Dear University School Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!

We hope everyone has had a wonderful summer and found some time to rest, recharge and enjoy time together. We are very excited to welcome our returning students and families back to University School and to extend a special welcome to those who are joining our school community for the first time.

There is something pretty special about the first days of a new school year. We can't wait to have our hallways and classrooms filled again with students' energy, ideas, laughter and curiosity.

We also know that the beginning of a school year can bring a mix of excitement and nervousness, for students and parents alike. Students may be wondering: Who will my teacher be? Will my friends be in my class? Where do I go on the first day? What will my new grade be like? Where do I eat lunch?

Those questions are completely understandable. Our first priority as we begin the year is to help students feel welcomed, connected and comfortable at school. We will take the time students need to learn new routines, get to know their teachers, classmates, and other staff to settle into the year ahead.

For any students who might be feeling a few first-day butterflies, we wanted to share a story about beginning something new, finding your place and discovering that you are not alone. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to enjoy The Day You Begin together as a family: The Day You Begin

Our staff are looking forward to being back together this week and have been busy getting classrooms and learning spaces ready for students. We have an exciting year ahead, with many opportunities for students to learn, create, move and try something new.

Thanks to the support of our School Council and Parent Society, we have several special residencies planned throughout the year that will give students opportunities to create, move, perform and learn in different ways.

We will be kicking things off almost immediately! In early September, University School is excited to welcome the Calgary Flames Classroom Crew. During this multi-day residency, trained instructors will work directly with students during physical education to develop skills through floor hockey and flag football. The program focuses on participation, teamwork, skill development and, most importantly, helping students experience the fun of being active. What a great way to start our year together!

Later in the year, students will have the opportunity to participate in a writer-in-residence experience. Working alongside a professional writer, students will explore the writing process, develop their ideas and discover new ways to share their stories and voices.

We are also excited to bring Bhangra dancing to University School! This energetic and joyful form of dance will give students an opportunity to experience music and movement while learning new steps and dancing together. It promises to be a fun way to build confidence, coordination and community.

Rhythm Rhythm Rhythm will also join us for an interactive drumming residency. Students will explore rhythm and percussion while learning how to listen, create and collaborate as part of a group. Every student has a part to play, and individual rhythms come together to create something much bigger. We are very excited to hear University School come alive with music!

And those are just some of the things we have planned! There will be many more opportunities, celebrations, field trips and special events to look forward to as the year unfolds.

There is quite a bit of important information included in this email, particularly information about the first day of school. Please take a few minutes to read through to the end so that everyone knows what to expect when we welcome students back.

We also have a little first-day surprise waiting at the front of the school! Be sure to stop by for a fun back-to-school photo opportunity. If your family usually approaches from the back of the school, you may want to make your way around to the front before heading home to snap a first-day photo.

We are very excited for the year ahead and, most of all, to see our students again. Whether University School is already a familiar place for your family or you are walking through our doors for the very first time, we are so glad you are here.

It’s going to be a great year of learning and growing together!

Jennifer McTighe and Lori Bonanno

Please find Important Information for the First Day.