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Weekly Message September 20, 2026

Dear Sunnyside School Families, 

It is hard to believe that we are already heading into our third full week of school! 

There is something special about these first few weeks. We are getting to know one another, settling into routines, building relationships and figuring out what helps each of us have a successful day at school. Classrooms are becoming more familiar, students are reconnecting with friends and making new ones, and our staff are learning more about the individual strengths, interests and needs of the students they work with each day. 

Thank you to our families for the support you have provided as we get the year underway. The beginning of a school year takes a little patience from everyone as routines are established and we find our rhythm together.  

Learning and Growing Together 

One of the most important things happening right now is the work of getting to know our students as learners and as people. 

Teachers are observing, listening, asking questions and looking closely at student work. They are using this information to plan instruction, build classroom communities and determine how best to support each student. 

Our Grades 1–5 students are also participating in Alberta’s provincial literacy and numeracy screening. This is one piece of information that teachers use alongside classroom observations, student work and conversations to understand where students are in their learning and to plan next steps. Kindergarten students will participate in screening in January. 

We know that children grow and develop at different rates. Our work is to meet students where they are, help them recognize their strengths and provide the support and challenge they need to continue growing. 

Learning How to Be a Community 

We are also spending lots of time helping students learn what it means to be part of a school community. 

This includes the everyday things that can sometimes seem small—learning how to join a game, solve a disagreement, include someone who is on their own, ask for help, take turns, listen to another perspective and repair a relationship when something hasn't gone well. 

These are important learning experiences, too. 

We encourage families to continue these conversations at home. Sometimes a broad question like “How was your day?” is met with a one-word answer like “good”. Instead, try asking about something specific: 

  • “What was one thing that made you laugh today?” 
  • “What was something you learned?” or “What is something your teacher said that you remember?” 
  • “What was the best part of recess?” 
  • “Who did you sit beside or work with today?” 
  • “Was there a time today when you helped someone—or someone helped you?” 
  • “What was something that felt easy today? What was something that felt tricky?” 
  • “What is one thing you’re looking forward to tomorrow?” 

These kinds of questions can help children share specific moments from their day and give families a window into the learning, relationships and experiences that make up their time at school.   

Looking Ahead 

There are a number of exciting things coming up over the next couple of weeks. 

Soccer John — Thursday, September 24  

You may have heard students talking about “Soccer John.” John Clubb will be joining us at Sunnyside beginning this Thursday as part of a school soccer residency. 

This opportunity grew directly from our students’ enthusiasm for soccer. John will be working with students during the school day to develop soccer skills, teamwork, movement and confidence through games and activities. 

We are looking forward to having John work alongside our students and staff and to seeing how we can build on something so many of our students already enjoy so much. 

Terry Fox Run — Monday, September 28 at 3:00 p.m. 

We are looking forward to coming together for our Terry Fox Run. Families are welcome to join us outside and cheer on our students. 

Orange Shirt Day Assembly — Tuesday, September 29 at 11:35 a.m. 

Families and caregivers are warmly invited to join us in the gym for our Orange Shirt Day assembly. 

This is an important opportunity for our students and community to learn about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, honour Survivors and consider what reconciliation means in our lives and community. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — Wednesday, September 30 

There will be no school on September 30 as we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

School Council Meeting

October 8 at 6:00 PM, Doors open at 5:45 PM

School Council 6:00pm. Front doors open at 5:45pm. Click here to attend online: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/245518243910578?p=nQSN3bOcA02fDOogN5 

Volunteering Opportunity: Class Connector 

Formerly known as a “room parent”, the class connector is a parent or guardian who helps strengthen the connection between the classroom, families, and school community. A class connector may help welcome new families, share important classroom information, communicate classroom-based volunteering opportunities, support communication between families and the teacher, and help coordinate occasional classroom or community activities.  

We are looking for one or two classroom coordinators per class. It is a great way to get involved, build connections with other families, and help create a strong sense of community within the classroom. No special experience is needed—just a willingness to help and connect! If you are interested in volunteering as your class’s room parent, please let us know. We would love to have you involved! 

Express your interest here: Classroom Coordinator Volunteer Position – Fill out form 

Casino Fundraiser - November 7 and 9, 2026 

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. 

If you are able to volunteer, please consider signing up below. Your time directly helps make meaningful learning experiences possible for every Sunnyside student! 

Terry Fox Run — Monday, September 28 at 3:00 p.m. 

We are looking forward to coming together as a school community for our Terry Fox Run. Families are welcome to join us outside in the school field and cheer on our students as they participate. 

This year, we are hoping to raise $1,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation as a school community. 

Help us reach our goal: Donate to the Sunnyside Terry Fox Run 

Thank You, Sunnyside! 

As we begin this new school year, I am reminded again of what makes Sunnyside such a special place. 

It is the students who arrive each morning ready to learn, the staff who care deeply about their work, and the families who partner with us in so many different ways. It is the conversations happening in classrooms, the games happening at recess, the adults helping children work through challenges, and the many small moments of kindness that happen throughout the day. 

Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us create a school where students feel known, supported and that they belong. 

We are looking forward to another great week at Sunnyside! 

Warmly, 

Shannon Muir 
Principal 
Sunnyside School