friday, September 1, from 7:55 AM - 10:50 AM.

Additional Notes: Structures & Routines as we begin the school year, there is a lot of excitement and anticipation. It can also be difficult for some of our students as they transition from a more fluid schedule to the structures and demands of a full school day. Teachers will be communicating various structures and routines that are being implemented in classrooms to support regulation and learning. We encourage parents to also set-up healthy routines around bedtime, reading, family time, physical activity and screen time. Throughout the year, we will continue to share resources that can support with these areas.

At the end of last year, we informed students that scooters and bikes must be locked up on the back compound. Please remind your child that they are unable to bring scooters or bikes into the school as we do not have sufficient space. Please support your child with a lock so that we can help them lock their items up. Thank you for your understanding.

Lunch Supervision

Lunch supervision is provided for students staying for lunch.The lunch schedule for 2023-24 will run in two groupings from 11:30-12:14pm. Supervision will be provided for registered students for eating, as well as for recess supervision. Lunch Supervision Information.

Key Dates

August 31- First day for all students, staggered entry day for Tuesday/Thursday group
September 1 - Staggered Entry for Kindergarten- Monday/Wednesday group
September 4 - Labour Day (No school for students)
September 11 - School Council - Online and In-School 6PM
September 15 - Terry Fox Run
September 22 - Meet the Teacher Conferences - No School
September 25 -29 - Truth and Reconciliation Week
September 29 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - No School

We’re very excited to see everyone on Thursday and are looking forward to a great year at Midnapore School! Please do not hesitate to contact us at gdbennett@cbe.ab.ca, or mjsong@cbe.ab.ca if you have any questions. Please note the office will open Monday, August 28 at 8am.

You can also reference the back to school page at Back to School Information

Take care,

Greg Bennett Principal, Midnapore School
Meagan Song, Assistant Principal, Midnapore School