January 8 BUZZ
Happy Monday and Happy New Year!!
Welcome back, everyone! We hope you had a fantastic winter break filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments. As we dive back into the school routine, let's carry the warmth of the holidays with us, especially with the frosty temperatures that are coming. Here's to a successful and exciting start to the new year together!
It's a great week for a great week!
Please read through the following blog post articles for important Glen Allan information.
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Action
Opportunity
- 2024-25 Fee Consultation Process
- Kindergarten Registration Starts Soon!
- Returning Student Registration for 2024-25
Information
- Cybersecurity Update: Important information for families
- EIPS Annual Education Results Report 2022-23: Now available!
- Did you know? EIPS Board of Trustees
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Information
WEEK AT A GLANCE - January 8 - 12
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Upcoming Events and Important Dates
- December 25 to January 5: Christmas Break (schools closed to staff and students)
- December 25 to January 1: Central Services Christmas closure days
- January 10: Early dismissal
- January 10: Gathering of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Families and Allies
- January 15: Division High School Information Night
- January 17: French Immersion Information Session
- January 24: Logos Christian Program Information Night
- January 25: Advanced Placement Information Night
- January 30: Ukrainian Language and Culture Information Night
- January 30-31: Ribbon Skirt and Shirt Workshop at Fort Saskatchewan High
- January 31: Professional Learning Day (schools closed to students)
- February 1: Second semester begins
- February 1: 2024-25 kindergarten registration opens
- February 6: International Baccalaureate Programme Information Night
- February 7: Early dismissal
- February 8: Returning student registration opens
- February 8-9: North Central Teachers’ Convention (schools closed to students)
ACTION
BRRR! Dress for the Conditions
With colder temperatures now upon us it's important that students come dressed for winter conditions. During the chilly winter months, please send students with hats, mitts, boots, scarves, and snow pants. A second set of mitts and socks can also be useful as these items tend to get damp when outside at recess. The weather often changes unexpectedly throughout the day, so please select suitable outerwear and ensure your child is prepared for changing conditions.
Students will enjoy the great outdoors unless it is approximately -22 °C or colder, taking into account the wind chill. During inside recesses remain in their homerooms where they have access to games and other quiet activities.
If inclement weather conditions occur, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) will advise families of any bus cancellations or changes to school operations using various communications tools—automated-telephone messages, email, SMS, alerts posted on www.eips.ca and school websites, Twitter, Facebook, local radio stations and notification through both the Bus Status and the Ride 360 apps. Morning bus cancellations are posted on www.eips.ca by 6:30 a.m.
Decisions regarding bus cancellations or changes to school operations are guided by EIPS’ Administrative Procedure 131: Inclement Weather, which states: “school bus service may be suspended … when there is a forecast or current temperature of -40 C including wind chill, in one or more regions.” Other reasons for suspending or delaying school bus services or school-related activities include adverse weather and poor road conditions.
When school bus services are suspended, schools remain open to students. EIPS believes families have the right and responsibility to make choices for their children based on what they feel is safest during times of inclement weather.
For more information, contact EIPS Student Transportation at 780-417-8151.
OPPORTUNITY
2024-25 Fee Consultation Process
Under Alberta Education’s School Fee Regulation, schools must consult with parents prior to setting school fees for the upcoming school year.
Our next school council meeting will be taking place on January 18, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. During that time, we’ll be sharing information about our current fee structure, posing specific questions about priorities, and asking you to provide your feedback as we plan for the next school year. While many of these activities and services enhance students’ educational experience, we want to ensure these fees aren’t cost prohibitive for families.
Specifically, we will be asking for input on the following:
- Noon hour supervision
- Field trips and associated fees
- Extracurricular activities
- Non-curricular goods and services (for example, student union and yearbooks)
We understand not all families will be available to attend the meeting but it’s still important we get as much input from the school community as possible. Following the meeting, materials will be shared on our website for your review, and an email address provided so you can submit a written response.
School administration will use feedback provided to help determine fees for next year, which will then be shared at the February school council meeting, posted to our website and shared via link through email.
I look forward to hearing from you on January 18.
Kindergarten Registration Starts Soon!
Is your child turning five on or before Dec. 31, 2024? If so, it’s almost time to register for kindergarten.
Kindergarten registration opens for the 2024-25 school year at 9 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2024.
To help families prepare, Elk Island Public Schools has put together an online EIPS Kindergarten Tool kit to make the transition as smooth as possible. The kit includes information on registration, important dates, programming options, what to expect, eligibility, how to find your designated school, transportation and more.
Additional information regarding [School Name]’s kindergarten program is available at [insert & hyperlink your school website home page].
Returning Student Registration for 2024-25
Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) will once again conduct an online returning student registration process to confirm student registrations for the 2024-25 school year. Families of all current students—with the exception of graduating Grade 12 students—must complete the process to confirm the school their child plans to attend in the 2024-25 school year or advise the Division of their plans not to return to EIPS. Additionally, students who want to attend a non-designated school need to make that request through the returning student registration process—acceptance is based on available space. The 2024-25 returning student registration takes place Feb. 8-21, 2024.
One contact for each current PALS to Grade 11 student will receive the Returning Student Registration Form link through Permission Click on February 8. The recipient is based on which contact has been identified as the one to receive forms as listed on the most recent registration form, Correction and Verification Form or Student Information Update submitted to the Division. To review the contacts listed for each student, refer to the Student Information Update available through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Only one contact can be selected to receive forms.
For more information, contact the school office at 780-467-5519.
INFORMATION
Cybersecurity Update: Important information for families
As part of EIPS’ ongoing commitment to maintaining a secure and effective digital learning environment for students, the Division is implementing an important update to its cybersecurity protocols Jan. 19, 2024.
Enhanced Location-based Security for Student Accounts
Starting Jan. 19, 2024, access to student user accounts—used for platforms like PowerSchool, Brightspace and Google—will be limited to within Canada's geographical boundaries. This change is an essential step in strengthening our cyber defenses and ensuring the digital safety of students.
What Does This Mean for You and Your Child?
Location-limited Access: Your child's account will be accessible only when they’re physically located in Canada. This includes all activities related to their schoolwork, such as submitting assignments, accessing study materials or sending EIPS account emails.
Seamless In-country Use: While in Canada, students will experience no change in how they access and use their accounts. The process remains as straightforward and user-friendly as always.
PowerSchool Access for Parents and Caregivers: This change will NOT impact parent and caregiver access to PowerSchool during periods of travel.
Why This Change?
The safety and privacy of students are paramount. This location-based access control is a proactive measure to prevent unauthorized access to students' accounts and protect sensitive information from potential cyber threats.
Questions?
For more information, contact the school office at 780-467-5519.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Together, we can ensure a secure and thriving digital learning environment for all students.
EIPS Annual Education Results Report 2022-23: Now available!
EIPS’ Annual Education Results Report 2022-23 is now available online. The report details how EIPS is doing relative to Alberta Education’s performance measures; how it’s supporting students to achieve the best possible outcomes; and its successes, challenges and priority strategies moving forward. What shines through in this year’s Annual Education Results Report are the myriad programs and initiatives taking shape throughout the Division to ensure high-quality education, support student growth and achievement, and develop learners with the skills and knowledge needed to help them succeed.
EIPS invites you to read through this year’s Annual Education Results Report 2022-23. Celebrate our collective achievements and discover how EIPS fosters environments for all students to learn, grow and thrive—and why it matters.
Annual Education Results Report 2022-23
Also available is a condensed version of the report: AERR 2022-23: Overview
RELATED INFORMATION
EIPS Four-Year Education Plan: 2022-26
EIPS Three-Year Capital Plan: 2024-27
Did you know? EIPS Board of Trustees
The Education Act requires every public school division in the province to have a Board of Trustees. The Board is made up of elected representatives who are accountable to you, the families, and to the community members of a school division who have elected each trustee. For EIPS, the Board provides overall direction and leadership, accepting responsibility for the Division’s policies and procedures. You can view all current policies and procedures on the EIPS website.
FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS, AND INUIT INFORMATION
First Nations, Métis and Inuit Family Gathering
The First Nations, Métis and Inuit education team has planned a series of in-person gatherings for families of self-identified First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who are curious to learn more about the supports offered throughout EIPS. It's an opportunity for First Nations, Métis and Inuit families to gather together and engage in conversation in partnership with the EIPS First Nations, Métis and Inuit education team. Self-identified First Nations, Métis and Inuit families and their allies are invited—all ages are welcome. Dinner will be provided.
Métis Kitchen Party
Wednesday, January 10
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Glen Allan Elementary
RSVP
Music with professional Métis fiddlers Alex Kusturok and Brianna Lizotte
See the full invitation