Orange Shirt Day & Truth and Reconciliation
Monday and Tuesday will both be Orange Shirt Days at Chris Akkerman School.
If your child has an orange shirt, sweater, or dress, we encourage them to wear it to school on both days. Students should continue to wear their regular uniform bottoms with their orange top.
Throughout Monday and Tuesday, classes will participate in age-appropriate learning opportunities that explore the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. Students will also deepen their understanding of the meaning behind the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, reflecting on the experiences of residential school survivors and considering how reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility for all Canadians.
At Chris Akkerman, we believe that reconciliation begins with learning, understanding, respect, and meaningful action. These learning experiences help students develop empathy, build relationships, and recognize the importance of honouring Indigenous voices and perspectives.
If you are visiting our school during the coming months, please take a moment to stop by the beautiful Feather Wings display in our main hallway. This collaborative artwork serves as both a learning opportunity and a reminder of the importance of Truth and Reconciliation. We invite families to take a photo of their child with the wings and spend a few moments reading about the artwork, its symbolism, and the message it conveys.
Together, through learning and reflection, we can continue the journey toward understanding, respect, and reconciliation.
Demographic Forms:
Completing your child’s Annual Forms and Demographic Information is a requirement of the Alberta Ministry of Education. Please ensure all forms are submitted as soon as possible to keep your child’s information accurate and up to date. Thank you for your cooperation.
School Fees Reminder
School fees for the current school year will be added to student accounts in mid-October.
If you have any outstanding fees from previous years, we kindly ask that you arrange payment as soon as possible. Unpaid accounts may be subject to the Calgary Board of Education's collection procedures, and we would like to help families avoid that situation whenever possible.
Thank you for your prompt attention to any outstanding balances and for your continued support of our school community.
Extended Absence:
If you are planning an extended absence for your child during the school year, please contact the school office to schedule a meeting with Mr. Murray prior to your departure.
To support attendance planning and confirm your child's anticipated return date, families will be asked to provide a copy of their flight itinerary. This information assists the school in maintaining accurate attendance records and planning for your child's continued learning and successful return to school.
Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us ensure continuity of learning for all students.
Early Student Pick-Up
If you need to pick up your child before the end of the school day, please contact the office or notify us before 1:30 p.m. whenever possible.
- Voicemail Messages: When leaving a message regarding attendance, student pick-up, or any other matter, please include:
- Student's first and last name
- Teacher's name
- Reason for the call
- Email Communication: When emailing the school, please include your child's full name and teacher's name to help us respond efficiently.
Thank you for helping us ensure smooth and accurate communication. We appreciate your cooperation! 😊
Developing Independence at School
One of our goals is to help students become confident, independent learners. To support their success at school, there are several self-care skills that children are expected to be able to manage independently, including:
- Using the water fountain appropriately
- Using the bathroom independently
- Managing clothing before and after using the bathroom
- Tying shoes or wearing footwear they can manage independently
While school staff supervise and support student safety, these personal care routines are important life skills that are typically taught and practiced at home.
We are noticing that some students are having difficulty with tasks such as operating bathroom stall locks, managing clothing, using toilet paper appropriately, and using the water fountain hygienically. Taking time to practice these skills at home can help children feel more confident and successful during the school day.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child's growing independence.
Lunches and Snacks
Our students work hard each day and need plenty of nutritious food to fuel their learning.
Recently, we have noticed an increase in students coming to the office because they have finished all of their food before lunchtime. We encourage families to pack a substantial lunch along with several healthy snacks to help students stay energized throughout the day.
When possible, please limit highly processed, sugary treats, as nutritious foods help support learning, focus, and self-regulation.
If a student forgets their lunch or runs out of food, we do have emergency snacks and simple lunch options available at the office. We will make every effort to contact parents before providing additional food. However, if we are unable to reach a parent, we will ensure that no child goes hungry during the school day.
This is also a good reminder to review your contact information and emergency contacts to ensure they are current and accurate should we need to reach you.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in helping all students have a successful day at school.