Cougar Chronicle

We hope you had a nice weekend and had a chance to recharge and rejuvenate.

This week, while cool to start the day, there is lots of sunshine as well on the horizon. Let’s continue to enjoy the spectacular colors and this beautiful fall season!

Throughout the year, I will share data in the chronicle and, as a public school and education system, there is both, good and challenging. What is important is that we are transparent and have opportunities to have meaningful conversation.

From the start of school to our first six-week benchmark, our overall school attendance has improved markedly from this year compared to the previous three-year trend. Our goal is that the further we are removed from the pandemic, the stronger the correlation between student engagement, attendance, rigor and academic success.

Speaking firsthand and coming from the high school setting, this will prepare our students for success during high school and beyond.

Shifting back to this week, and as a reminder, if you have not had the chance to sign up for Parent-Student-Teacher interviews, please use the following link: 2024 Fall PST Interviews

Before booking, please remember to check your child’s schedule to determine which teacher(s) you need to meet with. Interview slots tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend signing up as soon as possible.

If you are unable to secure a time with a specific teacher, please reach out to them directly to arrange an alternative meeting time. We look forward to connecting with you and working together to support your child's learning journey!

Picture retakes are scheduled for Friday morning. If your child was absent on September 5 and did not have their photo taken, or if you'd like them to have another chance for a photo, they will be called down in the morning. No advance sign-up is necessary; each class will be called down during their morning classes.

Sherwood Heights school fees are now available on your student account and can be paid through the Parent Portal. Fees are due 30 days after assessment. We understand that special circumstances may arise, so please contact our Business Manager, Candace Lyles, to discuss options. If you plan to apply for a fee waiver, please note that the deadline is December 16, 2024.

Another main attraction and tradition at Sherwood Heights is The Scholastic Book Fair.

The Scholastic Book Fair is an exciting opportunity for students, families, and teachers to explore a wide selection of books and educational materials. The grade nine IMPACT class is excited to host this event for the school that promotes reading and literacy, which is in alignment with our school and division goals.

Event Details:

• Wednesday, October 23 to Wednesday, October 30 during school hours.
• During Parent-Student-Teacher interviews on Thursday, October 24, and Thursday, October 29, on the gym stage.
• Proceeds from this fair will go towards literacy within the school.
• A variety of school wide activities and contests will be happening during the book fair time. in the new year for our grade 8 and 9 families to explore future opportunities.

Have an excellent week everyone.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sunny Sandhu

Principal

Are you interested in learning more about the EIPS Advanced Placement (AP) program?

You are invited to our AP Informational Night in Bev Facey’s Community Library on Thursday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m. We will have testimonials from AP students, guidance from our AP Coordinator, and a University of Alberta Admissions Officer to help answer questions and guide the discussion. Parents and junior high students welcome to attend.

Please click on the link below to RSVP: Bev Facey Advanced Placement (AP) Information Session Event

We are pleased to inform you that Take Our Kids to Work Day is fast approaching! This national event, happening on November 6, 2024, provides Grade 9 students with the unique opportunity to step outside the classroom and into the workplace for a day of career exploration.

The goal of Take Our Kids to Work Day is to introduce students to the world of work and help them begin thinking about their future careers. Whether they shadow you, a family member, or a trusted mentor, this experience will offer them valuable insights into daily work environments, professional responsibilities, and the wide variety of careers available to them. By engaging in this hands-on experience, students can connect what they learn in school with the real-world skills and competencies required in various jobs.

We encourage parents and caregivers to arrange for their student to join them at their workplace, or connect them with a relative, neighbor, or friend who can provide a safe and educational experience.

If your student is unable to participate through family connections, students should attend their regularly scheduled school day to participate in one of the many career exploration activities EIPS has prepared.

We appreciate your involvement in making this experience meaningful and engaging for your student. You can follow the Permission Click link below to indicate that your child will be participating in Take Your Kid to Work Day.

Permission Click for Take Your Kid to Work Day

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your student’s teacher or school administration.