Good afternoon Balmoral families

Congratulations to all our badminton players for a successful season! Balmoral placed first for Grade 9s in our division, and the other grades did an excellent job representing our school as well. We are proud of our student athletes for their hard work and dedication to athletics as well as their academics.

A reminder that there is no school for students – May 16. We wish all of our families a restful long weekend.

Spring is a busy time at school, with a few year-end celebrations and performances coming up. Please read the newsletter carefully so that you are aware of all school events.

Upcoming PATs for Grades 6 and 9

Each year, the Alberta Government administers Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) for all Grades 6 and 9 students. Teachers have been preparing students for these tests not only so that students can show their best work, but also so that the test experience is positive and creates minimal stress for students. For example, students have been practicing doing their assessments on the same digital platform as the PATs, Vretta, so so that they are fully familiar with the software before PATs.

The schedule of assessments this year is listed below. All assessments will take place during school hours. If you have any questions regarding PATs, please contact Ms. Keet or Mrs. Vijairaghavan.

May 28 – Grade 6 ELAL Part A

May 29 – Grade 9 ELAL Part A

June 13 – Grades 6 and 9 Math Part A

June 16 – Grades 6 and 9 ELAL Part B

June 17 – Grades 6 and 9 Math Part B

June 18 – Grades 6 and 9 Social Studies

June 19 – Grade 9 Science

These are also posted on our Calendar page.

Upcoming Fun Lunch Dates

Our last fun lunch dates for this school year are listed below. This time lunch will be coming from Cedars Deli! A reminder that the deadline to order is always five days before the fun lunch date.

June 3 – Grades 5/6

June 4 – Grades 7/8/9

NEW EVENT – Stampede Caravan Pancake Breakfast – May 21

We are excited to announce that we have booked the Stampede Caravans for a free pancake breakfast at Balmoral School! On Wednesday, May 21, the Stampede Caravans will set up outside the school near the basketball courts and serve pancakes and sausages with maple syrup to our students.

This year we would also like to invite PARENTS and FAMILIES to join us for this event – if you would like to attend, please RSVP using this form – LINK.

Pancakes will be served between 9:00am – 10:00am so please make sure you come to school during this time, and join the lineup in the front field.

IXL Usage Survey – Feedback Requested

Balmoral School has been using IXL for the past two years to support students’ math and reading practice at home. We are finding that the IXL prices increase every year and are in the process of making a decision whether to continue purchasing a school license for next year.

We are looking for parent feedback on this resource – please complete the IXL Usage Survey LINKED HERE by May 16, 2025. This will give us more information to help us make a decision for next year.

We thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback to us.

School Bus Notifications

It is important that all parents are signed up for bus notifications. This week one of our buses had a mechanical problem and was delayed by about an hour after school. Southland transportation sends out bus delay information to parents who have signed up so that you are aware.

Please ensure you are signed up for the My Bus Monitor notification emails for the most up to date information. The link is below. You must enter your email address and select your child’s bus route (AM and PM) to receive email notifications about bus delays, etc.

In the case of a significant delay or emergency, parents can call Southland Transportation at 403-726-5963.

School Council Vacancies for Next Year

We will have a few open positions on School Council next year – this is a great opportunity to get involved in school activities, talk more with administration, and give your feedback! Open positions are currently Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary.

Please consider volunteering for one of these positions next year – we value our School Council very much and appreciate their hard work on behalf of the school. If you have any questions about school council, please email balmoral@cbe.ab.ca and we will forward your question to the appropriate person.

Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 27

Every year we hold a spring concert to celebrate the incredible learning of our students through our music and band program. This year’s concert will be held on May 27 at Foothills Alliance Church in the evening. It is expected that every student participates in this concert as a culminating performance for the year.

Students are expected to arrive at the venue at 6:00pm. The concert will begin at 6:30pm. Younger siblings are welcome to attend the concert but must be seated with their parents during the show.

This event is free to attend. Please reach out to Ms. Fast or Mx. Spoering if you have any questions about the concert.

School Fees are Due

Please check your MyCBE accounts for any outstanding school fees. It is important to pay these when the activity occurs so that the school is able to continue to offer these opportunities to students. If you need support with waivers or a payment plan, please contact the school office.

School Council Fundraising

Thank you all for your support during this school year in fundraising efforts for the betterment of our school.  We rely on your generosity and support and ask for it again for the upcoming events we have planned for our students!

If you have any bottles laying around that you can spare, Sunridge Bottle Depot and Balmoral School Council have united to create a bottle drive! Their new program offers in home pick service - no need for drop off. Use the link attached - in additional information use “Balmoral School” as a code so they know where funds should be allocated. Thank you for your support!
Thank you for your support!

The Pickle Jar Menu

Important Dates

  • May 16 – Non-Instruction Day (no school for students)
  • May 19 – Victoria Day (no school)
  • May 20 – Grade 9 Band Festival Trip – Red Deer
  • May 21 – Stampede Caravan Pancake Breakfast @ 9am
  • May 27 – Spring Concert at Foothills Alliance Church
  • May 28 and 29 – Grades 6 and 9 PATs (Part A ELAL)
  • May 29 – Grade 7 Heritage Park Field Trip
  • June 10 – Track and Field Meet
  • June 13 to 19 – Grades 6 and 9 Provincial Achievement Tests
  • June 23 – Last Buddy Day Activity
  • June 24 – Sports Day
  • June 25 – Grade 9 Farewell
  • June 26 – Last day of school (EARLY DISMISSAL)
  • June 27 – Non-Instruction Day (no school for students)


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


Regards,

Balmoral Administration