School Update 

To the students and families of MRS, 

This week, Maple Ridge School came together to celebrate Kindness Week, reinforcing the importance of inclusion, connection, and caring for one another. 

We kicked off the week with an assembly on Monday, where we shared the book, I Am One and heard inspiring examples from our Grade 4 students about ways we can each be the "I" in kind. On Tuesday, students participated in a school-wide buddy reading activity that encouraged inclusion and connection. 

Wednesday was Pink Shirt Day, where students proudly wore pink to show their commitment to making Maple Ridge a place of belonging for all. On Thursday, we gathered virtually for a Piggie and Elephant read-aloud of the book Are You Ready to Play Outside? Throughout the book, Gerald and Piggie reminded us that kindness can shine through—even when plans change. 

To build on last year's beautiful chains of kindness, students and staff are creating waves and ripples throughout the school to illustrate the many ways kindness is spreading in our community. 

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend. 

Maple Ridge Staff 

Upcoming Important Dates 

School Planning Engagement Survey – Still Open 

We know we make better decisions to support student learning when we build understanding and work together. That’s why we are asking you to share your perspectives about our school development plan, school budget and school fees. 

• The survey is open from February 20th to March 14th 

Please click the link below to complete the survey: 

School Planning Engagement Survey 

Cupe Local 40 Strike 

As of this past Monday, CUPE Local 40 members have withdrawn their services to the CBE. This union includes school facilities and cleaning staff.  Information to families regarding the strike action continues to be communicated centrally by the CBE – not by individual schools. The information below is messaging from the Calgary Board of Education regarding the pending strike action: 

• The CBE is prioritizing in-person learning – all CBE schools and buildings will remain open, and classes will continue 
• However, a strike will have an impact on schools and operations 
• We are committed to ensuring schools remain a place where students, staff and families feel valued, supported and safe 
• CUPE Local 40 members are an important part of our school communities 
• We value the contributions of all employees who support student success, and we respect the bargaining process 
• We are committed to bargaining in good faith to reach a new collective agreement 
• The following link will take you to extensive information and updates regarding the strike: CBE Labour Action Page 

Black History Month 

Throughout the month, students have been reading a variety of books and learning about other Black Canadians who have impacted Canada, both in history and in the present day. They are continuing to learn how they showed perseverance and resilience to stand up for what they believed in and fight for the rights they deserved.   

This link  is to a playlist of CBC kid's videos, books, short stories etc. if your family is looking to explore more on Black History Month.  

iLab Materials Still Needed   

We are continuing to restock our iLab materials and are thankful for the excellent items that we have been recently receiving. 

iLab projects promote critical thinking skills and encourage students to use design thinking to solve real-world problems. 

If you are willing to donate any of the following items, please drop them off at the front door (in the wagon) or send them with your child. We will be accepting donations until further notice. 

If you have any questions or think you have something not listed that might be useful to our iLab, please email Mrs. Hildebrand at dthildebrand@cbe.ab.ca.   

Thank you in advance for helping us collect these items and support innovation at Maple Ridge!   

*Not needed at this time: Egg Cartons, Fabric