Dear Friends and Families of Colonel Walker School
We are excited to welcome you back to a new year of learning and growing together. Teachers were in today and are busily preparing their classrooms to welcome students back for the first day of school on Tuesday September 2. We spent time today exploring the question that will guide all of our work and learning together this year: How can sharing our stories and experiences help us create a deeply connected and caring school community?
Please see below for some important start up information:
2025-26 Calendar
New Bell Schedule
This year we will continue to begin the school day with “Connect Time” (soft entry). Connect time begins at 8:30am each day and indoor supervision is provided in classrooms. All students are to enter the building via the doors on the NE corner of our compound before 8:40am. Grab and go breakfast items will be available to all students who want/need them again this year. Please remember that NO OUTDOOR supervision is provided in the mornings or after school.
Grades 1-6 Instructional Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:40- 3:10
Friday: 8:40- 12:35
Kindergarten Instructional Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:40- 11:05
Friday: 8:40- 12:35
Teacher Communication
You can expect a message from your child’s teacher for the 2025-26 school year at 4pm tomorrow, Thursday August 28. This message will include information about where to meet them outside on the first day, what to bring to school and what to expect over the course of this year. All teachers will utilize School Messenger for bi-weekly updates this year (please ensure your email address is up to date in your My CBE account so that you don't miss important information). Teachers will use Google Classroom to communicate about ongoing learning again this year, and will share instructions for accessing this platform soon.
Staffing Update
I am thrilled to let you know that we are welcoming some new staff members to our CWS family this year. Our new team members are: Gina Carroll (Bridges teacher), Deborah Giessmann (Bridges Support Worker), Peggy Goddard (Lunchroom Supervisor), Kendra (Zachary) Kent (PT Cleaner) and Ramil Sabado (FT cleaner).
Invitation to Volunteer
We welcome and encourage all friends and family members to sign up to volunteer throughout the school year. All classes will attend Campus Calgary Open Minds sites for a week of learning this year (thank you to School Council for funding this incredible learning opportunity), and we will need support from you to ensure these learning experiences run smoothly.
There are 2 steps necessary to complete prior to volunteering in CBE:
- Annual Volunteer Authorization (complete via your MyCBE account every school year)
- Up to date Police Information (including vulnerable sector) Check- valid for 5 years
If you need support to complete these steps, please contact the main office.
Upcoming School Council Events
September 4: Muffin Mixer on the compound at 8:15am (all families are invited)
September 25: AGM (in person at the school at 6pm)
October 2/3: PURE Casino (1420 Meridian Road NE)
Sign up to volunteer for our casino at the link below.
We look forward to seeing all our students back at school next week and to working together with you to support learning and growth for your children this year.
Warm regards,
Kate Jones
Principal