Elements' Weekly Update

The September weather has been stunning, with clear skies, warm temperatures, and incredible sunshine! The students, and staff, have been enjoying time outside this week and it looks like we will get to enjoy some more this weekend. We hope everyone gets a chance to soak in the sun this weekend as we know the cool, crisp Fall days are just around the corner.

We love having the students back in the building and the energy they bring with them. We are so grateful for the support from our school families supporting our students as they settle back into the routine of school.

We began the school year with the inspiring story, The Magical Yet. This story is the perfect companion for every student who feels frustrated by what they can't do...yet! The story introduces the concept of "Yet," a special guide that follows us from birth. Whether it's tying shoes, reading a book, or riding a bike, the Yet is always there to help us as we work towards learning new skills. Students see how they can turn challenges into opportunities by emphasizing the power of "yet." This power reminds us that learning takes time and effort, and there are always things we haven't mastered...yet!

• September 12 - Meet the Staff 4:30 - 5:30pm
  
• September 12 - School Council and Parent Society Meeting 5:45pm
• September 13 - Terry Fox Run 1:00
• September 17 - T/Th ECS and Whole School Picture Day
• September 18 - M/W Picture Day
• September 23 - School Wide Bus Evacuation Drill

Don't forget our annual Meet the Staff evening takes place on Thursday, September 12 from 4:30 - 5:30. When you arrive, Ms. Zapesocki, Ms. Melnyk, our school counsellor, and I will greet families and hand out a special treat for the students! After that, feel free to visit your child's classroom, where our staff will be waiting to welcome you. The event is informal and designed as a drop-in, so you can come and go as you please. Be sure to stop by the gym, where Mr. Booker, our music teacher, will be showcasing the giant floor map for families to explore. We look forward to seeing you there!

Our online school spirit wear store is open! There are many brands and styles to choose from and your order can be shipped directly to your home. Check out the options here: FSE School Wear

Wondering when and how to pay for school fees? School fee information for the 2024-25 school year will be posted on the PowerSchool Parent Portal in late September. All fees are due within 30 days of being posted. NOTE: Additional fees may be added throughout the year—for example, at the beginning of each semester, as your child takes part in various activities, or they may be adjusted by changes in selected optional courses in junior and senior high school. If you’re unable to pay your school fees, you can apply to have certain fees waived. The application deadline is Dec. 16, 2024.

For more information, visit our School Fees page on the school website. Alternatively, contact Ms. Marcoux-Jones, business manager at Fort Saskatchewan Elementary at 780-998-771.

Did you know our School Council has already organized some amazing hot lunches for the school year? If you are interested in ordering hot lunch you need to go to www.HealthyHunger.ca and click "No Obligation Sign Up." Once your account is created you are able to view all up-coming dates for Fun Lunches, place orders, and pay for your orders online. For more information visit our school website and click on Parents under the Menu button and then Hot Lunch.

The EIPS Correction and Verification Form is available online through your PowerSchool Parent Portal—at the top of the left-hand menu. Use the form to access and update your child’s records information—including address, parent and guardian information, emergency contacts and medical information. Reviewing the form and submitting updates ensures the school has the most up-to-date information regarding your child.

PowerSchool Correction and Verification Form Review and update the form by Sept. 25, 2024.

If you have questions about the form or your Parent Portal account, contact the school office at 780-998-7771.

EIPS has three administrative procedures (APs) that address the Division’s code of conduct:

• AP 311: Welcoming, Caring, Respectful and Safe Learning Environments for Students
• AP 350: Student Code of Conduct
• AP 351: Student Conduct on School Buses

The Division, and Fort Saskatchewan Elementary, are committed to ensuring all members of the school community are provided with welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments that respect diversity and foster a sense of belonging. EIPS encourages all students, staff and families to review the procedures to understand and practice the conduct expected throughout the Division.

Fort Saskatchewan Elementary and the Division use the SchoolMessenger platform for communicating with families, both through phone and email. Be sure to add communications@eips.ca and general.fse@eips.ca to your safe sender list to avoid having important messages funneled into your junk folder. Be sure to check your inbox for the 'Welcome to the 2024-25 School Year' message from EIPS!

We are excited to invite families to our first School Council & Parent Society Meeting for the school year! The meeting takes place right after our Meet the Staff evening at 5:45pm and will take place in our school staff room. This is a great opportunity to get involved, share ideas, and help shape our school community. Whether you are a returning member or new to Parent Council, we would love to have you join us! Our next meeting will be October 15 at 6:00pm.

The Board of Trustees meets throughout the school year to discuss and make decisions regarding matters important to students, families, schools, communities and public education overall. Community member are encouraged and welcome to attend to attend in person or to tune in to the public livestream on the EIPS YouTube Channel. For 2024-25 Board Meeting dates, visit the EIPS website and subscribe to the Division calendar.