Mark Your Calendars:
· May 1, 2025: Grade 4 tour to WD Pratt School 10:00-11:40am
· May 1, 2025: W.D. Pratt Open House for grade 4’s 5:00-7:00pm
· May 1, 2025: School Council Family Dance 5:30-8:00
· May 5-9, 2025: Mental Health Week & Teacher Appreciation Week
· May 7, 2025: Hats on for Mental Health Day & Water Bottle Wednesday Challenge
· May 8, 2025: Wear Active or Sportswear Day
· May 9, 2025: School Council Fresh Fruit Friday
· May 12, 2025: School Council Meeting
· May 12, 2025: School Council Meeting
· May 16, 2025: Professional Learning Day – No School for Students
· May 19, 2025: Victoria Day – No School for Students
· June 6, 2025: Sports Day
Dear Royal Oak School Families,
We are so excited to see the arrival of May and all the growth it brings in our gardens, in nature and in our students’ learning. This past Thursday we held our first International Day of Design where our students were engaged in planning, designing, creating, making, and building projects with their buddy classes. During the afternoon, students had the opportunity to share their work and visit classrooms throughout the school to become inspired by the creativity and ingenuity of others. During this special day, students also learned about the importance of problem solving, the need to persist and persevere when things are hard, and to work collaboratively with others.
Our School Council’s first Spring Family Dance was a resounding success. Thank you to the families who came out to connect and enjoy the event. Many thanks to our Social Council and all the volunteers who invested their time and energy to make this happen. We look forward to seeing more families this coming Thursday, May 1 for the second family dance.
Class List Creation for 2025-2026: In the upcoming weeks, we will begin creating our class lists for the 2025-26 school year. It is important to note that significant time and attention goes into the creation of class lists. In May, teachers will gather input from students as to which friends and peers they would wish to be in the same class next year. As teachers and the admin team meet, we aim to balance our classes based on the learning needs of students, gender and student complexity. We ask that you trust in the process. Should you feel there is a particular educational situation the school is not already aware of regarding your child’s placement for next year, please contact Michelle Ryskamp via email at mcryskamp@cbe.ab.ca no later than May 19, 2025, indicating your request and reasoning. While all requests will be reviewed, please note that we may be unable to accommodate all of them.
Grade 4’s Tour to WD Pratt School: On Friday, May 1, our Grade 4 students will attend a tour at WD Pratt School. They are also hosting an Open House that same evening, inviting families to the school to help with the transition to middle school. Please note that your grade 4 child will automatically be designated and registered at WD Pratt School, unless you have notified the school that your child will be attending a different school for the 2025-26 school year.
William D. Pratt 2025 Open House: WD Pratt School is excited to invite new and incoming students and their parents/guardians to join us for an Open House on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Please join us in the main gym for ‘Welcome and Introductions’ at 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. If you have questions, please contact the main office at William D. Pratt School at williamdpratt@cbe.ab.ca or 403-817-3520
Spring-Time Safety Reminders: With the nicer weather finally here, we would like to share a couple of reminders with our Royal Oak School families to ensure that we keep everyone safe and sound. We would like to remind our families that scooters, bikes and skateboards are not to be ridden on the school sidewalk that runs around our school building. We ask that students, parents and siblings dismount and walk all scooters, bikes and skateboards through this area as well as when crossing the street at our crosswalks.
Bike and Scooter Storage: A reminder that when riding bikes or scooters to school, these are to be locked up on our bike racks at either the front or back of the school. Please note that this is at your own risk. We are unable to accommodate the storage of scooters inside the school building.
Grade 4 Year End Farewell: If you are the parent of a grade 4 student, please mark your calendars as we will be holding a Grade 4 Farewell Assembly on Wednesday, June 25th in the morning. The exact time is still to be decided. We will be able to welcome two family members per grade 4 student to attend this event. More information to follow later in May.
Wishing you a great week ahead!
Sincerely,
Michelle Ryskamp,
Principal, Royal Oak School
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SCHOOL COUNCIL & FUNDRAISING SOCIETY NEWS – EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
· Spring Plant Fundraiser – Spring 2025 Fundraising Form - Royal Oak School – Did you know you can purchase beautiful plants supplied by Bluegrass Nursery through our Spring Plant Fundraiser? Orders must be placed by May 9; pick-up will be on May 22 at ROS. All proceeds go to the Royal Oak School Fundraising Society, helping to fund materials, resources, and programs for our students.
· The Book Sale continues on May 1 at the Spring Dance! Attend our Book Sale on May 1 at the school dance. Purchase children’s books for only $1 and puzzles for $3! Cash or card accepted. All proceeds go back into school activities and resources. If you have questions, please email roschoolcouncil@gmail.com.
· Spring Dance – Tickets still available for May 1: There are still tickets available for the spring dance on May 1. Only $3 per person and available to buy on www.Healthyhunger.ca. Pre-order pizza and purchase snacks at concession!
· Wellness Week is May 5 to 9: Maintain your mental and physical health! All week long, students will participate in activities that promote good health. Join us for a free family yoga class on May 8th at 3:45 on the ROS field (weather permitting). All kids who attend will be entered to win a wellness prize package! Keep an eye out for more information on Google Classroom.
Mark Your Calendars!
1. We need volunteers for the school dance on May 1 - please sign up here: ROS Volunteers: Spring Dance 2025! There are still lots of volunteer shifts available. Please sign up today.
2. Tim Horton’s Fun Snack May 1 – we are looking for volunteers to help with this Fun Snack. Sign up at ROS Volunteers: Spring 2025 Fun Lunch & Snack.
3. 2025/2026: IMMEDIATE NEED
· Volunteer Coordinator: Are you looking for an opportunity to give back to the school, meet people, and have good organization skills? The core responsibilities of this position are to create Sign Ups, liaise with ROS for events (as well as School Council and Fundraising Society) to recruit volunteers, and enhance school community. This is a CRITICAL role – ongoing support will be provided. Email: ROSVolunteers@gmail.com for more information.
· Fundraising Society Chair: Want to work alongside a team to facilitate fundraisers that enhance our students' learning experience, oversee use of the Casino funds, and make a difference for ROS families? Sign up for the position of Fundraising Society Chair. Email: ROSFundraisingSociety@gmail.com.