Dear Sunnyside School Families
We’ve had another great week at Sunnyside School! It’s hard to believe this is already our final message for September as we move into October!
Terry Fox Event
A big thank-you to all the parent volunteers who helped set up for our Terry Fox Run and who cut and handed out freezies to our students. Your time and energy made the day run so smoothly, and we are grateful for your support. The event was a wonderful success, with our school community coming together in Terry’s spirit of courage and hope. One of our kindergarten students summed it up best when they exclaimed, “This is the best day of my life!” Moments like these remind us how special it is to learn and grow together.
A big thank you to our School Council for partnering with Oxford House, who generously donated freezies for students to enjoy after our Terry Fox Run!
So far, Sunnyside School has raised $620 for Toonies for Terry online and we are still collecting and counting the physical coins that we were brought into the school.
Thursday, October 2 – A Busy Day!
We wear orange on Orange Shirt Day to honor and remember the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and sent to residential schools in Canada. The day was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, who, as a young girl, was excited to wear a brand new orange shirt her grandmother gave her on her first day of residential school. But when she arrived, the shirt was taken away from her, and she never got it back.
Her orange shirt became a symbol of how children lost not only their belongings, but also their voices, culture, and connections to family. By wearing orange, we show that every child matters, and we commit to learning, listening, and working toward reconciliation.
Sunnyside School students are invited to wear an orange or a favorite shirt to celebrate that every child matters. They are celebrating the importance of children being loved, safe, cared for, and proud of who they are. Wearing orange also shows respect for Indigenous children and families, and it celebrates the idea that kids should always get to learn and grow in a place where they belong.
In Honour of Truth and Reconciliation, we will have an assembly at 3:00pm. Families are welcome to join. We will also be collecting bottles for the bottle drive throughout the week, before or after the assembly or between 4:00 and 5:00.
The bottle drive is raising funds for the Trickster Theatre, an Alberta-based company, partners with schools to help students learn through creative drama, storytelling, and performance. During a residency, students don’t just watch a play—they become part of it. They work together with the artists to create short plays, stories, or performances connect to our theme “Seeds of Change”.
Provincial Assessment
Alberta Education K-3 Early Years Assessment is due to be completed by October 6, 2025. Students in K-3 are being tested on literacy and numeracy in accordance with government expectations. Please see the following document for more information: Understanding Universal Screeners
Alberta’s Education Act Amendment
As of Sept. 1, 2025, the Education Act was updated to include sections regarding: Parental Notification, Opt-In and Approval for Teaching and Learning Resources. Please see the following letter for more details: Parent Letter Sept 2025
Online Learning Series for Families
The Calgary Board of Education invites all parents and guardians to join a live online series on supporting child and youth well-being. The series is hosted by the Recovery Alberta Community Education Service (CES) Program in collaboration with local experts from the Calgary community.
Attached to this email is a poster with sessions designed to provide families with knowledge, tools, and strategies to help navigate the challenges and opportunities of raising children and teens today. Along with the poster, additional session details are available on the Child and Youth Family and Caregiver Series page.
Labour Action | Strike Update
Last week, the Teachers' Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Agreement. ATA members will vote on the tentative agreement from Sept. 27-29. We anticipate receiving results shortly thereafter. For now, it continues to be business as usual in our schools.
Next steps:
If ATA members vote in favour of the agreement, there will be no disruption to learning.
If ATA members reject the agreement, the strike notice remains in place and the strike will begin on Monday, Oct. 6.
More information will be shared with staff and families as the situation evolves. You can also find the most up-to-date information on the labour action page.
Warmly,
Shannon Muir
Principal, Sunnyside School
Sunnyside’s School Council Website
https://www.sunnysideschoolcouncil.com
Upcoming Dates
Monday, September 29 – Non-Instruction Day, System Indigenous Learning Day for Staff
Tuesday, September 30 – No School, National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Thursday, October 2:
- Orange Shirt Day
- Assembly 3:00
- Bottle Drive, drop off your bottles in support of our whole school music/drama residency from 4:00 – 5:00pm
Thursday, October 23 – Bottle Drive, drop off your bottles in support of our whole school music/drama residency from 4:00 – 5:00pm
Monday, October 27 Picture Day
Thursday, November 13 – Bottle Drive, drop off your bottles in support of our whole school music/drama residency from 4:00 – 5pm
Thursday, December 11 – Bottle Drive, drop off your bottles in support of our whole school music/drama residency from 4:00 – 5pm
Save the Future Date
- Friday, November 14 Yellow Steps place-based learning residency launches for one week
- The week of December 15-19 with evening performance on Thursday and potential an in-school version on Friday (help with costumes and props maybe be needed)
- January 19 – 22, 26 – 29 and February 2,3 Swimming (volunteers will be needed)