Good afternoon Balmoral families

We are two weeks away from winter break now! Many students enjoyed the Teachers vs. Students basketball games this week as part of our holiday fundraiser. Students paid a $1 spectator fee to watch the games, altogether raising about $400 for CIWA.

Please read the newsletter carefully as it contains important information that impacts all students.

Uniform Reminder

A reminder that students are expected to wear the school uniform everyday Monday – Thursday. The TLC uniform must be worn first, and the Balmoral hoodie is permitted on TOP of the uniform if the student is feeling cold. Please note that grey sweatpants, white shoes, and non-Balmoral hoodies are not permitted Monday - Thursday.

Also, we expect all students to have DARK COLOURED INDOOR SHOES. Black running shoes are a great option here so that students can participate in physical education classes without changing their shoes. Indoor shoes can be stored in student lockers overnight and worn throughout the day.

Occasionally we have days of recognition or cultural celebrations where students do not have to wear the uniform. These days are communicated through this newsletter and morning announcements at school.

Balmoral Purdy’s Chocolate Fundraiser!

Thank you to all our families who supported the Purdy’s Chocolate Fundraiser! This raised $663.08 for the Balmoral Parent Society. These fundraisers are part of our ongoing effort to support school spirit and community at our school. Funds are used for items that are not allowable expenses for our casino-raised dollars. Non-Casino funds are used for teacher conference meals, teacher appreciation, Grade 9 graduation and maintenance of School Council sponsored natural areas.

Orders will be sent home with students on Monday, December 9. Alternatively, parents can contact the school office to arrange for in-person pick-up of their chocolate order. Thank you again for supporting the efforts of the parent group at Balmoral School. 

Contact: balmoralkeycommunicator@gmail.com if you have any questions!

Student Illness Reminder

We kindly request that students are not sent to school when they have any symptoms of illness. There are some viral and bacterial infections going around, and we need to do everything we can to keep the school clean and safe. If your child has symptoms such as fever, coughing, vomiting, etc., please keep them at home and seek medical attention if they do not resolve as expected. Remember to call/email the school and let us know when your child is absent.

Please be advised that if students experience any illness symptoms at school, it is our policy to call parents and have the student picked up as soon as possible. Thank you for working with us to keep all students and staff healthy at school.

Holiday Activities and Fundraising

Balmoral School has once again partnered with the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) to adopt three families this holiday season. We are now responsible for purchasing a holiday meal and gifts for each member of these families. Our goal is to raise at least $2000 towards this cause.

The Student Voice Council (SVC) has organized the following fundraising activities over the next few weeks to raise money:

  • December 3,5,16 & 18: Hot Chocolate sales - $2 per hot chocolate at lunch time in the Foods Room
  • Dec 5 & 12: Pie-in-the-face Raffle: Tickets will be sold outside the Learning Commons during lunch. So many prizes to be won – laser tag passes, new books, t-shirts, and more! Grand prize winner gets to pie a teacher in the face at the whole school assembly on December 17! Each ticket costs $2.
  • Dec 17 (for grade 6’s only),18 & 19: CTF Holiday Market – Grades 8 and 9 students will be selling some of their CTF creations in the Learning Commons at lunchtime. All items are $5 or less. Cash only.

Winter Weather is Here

What a change in weather we had this week! Please ensure your children are dressed for the weather EVERY DAY. If it is too cold/snowy outside, often our physical education classes remain indoors. However, students are still expected to go outside at lunch recess time for about 20 minutes each day. The fresh air is good for all of us and we need to be prepared for the cold! Students will go outside until it is about -17 degrees (including wind chill).

Please ensure your child has (every day):

  • WINTER JACKET
  • WARM GLOVES/MITTENS
  • WINTER HAT/TOQUE
  • INDOOR SHOES

It is also recommended that they have WINTER BOOTS and SNOWPANTS if they get cold easily. **Winter boots cannot be worn for physical education activities – students must have appropriate indoor shoes for this.

The Pickle Jar Menu

Students may purchase food Monday – Thursday during the lunch break. The cafeteria is CASH only, and most meals are $6.

Important Dates

  • December 16 to 20 – Spirit week
  • December 17 – Whole school assembly and Buddy Activity #3
  • December 20 – Last day of classes before Winter Break
  • January 6 – First day of classes after Winter Break


If you have any questions or concerns, please call the school office.


Regards,

Balmoral Administration