It’s hard to believe, but winter break is upon us! This week continues to be packed with learning activities and some winter fun as well. Our Junior Leaders have organized spirit days throughout the week and our School Council/REPS is hosting a pizza party lunch for all students on Friday in celebration of another successful cookie dough fundraiser. 

This past week wrapped up our work with Jenn from Yellow Steps, where we brought our learning outdoors (just sneaking in the last out-trip before the frigid temperatures set in). Our grade three students spent time writing “What I notice” and “What I wonder” statements about their journeys. Grade fours are investigating what they can find in the Earth’s four interconnected spheres - the atmosphere (air), lithosphere/geosphere (land), hydrosphere (water) and biosphere (living things). Grade five students are creating museum exhibits to show the past, present and anticipated future of our community. Our grade six students are busy creating a podcast of what they learned about Carburn Park. We look forward to continuing our place-based learning throughout the year and sharing our work with families! 

As we move into winter break, we would like to send our gratitude to our amazing community at Riverbend School! From sharing student achievement at conferences to connecting with our community at special events and to the volunteers who continue to step up for all manner of requests, we are grateful for your support. Have a safe, restful and joyous winter break and we look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, January 5^th. 

Our next weekly message will be on Sunday, January 4^th. 

Happy holidays! 

The Week Ahead: 

CBE Dates of Significance 

Updates and Information: 

Pizza Party 

We need a few volunteers for Friday’s Pizza Party for the cookie fundraiser. Please sign up here if you can assist: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAAA92DA7F5C52-61203021-pizza 

Students who have opted out of the pizza party meal are invited to bring their own lunch to enjoy on Friday if they wish. 

Lockdown Drill 

One procedure we must practice regularly is a lockdown drill. Similarly to fire drills, we practice appropriate safety procedures for the various situations that may occur and affect our students and staff. 

We had our first practice this past Thursday morning. Teachers had the opportunity to discuss the procedure with students prior to the drill.  Calgary Police Service members were in attendance to guide us through the process. Questions about this practice can be directed to Mrs. Poole. Thank you for supporting this important safety procedure. 

Lost and Found 

Missing some of your students’ belongings? Please check out our Lost and Found. Any items not claimed by the end of January will be donated. 

 Kindergarten Registration 2026-27 

Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year will begin on Monday Jan. 12, 2026. Children can be registered for kindergarten if they turn five years old on or before Dec. 31 of the school year they will be in kindergarten. For example, when registering for the 2026-27 school year, the child must turn five on or before Dec. 31, 2026. Registration information can be found here when registration opens. 

From School Council: 

Save the Dates! 

Quick reminder, there is no December meeting, so please mark the calendar for our 2026 meeting dates below. 

• Pizza Party: December 19 
• School Council Meetings: January 15 | Feb 19 | Mar 12 | Apr 16 | May 21 
• Rescheduled October Pasta Lunch: January 15 
• Rescheduled October Popcorn: March 4 
• NEW! Special Parent Engagement Night: March 17 (more details soon) 

On behalf of your School Council / Parents Society, we wish all Riverbend families a joyous (and relaxing) holiday season!