Hello Louis Riel families,
A quick week of teaching and learning has passed after a hopefully restful Family Day long weekend. Although the week was short, there was no shortage of action around Louis Riel School. We saw some fantastic in-school experiences with a virtual exploration of the solar system with VR headsets for our Grad 9s and multiple Div 1&2 classes enjoyed a Biosphere educational experience about our beloved bison. Lunch-time was also busy with a number of intramural competitions, Art club, Space club, and Rubik’s cube club this week. After school saw the new Jazz combo invite interested musicians to come out and we hosted a series of volleyball games after school on Wednesday and Thursday evening for both boys and girls teams.
We’re in the process of confirming registrations for next year based on our annual admissions lottery. We had over 500 new students express interest in attending here next year! Although we didn’t have room for everyone, this level of interest continues to confirm the popularity and reputation of the programming and educational experience at Louis Riel.
The final week of February is nearly upon us so read on to find out more about important upcoming events and activities.
Student Pickup/Drop off and Busses
Please be mindful of how you choose to navigate pickup and drop off at Louis Riel. We have noticed an increase in vehicles entering school parking lots to collect or drop students. These parking lots are not safe spots to access as they involve crossing busy sidewalks and driving between busses. Please obey all posted speed limits and watch out for our crossing guards.
Bus drivers have reported having to stop their bus as they pull away from designated pickup stops to receive children arriving late. Please ensure your student arrives in time for morning pickup.
Yearbook?
Did you know that Louis Riel students create an amazing yearbook each year and make it available to all families? That’s right! The other thing you may not know is that you don’t have to be in Grade 9 to be able to get your hands on one. If you want to learn more please refer to the weekly announcements you receive from your student’s homeroom teacher for a link to the yearbook page for Louis Riel.
GPA Parent Association
Did you know if you have a child in GATE as of September 2023 you are automatically a member of the GATE Parent Association? Sign up to receive the GPA newsletter on their website https://gatecalgary.ca/ and be a part of the GPA Community!
The GPA Parent association has roles they’re looking to fill if you have time to commit.
Next Louis Riel Parent and School Council(s) meeting: Wednesday February 28, 2024
Each month we invite teachers from different divisions, departments, and programs to present to the council and community about the teaching and learning going on in their classrooms and beyond. Ms. Tanner will be presenting about our targeted literacy intervention strategy for Div 1&2 students. In addition to Ms. Tanner’s presentation, we will be launching our annual school planning survey focused on collecting stakeholder input about our future school development plan and identifying areas of need we can plan to support.
A reminder that all current minutes and agendas are available on the LRPAC website:
https://www.wearelouis.ca under Agendas and Minutes
Registration at Louis Riel
Admission to Louis Riel’s Science program relies on a lottery process that closed last week. Offers to attend Louis Riel School for the 2024-25 school year have been sent to successful lottery applicants and we’re in the process of confirming enrolment. Due to ongoing demand, our Science program continues to have limited capacity for new students.
To learn more about the lottery process click HERE
Lost and Found at Louis Riel
Please remind your student(s) to walk by and locate any lost or misplaced clothing and lunch container items and take them home. If your student regularly loses items at school, please also consider sewing nametags on their clothing items.
We can only keep lost and found items on display for so long until we are left to assume that they are no longer wanted. Twice a year we donate unclaimed items from the lost and found to charitable organizations to share with those who are in need.
Upcoming Events
February 27 & 28 - Kindergarten Let’s be Scientists In-class experience
March 4 – Grade 6 Story Book Theatre Trip
March 6 & 7 – Kindergarten Wet Felting In-Class Experience