

Knightly News
November 26, 2023
Study Habits and Skills
Junior high is an important time for students to start to learn about study habits and study skills to be prepared for assessments, but also prepare for the increased academic rigor of high school.
Students are encouraged to review their school work 3-4 times per week in addition to any homework or additional practice work that may be assigned.
We are also coming up to a time when many of our classes will be completing units and students will have some exams. Below are some study habit suggestions for students.
To study for assessments or to simply get more practice, students are encouraged to:
- complete additional questions from workbooks or the textbook
- create flash cards and then answer their questions before looking at the answers
- teach or explain the concept to someone else
- write their notes into their own words or using sketching
- use ChatGPT to explain the concept or create questions to complete
- For this one, it is important to be specific about the topic, grade, and that it is the Alberta Curriculum
- Complete questions from Exam Bank.
Often students start studying by simply reading the textbook or their notes, and in conjunction with finding the correct answer to a question this is good, but in isolation reading the textbook to study practices reading more than it does increasing the understanding of the topic.
Tutoring
We are very lucky to be able to offer some additional tutoring at lunch on Wednesdays for the next two weeks. Ms. Flint, Mr. Curley, Ms. Grundy, and Ms. Kruk who are all student teachers currently at Clover Bar are offering some additional academic support in Mr. Webb's classroom after the eating portion of our lunch is over.
Students are invited to bring school work that they need some help with, homework they need to complete, or any questions they may have.
EIPS Division Information
Fee Waiver Deadline
If circumstances exist where you’re unable to pay school or transportation fees, you can apply to have fees waived by submitting an Application for a Waiver of Fees. The application deadline is Dec. 15, 2023. If you’re new to the Division, the deadline is the latter of Dec. 15, 2023, or 45 days after registration.
To access your fee information, simply log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal and go to “Student Fees.” There you can view your fees and pay them online using Visa, MasterCard or debit card—when available from your financial institution. All fees are due within 30 days of being posted.
Don’t forget to also log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal regularly throughout the year. Fees are often added to your child’s account to cover the cost of various school activities such as field trips, class projects, extracurricular activities and more.
For more information about school fees, waivers and payment deadlines, visit www.eips.ca/schools/fees and Lakeland Ridge School Fees. Alternatively, contact Kerri Stribling, 780-922-4025.
Share Your Thoughts on Budget Planning for 2024-25
Alberta Education allocates funds to school boards to fulfill their delegated responsibilities of providing education programs for students in kindergarten to Grade 12. As part of Elk Island Public Schools’ (EIPS) commitment to stakeholder engagement and to continue allocating resources according to local priorities, the Division conducts an annual budget planning survey to seek input from staff, families Grade 12 students and community partners.
The survey is voluntary, anonymous and takes about five to 10 minutes to complete. The survey questions suggest possible budget areas for EIPS to focus its resources, which align with the Division’s current Four-Year Education Plan. If you believe there are other areas where the Division should concentrate its resources, you can also indicate what these are. EIPS will consider all budget planning input to guide future decision-making.
COMPLETE THE SURVEY NOW
Survey closes Dec 20, 2023
Grade 12 students will complete the survey at school.
Thank you for sharing your input to help inform Division planning.
Has your contact information recently changed?
Have you recently moved or has your contact information changed? Uncas Elementary encourages families to review the information the Division has on file to ensure it’s up to date. Using the Student Information Update available through the PowerSchool Parent Portal, families can review the current information on file for each student—including addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, parent and guardian information, emergency contacts, medical details and other related information—and submit any updates needed.
Reviewing and updating the form ensures the school and Division have the most up-to-date information regarding your child. Your review is especially important as the Division prepares for 2024-25 registration processes beginning in the new year.
NOTE: Only submit updates for the changes that have already taken place. If you’re moving later this school year, you’ll submit the necessary updates to your information through the Student Information Update after you’ve moved.
If you have questions about the form or any trouble with your Parent Portal account, contact the school office at 780-922-4025.
Spread the Word: EIPS is Hiring Substitute Educational Assistants
Do you know someone who may be interested in part-time, flexible work as a substitute educational assistant (EA)? Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is hiring—spread the word!
EAs are integral to the school team, assisting teachers with instructional and non-instructional tasks in the classroom and other school activities. Whether it’s working one-on-one with individual students or with a small group of students in a class or special program, EAs provide support and assistance to help students achieve success.
Substitutes are needed to fill positions at all school locations until the end of the school year. The application deadline is December 8. If you know someone who’d be great in this role, encourage them to apply today.
Kindergarten Registration Starts Soon!
Is your child turning five on or before Dec. 31, 2024? If so, it’s almost time to register for kindergarten.
Kindergarten registration opens for the 2024-25 school year on Feb. 1, 2024.
To help families prepare, Elk Island Public Schools has put together an online EIPS Kindergarten Tool kit to make the transition as smooth as possible. The kit includes information on registration, important dates, programming options, what to expect, eligibility, how to find your designated school, transportation and more.
Additional information regarding Uncas Elementary kindergarten program is available at Uncas Elementary
Presentation
Navigating ADHD: Understanding, Managing, and Thriving
Join us for a Parent session at Sherwood Heights Junior High on WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29TH at 6:30pm.
We will be hosting ADHD Edmonton’s President Rachel Rogers who is a psychologist that specializes in supporting families with children managing ADHD.
Ms. Rogers has worked with Edmonton Public Schools as a teacher, counselor, and Psychologist on multidisciplinary teams and is a wealth of knowledge to parents.
Ms. Rogers will be talking about the history of neurodivergences, what is ADHD and the brain, will briefly talk about the role of medication, multimodal treatment, strategies, and self-regulation. She will also talk about ADHD Edmonton and the supports available (there’s a lot!) and finish with Q&A to address questions.
This session is open to caregivers and professionals and will be held in person at Sherwood Heights Junior High as well as a virtual option.
To help us gage numbers:
https://forms.gle/yRTvsps2GpYuBoVS7
Please click on the google form link above to RSVP to this parent night.
Clover Bar Information
Christmas Break
Clover Bar JHS will close for the Christmas break at the end of the day on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. The school will reopen on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. During this time, if you have any school-related questions or concerns, contact Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) Central Services at 780-464-3477.
EIPS Central Services Christmas Break Hours
Closed Dec. 25, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2024
Open Jan. 2, 2024; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*for location and contact information visit www.eips.ca.
From everyone at Elk Island Public Schools, we wish all of you a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year.
Basketball Tryouts
Monday - Grade 8 and 9 Boys (5:30-7)
Tuesday - Grade 7 and 8 Boys (5-6:30)
Wednesday - Grade 8 and 9 Girls (7:00am-8:30am); Grade 8 and 9 Boys (5:30-7)
Thursday
Friday - Grade 7 and 8 Boys (3:30-5)
Clover Bar This Week
Monday, November 27 -Day 3
8:00am - Student Success Meeting
9:00am - CLB Admin Meeting
10:00am - Meeting - Mr. Shudra and Mrs. Orr
AED Inspection Due
Tuesday, November 28 - Day 4
9:00am - Meeting - Mr. Shudra and Mrs. Orr
10:00am - CLB Finance Meeting
1:00pm - Returning Student Registration Information Meeting - Virtual - Mr. Shudra
Wednesday, November 29 - Day 5
9:30am - EIPS Principals Meeting - Central Office - Mr. Shudra
2:30pm to 3:30pm - CLB Weekly ReSet Meeting
6:30pm - ADHD Presentation
Thursday, November 30 - Day 6
8:45am - Emergency Drill - Hold and Secure
12:30pm - Supports for Students Consultant visit
Friday, December 1 - Day 1
7:45am - PGP Review Meeting with Staff Member- Shudra
1:30pm - PGP Review Meeting with Staff Member- Orr
BrightSpace
EIPS uses an online program called Brightspace for students and teachers to be able to work collaboratively online. Staff will post assignments on Brightspace, and students may be using the program to see their school work and submit it to their teachers. Below are links for both students and families to have a better understanding of how to use the program.
If you have any questions, please contact the school at general.clb@eips.ca or at 780-467-2295.
Brightspace Parent & Guardian | Elk Island Public Schools | EIPS
Community and Mental Health Supports
Gingerbread Build Off
oin us for a free gingerbread building competition! Complete the challenge independently or as a team with friends.
• Supplies provided
• Mystery items included
• Surprise challenges
• Sweet prizes
Community Center November 30th from 5-7 pm
Ardrossan Recreation Complex December 8th from 5-7 pm
Registration link can be found here -
Alberta Health Services Newsletter
Health Services
EIPS has a partnership with Alberta Health Services to support students and families with coordinated health services. This includes immunizations, but also goes beyond that. Below is a resource page so that you are informed of what that partnership brings.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at general.clb@eips.ca or 780-467-2295.
Resources for Families
Community Supports
Family and Community Service
(FCS) call-in hours 780-464-4044
Monday, Fridays: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
The Distress Line 780-482-4357
Strathcona Food Bank - 780-449-6413
Caregiver Series : December Sessions
IMPORTANT DATES
- December 23 to January 7 - School Closed for Winter Break
- January 17: CLB School Council Meeting
- January 25: CLB Band Concert
- March 13: CLB School Council Meeting
- May 8: CLB School Council Meeting