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Weekly Message September 20, 2026

Dear Sunnyside School Families, 

It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of September! The first month of school has brought so much learning, connection and growth across our school. 

This time of year is always a bit of a transition. Students are getting to know new routines, teachers and classmates, while our staff are learning more about each student as a learner and as a member of our school community. We are beginning to see classroom communities take shape, friendships develop and students become increasingly comfortable with the rhythms of the school day. 

Thank you to our families for the patience, encouragement and partnership you have provided as we have settled into the new school year. 

Bottle Drive Coming Up - October 8, hosted by Grade 5,6 

Please save your bottles! Sunnyside School is one of only a few schools selected to participate in the Let’s Build an Opera residency this school year. School-wide residencies give students opportunities to learn alongside artists and other experts, bringing meaningful experiences and learning beyond the classroom. 

We have set a fundraising goal of $5,000 to help support this exciting opportunity, and we would love your help reaching it! 

  • Bottle Drive: Thursday, October 8 
    Please bring your refundable bottles to the school anytime before 4:30 p.m. The recycling truck will arrive at 4:30 p.m. to collect our donations. 

Every bottle helps—thank you for supporting opportunities that enrich learning for all of our students! 

Learning and Growing Together 

One of the things we are noticing across the school is how much learning happens beyond the academic curriculum. 

Students are learning how to work with others, navigate disagreements, join games, ask for help, include others, take turns and contribute to their classroom and school communities. These skills take practice, just like reading, writing and mathematics, and they are an important part of helping children become confident, capable and caring members of our community. 

Provincial Assessments Continue 

In Grades 1–5, teachers are continuing to administer Alberta’s provincial literacy and numeracy screening, which will continue through October 9. The results are one of several sources of information teachers use to understand each student’s learning and plan appropriate next steps. Teachers will consider the screening results alongside classroom observations, student work and conversations with students. 

Kindergarten students will participate in the provincial screening process in January. 

Once the screening results are available, parents and guardians will receive a letter if the results indicate that their child may benefit from additional support. The letter will provide information about the areas identified and how the school may support the student’s learning. 

As always, families are welcome to connect with their child’s teacher at any time if they would like an update on their child’s learning or have questions about their progress, learning needs or next steps. 

Growing Well-Being Through Gratitude 

Research suggests a connection between gratitude and well-being, including optimism and life satisfaction in children and adolescents. The American Psychological Association shares practical ideas for cultivating what developmental psychologist Andrea Hussong calls “grateful moments”—small opportunities for children to notice and appreciate positive experiences in their lives. (APA – Gratitude Matters) 

At Sunnyside School, we want to work together with families to support children’s well-being. One simple approach is helping children notice and talk about moments of joy, connection, accomplishment and gratitude. 

For families who are interested, consider moving beyond “How was your day?”—which can sometimes lead to “I don’t know”—with a more specific question: 

  • What made you smile today? 
  • What was something fun or interesting? 
  • What were you proud of? 
  • Did someone do something kind for you? 
  • What is one thing you’d tell me about if I had been at school today? 

These questions aren't about ignoring difficult experiences or expecting every day to be positive. They simply create space for children to notice, remember and share the good moments alongside the challenges they may experience. 

There is no need for these conversations to be long or happen every day. For some families, a few minutes at dinner, in the car or before bedtime may be a natural opportunity for connection. In our own ways, at home and at school, we can create opportunities for children to feel connected, valued and supported. 

Terry Fox Run — Monday, September 28 

We are looking forward to our Terry Fox Run on Monday at 3:00 p.m. 

This is always a special opportunity for our school community to come together, get moving and remember Terry Fox and the difference one person can make. 

Families are welcome to join us outside and cheer on our students as they participate. This year, Sunnyside is hoping to raise $1,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. 

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed and to our staff and students for helping make this a meaningful school experience. 

A special thank you to our School Council and Fundraising Society for providing a Freezie treat for students! If your child has an allergy or is unable to have a Freezie, please let their classroom teacher know. 

Orange Shirt Day — Tuesday, September 29 

On Tuesday, we will recognize Orange Shirt Day and continue our learning connected to Truth and Reconciliation. 

Our school will come together for an Orange Shirt Day assembly at 11:35 a.m., and families are warmly invited to join us. Please arrive at the school between 11:25 – 11:35 to take your VIP seat.  

Throughout September, our students have been learning in age- and grade-appropriate ways about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, and the importance of respectful relationships and reconciliation. 

Orange Shirt Day provides an opportunity to listen, learn and reflect. We look forward to continuing this learning together as a school community. 

Wednesday, September 30 — No School 

A reminder that there is no school on Wednesday, September 30, as we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

School will resume on Thursday, October 1. 

Families who would like to participate in community learning opportunities on September 30 can find information about events in Calgary through the CBE and community organizations. 

Class Connector Volunteers – A Reminder 

A big thank you to our Class Connector volunteers for Ms. Hocken and Ms. Dietrich’s class! We are still looking for one or two Class Connectors for other classes. Class Connectors help strengthen connections among families, teachers and the broader school community by welcoming new families, sharing classroom information and helping with occasional classroom or community activities. 

No special experience is needed—just a willingness to connect and help. If you are interested in getting involved, we would love to hear from you! 

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

We will continue to share reminders and additional information through our weekly messages and school calendar. 

We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to seeing our students on Monday! 

Looking Ahead 

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

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

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

Grade 6 vaccines for those who have signed up with AHS 

Wednesday, September 30 
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — No School 

Thursday, October 1 

Soccer John 

Monday–Friday, October 5–9 
Lacrosse Residency 

Thursday, October 8 
School Council Meeting — 6:00 p.m.  

Other Upcoming Dates 

October 8 – Bottle Drive – Grade 5,6 hosting 

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

October 12 – No School, Thanksgiving 

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

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