Mark Your Calendars:

Sept. 7, 2026: Labour Day – No School for Students

Sept. 9, 2026: First School Council Meeting 6:30-8:30pm in our staff room

Sept. 10, 2026: Fire Drill #1 @ 11:05am

Sept. 14, 2026: Grade 1 –4 Alberta Education Early Years Assessments begin 

Sept. 18, 2026: Terry Fox Run 11:00am with WD Pratt School

Sept. 24, 2026:  Meet the Teacher/ Open House @ 4:30 –6:30pm

Sept. 25, 2026: Non-Instructional Day – No School for Students

Sept. 29, 2026: Orange Shirt Day

Sept. 30, 2026: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation - No School for Students

Dear Royal Oak School Families,  

Our ROS staff were delighted to welcome your children back to school on Monday morning. Seeing the excitement on their faces, hearing the laughter of friends reconnecting, and feeling the energy that comes with the start of a new school year was truly heartwarming. We are excited about the opportunities, growth, and accomplishments that this year will bring for our students.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education. At Royal Oak School, we are fortunate to have a dedicated, caring, and highly committed staff who are passionate about supporting every learner. We value the strong partnership we share with families and look forward to working together to help each child thrive.

As we begin the school year, our teachers are focused on getting to know your children as individuals, including their strengths, interests, learning styles, and areas for growth. By building these meaningful connections and understanding where each student is in their learning journey, teachers can provide the support and opportunities needed to help every child grow, achieve success, and reach their full potential throughout the year ahead.

School Council Meeting: Our first School Council Meeting is on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 6:30 – 8:30pm. All parents are welcome to attend these meetings. In doing so, you can hear more about what is happening in the school, as well as be part of the conversation and work that our council volunteers take on to support our school. Our meetings will be held in person in the school staffroom.

Changes to Friday Recess Times: To support student safety during our ongoing fencing and grounds project, we have made adjustments to our recess schedule. Moving forward, students in Grades 1-4 will have two separate recess times instead of one shared recess: Grades 1 & 3 10:10 a.m. - 10:28 a.m and Grades 2 & 4 10:38 a.m. - 10:56 a.m. These changes will help reduce the number of students on the playground at one time and ensure a safe and enjoyable recess experience for all students. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Safety Reminders: Ensuring the safety of our students, especially during their commute to and from school, is a top priority. We kindly request your support in reinforcing the importance of pedestrian safety with your children. Please remind them to always use designated crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and remain vigilant while walking near the school zone. As parents, you also have a vital role to play as drivers. Please adhere to speed limits, be extra cautious in school zones, and avoid any form of distracted or reckless driving. Together, we can create a secure environment for all our students and pedestrians in our school zone. Thank you for your cooperation in fostering a culture of safety. With your help, we can ensure students safety on the way to and from school. 

Open House/ Meet the Teacher: On Thursday, September 24, we invite parents and guardians to join us for our Open House/Meet the Teacher evening. This year, we are organizing the event a little differently. To ensure families receive important start of the year information, learn how to support their child's success, and strengthen the valuable partnership between home and school, classroom teachers will offer the same presentation twice during the evening. Parents may attend one of the following presentation times: 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. OR 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. If you are bringing your child to the event, please ensure they remain with you at all times and are able to sit with you during the teacher presentation, which will last approximately 20-25 minutes. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing information about the exciting year ahead.

Dressing for the Weather: With cooler temperatures and rain in next week's forecast, please ensure your child comes to school dressed for changing weather conditions. A rain jacket, suitable footwear, and extra layers will help students stay comfortable during outdoor recess and lunch breaks. Thank you for helping your child arrive prepared, ready to learn, and enjoy the outdoors, rain or shine!

Alberta Education Early Years Assessments: Beginning September 14, students across Alberta will participate in the mandatory Alberta Education Early Years Assessments. These assessments provide valuable information about students' current literacy and numeracy skills and help teachers plan instruction to best support student learning. This year, all Grade 4 students, along with students in Grades 1-3, will complete both the Literacy and Numeracy Assessments. The assessments are designed to be low-pressure and will take place during regular instructional time at school. If you have any questions about the assessments, please contact your child's teacher.

Sincerely,

Michelle Ryskamp & Nadine Duque

Principal & Assistant Principal, Royal Oak School