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Hello Rideau Families,

This will be a brief message as we head into an extended break for students and Convention for Teachers and Support Staff. 

I would first like to share that the Calgary Board of Education acknowledges and is saddened by the tragic event in Tumbler Ridge earlier this week. As your childrens' Principal, events like these weigh heavily. A significant portion of my work is to ensure that Rideau Park School remains a safe, caring and welcoming space for everyone. To protect everyone's safety, we do take measures each day to maintain the security of the school. These measures include having all visitors access the building through the main door that is equipped with a camera so entry is screened by office staff, keeping all exterior doors locked, ensuring we have protocols in place for the protection of student information and student access and practicing emergency drills.

Last week, we completed our second lockdown drill of the year, led by members of the Calgary Police Service school resource officer team. Lockdown drills are always planned (not a surprise) so that they do not cause undo stress for our students and staff. When our students ask why we practice lockdowns, my response is always the following: We practice these drills so that if we have a real emergency, we can remain calm and know what to do.

Tuesday's tragic outcome in Tumbler Ridge can impact us in different ways. If you or your family members are experiencing difficulty and need help, the following supports and services are available:

  • 2-1-1 – Alberta Help Line
  • 8-1-1 – Alberta Health Services Health Link
  • 9-8-8 – Suicide Crisis Help Line
  • 403-266-HELP – Calgary Distress Centre

Our work at school will be to continue to follow our regular routines and planned activities, knowing that this reinforces our collective sense of well-being and common purpose. We too will keep an eye on students and listen to them if they share any worries or concerns about what has happened. Do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher or school administration if you need support or have questions.

Please enjoy the Family Day weekend and we look forward to connecting with our students when they return on Tuesday February 17th.

Sincerely,

Andrea Riquelme, Principal