​Dear Escuela Canyon Meadows Families, ​ 

Please find below our April and May 2025 Updates 

To conclude our Indigenous Education residency, on April 17 our students, teachers and parents engaged in the Indigenous Shared Experience and Celebration with Knowledge Keepers, Sra. Pearl White Quills, Sr. Adrian Goulet and Sr. Albert Goulet. We had the opportunity to participate in various dances such as the Grass dance and the Jingle dance.

Through this residency we honoured our Escuela Canyon Meadows Truth and Reconciliation Commitment of Learning through land-based experiences and Indigenous Stories through Indigenous arts, singing, dancing and cultural practices in cultural relevant and meaningful ways. We learned about elements of Pow Wows, such as the importance of circles, drums, singing, dance and regalia. Through our explorations, we learned how to dance the Grass dance and the Jingle dance. To embrace Land as teacher we hosted the April 17 celebration of learning outdoors. Together we continue to learn what nature teaches us, and to show our gratitude.  

In April our Grade 5 students had another opportunity to visit Robert Warren School, they participated in the Science Fair and shared their solar eclipse science project in Spanish with Robert Warren Grade 9 students. In June, our Grade 5 team will bring our Grade 5’s one more time to Robert Warren and they will tour the school. Our Grade 5 students continuing in the Spanish Bilingual Program are looking forward to starting grade 6 in the 2025-2026 school year at Robert Warren!    

On May 6, Our Grade 5 students represented our school with pride during the CBE International Spanish Academy Fine Arts Gala “Qué pasa” at the Jubilee Auditorium. Their fine performance, once again, was energetic and engaging. This year they shared a message of peace, hope and inclusion demonstrating that at Escuela Canyon Meadows, “todo el mundo cabe aquí” / all are welcome. They showcased the learning they have been engaged in since Kindergarten through our dance residency through a representation of singing to Latin and Hispanic rhythms including flamenco, pop, reggaetón and salsa. We are grateful for our School Council support to subsidize the dance residency.  

On May 12, organized by our Music Specialist Sra. Cassie, we welcomed volunteers who shared their musical talents with our school community to celebrate Music Monday. We appreciate the commitment of our school community and the enthusiasm for the especial role that music plays in education.   

Next Friday, May 23, our students and teachers will take the time to show our appreciation to our volunteers proudly sharing our gratitude. Volunteers please RSVP to jlclement@cbe.ab.ca prior to May 21.     

Planning Ahead for 2025-2026 School Year 

Along with spring, came back the time to plan for next school year. CBE Resource Allocation Method (RAM) Roll-Out took place on April 10, 2025. In collaboration with our teachers, and with the feedback provided from School Council and parents participating in the School Planning Engagement Winter 2025 we have discussed possible activities and services, staffing and class configuration for 2025-2026 school year.  

Activities and Services - 2025-2026 

Based on participants’ feedback in the School Planning Engagement Winter 2025 and teacher feedback: 

Possible Residencies 

• Latin Dance                                        K to Gr. 5 
• Indigenous Education - visual art   K to Gr. 5 

Possible Sports Residencies – In-school  

• In-line skating                                     K to Gr. 3 
• Lacrosse                                              Gr. 4 and Gr. 5 

Possible Sports School Field Trips 

• Swimming                                           Gr. 1 to Gr. 5 
• Skiing (1-day program)                     Gr. 4 and Gr. 5 

Possible Class Field Trips connected to curricular outcomes and School Development Plan goals:  

• Fish Creek Park 
• Heritage Park  
• Leighton Art Centre 
• Telus Spark Science Center  
• Ralph Klein Park 
• Calgary Zoo 
• Bow Habitat 
• SAM Center 
• “Explorando el Español” / Exploring the Spanish Language – Gr. 5  

Fees 

• Maintain “reasonable” fees as reported by School Planning Engagement Winter 2025 participants: Average $60.00 to $120.00 per student depending on the grade (K - $ 60, Gr. 1 to 3 - $ 90, Gr. 4 and 5 - $ 120 including skiing – 1 day program).   

CBE Resource Allocation Method (RAM) Roll-Out April 10, 2025 

• ECM Spring RAM allocation: For 441 Projected Students - Total Allocation: $2,587,002   
• Considering our current Intent to Return and maintaining a conservative approach, we may plan for:   
• 448 Students (current intent to return) = 21 Teaching Staff: 18 Teachers for K to 5 + 1 Music + 1 Principal + 1 AP.  
• In the fall, if enrollment supports add .5 teacher and/or E.A hours.  
• 2 Education Assistants (1 Early Childhood Practitioner, 1 Spanish Education Assistant) 
• 1 Administrative Secretary  
• 1 Library Assistant  
• 1 School Assistant  
• 7 Lunch Supervisors  
• 1 Lead Lunch Supervisor  

Possible class configuration based on current intent to return for 2025-2026 

We continue to monitor enrollment to make decisions based on what would be best for students considering the options of straight or combined classes. 

New Bell Times for 2025-26  

For the upcoming school year, the CBE will be expanding yellow bus service and adjusting walk zones. This is in response to Alberta government's School Transportation Amendment Regulation for student transportation that comes into effect on Sept. 1, 2025. Changes to bus routes affect bell times, which are aligned across schools for efficiency. These adjustments ensure a reliable transportation service, so students arrive safely, on time and ready to learn. 

For 2025-26 school year Canyon Meadows School Bell Times will be: 

Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm (7:55 soft entry) 

Friday: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (7:55 soft entry) 

More specific details regarding School Schedule including Kindergarten AM and PM schedules will be shared early in June.  

We appreciate the continuous support of our community and our gracious School Council. Enjoy the sunshine and the relatively warmer weather, take the time to notice the signs of nature, mostly the bright green colour around us.     

Receive our gratitude. ¡Nos despedimos compartiendo mucha gratitud! 

Saludos cordiales,   

Sra. Perera Pérez and Sra. Gutiérrez