Good afternoon, Ian Bazalgette Community.

Please see this week's important reminders and the School Newsletter.

No School

February 17 - Family Day

February 28 - Non-Instruction Day - No School

Weather Reminder for CBE Families

It is important to note that winter weather is most often coldest during the months of January and February.

Be Prepared for the Changing Weather Conditions

Calgary’s weather can include snow, cold temperatures, and wind chill, and that make getting to and from school challenging. Families are reminded to prepare and take extra caution during the winter months and periods of extreme weather.

CBE Schools Rarely Close Due to Snow or Cold Temperatures

All CBE schools will remain open to provide a safe, warm and secure environment for students.

Even with adverse weather conditions, assume that schools are open unless you hear otherwise from your school. Information regarding any school closures due to weather will be posted on the CBE websites and social media, and shared with local news media.

Be Prepared

Families should ensure they are prepared for all weather conditions.

  • Children should be well prepared and dressed for the weather.
  • Children will find it easier to walk through the ice and snow when school items and lunches are carried in a back pack.
  • Children should not be left unattended at bus stops for any period of time, under any circumstances. They should have clear instructions on how long to await for the bus and what to do if the bus does not arrive.
  • Families should ensure that they have back-up care arrangements if transportation is delayed. Children should have a warm place to stay before and after school (i.e. with a neighbour or a nearby relative).
  • We respect parents/guardians right to make their own decisions about sending their children to school. If your child will not be attending classes please ensure you contact your school's attendance line to report the absence.

Transportation Delays

With changing weather conditions, roads may also be congested and slippery resulting in possible traffic and bus delays. Unusually cold or stormy weather can result in buses being delayed. Unexpected mechanical problems with the bus may also occur more frequently at this time of year. Children should be dressed appropriately for the colder weather as buses cool off very quickly.

We know the bus driver shortage this school year has had a negative impact on many families. We anticipate the shortage will continue throughout the school year. While we are working with our transportation providers for solutions, the snow and colder weather will make getting to and from school more challenging.

CBE Transportation does not adjust routes or bus stops due to weather conditions.

There are a variety of ways transportation providers provide real time route information for families. Note | In times when they are extremely busy, all service provider staff are dedicated to driving buses and they are not always able to accommodate this service.

  • First Student, Southland Transportation, and Fenton use apps to post delays and messages. Learn more about how to download the app for your provider on our website.
  • Calgary Transit service delays can be found on their website or their Twitter account (@calgarytransit).

Community Resource Fair

Message from Valley View School:

A Community Resource Fair is happening on Thursday, February 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Valley View School. We are looking forward to this event and hosting community members from Valley View School, Ian Bazalgette, Niitsitapi, West Dover and Erin Woods Schools.

The purpose of this event is to highlight essential resources available to families within our school community, including job training programs, recreational activities, mental health supports, language and education opportunities, and more! This event is also designed to specifically cater to newcomer families, with the intention of identifying their unique needs and offering assistance in their integration into our community. 

Here are some details about the event:

  • The school is located at 4105 26th Avenue SE. You can park in the main staff parking lot, in any available spot. Parking is also located across the street at the Community Center.
  • The El Sistema Calgary Multicultural Orchestra Foundation will be in the main hallway playing live music.
  • We have over 20 organizations in attendance!

We are so grateful for your support and hope that many families will attend and walk away with valuable information that will help. We are also thankful to the School Councils of Valley View School, Ian Bazalgette, Niitsitapi, West Dover and Erin Woods School, for leading this initiative. We also thank Veronica Chirino, City of Calgary Social Worker for Dover for helping us connect with many of you!

Please reach out if you have any questions. We're looking forward to seeing you on February 27.

Community Resource Fair 

Reminder | Science Program Registration

Please note that students currently in the Science Program here at Ian Bazalgette will be automatically re-enrolled into the program next year, and therefore families do not need to enter an Expression of Interest on SchoolEngage.

Reminder | Supplies Reminder for Grades 7-9

Now is a good time to replenish student’s school supplies (pencils, erasers, pens etc.) *Note: Only students in grades one to six are given supplies by the school, as is customary in elementary grades.

Grade 9 Farewell Fundraiser

Healthy Hunger

We will be holding a fun lunch at school through Healthy Hunger on February 19, 2025. The lunch provided will be from Edo Japan, with prices varying depending on the food choice. Vegetarian and gluten free options will be available. If interested, families need to register with www.healthyhunger.ca and search for Ian Bazalgette. All payments must be completed online, cash will not be accepted at school. All proceeds from Healthy Hunger will go towards the grade 9 farewell at the end of the year.

Got Lunch? 

We remain a closed campus at lunchtime. We want to remind families that students need to bring their lunch or eat the lunches provided by school. We are not able to provide access to microwaves for student use. As a reminder, we are not able to receive Skip the Dishes, Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc. in the main office. The driver will be asked to return the delivery to the restaurant.  

Please see  Ian Bazalgette School Newsletter Feb. 17-21 


Steven Pike

Principal

Ian Bazalgette School