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Weekly Message October 19, 2026

Dear Sunnyside School Families, 

As we settle into the fall season, there are lots of exciting opportunities ahead at Sunnyside! Below are a few important reminders, upcoming events, and learning updates to help keep you connected to what’s happening at school. Thank you for your continued partnership and for all the ways you help our school community thrive. 

Timely Reminders and Updates 

Monday, October 19 — No school for students 

Monday is a non-instructional day following a calendar change related to the provincial referendum and the use of schools as polling sites. 

Clubs are starting 

If your child has expressed interest in any of the following opportunities, please watch for a letter coming home this week with more information. 

Writing Club - Wednesday 

Starting Wednesday, October 21, the Writing & Illustration Lunch Club will welcome students in Grades 4 and up every Wednesday during lunchtime, until the end of the school year. 

The club offers a creative space for students who are interested in writing and making art. 

Students can choose how they would like to participate. Some may wish to enter the Kids Write 4 Kids writing competition, others may want to publish their work in our Sunnyside School Collection of Stories, and some may simply enjoy writing or drawing for the fun of it. Everyone is welcome! 

New this year: Illustration! We're inviting young illustrators to join the club and collaborate with writers to bring their stories to life through art. 

The club is volunteer-led, free of charge, and all materials are provided. 

A note about volunteering: Anne Cloarec will be leading the Writing & Illustration Lunch Club throughout the school year. She is looking for a parent volunteer to lead the club in my absence on November 4, 18, and 24. If you're available to help on any of these dates, please contact her directly at cloarecanne@gmail.com. Thank you for your support! 

Leadership – Thursday  

Our Student Leadership Club gives students opportunities to share ideas, work together, and help make Sunnyside a welcoming and engaging place for everyone. Student leaders collaborate to plan school events, support activities, and find ways to bring our community together. They also help communicate upcoming events so students and families know what’s happening. Keep an eye out for updates from our student leaders about the upcoming Halloween Dance on October 29! We are grateful for their enthusiasm, creativity, and contributions to our school community. 

Coming Soon: Provincial Assessment Results — October 26 

Provincial assessment results will be shared with families on October 26. These results provide one snapshot of student learning and help us understand areas of strength and opportunities for continued growth. They are one part of a broader picture that includes classroom learning, ongoing assessment, and the progress students make over time. We encourage families to reach out to their child’s teacher with any questions about the results or how they connect to their child’s learning. 

Bottle Drive — Thursday, November 19 

Our next bottle drive is November 19. Please bring refundable bottles and cans to the collection area near the compound and basketball hoops by 4:30 p.m. Proceeds will help support the cost of our Let’s Create An Opera residency. Thank you for helping make this opportunity possible for our students! 

We also welcome families interested in supporting school activities through School Council or volunteering.  

Learning Updates 

Truth and Reconciliation: Our Commitment for 2026–2027 

At Sunnyside, we are connected to each other, our community, and the land. These beliefs guide our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. 

Our commitment this year centres on reciprocity and respect in our relationships with Indigenous students, families, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and the land. Through land-based learning, storytelling, art, and shared experiences, we will continue building understanding, meaningful relationships, and belonging. 

We invite families to learn more about our commitment and the actions guiding our work this year: 

Read our Truth and Reconciliation Commitment | 2026-2027.  

CBE Schools Updates 

Respectful and safe school communities 

Positive relationships between families, students, and staff are an important part of student success. The CBE has updated Administrative Regulation 5002, Responsibilities of Parents, and is introducing signage across schools and workplaces to reinforce expectations for respectful conduct. Questions, concerns, and differing perspectives are an important part of working together. We appreciate everyone's continued commitment to respectful, constructive communication that supports students and keeps our school welcoming and safe. 

You can read the CBE's Fostering Safe and Respectful School Communities update. 

Away for the Day — personal mobile devices 

CBE's Away for the Day expectations apply to students in Kindergarten through Grade 9. Personal mobile devices brought to school must be powered off or set to silent and kept out of sight during the school day, with exceptions for approved medical, specialized learning, or educational needs. If you need to contact your child during the day, please connect with the school office so we can help. More information is available on our Student Personal Mobile Devices page.  

Attendance and punctuality 

Regular attendance and arriving on time help students feel connected and ready to learn. We understand that families may face challenges with attendance or morning routines. Please reach out if we can work together to support your child. 

Family Well-Being Resources 

The CBE is sharing a series of free online sessions for parents and caregivers through Recovery Alberta's Community Education Service. The sessions offer practical information and resources to support children's and teens' well-being. 

Upcoming October topics include: 

  • October 20: Raising Healthy Humans in a Digital World — technology, mental health, and growing up online. 
  • October 21: Sexual Health — how to have conversations at home. 
  • October 22: Stress, Stigma, and Safety — building supportive communities for youth. 
  • October 28: School Avoidance and Sleep Hygiene — supporting attendance and healthy sleep. 

Families can explore the session details and register through the CBE Child and Youth Well-Being Family and Caregiver Series. 

Thank you for being part of our Sunnyside community. Your involvement, kindness, and support make a meaningful difference in our students’ experiences at school. We hope you enjoy the changing season, and we look forward to sharing more of the learning, connections, and activities happening at Sunnyside in the weeks ahead. 

Warmly, 

Shannon Muir 
Principal 
Sunnyside School 

School Council

School Council Website: https://www.sunnysideschoolcouncil.com/  

Upcoming Dates 

October 19 – No School, 2026 Alberta Referendum, Sunnyside School is a voting site 

October 20 – 23 Grade 4,5,6 Tim Hortons Team Building Workshops 

October 21 – Take Me Outside Day for Kindergarten – Grade 6, Grade 4-6 Writing Club starts 

October 22 – Leadership Group starts Grade 5,6 will start 

October 27 – Room 8 and 3 Grade 3s and 4s participating in a VR learning experience 

October 29 – Fun Lunch and Halloween Dance 6:00pm 

October 29 - Council and Fundraising Society hosts a Hallowe’en Dance 6:00pm at Sunnyside School.  

October 29 - All day: wear costumes, orange and black to school and the dance.  

October 29 - Fun Lunch: Subway 

November 7 and 8 – Casino Fundraiser (see casino email for sign up) Click the link and sign up for a shift (see page 2): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A4A72CA5F5C34-64176742-casino?useFullSite=true#/ 

November 11 – 15 No School, Fall Break 

November 16 – Picture Day 

November 19 – Bottle Drive