Thank you to all the families who joined us last Thursday for our Open House. It was great to see so many smiling children sharing their learning space with you.

Thank you to the volunteers who were able to flex their schedules and continue to support our annual Terry Fox Run now being held this Tuesday September 26. The assembly will occur from 10:30 – 11:00 with the run following at 11:00 am. Students have had an extra few days of running practice and they are excited to get out and demonstrate their skills all for a good cause. If you wish to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation, please do so online at Toonies for Terry at https://schools.terryfox.ca/CitadelPark.

Another way to support cancer research is by raising awareness and funds to support children with childhood cancer. September is Children’s Cancer Awareness month and the Kid’s Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta is one organization helping to support these children. They use money raised to fund research and provide programming for children and their families impacted by a childhood cancer diagnosis. Wondering how else you can raise awareness? Consider:

• Wearing gold/yellow to show support for the month
• Visiting Childhood Cancer Canada
• Visiting Believe in the Gold

This week we will also be ‘walking forward in a good way’ to further develop our understanding of what it means to belong, the CBE focus of indigenous learning this year. Our CPS commitment to reconciliation through education is:

To build our foundational knowledge and intercultural understanding as students and teachers through intentional exploration of the ethical space between Indigenous knowledge systems and curricular outcomes.

During our PD day this past Friday, staff extended our learning regarding ‘ethical space’ and the notion of ‘two-eyed seeing’. This approach to understanding each other and our values derives from the idea that when we engage in learning about and with others, we bring our one lens of seeing the world. The aim is to see with both eyes, that is looking at the issue, content, learning from the lens of the 'other' as well. 

To honour our commitment to learn and grow our understanding, we are excited to be sharing the story ‘Walking Together’ by Elder Dr. Albert D. Marshall during our Orange Shirt Day assembly this Thursday September 28, 2023. The message in this story connects to the focus of the CBE Indigenous work this year related to the ‘heart to belong’ section of the medicine wheel. There will be two assemblies to accommodate our larger school population and any families who wish to attend. The first assembly will include afternoon kindergarten students as well as students in grades 1 & 2. The grade 4 students from rooms 8 & 9 will perform at this assembly at 1:15pm. The second assembly will take place at 2:30 pm and will include students in grades 3-5 with the grade 4 students from rooms 1 & 2 performing. Given that we are working with Indigenous person Clarence Wolfleg Junior, we are only able to accommodate pm performances. Should am kindergarten students and families wish to attend, they are welcome at either celebration. These students must remain with their adult caregiver in attendance at all times during the assembly. If a parent/guardian wishes to attend both assemblies, please note they will be asked to leave the gymnasium in between performances. Please remember to wear an orange shirt or your favourite shirt!

To honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, please be advised that there is no school this Friday September 29. 

Picture day is coming! This year, Lifetouch Photography will be on site at Citadel Park School on Tuesday October 3^rd. Photographers will be taking individual student photos only that day. Please visit https://lifetouch.ca/5-tips-for-a-great-picture-day/ for ideas about how best to prepare your child for this year’s photo op!

If your child is in grades 2-5 at CPS, this is a gentle reminder to return the signed "Acceptable Use Policy" form sent home with your child. This form indicates that you and your child are aware of the appropriate and ethical use of technology by students while in a CBE school. If you are missing a form, please contact your child's teacher. 

Have a great week!

The Admin Team