School Update
To the students and families of MRS,
This week at Maple Ridge School, we are excited to share the addition of a Gaga Ball Pit on our North tarmac. For those unfamiliar with Gaga Ball, we are sharing a video here.
One of the things that has us thrilled about this game is that it is a movement activity that students of all ages and abilities can participate in. We have also noticed parents and students playing after-school games, and this is great to see.
For those that haven’t had a chance to see or use it yet, we welcome you, providing the weather cooperates this weekend, to come on over to the school and check it out.
We also want to share a friendly reminder that there is NO SCHOOL on Monday.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.
Maple Ridge Staff
Upcoming Important Dates
May 20 | Victoria Day (School Closed) |
May 23 | School Council & Parent Association Meeting @ 6:30pm |
May 24 | Healthy Hunger - Around the Bend |
May 25 | Garden Support (9am-12pm) Volunteers Needed |
May 30 | Kindergarten Orientation (6-7pm) Doors open at 5:45pm |
June 6 | Healthy Hunger - Papa Johns |
June 14 | Volunteer Appreciation (10am-11:30) |
June 14 | Healthy Hunger - Kernels |
June 17-19 | Land Based Learning – Elder Harley (Weaselhead) |
June 20 | Healthy Hunger - Little Caesars |
June 21 | Healthy Hunger - Booster Juice |
June 21 | National Indigenous / Sports / Science Day |
June 26 | Last Day of Kindergarten for AM Class |
June 27 | Last Day for Grade 1-4 (8:55am - 3:40pm) Last Day of Kindergarten for PM Class (8:55am - 12:35pm) |
School Council
School Council and Parent Association Meeting: May 23 at 6:30pm (virtual)
All parents and guardians are welcome! Please join us to hear about plans to spend fundraising dollars at Maple Ridge and share your thoughts and feedback. Also, GRADE TWO TEACHERS will be presenting - this is a great opportunity for parents/guardians of grade 1's to see what's ahead next year, and for all of us to celebrate the learning fun this year's grade 3's have experienced.
Calling all Gardeners and Builders!
On Saturday, May 25, from 9:00am-12:00pm, we are looking for volunteers to join Maple Ridge School staff members to build and fill our new garden boxes!
We’re looking for:
· 10 - 20 Volunteers
· 3 - 5 Wheelbarrows
· Tools (shovels, drills, rakes etc…)
All boxes, dirt and mulch will be delivered to the school in advance. On May 25, we will be building five boxes, moving dirt to fill the boxes and spreading mulch on existing beds and on top of boxes. Kids are welcome!
Coffee, tea, water and snacks will be provided by the Parent Association.
No volunteer security clearance is needed. If this interests you, please email us at mapleridgecouncil@gmail.com or join the sign-up sheet here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044AA4A92DAAFC1-49625571-garden
Reach us anytime at mapleridgecouncil@gmail.com
Lindsey M and Cara P
On behalf of Maple Ridge School Council and Parent Association
Next Year Planning
As we prepare for the year ahead, we are entering the initial stages of planning for our classroom configurations. If there are specific learning considerations we should know about your child when planning class lists, we would appreciate your input. Requests for specific teachers should not be made as staffing changes can vary from year to year in terms of who is teaching at our school and what grades they are assigned to teach.
Please put your requests in writing and email them to drlaidlaw@cbe.ab.ca no later than May 24th, 2024. While no guarantees can be made, we will make every effort to consider your request. Please be assured that we put many hours into creating classes that have the best possible configurations to support the learning of all students.
Kindergarten Orientation – May 30
Maple Ridge School will be hosting a Kindergarten Orientation on May 30th @ 6:00pm - 7:00pm.
Doors will open at 5:45pm, and we will start in the gym for a brief presentation. You will then have the opportunity to explore the school and visit the classroom.
The office will also be open for you to start the process of becoming a volunteer. Please bring your government issued identification to receive a letter from the school in order to obtain the required Police Clearance.
We are looking forward to meeting our new families!
Celebrating Asian Heritage Month in Canada
May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, experiences, and impact of individuals of Asian heritage in Canada and around the world. According to the 2021 Census, more than seven million people in Canada reported having Asian origins, or about 19.3 per cent of the population. This is a large and diverse group that has contributed to every aspect of life in Canada.