Thank you to all our families who joined us for Open House on Thursday evening. It was wonderful to see so many of you, and to have parents explore different areas of the school. 

This past week, we also held our first evacuation drill of the year. Students did an excellent job exiting the building efficiently, safely, and quietly. Each year, we complete six evacuation drills and two lockdown drills to ensure that everyone is prepared in the event of an emergency. These practice drills are an important part of keeping our school community safe. 

This week marks Truth and Reconciliation Week. As a school, we are taking time to reflect, learn, and engage in conversations about the importance of truth, reconciliation, and the ongoing impact of residential schools. Together, we are committed to building understanding and fostering a community rooted in respect and care. 

We will acknowledge Orange Shirt Day on Friday, September 26. Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange as we honour survivors of residential schools and remember that Every Child Matters. 

Literacy and Numeracy Assessments 

Teachers will be administering assessments to gather information about each student’s literacy and numeracy skills. These assessments help us understand each child’s strengths and areas for growth, inform classroom programming, and measure progress throughout the year. 

To find out more information about the Early Learning Assessments (K-3) see the link below.

Link: Provincial K-3 Universal Screeners Information

Terry Fox Run | October 3, 2025

This year marks the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, and our school is proud to take part and help Finish It! Please support our fundraising efforts and donate to https://schools.terryfox.ca/UniversitySchoolCalgaryAB. @terryfoxfoundation (please note the date on link may be incorrect. The correct day for University school is October 3, 2025)

Required Forms and Documents Opt-In for School Messages

We don’t want you to miss out on any school messages so make sure you’re up to date with opting in. For more information, visit https://calgary.schoolmessenger.com/cbe_subscribe

Volunteering at the School

Volunteers must be registered annually with University School/CBE. You can access the volunteer registration form through your parent account, along with your other annual forms under “Online forms” (Click here: Student and Parent / Legal Guardian Sign In (cbe.ab.ca))

Fun Lunch

We are happy to announce that with the support of the Parent Association/School Council we are going to launch Fun Snacks and Fun Lunches for this school year. We will be alternating between fun snacks and fun lunches throughout the year. 

The first fun snack is Kernels Popcorn and it will be on Thursday, October 2. Orders must be placed at least 5 days before the delivery date for this fun snack is Saturday, September 27. 

Also, we are continuing the highly successful option in Healthy Hunger for families to donate / buy snacks for friends so that the school can purchase items for those students who are unable to do so themselves. This option is only available for the Kernels Popcorn fun snack. It is wonderful seeing University School community coming together to help each other out. Login/create your Healthy Hunger account at Healthy Hunger. 

If this is all new to you, please see more detailed information below. 

What is Fun Snack / Lunch

This program allows parents to purchase food for their child on specific dates throughout the year. It not only provides fun food for the students, but it also serves as a valuable fundraiser for our school. 

How Can My Child Participate?

Fun Snack / Lunch is run on an online system called Healthy Hunger. All orders are posted for University School and require a parent account to participate. You can sign up on the Healthy Hunger website and register your child. 

How Do I Register?

Visit Healthy Hunger and click on Register Your Student. Fill in the required information and select Create My Account. You will then add each child who is participating to your account. Once completed, you will have access to all the snacks or lunches that the school has posted. Online payment is available. Click here for step by step instructions.

What If I Already Have an Account?

If you already have an account with Healthy Hunger, simply log in and enter your child’s new information. **This will have to be updated every year as teachers and grades change. 

School Council & Parent Association Meeting 

The first School Council and Parent Association meeting of the 2025-26 school year is on Wednesday, September 24 at 6:30pm. This meeting will be held virtually. 

Click here to attend the meeting (Microsoft Teams) on Wednesday, September 24 at 6:30pm 

Ms McTighe and Ms. Bonanno will also be sharing some of the plans and structures for the 2024-25 school year and the path forward, as well as some general updates regarding the school. There will also be updates from School Council including several positions that still need to be filled. 

The meetings are a great opportunity to find out more about University School, ask questions, and be a part of something bigger. You can be an active participant in the meeting or just listen to what is being said, all from the comfort of your own home! It is with the support of University School Families and the community that we can provide such wonderful learning opportunities for all students.

School Council Casino Fundraiser – Volunteers Needed!!

Want to help generate key funds to support and enhance learning for all our children's education?

University School Council has been awarded casino fundraising dates on Thursday, November 13 and Friday, November 14 at Elbow River Casino. This is our most significant fundraiser, taking place every 18–24 months.

Currently we have 14 of the 42 rolls filled. We still need 28 volunteers to cover shifts over the two days (11 a.m.–7 p.m., 7 p.m.–3:30 a.m., or 11 p.m.–3:30 a.m.).

Proceeds from this fundraiser are used to support and enhance learning for all children at University School. Prior year proceeds added books to the library, Chromebooks and iPads, replaced recess playground equipment and supported school residences; allowing students to experience new activities and learning. 

If you are looking for a way to help support these initiatives, here is your chance! We require 40 volunteers to be scheduled for a variety of casino support roles over 2 days in the following shifts 11am-7pm, 7pm-3:30am or 11pm-3:30am. 

Come, meet and work at the casino with our community of parents, grandparents and friends of University School.

Anyone over 18 is welcome, no prior experience or volunteer clearance required, we just need your time! We'll even feed you too! 

Please assist us by committing to volunteer. Click the link below for more information on signing up: https://signup.com/go/CVLYZbb

Action Required | Demographic Verification

Families are reminded to complete their required annual CBE forms as soon as possible. If you need support with this process, please connect with Rhonda in the office, she is happy to help.

Please log on to your MyCBE Account to complete the required annual Demographic Verification and Annual Authorization forms in SchoolEngage to ensure your email/phone address/numbers are up to date.

This link connects you to the technical support page and MyCBE Account link:

• MyCBE 

Here’s to another great week of learning!

Warmly, 

Jennifer McTighe and Lori Bonanno

Key Dates