Important Dates:

  • Jan. 5, 2026: Classes Resume
  • Jan. 7, 2026: School Council Meeting 6:30pm, In-person or Online Join the meeting now
  • Jan. 9, 2026: Fun Snack- Cobs Bread
  • Jan. 12-23, 2026: Gymnastics Weeks in PE
  • Jan. 23, 2026: Wonder Hour #2, 11:15-12:15
  • Jan. 29, 2026: School Council’s Family Board Game Night
  • Jan. 30, 2026: Non-instructional Day, No School for Students
  • Feb. 24, 2026: Updated Semester 1 report card date

Dear Royal Oak School Families,

Welcome to the Week

We hope all of our families had a restful and joyful winter break! As we prepare to welcome students back to school, we are excited to continue building on the learning and growth from the first half of the year. This week, students will transition back into routines, review expectations, and re-connect with their peers and re-engage in classroom learning. We appreciate your support in helping your child arrive prepared, rested, and ready to participate fully in the first days back. Your continued engagement, support, and partnership make a real difference in building a strong, connected learning community at Royal Oak School.

Developing Independence at Home and School

At school, we intentionally support students in becoming independent learners, from our youngest students in kindergarten to our grade 4’s. Families play a vital role in this work, and we value parents as essential partners in developing these important skills. Independence developed at home directly supports children’s success at school.

When children are encouraged to manage daily routines, problem-solve, and work through challenges on their own, they strengthen essential executive functioning skills such as organization, self-regulation, perseverance, and responsibility. Consistent expectations between home and school, along with opportunities for appropriate struggle, help children build confidence, resilience, and independence.

Together, as partners, we can support children in developing strong learning habits and life skills that prepare them for both academic success and lifelong learning. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing simple reminders and strategies families can use at home to support this shared work.

School Zone Safety
With winter upon us, it is particularly important that we work together to maintain safety in our school zone. We ask all families to support a safer school environment by observing posted speed limits, avoiding jaywalking and U-turns, and always using marked crosswalks—even if it requires a few extra steps. Modeling these safe habits reinforces important safety lessons for our students.

Finally, we encourage families to discuss the importance of being alert when crossing the street. Looking both ways, pausing before stepping off the curb, and minimizing distractions such as headphones or phones can make a meaningful difference. Thank you for helping ensure the safety of all members of our Royal Oak School community.

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​​​​​​​