Welcome to the 2025-2026 School Year!
Dear Evergreen Families,
We hope this email finds you refreshed and excited for the upcoming 2025-2026 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!
Our dedicated staff have been tirelessly preparing for your return. This year promises 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.
Get ready to take the stage! At the end of September, Quest Theatre will be joining us for an exciting residency that brings out the inner actor, storyteller, and creator in every student. With the help of inspiring artists, students will use their own ideas to build a one-of-a-kind performance that the whole school will share by the end of the residency.
Shortly before winter break students will be headed down to the Martha Cohen Theater for a magical stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. With its unforgettable songs, colorful characters, and timeless message of friendship, courage, and self-belief, this classic adventure down the Yellow Brick Road is sure to be a memorable experience for all of our students.
After winter break, students will have the chance to learn and play Canada’s national summer sport through the ELEV8 Classroom Lacrosse® program! Led by professional coaches and National Lacrosse League players, this hands-on program not only introduces students to the skills of lacrosse but also teaches the rich Indigenous roots and history of the game. With real lacrosse sticks, soft balls, and plenty of active play, students will build teamwork, integrity, and fundamental athletic skills.
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 Thursday, August 28th 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, Tuesday, September 2nd?
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 Tuesday morning, please proceed to your child’s designated door area and look for your homeroom teacher. Teachers will be at their designated door at 7:50 AM to greet students prior to entering the building at the 8:00 AM 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 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.
What time does school start?
- Grades 1-5: 8:00 AM M-F
- Kindergarten
- AM Kindergarten: 8:00 AM Monday – Thursday and alternating Fridays
- PM Kindergarten: 11:35 AM Monday to Thursday and 8:00 AM on alternating PM Fridays.
What time does school dismiss?
- Grades 1-5: 2:30 PM M-TH and 12:00 PM on Friday
- Kindergarten:
- AM Kindergarten: 10:55 AM M-TH and 12:00 PM on alternating AM Fridays
- PM Kindergarten: 2:30 PM M-TH and 12:00 PM on alternating PM Fridays
Please find attached the school calendar for the 2025-2026 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 and subscribe to the school calendar.
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 18th 4:00PM-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 busy working to process new registrations that have come in over the summer and will be sharing our full staffing compliment and configuration in the next couple of weeks.
In addition to the new staff shared with you in June, we have had a few staffing changes over the summer. We are thrilled to welcome:
- Ms. Anja Dressler, teacher. Ms. Dressler brings a wealth of experience as a passionate educator, with a strong background in English as an Additional Language, Indigenous education, and language instruction. With dual degrees from the University of Calgary, one in Education and one in German and Linguistics, she has worked extensively in inclusive classrooms, incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing, promoting multilingual learning, and leading innovative literacy projects. We look forward to the energy, insight, and care Ms. Dressler will bring to our school! Please find attached Ms. Dressler’s letter of introduction.
- Ms. Marci Power, teacher. A graduate of the University of Calgary with degrees in Education and Biological Sciences, Ms. Powers brings a rich background and a passion for fostering curiosity, confidence, and joy in her students. She was a preferred substitute at Evergreen last school year, receiving rave reviews from both students and teachers. We are excited to have her join our team in a more permanent capacity this year. Please find attached Ms. Power’s letter of introduction.
- Mrs. Richa Saxena, Education Assistant, to our EES program. Mrs. Saxena brings expertise and knowledge in supporting students with exceptional learning profiles having most recently supported students in the EES program at Falconridge School. We are thrilled to have an experienced and passionate member joining our team.
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
Principal