Week Ahead         

Upcoming Important Dates 

Principal’s Message| 

All you need to create something is to take the first step.” 

There is something special about doing something for the first time. A “first” is a new beginning and a chance to learn, grow, and try something new. 

This week was full of firsts at school. Some students joined a new class for the first time. Some met new friends. Others visited the gym or music room for the first time. These new experiences can bring many feelings. Students may feel excited, happy, curious, or even a little nervous. All these feelings are okay when we try something new. 

Every first is an important step in learning and growing. Each new experience helps our students learn more about themselves, their school, and the people around them. 

As we begin this new school year, we encourage our students to be curious, try new things, and enjoy their many “firsts.” 

This weekend, ask your child: What was something you did for the first time this week? How did it make you feel? 

We hope you enjoy celebrating all these special firsts together! 

Lisa and Kate 

Back to School Event – Open House | 

We would like to invite you to our Open House/Meet the Teacher Event on September 24 from 4:30-6:30pm. This will provide an opportunity for families to meet teachers and visit classrooms. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Family Caregiver Series| 

The Calgary Board of Education invites all parents and guardians to join a live online series on supporting child and youth well-being. The series is hosted by the Recovery Alberta Community Education Service (CES) Program in collaboration with local experts from the Calgary community. 

Please see the attached poster for more details. Additional session information is available on our corporate website: Child and Youth Well-Being Family and Caregiver Series. 

CBE Annual Forms| 

Each year, schools have a variety of forms that parents are required to complete or review and update. The following forms are available online in SchoolEngage. SchoolEngage is one of the applications found in your MyCBE account. This is the same account used to pay fees, view academic information, book school conferences, register to volunteer etc. 

• Demographic Verification - 2026-27 – This required form is an Alberta Education and Childcare requirement as proof of Registration for funding purposes and includes your child’s personal information as well as parent / legal guardian contact information.  
• Citizenship Information Update - 2026-27 – This form becomes available and is required to complete if you change your child’s citizenship information on the Demographic Verification form. 
• Annual Authorization - 2026-27 – Combines the following forms: 
• School District Use of Personal Information - explains how CBE uses personal information in providing education services. 
• Consent for CBE Use of Student Information – provides an option to grant / not grant consent for additional use of student information by school/district and third parties. 
• Consent for Use of Student Information by News Media and Outside Groups (Third Party) - provides an option to grant / not grant consent for additional use of student information by outside groups and third parties 
  o Consent for Student Participation in Annual CBE Surveys – these surveys support school and system planning and help improve programs and supports offered to students 
• Parental Opt-In for Notifiable curriculum for students in grades 3 to 9 – written consent of parents prior to providing instructions or materials that deal primarily and explicitly with human sexuality, gender identity or sexual orientation. Students are unable to participate in this portion of the curriculum unless consent is granted. 

School Council|  

Douglas Harkness is thankful to be supported by an AMAZING School Council. All parents are invited to our first meeting which will be held in-person and online starting at 6:30PM (please note the new time) on Thursday, September 17.