Hello Louis Riel families,
Sunshine, rain, sleet, snow, hail, and blustering winds seemed to be the norm all week this week despite the previous week’s promise of spring weather. Despite the challenging weather our students managed to enjoy their time outdoors at lunch and during Outdoor Ed and Phys Ed classes. Mr. Knight has started another exciting round of intramural activities with “Duck Hunt” being played in the South Gym at lunch. Our youngest students continue to explore their Love of Science in the Science Olympics and are looking forward to the opportunity to compete. Our teachers are working diligently with our Grade 6 and 9 students to get them ready for upcoming provincial achievement tests. It seems that the teaching and learning activities are just speeding up as we approach the end of the school year. The final two months are upon us so please read on for more news, updates, and information about all things Louis Riel.
Louis Riel Parent and School Council(s)
Please visit our website: https://www.wearelouis.ca
Our next meeting will be the AGM held on May 29. We are looking to recruit new executive members for next year so please attend this virtual meeting to learn more about our council(s).
GPA Parent Association
The GATE Parent Association is unique in that it represents parents and supports the GATE Program in all GATE schools, but it is independent of the Calgary Board of Education and other parent organizations within those schools. To learn more please visit our website https://gatecalgary.ca/
Hats on for Mental Health
Every year CMHA dedicates a week in May to raise the awareness of Mental Health. This year Mental Health Week will run May 6-10, and Hats On! for Mental Health Day will take place on May 8. Albertans are invited to wear a hat to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health. Participating schools will relax their hat rules and encourage students and teachers to build understanding by wearing hats to school. Students will also participate in a coordinated lesson on understanding mental health and the importance of removing the stigma associated with mental illnesses.
A Message from the Oakridge Community Association (OCA)
Dear Louis Riel School (LRS) Parent and Student Community,
We consider ourselves fortunate to have such great neighbors at Lois Riel School. We have a message on ‘Road Safety’ which you have probably all heard before but we would like to repeat with a local flavour.
None of us are indestructible – injuries and fatalities happen to young and old every day in Canada. We don’t want you to be involved as a statistic. We had two accidents on Palliser Drive in early 2024. Speeding and lack of attention were the root causes. These occurred at road intersections but where there is no formal pedestrian crossing but there are many school bus pick up and drop offs.
Please remember drivers are responsible to stop for pedestrians at intersections, including “T” intersections such as Oakwood Dr and Palliser Dr. Pedestrians ALSO have responsibilities and should signal their intention to cross (make themselves visible), ensure traffic has stopped, and cross the road without delay. Remember drivers are to abide by posted speed limits and there are 30 km/hr, 40 km/ hr and 50 km/hr stretches. Please also remember to pay attention and ‘Stop distracted driving!’
Calgary Police Service (CPS) has been assisting us with education and enforced compliance but you as Citizens can make our neighborhood safer.
Spring and Summer Road Safety
When we begin to see warmer temperatures and no more ice on the sidewalks we begin to see more students choosing to ride bikes and scooters to school. We love seeing our students being active and choosing to make their way to school under their own power. What we need to remind our students about is the need to bring a secure lock they can use to store their bike or scooter safely at our bike racks. Even though we cannot store scooters and other wheeled vehicles in classrooms or hallways we can keep an eye on them better now that we are getting our video cameras installed outside too.
Fun Lunches at Louis
Fun lunches are a major source of fundraising for the School Council, give parents a day off from packing lunch, and are exciting for the kids to receive! Sign up at www.HealthyHunger.ca. There is also a link on the Louis Riel School website.
It is important to note that due to health and safety protocols on food storage, the school will not be able to accommodate storing left-over lunches to the next day if your child is absent. Left-over lunches will be donated. If your student has an upcoming field trip please double check that a fun-lunch isn’t scheduled on that day so you can cancel if needed.
Upcoming Events
May 6 – Kindergarten Zoo Field Trip
May 13 – Kindergarten Telus Spark Field Trip
May 13 – Grade 9 English PAT
May 17 – NO SCHOOL PD DAY
May 20 – Victoria Day NO SCHOOL
May 21 – Grade 6 to Police Interpretive Museum
May 21 – GATE 7 & 8 to Vertigo Theatre
May 23 – Grade 8 Science classes to Vertigo Theatre
May 23 – Texas Donut Fundraiser
May 24 – 8:30-9:30 Wellness Block