Dear Friends and Families of Colonel Walker School,

I hope this message finds you and yours well after a restful and rejuvenating summer break. I look forward to hearing about all the ways our students and families were able to explore new places, connect with  loved ones, and engage in activities that are only possible during Calgary’s short but sweet summer season later this week. .

Our school office opened today and teachers were in for their first day of planning. Many teachers have already participated in Professional Learning around new curriculum over the past week (K-3 Science, 4-6 ELAS and 4-6 Math) and in the coming days they will continue to prepare for an engaging and exciting year of learning for our students.

We will welcome students back to school for the first day of classes on Thursday August 31 at 8:35am. Please find some important messages regarding school start up below:

Our Team

We are thrilled to welcome new and returning staff to our Colonel Walker School family. I am happy to introduce:

Rachel Clowes:                Learning Leader

Sara Stanton:                   Teacher

Nguyen Dy Vo:                 Lead Lunch Supervisor

School Hours

8:25:                                Outside supervision begins

8:35:                                Entry (all students)

11:20:                              Kindergarten dismissal (M-F) 

12:15- 1:00 (M-Th):         Lunch

3:20pm (M-Th)):              Dismissal (grades 1-6)

12:30pm (F):                   Dismissal (grades 1-6)

Teacher Introductions and School Supplies

Please expect an email message from your child’s teacher on Wednesday August 30 to introduce themselves and share important information about the first day of school. Teachers will communicate specific information about who they are, where to meet them, what to bring, and what to expect. Please wait until after lunch on Wednesday before calling the main office if you have not received an email of introduction from your child's teacher- it’s a busy time of year and your patience is appreciated.

All school supplies are covered by the Instructional Materials Fee which can be paid via your MyCBE account. Please reach out to the main office to discuss a waiver if necessary.

School Drop-off and Pick-up

Student entry (drop off) and exit (pick up) will happen at the doors in the compound adjacent to our playground. Supervision starts at 8:25am each morning, and the bell to come inside goes at 8:35am. No supervision is provided after school when the bell rings at 3:20pm (12:30pm on Fridays). Please ensure all children are supervised before and after school hours to ensure their safety.

It is very important that consistent pick up/travel home routines are clearly communicated to teachers (particularly in the younger grades). Any changes to these routines should be communicated via the main office (email and/or phone) as early as possible each day so that teachers and students can receive these important messages in a timely manner.

Lunch Supervision

Lunchtime supervision will take place for all students who remain at school for lunch between 12:15 and 1:00pm (Monday-Thursday). This year, we will have a designated “lunch room” and students will have time to eat (the lunch they bring from home) and play (outside, weather permitting) in two designated blocks:

12:15- 12:35: Grades 1, 3 and 5 eat inside; Grades 2, 4 and 6 play outside

12:40- 1:00:   Grades 2, 4 and 6 eat inside; Grades 1, 3 and 5 play outside

Lunch supervision fees can be paid via your MyCBE account if your student is staying at school for lunch. Please reach out to the main offers to discuss a waiver if necessary. Students who attend Colonel Walker Programs for "hot lunch" are picked up and dropped back at school by their staff each day. 

Interior Painting 

CBE Maintenance Services started to paint the interior of our school during the summer. The job will continue this fall. The hallways, library, gym, washrooms, staff room, office area and interior and exterior doors will be given a fresh new look. Proper maintenance of our school is necessary to provide a healthy and pleasant learning atmosphere. The majority of paint currently used in CBE schools is latex. Paints containing lead or mercury are never used in schools. Material Safety Data Sheets about the paints are available from the school upon request.

Instructional areas will not be occupied by students during painting and drying times. Ventilation systems are operated to prevent painting odours from being circulated in occupied areas. Additional fans are used to exhaust odours out of the building. Special-low odour paints are used throughout. In short, every effort is made to keep paint odours to a minimum.

The health and safety of all students is a primary consideration as the paint crews undertake this project. If you have any questions or concerns about this planned painting project, please feel free to contact the main office. With the co-operation of parents, students and CBE staff, this project will result in a bright, new look for Colonel Walker School.

School Council

We live and learn in a vibrant and engaged community and encourage your participation. Information about the upcoming Coffee and Muffin Mixer and Annual General Meeting will be shared soon so that you can mark your calendars. 

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email or on the phone to connect, ask questions or share feedback.

Warm regards,

Kate Jones

Principal