Good afternoon Balmoral families,
We just learned that this message did not reach all families last week, so we are re-sending it.
We had a great first School Council meeting last Thursday – thanks to all parents who attended, and welcome to our new council members. We appreciate your time and dedication to Balmoral School!
There is still One Vacancy on School Council – Fundraising Coordinator
This is an important position that has a large impact on school activities. If you are able to volunteer in this role, please contact the school office.
This newsletter contains important information that impacts all students – please read carefully and let us know if you have any questions.
Lockdown Drill
To ensure that the school community knows what to do in case of an emergency, we will be holding our first lockdown drill. This drill is being held to prepare in the event of a threat outside or inside the school. We will announce the lockdown over the PA system and students will gather quietly in a secure location in the class. We have the support of the Calgary Police Service to complete these drills. The officer opens the classroom doors and has a conversation with classes at the conclusion of the drill. If you feel that your child may require additional support during the lockdown practice, please communicate with your child’s teacher.
IMPORTANT: Spectators at After School Games
We are look forward to another great season and cheering on our students as they compete in various athletics events after school. CBE middle schools have set similar expectations for games that promote safety, respect, and a positive experience for all. They include:
- All visiting student spectators/athletes must be under the direct supervision of a designated adult for the duration of the games, whether it is a home game or away game. Balmoral Coaches cannot supervise spectators as they are busy with coaching duties.
- There are no in and out privileges for spectators. If you leave the building, you should not re-enter.
- Student spectators without parental supervision will be directed by the hosting school administration to leave the building.
- Cell phones must remain in bags. No photos or recordings can be made by students. This is a privacy concern for the athletes from all teams.
- Parents are asked to be mindful if they are taking photos or videos of their child. The privacy of other student athletes should be considered.
- All spectators - students or adults - are expected to cheer and support players/coaches/referees/parents/guardians in a positive manner.
- Disrespectful behaviours will be addressed by school administration promptly and may result in spectators being directed to leave the game and the school building.
- Parents/guardians who bring younger children are responsible at all times for their direct supervision. Please ensure that they are not wandering the halls and playing on phys ed equipment in the gym/on stage.
These expectations have been reviewed with all of our students in school. Please review with your children as well. We thank you in advance for your ongoing support. If you have any questions about the above, please contact Mr. Guenther at teguenther@cbe.ab.ca
Terry Fox Run – Sept 25
On September 25, 2024 Balmoral school will be doing its annual Terry Fox run during the students Physical Education class. Students will do some prework to better understand the purpose of the Terry Fox run before that day in their humanities classes. Students are welcome to bring a “Toonie for Terry” this day and we will make a school donation to the Terry Fox Foundation.
Thank you for your support!
Orange Shirt Day – Sept 26
“I am honored to be able to tell my story so that others may benefit and understand, and maybe other survivors will feel comfortable enough to share their stories.” (Phyllis Webstad)
September 30, 2021 marked the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day that coincides with Orange Shirt Day. This day recognizes the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind, and the survivors of these institutions.
Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 when residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad shared how her orange shirt was taken away on her first day at residential school. Webstad’s story provides an opportunity for CBE students and staff to reflect on the history, legacy, and implications of the residential schools era. On this day, we encourage CBE teachers and students to also celebrate the stories of survival and resilience of Indigenous communities, and to share ways that we can work together toward truth and reconciliation.
Students will be working on visual displays showing their commitment to truth and reconciliation, that they will showcase on the school fence by the end of next week. To commemorate Orange Shirt Day, all students are welcome to wear orange to school on Thursday, September 26.
NOTE: The school will be closed on Monday, September 30 to mark this day.
Student Phone Update
Since personal mobile devices are no longer permitted to be used inside the school, we are supporting students and families with an alternate solution during the day. There is now a student-only phone available for use in the main office. Students are welcome to come to the office anytime to use this phone and do not need to ask the office secretaries each time. Office staff can look up a parent’s phone number if a student does not remember it. Parents can still call the school office to relay messages to students and we can have the student call you back if needed.
Thank you for supporting us during this change, as we find ways to reduce screen time and stay connected with families.
Speech Club and Musical
The speech club and school musical are starting up at school in the coming weeks. Announcements are made each morning about which clubs are meeting at lunch. Please remind your children to listen closely to announcements and attend the meetings on time. Teachers in charge of each activity are listed below if parents have any questions or want more information about the club.
Speech Club – Mr. Brewer – gjbrewer@cbe.ab.ca
Musical – Ms. Ontko – esontko@cbe.ab.ca
The Pickle Jar
Students may purchase food Monday – Thursday during the lunch break. The cafeteria is CASH only, and most meals are $6.
Please visit our Cafeteria & Menu page.
School Forms Now Online
We are pleased to inform all parents that most school forms have transitioned online to your MYCBE account
The following forms can be found in your MYCBE account – scroll to the tab that says “online forms and school registration” in the menu field
- Student Demographic Forms
- Authorization Forms – Consents for CBE and Media
Please access your MYCBE account to complete these important forms before September 20, 2024.
For help in accessing your MYCBE account see our support page.
For new families to the CBE:
New families to the CBE and Balmoral School will need to create a MYCBE Account.
Follow the following instructions to retrieve your student CBE ID number in your SchoolEngage account.
You will need your email address on file at the school, as well as the student’s CBE ID. This can be found on the SchoolEngage student profile for families that registered their child using SchoolEngage.
For a visual guide on how to find the CBE ID within SchoolEngage, refer to SchoolEngage CBE Student ID
See our support page for instructions on signing up for a MyCBE account or accessing an existing account.
Your MyCBE account is used as long as your child remains at CBE from kindergarten to Grade 12, so please register with an email that will be active during this period.
If you require financial assistance, please apply online through MyCBE. Field trips or extracurricular athletic fees will be added to your account throughout the year.
Important Dates
- September 25 – Terry Fox Run (during PE class)
- September 26 – Orange Shirt Day at school
- September 27 – PD Day (no school for students)
- September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (no school)
- October 14 – Thanksgiving Day (no school)
- October 24 – Picture Retake Day
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the school office.
Regards,
Balmoral Administration