Hello Rideau Families!

Our staff and students enjoyed a productive return to school this week. I particularly enjoyed visiting classes across all grade levels to observe learning in action and spending time outdoors over lunch recess to connect with our students. These are happy times!

A less happy time is working with our CBE Facilities team to repair damage to the southeast corner of our music room, which seems to be caused by some freeze and thaw and eventual water penetration. Luckily, this issue was identified on our first day back and we are optimistic that the issue has been corrected. Moisture in the music room has resulted in us losing some shelving. This will be replaced at no cost to the school. Thankfully, no instruments were damaged either. The Calgary climate presents a challenging environment for many buildings in our city. I am grateful that our facility team responded quickly in order to protect the envelope and interior of our nearly 100 year old school.

Friendly Reminder – Personal Mobile Device “Away for The Day” Policy

The post-holiday season often brings with it the enjoyment of new technology and gadgets. We would like to remind our students and families of the provincially legislated “Away for the Day” policy for personal mobile devices (PMDs) within our kindergarten to grade 9 classrooms. This includes cell phones, smart watches with call/text features and now, Meta Glasses.

Meta Glasses are essentially the same as walking around with a digital camera that could be recording or taking photos at any time. The only way these or any other PMDs should be permitted during the school day in our K-9 setting, is if it is specifically included as an accommodation/learning support in an individual program plan (IPP) - and the allowed usage clearly outlined in that IPP. If you have questions or concerns about use of PMDs in school for your child, please contact your child’s teacher, along with Ms. Cochrane and/or Ms. Riquelme.

Open Houses – Rideau Park and Alternative Programming

We are excited to welcome families to our Open House event this Thursday January 15. Please tell your friends and neighbours (who live in our attendance area) about this opportunity to get to know our school staff and programming. The evening is divided in two:

• Kindergarten (and new to grade 1) Open House – 5:00pm – 5:45pm
• Junior High Open House – 6:00pm -6:45pm

Even as an existing Rideau Park family, if your child is preparing to transition to Kindergarten or grade 7, this Open House can still be of value, in order to familiarize yourself and your child to the changes that come with entry to either program. This is of particular importance for our younger learners. While older siblings and the parents are already familiar with programming, this is still a brand new experience for the child who will be making the transition.

We would also like to point out that options exist within our catchment area for alternative programming, in particular late French Immersion at Elboya School. Their team has respectfully asked us to ensure that families are aware of their programming as well. We have included their Feb 5, 2026 Open House invitation at the end of this newsletter.

We are looking forward to connecting with all of our families, both new and experienced, next Thursday!

Western Canada High School Open House – January 27, 2026

Western Canada High School will be hosting an Open House opportunity on Tuesday, January 27th from 3:30-5:00 pm for current grade 9 students/families who might be interested in learning more about the school’s option programming (prior to guidance visits and course selection in February). Grade 9 Tours for direct feeder schools will take place earlier that day, as well, so many students will also be able to visit the school in that capacity. More information about course programming for 2026/27 will be available on the WCHS website after the winter break: https://westerncanada.cbe.ab.ca/. Any general questions about registration can be directed to the main office at 403-228-5363.

Ahead of this open house, our Grade 9 students will visit Western for a school tour from 10:00am-12:20pm. We will follow up with families regarding planning for this as we will either walk (you will be provided with a Walking Trip letter) or take Calgary Transit (this requires Off Site forms). Either transportation scenario will require the support of parent volunteers. We will closely monitor weather conditions in order to make a final decision.

Reminder: Volunteer Process

We are very excited to see many parents expressing interest in volunteering at Rideau Park School. To finalize the process and become a registered volunteer within our school, please share your police clearance letter with us by uploading in School Engage or emailing to rideaupark@cbe.ab.ca as the principal still has to do a final clearance to complete the application.

Your clearance will be valid for 5 years. Remember that you will still be required to fill out an Annual Volunteer Registration form every year.

You are Invited: Kindergarten – Grade 2 Literacy Night

We are pleased to have teachers Ms. Dockrill and Ms. Bliek volunteer their time to provide a presentation focused on Literacy strategies to parents of our younger learners. The early years are a critical time for the development and enjoyment of reading. Research shows that strong reading skills are an early predictor of future academic success. Please join us on Wednesday January 21 at 5:00pm in the Learning Commons. You can then stick around for School Council!

Rideau Park Parents Association – School Council Update

Thank you to our School Council and Rideau Park Parents Association for working tirelessly to enrich the learning environment at Rideau Park School for all students.

The team is excited to welcome parents and guardians to attend a fun night out at the CRMR Headquarters (1329 1 Street SW), with a purpose: to raise funds that will help our school tackle our

wish list! To learn more and purchase tickets for the event, information is RPS Parents Night Out Fundraiser.

Our next School Council and RPPA meetings will take place on Wednesday January 21, 2026 at 6:00pm, in person in our Learning Commons. We look forward to seeing you there!

Healthy Hunger

Regular fun lunches are back! Please login to healthyhunger.ca to place your orders.

New dates for fun lunches will be provided in the New Year!

Parent volunteers continue to be needed to assist with the organization and distribution of the student orders. Sign up to volunteer!

Key Dates

• Jan 15, 2026
• • Rideau Park Open House
  • Kindergarten (5:00pm) Junior High (6:00pm)
• Jan 21, 2026
• • K-2 Parent Literacy Night – Learning Commons at 5:00 PM
  • School Council: In person – Learning Commons at 6:00 PM
• January 27, 2026
• • Western High School Tours: Grade 9 visit (10:00 PM), Open House (3:30-5:00PM)
• Jan 29, 2026
• • Parent Social Night
• Jan 30, 2026
• • Non-instruction day – No School for Students