Happy New Year, Ian Bazalgette Community.

We certainly hope that everyone had time to spend with friends and loved ones these last two weeks. The end of January marks the end of semester one, which means that Report Cards will soon be available for viewing. Updates on time of availability for Report Cards will be sent in the next week's Newsletter the week of January 13-17.

The end of January also marks an important point in the year for our grade 9 students, with many High Schools offering Gr. 9 Tours and Open House events to assist in making decisions about Gr. 10. As information is shared with us, we will pass on the information to our community. Remember that Assistant Principal Laura Kristiansen is the main contact point regarding questions you may have related to transition to High School.

See important notes for this week:

Weather Reminders 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).

NEW Update | Food and Drink

Food and drinks should be consumed in designated areas during non-instructional time. In general, students are asked to keep food and drink out of instructional areas such as classrooms, computer lab, the library, and gymnasium. Students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

We are fortunate to have a cafeteria where students can eat, and multiple outdoor tables and seats (when the weather is warm enough), as well as a local strip mall, if they do not want to eat within the school.

A new update in the second half of the school year is being highlighted now for families and students. We are very concerned by the fact that many of our students are consuming far too much sugar via sugary drinks such as Slurpees, Energy Drinks, and oversized Coffees and Teas. Additionally, beyond the significant health concerns these present for developing adolescents, these drinks cause many students to be late for classes as they attempt to consume them before coming back into the school, or students have put their open drinks into lockers only to have them spill within the locker itself.   

As such, students are not permitted to bring Slurpee/Big Gulp types of drinks, Tim Horton’s/Starbucks’ drinks, open pop cans, and unopened sugary drinks larger than a single serving, into the school. 

If a student arrives to school with these they will NOT be allowed to store them in their lockers. They will be required to throw them out.

However, drinks/bottles with a re-sealable top (cap) are permissible and can be carried in student backpacks or stored in student lockers.

Tomorrow we will send the school newsletter for the week Jan. 6-10.

The staff and I are looking forward to seeing students soon.

Steven Pike

Principal