Dear Husky Families!
As we approach the end of 2024, we want to take a moment to reflect on our journey together and express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible efforts of our students, staff, and families. December is a time for SNOW, reflection, celebration and looking ahead. We are continually inspired by the resilience, dedication and enthusiasm that define our school community.
This month brings many exciting events and opportunities to connect, including our Winter Concerts, Spirit Days, Giving Tree initiative and sporting events! These moments allow us to celebrate not just academic achievements but also the values of kindness, creativity and togetherness that we hold close.
As we prepare for the Christmas break in December, we encourage everyone to take time to recharge, create meaningful memories with loved ones, and set intentions for the new year.
Thank you for your ongoing support, collaboration, and commitment to making Heritage Heights a place where every student thrives. Wishing you a joyful winter season as we look forward to 2025!
Warm regards,
Ms. Rita Marie Rahn (Principal)
Mrs. Shanda Dupras (Vice Principal)
Textiles students are planning an "upcycle" project after the winter break. If you are cleaning out your closets, we are looking for the following items (even if they show signs of wear and tear!).
- Men's denim (old jeans) - any colour, but especially light blue and/or indigo
- 100% wool or wool-blend sweaters (any size or colour)
- Polar fleece/microfleece pullovers or pants (any size or colour)
For more information, please contact Mrs. Hanson (hansonk@fsd38.ab.ca).
Counsellor Corner - Message from our FSLC - Ms. Maddy Daryl
Ask and Really Listen to Your Child
Asking your child how they feel and really listening to their feelings are an important way to build trust and encourage communication. Here are some tips and tricks:
- Pause and stop what you are doing, even for just a minute, and look at your child when you are talking to them. Make eye contact and often times getting to their level (height) is helpful.
- Check your body language: be present, focus only on your child, and stay still.
- To show that you are listening re-state what your child says in your own words and try to find the emotions behind them. Once you have identified the emotion, label it. To do this: Does your child look sad, mad, happy, or excited when they are speaking? Try to guess what they might be feeling and name the emotion. If you are wrong, they will correct you. If you are right, they will feel understood. Either way, you will be strengthening your relationship and will continue to build those trustworthy relationships and encourage communication. An example of what this would sound like is: “You’ve said a few times that you are no longer enjoying being on the soccer team, you look pretty unhappy when you have to go."
Jingle Dance, Men's Traditional Dance and a former Indigenous NHL Player
On November 28th, Heritage Heights students gathered in a circle in our gym to watch Mrs. Shield's niece, Brooke Metchewais perform the Jingle Dress Dance and her partner, Peter White, present the Men's Traditional Dance. We also had a former NHL player, Danny Hodgson (Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks) share some of his story. He also joined our Husky Ice students on the ice during their Option ice time!
Remembrance Day Assembly
Our Remembrance Day Assembly was incredibly moving. So many heartfelt thank you's for this lovely ceremony. Thank-you to Andrea, for organizing the piper, and Mrs. Hanson and her student presenters. Thank you also to our colour guard who started and ended our ceremony. We also want to thank all the parents and grandparents who attended.
Odd Sock Day
Odd Sock Day was celebrated during the Anti-Bullying week. It was wonderful to see the majority of our school population participate! The theme set by the government was, "Choose Respect." Announcements relating to this theme and resources for teachers to share in classes brought the messaging to students.
