Good afternoon Ian Bazalgette Community

I sincerely hope everyone had a summer of fun, laughter, and had time with loved ones and friends. During the past three days staff have been preparing to receive students and start the school year in good ways. Emails and calls have been made home to assist with the school start-up.

However, that being said, there is some information that I wanted to reinforce and highlight as we enter the new school year.

Start-Up Reminder

  • Students are asked to enter the following doors based on grade level: Grade 7 & 8 students should enter the school through the main doors, after which Grade 7 students will head to the main gymnasium to find popsted homeroom lists and Grade 8 students will head to the bistro to find posted homeroom lists. Grade 9 students can enter the building through Door 5 or Door 3. Signage will be present to assist students. Students should arrive between 7:45 am – 8:00 am and will be welcomed into the building. Homeroom will begin at 8:15 am.
  • We will be following a modified bell schedule on Thursday only. Friday’s classes, and classes beginning on Sept. 3, will follow the school’s regularly scheduled bell schedule. Classes begin at 8:00 am every day. Monday through Thursday, classes end at 2:32 pm. On Friday, classes end at 12:16 pm.

Personal Mobile Device & Social Media Use in Schools

As you may have already heard, CBE is implementing restrictions on Personal Mobile Device & Social Media Use in Schools effective Aug. 29. This policy will comply with the Ministerial Order provided by the Government of Alberta this past June based on survey feedback provided by families.

CBE cares about the mental health and well-being of students. Restricting access to personal mobile devices and social media is expected to improve student achievement and learning outcomes. CBE strongly recommends students simply leave their devices at home, because in most cases, personal mobile devices are not needed to support student learning.

For students in kindergarten to Grade 9, CBE will use ‘away for the day’ guidelines similar to what many schools have been using in recent years.  Personal mobile devices brought to school including cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, laptops, smart watches, Bluetooth speakers/headphones or any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet must be powered off or set in silent mode and stored out of sight in student lockers, backpacks or other designated area for the duration of the school day.

If a student is found to be using a personal mobile device in class without permission from the teacher, the CBE will work with the student to ensure the rules are understood. We rely on good communication and other existing processes to ensure students know what is expected. When necessary, schools will use a progressive student discipline approach in working with students.

These new rules will apply to all students, with exceptions for students using devices for health and medical needs, to support specialized learning needs and for educational purposes.

For students who require access to a personal mobile device for health and medical needs, it is advised that parents complete and submit a Student Health Plan as soon as possible or contact Mrs. Tanya Miller in student services.

For students who require access to a personal mobile device to support an identified educational need, families should contact the school to discuss this being included as an accommodation or support in the student’s individual program plan (IPP).

For English as an Additional Language Learners who require access to a personal mobile device, a new PMD Exception form will be approved by School Administration in conversation with parents/guardians. 

Also, aligned with the Ministerial Order, the CBE will restrict student access to all known social media platforms on the CBE network.

This policy will be in place for the first day of school. However, it is set to be reviewed in December, 2024. At that time, any feedback from schools will be considered before the Administrative Regulation is finalized as of Jan. 1, 2025.

Thank you for helping us to make this transition successful. For further resources, please view additional information on our website.

New Portable

Throughout the province cities and schools are experiencing unprecedented population growth. This has meant expanding schools through portable modular classrooms. At Ian Bazalgette, we are currently finishing the installation of an additional modular classroom (portable). Students will notice that there is protective fencing around the work being done. Please remind students that they are not to climb on such fencing.

Video Surveillance Upgrade

Under the Education Act the CBE has an obligation to:

  • Create welcoming, caring, safe and respectful learning environment;
  • Protect and maintain school assets;
  • Comply with FOIP and all applicable laws;
  • Carefully ensure an appropriate balance is achieved with respect to supporting security infrastructure and practices and minimizing the impact on privacy.

Our school had a legacy Video Surveillance Technology (VST) that was at end-of-life. The CBE refreshed the security camera system with a modernized solution. At the first School Council meeting of the school year, more information will be provided and an opportunity for feedback.

We cannot wait to see everyone soon!

Steven Pike
Principal
Ian Bazalgette Junior High School