Dear Families, 

Over the past few weeks, students have been connecting through opportunities like Leadership Club, Communities, and school-wide events such as the Terry Fox Run. These experiences help students build relationships, develop leadership skills, and contribute to a strong sense of belonging. It has been wonderful to see students coming together, supporting one another, and helping to strengthen the positive culture and community we have at Belfast School. 

We're happy to share that Belfast staff, students, and families ran a total of 1164 laps around the field, which is equivalent to 314.28 kilometers. That's close to 7.5 marathons collectively! We've also raised just over $200 for cancer research. We thank all families who have supported this cause and will continue to accept more donations on Monday for anyone else who would like to contribute.

Treaty Day and Fall Equinox 

September 22nd marks both Treaty Day and the Fall Equinox. Treaty Day is an opportunity to recognize and honour the treaty relationships that connect us and to reflect on our shared responsibility to learn about the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations Peoples. The Fall Equinox marks the first day of autumn, when day and night are nearly equal in length, and many cultures recognize it as a time of balance, gratitude, and seasonal change.  We encourage families to have conversations at home about this as we deepen our understanding of the land we live on, our shared history, and the changing seasons around us. 

Truth and Reconciliation Week and Renewing Our Commitment 

Next week, we will be recognizing Truth and Reconciliation Week, a time to deepen our understanding of the history, cultures, and enduring strength of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. It is an opportunity for us to learn, reflect, and strengthen our commitment to reconciliation. 

At the Calgary Board of Education, we are committed to advancing the Calls to Action related to education and honouring both National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. At Belfast School, we will recognize Orange Shirt Day on September 29. Throughout the week, students will engage in age-appropriate learning experiences, including discussions about the Calls to Action and what they mean for us today, reading stories connected to Orange Shirt Day, and making classroom commitments that support reconciliACTION through meaningful actions and learning. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be observed on Tuesday, September 30. Please note that there will be no school on this day as we honour this important day of remembrance, reflection, and learning. 

Meet the Teacher September 24^th + Additional Meeting for Grade 5/6 Families 

We will be inviting you to meet your child’s teacher in person on September 24^th between 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., to experience what a typical day for your child looks like, and to meet their teacher. Classroom teachers will be sharing more information regarding curriculum, expectations, and routines with you in the coming days. 

Grade 5/6 Families are invited to a meeting at 7:00 p.m., in the gymnasium, to learn more about programming, expectations, and upcoming events and activities like Camp Chief Hector. 

Music Petting Zoo! 

During Meet the Teacher evening, Ms. Nova will have a Music Petting Zoo in her music room. Please stop by to meet Ms. Nova and find out what your child is learning in Music class. 

Picture Day is on Monday September 21^st 

LifeTouch Photography will be here on Monday September 21^st to take individual student and class photos. Photos will be available for purchase, if you choose. All students will need to get their photo taken as we need it for their school profile. 

Important Reminders 

• Please take time complete your Demographic Verification forms online at MyCBE 
• Pack some extra snacks for your child(ren) as they might need more fuel for their growing bodies 

Eye See...Eye Learn 

Eye See...Eye LearnTM is a barrier free program for all kindergarten-aged children offered by the Alberta Association of Optometrists. Kindergarten-aged children who receive an eye exam and are in need of glasses are eligible for a FREE pair through the Eye See...Eye Learn program. 

For more information, please visit https://www.optometrists.ab.ca/eye-see-eye-learn/im-a-parent 

Upcoming Dates: 

Monday September 21 – School Photo Day 

Friday September 25 – Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students) 

Tuesday September 29 – Orange Shirt Day 

Wednesday September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (School Closed)