School Update 

To the students and families of MRS 

As you may be aware, there was a significant house fire that occurred near the school this week that started near the end of the school day. Fortunately, no one was hurt from this fire; however, we know that many of our kids witnessed this event. To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, we have been able to arrange for a Community Safety Officer from the Calgary Fire Department to come talk to our students on Wednesday, December 13th.  This conversation will focus on fire safety, and remind our students what to do in case of an emergency. 

We also want to share that yesterday we had our first of two annual internal lockdown practices with our School Resource Officers. These practices ensure that all staff and students are familiar with the safety measures outlined in our Emergency Response Plan and know what to do in the case of a real emergency. 

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend. 

MRS Staff 

Upcoming Important Dates 

Dec 8	Non-Instruction Day (No School for Students)
Dec 13	Fire Safety Presentation
Dec 15	Healthy Hunger - Around the Bend
Dec 21	Healthy Hunger - Little Caesars
Dec 21	Winter Solstice Celebration
Dec 22	Last Day of Classes
Dec 25-Jan 5	Winter Break
Jan 8	Classes Resume

Calgary Food Bank Donations 

The Calgary Food Bank is the first line of emergency food support for families and individuals facing crisis. As the city’s main charitable food hub and the most accessible food bank, they have the capacity to serve families, individuals, and organizations to fight hunger. The Calgary Food Bank relies solely on the generous support of the community. To support this worthy cause, Maple Ridge School will be collecting non-perishable food items, and these items can be dropped off at the bins near the office. 

Winter Solstice – December 21 

We recently confirmed with Elder Harley Bastien that he will be joining us for our Winter Solstice Celebration on December 21st. Elder Harley has been working with all students at Maple Ridge and furthering our understanding of Indigenous ways knowing and doing. We are very honored that he will be joining us for this celebration as this is an opportunity for our students to share their learning back with him and our families. 

As a reminder, performances will be staggered throughout the day for each grade to accommodate an audience. There will also be an opportunity for adults to socialize in the iLab over hot chocolate.   

Grade 4	(Perform @ 9:15, Classrooms 9:30-10:00)
Kindergarten AM	(Perform @10:15, Classrooms 10:30-11:00)
Grade 1	(Perform @ 11:15, Classrooms 11:30-12:00)
Grade 3	(Perform @ 12:45, Classrooms 1:00-1:30)
Kindergarten PM	(Perform @ 1:30, Classrooms 1:45-2:15)
Grade 2	(Perform @ 2:30, Classrooms 2:45-3:15)

We look forward to welcoming our school community into our building. 

School Council and Parent Association: i-Lab Winter Solstice Celebration  

We are looking for volunteers to help host our Annual Winter Solstice Celebration in the i-lab on Thursday, Dec.21st. This is a time for connection as we welcome the shortest day of the year and reflect upon the learning our students and staff have engaged in at Maple Ridge School.  

During the day, families are invited to view a performance in the gym, followed by a celebration of learning in the classroom and a chance to connect in the i-lab over warm drinks and festive treats, including a hot chocolate station. 

We ask that several volunteers help to serve the drinks and food throughout the day. We are also looking for a piano player(s) who can fill the halls with music during the non-performance times.  

If you have a valid police clearance and are registered as a volunteer with the school office, please consider signing up for a shift (NOT during your child’s specified grade time though, we do not want you to miss their performance). 

Link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044AA4A92DAAFC1-46640821-winter  

If you have any questions, please contact us at mapleridgecouncil@gmail.com. 

We look forward to sharing this special event with you!  MRS School Council and Parent Association