Dear Sunnyside School Community
Last week my email started with “June continues to be an exciting and eventful month.” Little did I know!
If you had a chance to check your email yesterday, you’ll know that we experienced a small fire. Smoke was observed coming from a bookshelf in an unoccupied classroom. During a transition between activities, a few students noticed and alerted staff right away. Thanks to their quick thinking and our established safety routines, the building was safely and calmly evacuated in under 60 seconds.
In any situation, our students’ safety and well-being are top priority. I’m incredibly proud of how the children responded—with maturity, kindness, and even curiosity. Some used their science knowledge to make thoughtful (and enthusiastic!) guesses about what might have caused the incident.
I’m currently working closely with the appropriate experts to obtain more information. What I can confirm at this time is that our beloved historical school is and continues to be structurally sound and safe - there are no concerns related to wiring, ventilation, light fixtures, or other similar stories that may be circulating.
All students will have their belongings returned on Monday (or Tuesday in some cases).
With student mental health and wellbeing in mind, we will hold a short assembly on Monday morning to celebrate how well the students responded and to reinforce the importance of our safety routines. We will also use this time to end on a positive note with soccer stories from this weekend and Read-A-Thon statistics and awards. I will also share this with you next week.
Soccer Tournament – Kiwanis Cup
Today, our Sunnyside students represented the school with pride, heart, and incredible teamwork at the Kiwanis Diversity Cup. They played two fantastic games—winning 6–0 and 3–2—and demonstrated not only skill and determination but also kindness and sportsmanship throughout. I’m so proud of how they supported one another on and off the field. The Diversity Cup celebrates inclusion, connection, and community, and our students truly embodied those values today. It was also nice to have families cheering and supporting. We have two more games tomorrow at Forest Lawn Athletic Park, Field 7 at 9:00am and 11:20am.
Curious about what was shared at last Thursday’s psychologist presentation?
Dr. Caroline Buzanko shared about technology, screens their impact. Here is a copy of the handouts and slides for those who are interested: Dr. Caroline Buzanko Screen Handouts
Are teachers going on strike?
The ATA includes more than 46,000 teachers across Alberta, including more than 8,000 who work for the CBE. This includes certificated employees including teachers, substitute teachers, assistant principals and principals. The Alberta Teachers’ Association has reported 94.5% of members voted in favour of a strike during a vote held June 5-8. That doesn’t mean labour action will begin immediately.
The ATA has 120 days from the date of the vote to start labour action, unless a resolution is reached between the provincial government’s Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) and the ATA. If the ATA decides to commence labour action, the union must notify school boards. You can also check the labour action page on the CBE website.
For now, it is business as usual in CBE schools. We are committed to supporting student learning and well-being while maintaining safe and welcoming school environments for students, staff and families.
Sincerely,
Shannon Muir, Principal
School Council and Fundraising Society updates are available here
https://www.sunnysideschoolcouncil.com/
Upcoming Dates
June 16 - Soccer Residency
June 17 – Math Part B PAT (Grade 6)
June 18 – Social Studies PAT (Grade 6)
June 19 – Grade 5, 6 Calaway Park Field Trip
June 22 – Neighbour Day Parade
June 23 - Soccer Residency
NEW *June 24 – Activity Day 10:25 – 11:30
June 25 – Grade 6 Farewell 1:30
June 26 – Last Day of School, 12:00 Dismissal