Important Dates:
· May 4, 2026: Bus Driver Appreciation Day & Nature Play Residency
· May 5, 2026: Grade 1 Field trip to the Zoo for Conservation Champions & Final Day or Nature Play Residency
· May 6, 2026: Hats on for Mental Health Day & School Council AGM at 6:30pm
· May 7, 2026: Grade 4 Visit to WD Pratt and WD Pratt Open House
· May 8, 2026: Wonder Hour 9:30-10:30, Fresh Fruit Friday, Grade 1 Celebration of Learning 11:30-12:30
· May 11, 2026: Earth Rangers Assemblies in AM, Calgary Wildlife Visit to PM Kindergarten
· May 12, 2026: Fun Lunch
· May 14, 2026: ROS 2nd Annual Day of Design, Calgary Wildlife Visit to AM Kindergarten
· May 15, 2026: Professional Learning Day – No school for students
· May 18, 2026: Victoria Day – No school for students
· May 19, 2026: WD Pratt and ROS School Council hosted Pancake Breakfast
· May 21, 2026: Kindergarten Orientation for NEW 2026-27 students 5:30 – 6:30pm
· May 22, 2026: 1:30-2:30pm Open House for NEW 2026-2027 Grade 1-4 students
Dear Royal Oak School Families,
As we wrap up the final days of our Nature Play residency, we want to extend our sincere thanks to all of the parent volunteers, teachers, and students who made this experience so meaningful. Over the past couple of months, our school community has embraced outdoor learning in all kinds of weather, demonstrating enthusiasm, resilience, and a true spirit of curiosity. This residency has highlighted the many benefits of time spent in nature—supporting physical development, creativity, problem-solving, and overall well-being. We encourage families to continue making time for outdoor play, exploring local natural spaces, and nurturing a lifelong connection to the outdoors.
As part of our 2025–26 Truth and Reconciliation focus, we are intentionally working to build a deeper connection to the land on which our school is situated. To support this, we are excited to launch our first Signs of Spring Hunt. We invite families to spend time outdoors, noticing and appreciating the changes that come with the season. Whether it’s the first crocus pushing through the soil, budding trees, or returning birds, we encourage you to take photos and share these moments with us. We look forward to creating a vibrant bulletin board in the school that celebrates the arrival of spring (finally!) and highlights the beauty of the natural environment that surrounds our community. Thank you for helping us bring this learning to life in a meaningful and connected way. Please email these photos to our school email address: royaloak@cbe.ab.ca
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8: This coming week, we are pleased to celebrate our teachers at Royal Oak School and the meaningful work they do every day. We extend our sincere appreciation for their unwavering commitment to student learning. From the strong relationships they build, to the safe and inclusive classroom environments they create, to the thoughtful and engaging learning experiences they design—our teachers make a lasting impact. We are also grateful for the consistent communication and partnership they foster with both students and families.
May 4 –8 is Mental Health Week in Canada, an important opportunity for our school community to focus on well-being and the strategies that support positive mental health for all. Throughout the week, classes will engage in age-appropriate activities that build awareness, resilience, and a sense of connection. Students will explore ways to recognize and express emotions, practice mindfulness, and learn how to seek support when needed. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home by checking in with your child, spending time together, and prioritizing balance and well-being in your daily routines. By working together, we can help our students develop the skills and confidence they need to care for their mental health now and in the future. Remember to wear your Hats on for Mental Health on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Spring-Time Safety Reminders: With the nicer weather forecasted in the coming weeks, 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’s Tour to WD Pratt School: On Thursday, May 7, our Grade 4 students attended 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 if your grade 4 child will be automatically designated and registered at WD Pratt School, unless you have notified the school that your child will be attending a different school for the 2026-27 school year.
Volunteer Appreciation Tea – Save the Date: Royal Oak School staff and students would like to invite our valued volunteers for a Volunteer Appreciation Tea on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 11:15-12:30. Mark your calendars and watch for more information coming from our classroom teachers. Students and staff want to show their gratitude and celebrate the positive impact our volunteers have had on our school this year.
Grade 4 Year End Farewell- Save the Date: 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 24th 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.
Registration for My 1st Ride is Now Open: On May 23 & 24, the CBE and its partners will host the My 1st Ride bus orientation program. This free event is designed to familiarize first-time school bus riders and their families with the experience of taking the yellow bus to and from school. Families are encouraged to register to secure a spot.
Sincerely,
Michelle Ryskamp & Nadine Duque
Principal & Assistant Principal, Royal Oak School
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SCHOOL COUNCIL & FUNDRAISING SOCIETY NEWS – EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – May 6
· Please join us for the Royal Oak School Council and Fundraising Society Annual General Meeting on May 6, 2026, at 6:30pm at Royal Oak School.
· All parents/caregivers of students attending Royal Oak School are eligible for election and to vote at the AGM.
· At the meeting, ROS Council and Fundraising Society positions for the 2026-2027 school year will be voted on. This includes Council Chair (or Co-chairs), Key Communicator, and Fundraising Treasurer.
· For more information on available positions please contact roschoolcouncil@gmail.com
2. SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE
· Jenny Regal, the ward 1 & 2 school board trustee, will be attending our May 6 Council & Fundraising Society meeting.
· If you have specific questions you would like to be addressed by Jenny, please forward them to roschoolcouncil@gmail.com
3. NATIONAL PRINCIPAL’S DAY – May 1
· May 1 is National Principal’s Day.
· We would like to send a huge shout out to Ms. Ryskamp and Ms. Duque for their leadership and dedication to the students!! THANK YOU for all that you do.
4. PANCAKE BREAKFAST – May 19
· All staff, students and families from William D. Pratt, and Royal Oak School are welcome, and encouraged to attend this event for a FREE Pancake Breakfast.
· Pancakes will be served from 7:30-8:30 am
· Volunteer Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EAAA929AAF5C43-63029282-2026
5. FUN LUNCHES & TAKE-HOME SNACKS (Healthy Hunger)
· PANAGO Fun Lunch order deadline is April 12, 2026!
· Our remaining fun lunches and snack days are listed below:
o May 12 (lunch) – Panago Pizza
o June 2 (lunch) – Subway
o June 11 (snack) – Saucy Bread Company
· Volunteer sign up: ROS Volunteers: Spring 2026 Fun Lunch & Snack
· Disclaimer: Fun Lunches and snacks are an optional program organized and run by a dedicated group of parent volunteers. While every effort is made to ensure orders are accurate, please note that occasional mistakes may occur. If your child has allergies or specific food restrictions, we encourage you to carefully consider whether participating in Fun Lunch is the right choice for your family, as we cannot guarantee that all items will meet individual dietary needs. Thank you for your understanding and support of this volunteer-led initiative.
If you have any questions, please contact our fun lunch coordinator via email at rosfunlunch@gmail.com