Altadore School Bi-Weekly Update February 23 - March 6, 2026
Admin Message
Oki Hello Altadore Parents and Guardians,
I would like to begin by thanking our teachers and staff for their flexibility and care in supporting students during the three days of indoor recess. We are also very grateful for the forecast of warmer winter temperatures, which will allow students to enjoy outdoor recess, body breaks, and opportunities for learning from the land. As winter continues, please remember to send students with appropriate winter gear each day.
A reminder that report cards will be available on the MyCBE Portal on Tuesday, February 24. Families will have a 30-day window to access report cards online. If you would like to keep a copy, please ensure you print it within that time frame.
Should you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress, please contact your classroom teacher directly. Individual Progress Plans (IPPs) have also been sent home for your review and signatures. Kindly return the signed copy to your child’s teacher for their records. If you have not received your child’s IPP, please contact the school, and we will be happy to assist you.
Ms. A. Vejprava will be beginning her leave in anticipation of the arrival of her baby. We extend our warmest congratulations and wish her rest, good health, and much joy as she begins this exciting new chapter. Please join us in welcoming Ms.
Natalie Grubac to the Grade 2 class. We are pleased to have her join our school community and look forward to her work with our students.
Last Tuesday afternoon, Altadore School enjoyed an engaging production of Little Red Riding Hood performed by Calgary Opera. In music class, students learned about how an opera is produced and explored the different voice types. They also learned an audience participation song, which they performed enthusiastically alongside the professional singers. After the show, students had the opportunity to ask questions and even try their hand at opera singing.
Lunar New Year took place on February 17, and Ramadan began on February 19. We take time to acknowledge these important dates in honour of our Altadore students and families who celebrate these cultural traditions.
Finally, we are looking forward to two exciting field trips this week. Grade 1 students will visit The Confluence on Monday, February 23. On Tuesday, February 24, students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 will travel to Winsport/ Calgary Olympic Park for their skiing field trip. Thank you to all of our parent volunteers who have helped make these opportunities possible.
The HOOT! | March 6
Our HOOT Fundraiser takes place on March 6 at the MLCA Hall! Secure your sitter for this adults-only night of wine, bites, student art, auctions and raffles—all in support of our school.
The HOOT is a true community-driven event, and we need Altadore parents to help it shine! Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Grab Your Tickets: Tickets are on sale now and SELLING FAST! Don’t wait—this event sells out every year. Click HERE
- Donate Wine: To make donating easy, we are scheduling porch pickups this Sunday between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM. Email us thehootchair@gmail.com with your address to be added to the route!
- Donate Prizes: We are still building our Silent Auction. If you can donate or connect us with a business eager to showcase themselves to 200+ local parents, please reach out. Every lead brings us closer to an unforgettable night.
- Volunteer: We have a role for everyone—whether you want to be in the middle of the action or help behind the scenes! Sign up HERE
Parent Engagement Survey
During the February 11, 2026, School Council meeting, Ms. Zelmer and I shared information about the 2025–26 School Development Plan and the Altadore School Annual Budget. Parents in attendance had the opportunity to provide feedback as we begin planning for the 2026–27 school year. You may find the School Development Plan here and the presentation that was shared here.
If you were unable to attend the February 11 meeting, you can still share your input. We value your feedback as part of our school planning process for 2026–27.
Please complete the following form to have your voice included by March 13, 2026:Parent Council Meeting – Fill out form
Altadore Student Leadership - Application Deadline Feb. 26, 2026
Altadore School Student Leadership Team – Information for Families
Our school is launching the Altadore Student Leadership Team to encourage student voice, responsibility, and community involvement. Students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 are invited to apply, and selected members will participate in bi-weekly meetings in March and April, then move to monthly meetings in May and June.
Each meeting is designed to help plan school events, promote positive school culture, and act as ambassadors for our learning community.
Participation requires:
- Regular attendance at morning or after-school meetings
- A positive attitude and willingness to collaborate
- Commitment to modelling respectful behaviour
- Completion of assigned leadership tasks
The focus of this team is to support leadership growth in all students. We appreciate your partnership in encouraging your child to fulfill their responsibilities and in celebrating their efforts as developing leaders.
If you have any questions, please contact: Principal Iikiinayookaa M. Yellow Horn
Pink Shirt Day
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, wear a pink shirt to help spread kindness and a sense of belonging!
Fun Lunch (Wed, Mar 11 - Order Deadline Fri, Mar 6)
Here are the dates for our remaining Fun Lunches. These are all available in the Healthy Hunger system to order.
- Wednesday, March 11 - Via Cibo (deadline to order is Friday, March 6)
- Wednesday, April 22 - Subway
- Friday, May 8 - Fun Snack - Booster Juice
- Wednesday, June 10 - Panago Pizza
Volunteers Needed!
March 11 - Via Cibo Fun Lunch Volunteer sign up HERE
*Just a reminder that if your child is sick or absent on the day of a fun lunch or snack, please note that you have until the end of the day bell to pick up their order. It will not be held overnight. If you have any questions or need help, please contact altadorefunlunch@gmail.com
Garden Committee Volunteer Needed
Calling all gardening lovers!
We are seeking a dedicated individual interested in serving as the Chair of our Garden Committee. This position leads the committee who is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Owl’s Nest and Edible Garden.
If interested in learning more about this role or to sign up, please email altadoreparentcouncil@gmail.com
Altadore Clubs
Iikiinayookaa’s Reading Club has concluded. Thank you to those students who came to begin the week with reading and community.
Intermural Club meets on Tuesday for grades 2, 4, & 6, and on Thursday for grades 1, 3, & 5. Unfortunately, registration for this club is now closed. This club will end on March 5.
Lego Club meets every Wednesday at lunch hour for grades 1,3 & 5 in Rm 7 with Ms. Predika. No registration is required for this club. This club will run until Feb. 25.
Crochet Club with Mrs. B. Miller will begin on March 2. Watch for more information on this club.
Trex Southwest Travelling Exhibition at Altadore School until Feb. 25
The travelling art exhibit has arrived at Altadore School. Remimagining Fire: The Future of Energy is a book and exhibit featuring a fine art print portfolio (Energy Futures) by a collective of 20 Albertan artists and writers. The exhibit explores pressing questions that arise as we imagine solutions to climate change and global energy transitions. Classes will visit the exhibit throughout the month to extend their learning in core subject areas, acknowledging varied and valuable cultural relationships to the earth, climate, and future-building. We are in need of 2 volunteers to help us pack up this exhibit and get it ready for pick up on the afternoon of Feb. 25.
Our Big Altadore Family
This year, Altadore School is engaging in a schoolwide inquiry focused on connection and belonging. Together, we are exploring the question: “Who are we?” As part of this work, we are encouraging students to share their diverse perspectives and backgrounds as we celebrate culture and diversity.
Please help us celebrate culture and belonging at Altadore School by:
- Sharing how to say ‘welcome’ in your language in this form. We are creating a Welcome Wall at the entrance of our school, featuring these messages.
- We are creating a Student Family Wall. If you would like to participate, please send in a 4x6 photo of your family to the office.
Thank you for helping us make Altadore a place where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.
Drop off and Pickup Reminders
A friendly reminder to be mindful of bus zones when dropping off and picking up students. Disabled students who arrive by bus are unable to board or depart on time when the bus zone is unavailable. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Polar Bear Club – Winter Recess Option
The Polar Bear Club is an optional opportunity for families who wish for their child to participate in outdoor recess when temperatures fall between −20°C and −25°C, in accordance with school guidelines.
Teachers and Lunchroom Supervisors will supervise students who choose to participate in the Polar Bear Club during these conditions. If you would like your child to take part this winter, please email your child’s teacher to provide your consent.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
We wanted to give Altadore parents/guardians a heads-up on some of the school-wide volunteer opportunities coming up over the next few months.
Hopefully, this can help you to plan ahead if you need to book days off from work! More details about each event and how to sign up will be shared closer to the date.
- February 25: Packing up of TREX art exhibit (2 volunteers)
- March 2 - 8: Gymnastics set up and take down (4 volunteers)
- March 6 - The HOOT (Sign up HERE)
- March 10 - 11: Indigenous games (Volunteers TBD)
- April 6 -17: Theatre residency (Sharing day will be the last Friday)
- May 19: Vaccines for grade 6 (2-3 volunteers)
- May: Volunteer Tea (Volunteers TBD)
- June 1st & 2nd week: Swimming (2 volunteers per class - one male/one female)
June 1-4, Grades KAM, 1, 3, 5
- 9:15-9:45 – B. Miller, Duthie
- 9:45-10:15- Jackson
- 10:15-10:45- Andrews, Carpenter/Predika
- 10:45-11:15- Mackenzie/Herchek, Mitchelson
- 11:15-11:45- Norman
June 8-11- Grades 2,4,6, KPM
- 11:00-11:30 Vejprava/Grubac, Howard
- 11:30-12:00- Ducey, J. Miller
- 1:15-1:45- Lenz
- 1:45-2:15- Almadi
- 2:15-2:45- Bigelow, Hutton
- June 23: Grade 6 Farewell
- June 24: Sports Day (15 volunteers)
Thanks in advance to all who can volunteer and help us enrich our students' learning experiences!
Notes of Thanks
Thank you to the following individuals for their recent contributions to our school…
- Thank you to everyone who participated in our School Council meeting on February 11th!
- Intramural volunteer superstars: Jen, Suzanne, Kim, Katie, Kim, Kendra and Susan!
- Frisbee Rob for his wonderful message of persistence and growth mindset. He is very inspiring and we can’t wait for our second week with him!