Westboro Weekly Newsletter

December 23 - January 3: Christmas Break

January 6: Classes resume

January 8: Early Dismissal

Looking ahead:

January 14: Parent Council Meeting 6:30 p.m.

January 27: Family Literacy and Numeracy Night 5:30 p.m.

January 28: Grade 5 and 6 Fused Glass Field Trip

January 29: Professional Learning Day: No school for students

I wish to extend warm holiday wishes to all students, staff and families on behalf of the Elk Island Public Schools Board of Trustees.

As busy as we know this time can be, it’s nice to take a moment to look back with gratitude on the past year. We are thankful for the incredible parents and caregivers in the communities we serve, who consistently step up to support both students and educators—day in and day out. We appreciate our staff members, in schools and at Central Administration, for their commitment to excellence in learning. And we celebrate students across the Division, who work so hard and make us proud.

We hope you enjoy all the wonderful concerts, shows and festivities happening at your school, and that you get a chance for rest and reflection during the break. To all of you—have a joyous holiday season, and a healthy and happy New Year.

We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Jan. 6, 2025.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays,

Cathy Allen EIPS Board Chair

CALLS is a non-profit society in Strathcona County and Fort Saskatchewan. We offer free and low cost learning to adults. We focus on literacy, foundational learning, and English language learning.

Check out our classes at http://whatdidyoulearntoday.ca/ Funded by Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education

With the winter season in full effect, we have a few reminders for families:

· Ensure students have clothing appropriate for expected weather conditions.

· If weather conditions are bad enough to impact student transportation, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) advises families directly, as well as posting on social media and eips.ca as early as possible.

· Decisions regarding bus cancellations are guided by an EIPS administrative procedure that states, “school bus service may be suspended…when there is a forecast or current temperature of -40 C, including wind chill factor, in one or more regions.”

· Other reasons for suspending or delaying school bus services include adverse weather and poor road conditions.

· When school bus services are suspended, schools remain open to students.

For more information, contact EIPS Student Transportation at 780-417-8151.

If your child misses just two days a month for any reason for ten of their school years, they’ll have missed the equivalent of one entire year of school. Students who frequently miss school, even as early as kindergarten, are also more likely to have di­fficulty in school, at post-secondary and in their career. As every family has unique circumstances, EIPS uses a multi-tiered approach to re-engage students with chronic absenteeism. In addition, the Division promotes strategies to support and encourage regular attendance for all students. If you’re concerned about consistent student attendance for your child or youth, contact the school for support. An informative video is also available.

EIPS’ Annual Education Results Report 2023-24 is now available online. The report details how EIPS is doing relative to Alberta Education’s performance measures; how it’s supporting students to achieve the best possible outcomes; and its successes, challenges and priority strategies moving forward. A brief overview of the report is also available.

Ring in 2025 with free, family-friendly activities.

• Tuesday, December 31 starting at 6 p.m.
• Fireworks at 8 p.m. - early enough for the whole family to enjoy!
• Activities will take place at Broadmoor Lake Park, including activities at Festival Place and the Sherwood Park Arena and Sports Centre.

Read the full news release:

https://www.strathcona.ca/.../news/2024/12/13/new-years25/

Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Call at 780-464-4044 or visit Family and Community Services on the second floor of the community centre at 401 Festival Lane to get support with all life's challenges.

Support is FREE and available for people of all ages and situations - whether you are a senior, youth, family or individual.

With Navigation support you can:

• Share your story and receive helpful information along the decision making journey.
• Access financial supports and housing information advocacy.
• Receive help to untangle complicated situations and figure out next steps together.
• Apply for subsidies including reduced transit rates, recreation access, tax rebates and more.
• Obtain support with filling out forms and applications.
• Have a caring individual who will sit beside you to listen, understand and help you to further your goals.

Learn more here.

Our FREE winter program schedule from the Family Resource Network (FRN) is here! Connect with other parents and caregivers, learn new skills and support your child’s healthy development.

• Drop-in parented programs for infants aged 0 to 18 months
• Drop-in parented programs for kids 0 to 6 years old
• Registered programs for kids in grades 1 to 3 and grades 4 to 6
• Registered parenting skill-building sessions for a variety of age groups
• Special events for families and children of all ages

Check out the winter FRN schedule here: https://ow.ly/oYNY50UnVw1

Register for programs and learn more about Strathcona County's Family Resource Network at https://bit.ly/3RVAltj

Take a look at the Strathcona County Family Resource Network's digital winter program guide !

Winter Guide