Mark Your Calendars:
Oct. 19, 2026: Non-Instructional Day – No School for Students
Oct. 20-22, 2026: Class visits with Elder Priscilla Paul
Oct. 29, 2026: Fun Lunch – Panago Pizza
Oct. 29, 2026: School Council Dress-Up Dance at WD Pratt School 5:30-8:00pm
Oct. 30, 2026: Halloween Dress-up Day at School
Nov. 4, 2026: Photo Re-take Day
Nov. 10, 2026: Remembrance Day Assembly
Nov. 11-15, 2026: Fall Break
Nov. 17-19, 24-27, Dec. 2,3 & 9: Artist in Residence – Storyteller Jeff Stockton
Nov. 26 & 27, 2026: School Conferences (Thurs. 4:00-8:00pm & Fri. 8:00-1:00)
Nov. 26 & 27, 2026: Scholastic Book Fair
Nov. 30, 2026: School Lockdown Drill @ 9:15am
Dear Royal Oak School Families,
Learning with Elder Priscilla Paul: We are excited to share that our students and staff will have the opportunity to learn alongside Elder Priscilla Paul throughout this year. As part of our ongoing commitment to Indigenous learning and relationship building, Elder Priscilla will be working with our school community to share her knowledge, experiences, and stories. On our upcoming Professional Development Day on Monday, October 19th, staff will spend time learning with Elder Priscilla to deepen their understanding and prepare for meaningful learning opportunities with students. Throughout the week, each class will also participate in a dedicated 30-minute session with her. During these visits, Elder Priscilla will share stories of her childhood and lived experiences, teach students about her Métis culture and traditions, and introduce them to the rich history and significance of the Métis jig. Through storytelling, students will gain a deeper appreciation for culture, identity, and the ways stories help us understand ourselves and one another. These experiences connect beautifully with our school-wide theme, “How do stories connect us?” As students listen, reflect, and share, they will explore how stories build relationships, preserve culture, strengthen community, and help us see the world through different perspectives. We look forward to welcoming Elder Priscilla and are grateful for the opportunity to learn from her throughout the year.
Early Years Literacy and Numeracy Screeners: As part of the ongoing work to support student learning, families of students participating in the Early Years Literacy and Numeracy Screeners will receive their child's screening results on Wednesday, October 28. Results will be generated, printed, and distributed to parents/legal guardians through the school. These screeners provide valuable information about students' early literacy and numeracy development and help schools identify strengths and areas where additional support may be beneficial. The Calgary Board of Education's School Improvement team will be sending additional information directly to families to help explain the purpose of the screeners, how the results are interpreted, and how the information is used to support student learning. We encourage families to review the information when it arrives and reach out to their classroom teacher if they have any questions.
Halloween is just around the corner, and we know that our school community is looking forward to celebrating this holiday in creative ways. On Friday, October 30, we would like to invite all students and staff to dress-up for the day. To ensure that all members in our school community are able to enjoy this holiday, we wanted to send a reminder to please be thoughtful in the selection of costume being worn to school. The following two guidelines should be considered when selecting costumes that will be worn at school:
· Be kind and consider the school community: costumes that are revealing or could be offensive or perpetuate the stereotype of someone’s gender identity, culture, race, religion, age, or disability must not be worn.
· Be thoughtful and safe: costumes that depict violence, alcohol or drugs are not appropriate. Similarly, replica weapons (e.g. gun, knives, etc.) must not be brought to school.
If your child chooses to wear a costume, consider this his/her contribution to a wonderful day full of fun events that promote friendship and cooperation. As students will be wearing costumes for the entire day, please ensure that your child is able to sit comfortably in their costume, participate in gym class, and go outside for recess and lunch break. No costume - No worries! You are welcome to wear orange or black, our school apparel, or your favourite T-shirt!
Communication with Royal Oak School Teachers: We appreciate open dialogue with you as parents to support your child/ren’s educational experience here at Royal Oak School. Please be aware that if you are emailing a teacher during the school day, they may not have an opportunity to read your message until the end of the day as they are busy working with students. If you require a faster response, please call the front office for assistance. Additionally, please allow our teachers 24 hours (during the work week) to respond to your emails. If you are requesting a teacher to complete additional forms/ letters for doctors, pediatricians or counselors, they will need at least one week’s notice to do so. We appreciate your support in helping our teachers manage their workload and priorities.
Sincerely,
Michelle Ryskamp & Todd Faunt
Principal & Acting Assistant Principal, Royal Oak School
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ROS School Council Corner
1. Apple Yum-Raiser: Apples are ready for pick up on Oct 19.
2. Jacket Racket- Collection dates Oct 20-30. Drop off at ROS.
Please bring in any gently used winter jackets, snow pants, boots, mitts, and toques for donation to CBE kids this winter.
3. ROS Halloween Family Dance Oct 29 5:30pm @ WD Pratt- Come join us for a fun night out with the fam in your favorite costume!
Purchase tickets and pre-order your pizza dinner HERE (Healthy Hunger)
4. Free Community Skate Event (hosted by RRROCA) Dec 19 and Jan 9, 11:00-3:00 Try on a pair of skates for free and enjoy some time skating together at the outdoor rink in Royal Oak. Hot chocolate included. Volunteers needed!
5. Dec 1 & 2 @ Cowboys Casino: Our school casino is one of our biggest fundraising opportunities. You do not need volunteer clearance, no casino experience, and anyone 18+ (even if they are not part of the ROS community) can volunteer. Volunteer for a shift HERE
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
· Halloween Dance Oct 29: Sign up for a shift HERE
· Photo Day Helpers for Retakes Nov 4: We still need 2 more volunteers. Sign up HERE
· Fun Lunch/Snack Helpers: Sign up HERE
· Cowboys Casino Fundraiser: Sign up HERE
· Free Community Skate Event (RRROCA)- Sign up for a shift HERE
· Events Committee (Parent Council) Be a part of the planning and execution at various school events. Email roschoolcouncil@gmail.com
· Secretary Position (Parent Council) Are you detail-oriented, well organized, and can type considerably well? We need you. Email roschoolcouncil@gmail.com
Fundraising Society:
1. Flip Give (app) Use code: KWTVM3: Shop online through FlipGive and a percentage gets donated back to our school.
2. Loveable Labels: Support our school and order your labels HERE