Dear Families, 

There is a lot happening at Belfast School as we move through the fall season. Students are having a great time participating in the volleyball residency, building both skills and confidence. We also have a number of upcoming events and opportunities for families, so please take some time to read through this week's update and mark important dates on your calendar. 

Secret Path Week & Walk for Wenjack October 20th – 22nd  

As part of our ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation, Belfast Leadership students have organized Secret Path Week. Throughout the week, students will participate in age-appropriate learning opportunities that help deepen their understanding of residential schools and the legacy of Chanie Wenjack. 

Walk for Wenjack - Classes will participate in the Walk for Wenjack and track the distance they walk as a school community. Our goal is to collectively walk 400 km throughout the week while learning about Chanie's story and legacy. 

Student-Led Fundraiser - Leadership students hope to raise $400 for the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund for Truth and Reconciliation. Participation is voluntary, and donations will be collected throughout the week. We encourage families to donate to this cause. 

Student Leadership & Learning - Students will help promote awareness through: 

  • Daily announcements  
  • Trivia activities and prize draws 
  • School-wide learning opportunities focused on truth and reconciliation 

We are proud of our student leaders for leading this important initiative and thank families for supporting these learning conversations at home. 

AMA Safety Patrols Beginning Soon 

We are excited to launch the AMA School Safety Patrol Program at Belfast! Student patrollers help promote safe practices around our school while developing leadership and responsibility skills. 

Training for patrol members will take place on October 27th, with patrols beginning the week of November 2. Patrollers will be stationed at the intersection of 17A Street and 10 Avenue NE during the following times: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 3:15-3:25 p.m. 
  • Friday: 12:15-12:25 p.m. 

We appreciate the support of all families in helping make our school community safer. Please remember to obey all traffic laws, use designated crossing areas, and follow the directions of our student patrollers and crossing supervisors. 

Free YMCA Membership for Grade 6 Students 

Thanks to the generous support of the Calgary Flames Foundation, all Grade 6 students in Calgary are eligible for a free 13-month YMCA membership. 

This membership provides access to YMCA facilities, fitness programs, recreation opportunities, and youth activities designed to support healthy lifestyles and community involvement. 

Families interested in learning more can review the information available through the YMCA Grade 6 Membership program. 

Halloween Dance - October 29th 

The Belfast School Council Fundraising Committee is pleased to invite Belfast families to our Halloween Dance on Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. 

We are looking forward to an evening of music, dancing, and community fun. Costumes are welcome and we ask that you refer to the costume guidelines below. We hope families will join us for this opportunity to connect, celebrate, and enjoy time together. Thank you to our School Council volunteers for organizing this event for our community. 

Costume Guidelines: 

As students prepare for Halloween celebrations, we ask families to help ensure costumes are appropriate for an elementary school setting. Costumes should be school-friendly and allow students to participate safely in all activities, including Costume Day during school hours. 

Please leave the following at home: 

  • Scary, gory, or frightening costumes and masks 
  • Toy weapons or weapon accessories of any kind 
  • Costumes that depict violence 
  • Costumes that may be offensive, stereotypical, or involve cultural appropriation 
  • Full-face masks that make it difficult to identify students 

We encourage costumes that are fun, creative, and respectful of the diverse backgrounds and experiences within our school community. Thank you for helping us create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students. 

Friends Pizza Fundraiser Night - November 5 

Looking for an easy dinner option while supporting Belfast School? 

Our first Friends Pizza Fundraiser Night will take place on Thursday, November 5th. 

Friends Pizza has generously agreed to donate 15% of total sales back to our school. Every order helps support School Council initiatives that benefit students throughout the year. 

We are grateful for this partnership and encourage families to consider supporting the fundraiser if they are able. Additional fundraiser nights will be held in January, March, and June, with specific dates shared closer to each event. 

Helping Care for Our Library Books 

Over the coming days, students will receive a labelled protective bag to use when transporting library books between home and school. 

Recently, we have noticed an increase in books being returned with water damage, food stains, bent covers, and other wear caused during transport in backpacks. These protective bags will help keep books safe from spills, moisture, and everyday damage. 

We encourage families to help remind students to store their library books in these bags whenever they are travelling to and from school. Taking good care of our shared resources helps ensure that all students can continue to enjoy high-quality library materials for years to come. 

Thank you for supporting our library program and helping students develop responsibility for shared learning resources. 

Lost and Found 

Our Lost and Found is growing quickly! We encourage families to label clothing, water bottles, lunch kits, and other personal belongings to help items find their way back to their owners. Please also remind your child to regularly check the Lost and Found if they are missing something. We will notify you when Lost and Found items will be donated to a local charity.

Upcoming Dates: 

Monday October 19 – Non-Instructional Day (no school for students) 

Tuesday October 20 – School Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m., in-person 

Friday October 23 - Early Dismissal at 12:15 p.m. (AM kindergarten attends AM class) 

Thursday October 29 – Halloween Dance at 6:00 p.m.

Friday October 30 - Costume Day at School