Hello Rideau Families!

Things do not just happen. Every initiative that takes place in support of our community is thanks to the tireless efforts of many individuals. Last week, we celebrated the excellent work of our Leadership students, where we reflected on activities that have taken place and plans that are to come. These activities have strengthened our school culture, contributed to local and national causes and provided authentic learning experiences for students involved in the leading and planning of events. Students are noticing that thoughtful planning, which considers the “domino-effect” of decisions, is critical to successful events and initiatives! It is clear that we are building future leaders and visionaries here at Rideau Park School!

Last Thursday January 29, also showcased the tremendous generosity and commitment to supporting public education by our parent community. I would like to sincerely thank the parent volunteers who lead our School Council – Rideau Park Parents Association, for creating the Parent Night Out event and for inviting members of our team to mingle and to celebrate Rideau Park School. In one evening, approximately $29 000.00 of funds were raised and allocated to directly respond to teacher and administrator requests for resources and experiences for students that cannot be purchased through our annual, provincially funded budget. Thank you for working with us as a team to enhance programming and opportunities for all of our students! 

I would also like to celebrate the exceptional efforts of our teachers and students for the success of our Athletics programming. Teachers and athletes commit additional hours outside of regular school time to participate in tryouts, practices and games. Student athletes as well as student audience members set up and tear down our gym for home games, demonstrating exceptional citizenship and sportsmanship. After last night’s Sr. Girls volleyball game, I was very impressed by the efforts of our students and staff. Together they create a safe and welcoming environment for our RPS community and guests from other schools.

Rideau Park School – Land Acknowledgement

During last week’s Community Spirit Celebration, leadership students Maya and Estella presented a personalized Land Acknowledgement that wove together class acknowledgements created by students in grades ½, ¾ and grade 7. We are proud to share this acknowledgement with you.

 We come from many different places, but today we live and learn together in Calgary, Alberta, on the traditional territory of Treaty 7. This land is the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, including the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Tsuut’ina Nation. We also recognize the Métis Nation of Alberta.
We are thankful to live on Treaty 7 territory because of the many opportunities the land provides. We feel connected to the land through the ways we spend time outside, such as hiking, skiing, biking, playing sports, camping, and exploring nature with our families and friends. We enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, and open spaces that surround our city. The land gives us fresh air to breathe, clean water to drink, sunshine, and beautiful places to learn, play, and feel safe.
Elders have shared that treaties were meant to help people share the land and live well together. We honor this by taking care of the environment and showing respect for one another. This includes picking up litter, protecting plants and animals, saving water, and being mindful of how our actions affect the land. We also show respect by learning about Indigenous peoples’ history, cultures, and traditions, listening to Indigenous voices, and treating everyone with kindness and fairness.
By caring for the land and for each other, we help create a safe, welcoming, and respectful community for everyone who lives here today and for future generations.

Missed Photos? Missed Re-takes?

Lifetouch is offering limited sessions for Studio retakes on March 14th. Please use the link below to book an

appointment. https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/1dqj327c/

School Spirit – Pink Shirts! Order now!

We are happy to share that, just in time for Pink Shirt Day, we have identified a local supplier for Rideau Park School spirit wear. This new vendor complements our fall offering of gym strip by making Rideau Park “R” logo t-shirts available throughout the year.

Available Spirit Wear

The following items are currently available for purchase:

· Forest Green Traditional R-Logo T-Shirt, Youth sizes XS–XL

· Pink Traditional R-Logo T-Shirt, Youth sizes XS–XL and adult sizes S–2XL

·  Pink Rainbow R-Logo T-Shirt, Youth sizes XS–XL and adult sizes S–2XL

Ordering Information

Secure online ordering and payment are available at: https://www.myschoolzone.ca/rideaupark

Our student leaders are also planning a special Pink Shirt Day assembly later this month. This is a great opportunity

to order a pink shirt and show your support for inclusion and anti-bullying.

In addition, every shirt purchased supports school-based fundraising, helping offset ongoing costs for learning

resources and classroom supplies.

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 LINKED HERE.

Our next School Council and RPPA meetings will take place on Wednesday February 18, 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. Remaining lunches include:

• Feb 19: Boardwalk
• Mar 5: A&W
• Mar 19: Boston Pizza

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

The Rideau Park Snowball Dance - Tuesday Feb 10, 5:30 – 7:30 PM

The Rideau Park Parents Association is thrilled to be hosting a dance for our K-Grade 6 students.

The dance will feature several STATIONS set up around the gym, making it a blast with plenty to see and do—plus DANCING!!

This year, we’re asking for your support through DONATIONS or VOLUNTEERING! Your contributions will help

provide snacks, decorations, prizes, and raffle items to make the event even more exciting!

We need PARENTS TO TAKE ON the different stations during the event. You can team up with a friend to make it more fun! Each station is easy to manage, and you will have student volunteers completing community service hours to support the effort.

SIGN UP HERE

Thank you so much! This dance wouldn’t be possible without the generous donations and support of our parent volunteers!