Important Dates:
- Jan. 13-23, 2026: Gymnastics Weeks in PE
- Jan. 16, 2026: Wonder Hour #2, 11:15-12:15 (Date correction)
- Jan. 19 – Feb. 6: Alberta Education Early Years Assessments for K-Gr. 3 students
- Jan. 20, 2026: Fun Lunch - Subway
- Jan. 29, 2026: School Council’s Family Board Game Night
- Jan. 30, 2026: Non-instructional Day, No School for Students
- Feb. 4, 2026: School Council Meeting
- Feb. 6, 2026: Fun Snack
- Feb. 12 & 13, 2026: Teachers' Convention, No School for Students
- Feb. 16, 2026: Family Day, No School for Students
- Feb, 20, 2026: Wonder Hour #3
- Feb. 24, 2026: Updated Semester 1 report card date
- Feb. 25, 2026: Pink Shirt Day Assembly
- March 2026: Literacy Month
Dear Royal Oak School Families,
What an exciting first week it has been! The halls are buzzing with energy as students settle back into routines after a well-deserved winter break. From reconnecting with friends to diving into new learning opportunities, it’s been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and engagement in every classroom. Thank you for your continued support as we kick off this new year together—there’s so much to look forward to!
Gymnastics Unit begins this week: We are beginning with mat work to build balance and movement skills with a focus on personal safety, prior to introducing a variety of age appropriate gymnastic equipment the following week. To ensure the safety of our students during this unit of study we ask that students follow some simple rules:
· All students are required to remove jewelry, head bands and watches.
· Students are encouraged to wear clothing that will allow a free range of movement. Children may wear shorts and t-shirts under their regular clothing if they wish, changing as needed.
· Students are required to remove socks and shoes to avoid slipping on the mats and equipment. However, if your child must keep their feet covered (i.e. warts) please send them with ‘grippy’ socks, if possible, or they will be required to put a bandage on the affected area.
· Students with long hair need to pull it back into a ponytail or braid
Developing Independence: Getting Dressed Independently
Encouraging your child to get dressed on their own helps build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills. Consistent daily routines—even when they take a little longer—support children in becoming capable, self-reliant learners. Struggling through small tasks, like zipping a zipper or tying shoelaces, helps children learn perseverance. By practicing these skills at home, students become much more independent at school as they get ready for recess, lunch break and home time.
School Zone Safety – Parking Reminders
We kindly remind families to please not park in the designated handicapped zone at the front of the school unless you have the proper permit. These spaces are reserved for individuals who require accessible parking. We have families that require these spots at the start of the school day and pick-up times. Thank you for helping us keep our school safe and accessible for everyone.
Kindergarten Registration: Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-27 school year begins January 12, 2026. For children to be eligible to register and attend kindergarten in September 2026 year, they must turn five years old on or before Dec. 31, 2026. When registering your child for school, there are several things you should consider. Our CBE Kindergarten Registration Guide can help answer many of your questions. Please be aware that registration is not first-come, first-served.
Sincerely,
Michelle Ryskamp & Nadine Duque
Principal & Assistant Principal, Royal Oak School
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SCHOOL COUNCIL & FUNDRAISING SOCIETY NEWS – EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. THANK YOU’S
· Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations to December's volunteer of the month, Tiffany M! Tiffany is new to the school this year with a student in kindergarten and has embraced volunteering by becoming the school council Key Communicator. She also helped with the Winter Dance in December. Thank you, Tiffany, for all you have contributed to the school so far!
· Fun Snack
o Thank you to the team of volunteers who sorted and delivered the Cobs Bread fun snack on January 9. The students were excited to receive their tasty treats.
· Hug and Go
o Thank you to the dedicated volunteers that helped with the morning Hug and Go this week and to those that set out pylons and “no parking signs” after school. We appreciate your efforts.
2. FAMILY BOARD GAME NIGHT – January 29, 2026
· Mark your calendars for our upcoming Family Board Game Night. Bring the whole family and your favorite board game or puzzle and join your friends from ROS. Lots of prizes to be won.
· Info to be sent home with students this week
3. FUN LUNCHES AND FUN SNACKS (Healthy Hunger)
· Fun lunches and Fun snacks are optional events that occur once or twice per month at Royal Oak School. Fun lunches are available to students in grades one to four and are handed out at lunch time. Fun snacks are scheduled on Fridays and are open to students in grades one to four, as well as the kindergarten students for those classes that are attending school that day. Snacks are handed out at the end of the day to be enjoyed at home.
· Orders can be placed through Healthy Hunger: www.healthyhunger.ca up to five days before the event.
· Upcoming Fun lunch and snack dates:
o January 20 – Subway (fun lunch)
o February 6 – Pretzels (fun snack)
o February 24 – Panago (fun lunch)
o March 17 – Subway (fun lunch)
· If you have any questions, please contact our fun lunch coordinator via email at rosfunlunch@gmail.com
· Volunteers are needed for our fun lunch events, please sign up using the link below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4FA9AE2CA5F94-61329907-winter#/
4. LITERACY MONTH
· In March, Royal Oak School Council is hosting several events to foster a lifelong love of reading among students and families. Join us for activities that promote literacy through reading, writing and fun.
· As part of literacy month, there will be a book drive (March 1-18). Start saving your new or gently used books and puzzles to donate.