Important Information
Cell Phone Policy Reminder
Since the return from Winter Break, we have seen an increase in the number of students who are wearing internet connected smart watches. As a reminder, our “Away for the Day” policy regarding cell phones, also includes smart watches. During school hours, it is important that watches are in school mode, meaning that the internet capabilities are disabled.
We have reminded students of this distraction multiple times during our first week back. We are happy that students are excited about their new technology, however interruptions from texts and other data related features have an impact on learning. Students will be given a reminder of the policy. If disruptions persist, students will be asked to put their watches in their backpacks or to leave them at home.
Parents who would like to review this policy with your children can find the information on our website at: https://chaparral.cbe.ab.ca/student-personal-mobile-devices-k-9
More specific information about the guidelines are found in the following link.
https://www.cbe.ab.ca/about-us/policies-and-regulations/Documents/Away-for-the-Day-Guideline.pdf
Thank you for your help in adhering to this policy.
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration begins on January 12. If your child is going to be 5 years old by December 31, 2026, they are eligible to attend Kindergarten. Please visit the website at https://cbe.ab.ca/news-centre/Pages/Countdown-to-Kindergarten-Learning-Starts-Here.aspx to learn more.
Alternative Programs
The CBE has a number of alternative learning programs available to students and families. Each of these requires an Expression of Interest to be completed if students are wanting to attend there. The application period is approaching and will be open from January 12 – February 10, 2026, at noon. This must be completed online as no paper copies are accepted. This is available in SchoolEngage.
Examples of alternative programs are:
- Arts Based Learning (Willow Park School – Grade 5-9)
- Science Based Learning (various locations – Kg – Grade 9)
- Language Based Programs (various locations – Kg – Grade 9)
- All Girls School (Alice Jamieson Girls Academy – Grade 4-9)
- Montessori (Lk Bonavista School – Kg – Grade 6)
- Traditional Learning Centre (various locations – Kg – Grade 9)
- Late French Immersion (Nickle Jr High – Gr 7-9)
Please note: this option is included in the update and is intended for information purposes only, to provide our families with information about learning programs available for learning within the CBE.
From the Office
School Hours
A reminder to families that our school hours are 8:55am-12:22pm (AM) and 1:00pm-3:30pm (PM).
In the morning, we have soft entry from 8:45am-8:55am. This allows students to come into the school as soon as they arrive.
Classes start at 8:55am and student who arrive after this time are considered late.
There has been an increase in the number of late students, and we would like to remind parents of the importance of being on time for school on a consistent basis.
From School Council
Meeting
Our next meeting will be January 15, 2026, at 6:30pm – Kindergarten is presenting.
Fun Snack
Fun Snack is on January 15. It is A&W.
Spirit Day
Our next Spirit Day will be on Thursday January 15. We will have Anything But a Backpack Day on this day! Students and staff are encouraged to find a creative way to bring their items to school, using ANYTHING, but NOT a backpack! Items should be small enough to easily work in a classroom setting. The size of a backpack is perfect. We look forward to seeing the creativity for this day!
Month at a Glance
We have a Month at a glance calendar that will be distributed at the beginning of each month. Updates will be posted on our website as they occur.
Please check our website for calendar updates. You can subscribe to it and the updates will go straight to your phone!! You will always be in the know!
Families are reminded that our website should always be your first point of information updates as it is consistent for the whole school.
Monthly Mantra
The monthly mantra for January is:
Imagine a world … where patience, practice , and balanced steps make you a master of walking on air.