Dear Evergreen Families,
We hope this email finds you refreshed and excited for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year! We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our returning students and families, as well as students and families new to our Evergreen School community. We cannot wait for students’ smiles, laughter, energy, and curiosity to fill our hallways and classrooms once again.
As we approach the start of the new school year, we understand that some of you (students and families) may be feeling nervous and anxious. It is completely normal to have these feelings, especially after a long break or if this is a new school for you. You may be wondering, “Who is my teacher going to be? Will I make friends? Where is the bathroom? Is grade 4 going to hard? Where do I eat lunch?” Together, we will navigate any challenges, celebrate successes and make this upcoming school year a fantastic and memorable one!
Ms. Broomfield and I have a little message for any students and families feeling a little nervous about the first day of school. Please click on the link below to view.
Our dedicated staff have been tirelessly preparing for your return. This academic year promises a wealth of exciting opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom. Thanks to our School Council and Parent Advisory Council, we have a number of residencies and events scheduled designed to ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and instill a love for lifelong learning. We will be starting the year with Shirley Hill (Anatsipi’kssaakii – Pretty Sound Bird Woman), an Indigenous designer, artist and dance teacher, who will share Blackfoot culture teachings and history with our students. Throughout the year, students will also be involved in a Loose Parts residency and Tennis residency.
We have a number of other exciting opportunities planned this year such as The Witty Squirrel Opera, and Evergreen Theater’s “Through the Looking Glass: Alice's Alberta Energy Adventure."
Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities as the year unfolds!
Important Information for the First Day
Please find important information below to answer any initial questions you might have:
· Who is my homeroom teacher?
Students/families will receive an e-mail from their homeroom teacher on Tuesday, August 27th around 4pm welcoming them to the school and their grade-team. If you have not received an e-mail by 6pm please check your junk folder as sometimes e-mails end up there. If you still do not find an e-mail, please contact me at acmcphee@cbe.ab.ca.
· Where should we go on the first morning, Thursday, August 29th?
Please find attached below a map that highlights where your child will meet up with their homeroom teacher on the first day of school.
Upon arriving at school on Thursday morning, please proceed to your child’s designated door area and look for your homeroom teacher. Teachers will be at their designated door at 8:20AM to greet students prior to entering the building at the 8:30AM entry bell.
This will also be your child’s designated door for dismissal at the end of each school day for the remainder of the school year.
Kindergarten students and students in the EES program will have a staggered entry for the first two days of school. Information regarding staggered entry will be sent in a separate communication. The designated doors for students in Kindergarten and our EES program are the main front entrance doors. Information is also attached below:
EES Staggered Entry and First-Day Information
Kindergarten Staggered Entry and First-Day Information
· What time does school start?
· Grades 1-5: 8:30 AM M-F
· Kindergarten:
- AM Kindergarten: 8:30 AM Monday – Thursday and alternating Fridays
- PM Kindergarten: 12:20 PM Monday to Thursday and 8:30 AM on alternating PM Fridays.
· What time does school dismiss?
· Grades 1-5: 3:15 PM M-TH and 11:50 AM on Friday
· Kindergarten:
- AM Kindergarten: 11:25 AM M-TH and 11:50 AM on alternating AM Fridays-
- PM Kindergarten: 3:15 PM M-TH and 11:50 AM on alternating PM Fridays
Please find attached the school calendar for the 2024-2025 school year that also outlines this information – great to print and post on your fridge!
· What should I bring on my first day?
- a pair of indoor shoes with soft rubber soles suitable for Physical Education
- a backpack that is large enough to hold a large picture book
- a water bottle that will go home to be cleaned and refilled each day
- a healthy snack
- lunch (if your student stays for lunch)
- smiles and curiosity
Please note: all necessary learning supplies are provided by the school (crayons, pencils, paper, etc.). The associated fee for these materials will be communicated to you in September and posted to your MyCBE Account for payment.
· How will I find out important information about my child’s homeroom and the school?
- Information specific to your child’s homeroom will be communicated via e-mail from their teacher on Fridays.
- The “Evergreen Weekly” is sent on Sunday morning. The Evergreen Weekly includes information about school-wide events, important dates, news from our School Council, glimpses into learning etc.
- Important information and dates are posted to our school website. Make sure to add the link to your “favorites” for easy access.
Mandatory forms: The CBE has gone “paperless;” you will receive a number of important e-mails in the coming weeks. Please ensure that you read the information carefully and digitally complete the necessary forms in School Engage.
Open House: Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 12th 3:30PM-5:00PM for a drop-in, optional Open House where you are invited to come and meet your child’s teacher and check out their classroom.
We are busily working to process new registrations that have come in over the summer. New to our Evergreen team are Mrs. Lisa Ames and Mrs. Charisma Morado, Educational Assistants in EES. We are also welcoming Mr. Matthew Chameroy to our teaching team. Please find attached
Mr. Chameroy’s introduction letter.
We will be sharing our full staffing compliment and configuration next week.
Our school's success relies on a strong partnership between home and school. Your continued support, involvement, collaboration and open communication continue to play a pivotal role in creating an environment where each student can thrive. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We look forward to seeing all our bright and eager students on the first day of school. We have another memorable journey of learning, growth, and discovery in store this year.
Sincerely,
Angela McPhee
Angela McPhee
Principal, Evergreen School
acmcphee@cbe.ab.ca