Hello Arbour Lake Families,
It is hard to believe that this is our final weekly update for September. The month has gone by incredibly quickly, and we are pleased with how well students have settled into the school year.
This week, our Grade 7 students participated in Beginner Band Clinics, which went very well. Our band program continues to grow, with students in Grades 6 through 9 able to select band as an option. This year, we have two full Grade 7 bands, and we are very proud to see so many students choosing to participate in our music program.
Our cross-country wrapped up it’s final meet this week as well. This is always a fall highlight with so many students coming out and participating in this outdoor sport. We are very proud of all our runners – all of which did an excellent job representing ALS this season of sport!
This is also the second week of our Coyote’s Den: Learning & Support. The Coyote’s Den provides students with a quiet place during lunch to complete assignments, write missed assessments, receive help with homework, or simply have a productive space to work. Our teachers are volunteering their time to support this new structure, which is intended to provide students with additional opportunities within the school day to stay caught up and access support when needed.
We hope to see many of you at Orientation Night tonight. Doors open at 6:15 PM, with our presentation beginning in the main gym at 6:30 PM. Families will then have an opportunity to visit various areas of the school and connect with teachers.
A reminder that tomorrow is a non-instructional day and there are no classes for students. Teachers will be working on student Individual Program Plans and connecting with impacted families regarding these plans.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday is Photo Day, followed by Orange Shirt Day on Tuesday. School will be closed on Wednesday, September 30, for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
We will spend time next week in homeroom reflecting on our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, which can also be found on our school website. This year, we will continue the work we have been engaged in over the past three years, with a particular focus on community. We will work toward Call to Action #65 and find ways to engage the whole school community in advancing ReconciliACTION through collaborative planning (e.g., cultural calendars, community learning opportunities) and creation of Indigenous spaces where students and staff can engage in ways of being, belonging, doing, and knowing.
Wishing all of our families a wonderful weekend. As always, please reach out to nmlisi@cbe.ab.ca if you need anything at all.
Dr. Nancy Lisi
Principal
Arbour Lake School