Stay informed:

Weekly Message October 26, 2026

Sunnyside staff recently came together as part of our Outdoor Learning and Play  Committee to share ideas for making outdoor play safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for all students. As winter approaches, the committee has put together a few friendly    reminders and optional tips to help families prepare for the colder months ahead and  ensure students can make the most of their time outside. 

A Helpful Idea: A Snow Gear Bag 

Some families may find it helpful to send a cloth snow gear bag along with their child's regular backpack. The bag can travel between home and school and hold items such as snow pants, a toque, mitts, and extra socks. Keeping winter items together in one bag can make getting ready easier and help belongings find their way home! 

Darker Mornings 

As mornings become darker, please remind your child to cross streets carefully, watch for traffic, and be aware of their surroundings. A reflective item, small light, or other visible accessory may also help children be seen by drivers. 

A reminder that we do not offer outdoor supervision in the mornings and that students are welcome to arrive between 8:55 and 9:06 a.m. as supervision is available indoors.  

Winter Play and Snow Safety 

Winter play can be lots of fun! To help everyone stay safe in our group environment, please review these school expectations with your child: 

  • Snow stays on the ground: snowballs and snowball fights are not permitted. 
  • Snow forts are for building, not entering: students may build forts but may not make tunnels to crawl into or enter snow forts. 
  • Building tools stay at home: personal snow-building tools can be used for after-school play. Shovels and building blocks are available at school. 
  • Walk carefully: snow and ice can make playground surfaces slippery, so students are reminded to watch their footing. 

Outdoor Clothing and Getting Ready 

Waterproof mitts, warm layers, snow pants, and suitable winter boots can help students stay comfortable during outdoor play. Families may also wish to practise getting winter clothing on and off at home. Making it a game can help children build confidence and independence! As a general tip, putting on boots and mitts last can make getting ready a little easier. 

If your family would appreciate support with winter clothing or gear, please feel welcome to contact the school office. We are happy to work with families to explore available support. 

Thank you for partnering with us to help Sunnyside students stay warm, safe, and ready to enjoy the winter months. We appreciate all the little things families do to make outdoor learning and play a positive experience for everyone! 

Literacy and Numeracy Screening Results 

On Monday and Tuesday, October 26 and 27, families will receive information about their child's literacy and numeracy screening results. Screeners are not tests in that they are not assessing how well students have learned a current curriculum. These assessments provide additional information about students' developing skills and help us identify strengths and areas where additional support may be beneficial in the coming months. Results are considered alongside classroom learning, observations, and student work to help guide instruction and plan appropriate supports. If you have questions about your child's results or next steps, we welcome you to connect with their teacher. Kindergarten screening will take place in January. 

Halloween Dance  

We are looking forward to our Halloween Dance on Thursday, October 29, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the gym! This is a fun opportunity for Sunnyside students and families to connect and enjoy an evening together. Students are welcome to wear costumes or orange and black. To help keep the event comfortable and safe for everyone, masks, weapons, and scary or gory costumes are not recommended. Students need to be accompanied by their parent or caregiver throughout the event. Candy bags and drinks will be available for purchase with cash, with proceeds supporting our Let's Create an Opera residency. Thank you to our student leaders and families for helping make these community events possible! 

Casino Fundraiser – Help Still Needed 

The annual Casino Fundraiser is the largest fundraiser of the year for Sunnyside School and one of the most important ways the Fundraising Society (parent group) supports with enhancing learning experiences for our students.  

The funds raised through our casino are enough to cover school field trips and artist and educational residencies throughout the year, helping ensure these experiences are accessible to all students without families having to pay out of pocket. Casino funds can also support other learning resources and opportunities that benefit our students. 

Every volunteer shift makes a difference. We need our school community—including friends, family members and neighbours—to come together to fill the available volunteer positions so we can maximize the funds raised for Sunnyside. 

No previous casino experience is required. Volunteers will receive the information and support they need to feel prepared for their role. 

Please help us fill the remaining shifts and back up shifts. See and share the link below for more information: Sign up to volunteer for the Casino Fundraiser 

Remembrance Day Assembly 

As we prepare for our Remembrance Day assembly, we invite families to share stories, photographs, letters, or traditions that help us honour those who have served in the military or contributed to peace in Canada and around the world. These personal connections help students understand the importance of remembrance, courage, sacrifice, and peace. 

If you would like to contribute, please send your item with a brief description or story, if possible, to Ms. Sally Lang at smlang@cbe.ab.ca by November 3, 2026. Please let us know if you would prefer any names or identifying details to remain private. All contributions will be handled with care and respect. 

Thank you for helping us create a meaningful assembly that connects our students with the stories and experiences of our community. 

Warmly, 

Shannon Muir 
Principal 
Sunnyside School 

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

Upcoming Dates 

October 26 – Bus practice evacuation, Leadership Group meets at lunch 

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

October 28 – Writing Club meets at lunch 

October 29 - Fun Lunch: Subway, Halloween Dance 6:00pm 

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

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 10 - Remembrance Day Assembly 10:45 

November 11 – 15 No School, Fall Break 

November 16 – Picture Day 

November 19 – Bottle Drive