December Weekly Update #15

Dear Families:

As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible year it has been at our school. It’s been heartening to see the smiles, enthusiasm, and growth of our students as they navigate their learning journeys. While we may not have reached every milestone just yet, the dedication and effort I see from our students, staff, and families gives me great hope for all that we can achieve together.

For me, this year has been especially meaningful. Returning to this school, where my journey as a teacher began, has been an honour and a privilege. Seeing familiar faces and getting to know new ones has reminded me of what a special place this is. The sense of connection and collaboration amongst students, families, and staff is something I deeply cherish, even as we continue to build and strengthen those relationships.

I am continually inspired by the resilience and determination of our students and the commitment of our families to their success. While we are all working to overcome challenges and reach our shared goals, I am grateful for the progress we’ve made and the spirit of teamwork that is present.

As we head into the Christmas Break, I hope you take this time to rest, recharge, and create wonderful memories with your loved ones. Whether you celebrate with festive traditions, quiet moments of reflection, or simply enjoying time together, I wish you all a holiday season filled with joy and peace.

On behalf of the staff, thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we strive to make our school the best it can be. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, refreshed and ready to continue learning and growing together.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!

Merry Christmas!

Murray Howell

Principal, A.L. Horton Elementary

Tuesday December 31 - Hot Lunch Orders Due

🥳Happy New Year! 🥳

Monday January 6 - Classes Resume

🙌Enjoy the Break Everyone! 🙌

From your ALH Office Elves

At the School Council Meeting on January 30, 2025, we will be discussing school fees. A copy of the current fee schedule is posted on our school website or find it here.

We will be asking for input on the following school fees:

• a. Noon supervision
• b. Field trips and associated fees previously categorized as non-curricular travel (e.g. ski trips, swimming lessons)
• c. Extracurricular activities

Some questions we would like feedback on:

• a. The school subsidizes part of the cost of noon supervision. We are looking at increasing the cost of noon supervision from $70.00 to $72.00 for next year. Is this reasonable?
• b. Currently, each class goes on two to three field trips per year at a cost of $45.00 per class. Should we increase the amount of field trips knowing this would also add a significant cost increase to the fee? Should we lower the fee and the number of field trips? If we keep it status quo, with the costs of busing and activities increasing, is it reasonable to raise the field trip amount to $47.00?
• c. We currently have swimming lessons for Grade 3 and skiing for grades 4 and 5. We are looking at adding swimming lessons for Grade 2 and skiing for Grade 6 for next year. We are also hoping to add curling for grades 4 to 6. This would be at an extra cost for these grades. Are these activities things that we would like as a school community?

If you are unable to attend the meeting, any input regarding school fees can be sent to principal.alh@eips.ca

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break

Monday, January 6 - Classes Resume

Wednesday, January 8 - Early Dismissal and Hot Dog Wednesday (if purchased)

Wednesday, January 22 - Skating (Gr. 4-6)

Thursday, January 23 - Skating (Gr. 1-3)

Wednesday, January 29 - No School for Students - Professional Learning Day

Thursday, January 30 - School Council and Friends of ALH Meeting ONLINE ONLY

February 1 - Kindergarten and New Student Registration opens for 2025-26

Wednesday, February 5 - Early Dismissal and Hot Dog Wednesday (if purchased)

Thursday, February 6 - No School - Teacher's Convention

Friday, February 7 - No School - Teacher's Convention

Monday, February 10 - Returning Student Registration for 2025-26 opens

Starting in January, we will be inviting parents to join their children for all hot lunches at school. You can attend one or all of them. Please note, this does not include Hot Dog Wednesdays, but only the hot lunches typically held on Fridays. Parents can either pre-order hot lunch through the school along with their child’s order or bring their own food. Siblings are also welcome to eat together. This will take place in the classrooms during the lunch period from 12:22 to 12:52.

If you haven’t already, please complete your volunteer confidentiality agreement and remember to sign in at the office when you arrive. You can fill out the Volunteer Agreement [here].

Spread the cheer with spirit wear this Holiday! Whether it's for yourself, your family or friends, make this holiday extra special!

Entripy Spirit Wear

This link will be available throughout the entire school year. Order yours for our upcoming school spirit days in February!

Sign up Here

Thank you for your generosity of time, it is so appreciated!

You can check past/upcoming purchases made on your parent portal under the PAID tab. You will find this under your child's name under the student fees selection.