The Bears' Blog... January 7-2024

Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed the winter break. I am looking forward to seeing the enthusiasm and energy of staff and students on our first day back tomorrow, Monday, January 8.

December was a very busy month tying up lessons and curriculum, as well we had a successful drive for the Strathcona County Food Bank where we collected over 633 pounds of food! We also can’t forget the amazing Christmas concert at Park Church which was a great night! Students have continued to focus on their studies and exhibit excellent behavior throughout the school. Students took that last week before the break to finish up their current lessons and curriculum topics and are starting with new concepts in the New Year.

As the cold weather descends upon us, please be reminded that we go outside for recess most of the time following the district’s Inclement Weather policy AP 131. If the temperature falls below -22 (including the wind chill) we remain inside for recess and lunch hour breaks but if it is warmer than that, we are outside.

Here are a few little reminders to help us provide the best care we can for your children.

• Please be sure your child has warm clothing before they leave for school.
• Students should have a toque and mittens/gloves with them
• It is also a great idea for students to have snow pants as students may head outside for daily physical education as well.
• Please make sure your child has a pair of indoor and outdoor shoes.

Have a super month and thank you for your continued support.

When we work together, Great things happen!

Monday, January 8 - Welcome back!

Wednesday, January 10 - Early dismissal 2:15 p.m. (no PALS today)

• FNMI Family Gathering 5:30p.m. Glen Allan Elementary RSVP

Thursday, January 18- School Advisory Council meeting 6p.m. (and school fee review)

Sunday, January 21 - Last day to order hot lunch for January 26

Friday, January 26 - Hot lunch 11:32 a.m.

• Theme Day - pajama day!
• Family movie night 6 p.m.

Thursday, February 1 - Kindergarten and new student registration opens today!

• Performance at school by the Edmonton Opera 1:30 p.m.

Dear Pine Street Elementary Families,

Under Alberta Education’s new School Fee Regulation, schools must consult with parents prior to setting school fees for the upcoming school year.

Our next school council meeting will be taking place on January 18, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. During that time, I’ll be sharing information about our current fee structure, posing specific questions about priorities, and asking you to provide your feedback as we plan for the 2024-25 school year. While many of these activities and services enhance students’ educational experience, we want to ensure these fees are not cost prohibitive for families.

Specifically, we will be asking for input on the following:

· Noon hour supervision

· Field trips and associated fees

· Extracurricular activities

· Non-curricular goods and services (for example, agendas)

I understand not all families will be available to attend the meeting, but it is still important we get as much input from the school community as possible. Following the meeting, materials will be shared on our website https://www.pinestreet.ca/ for your review, if you are unable to attend the school council meeting and would like to send an email response, please use the following email for your response. Lisa.Waselenkoff@eips.ca.

School administration will use the feedback provided to help determine fees for 2024-25, which will then be shared at the March 14, 2024, school council meeting, posted to our website and shared via link through email.

I look forward to hearing from you on January 18 at our School Council meeting.

Sincerely,

Tracey Arbuthnott

Principal

Pine Street Elementary

For the Métis, New Year’s Day was usually held at the grandparents’ home and was a special time for families, as cousins, aunts, and uncles attended. It was a social occasion to drink and eat all sorts of food, with people travelling from house-to-house, dining, dancing, and visiting. While visiting house-to-house, everybody would shake hands and kiss. As a result, some Métis called New Year’s Day “Ochetookeskaw” (kissing day) or “Shakishchenoisi” (shaking hands day).

EIPS’ Annual Education Results Report 2022-23 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. What shines through in this year’s Annual Education Results Report are the myriad programs and initiatives taking shape throughout the Division to ensure high-quality education, support student growth and achievement, and develop learners with the skills and knowledge needed to help them succeed.

EIPS invites you to read through this year’s Annual Education Results Report 2022-23. Celebrate our collective achievements and discover how EIPS fosters environments for all students to learn, grow and thrive—and why it matters.

Annual Education Results Report 2022-23 Also available is a condensed version of the report: AERR 2022-23: Overview

RELATED INFORMATION

EIPS Four-Year Education Plan: 2022-26

EIPS Three-Year Capital Plan: 2024-27