Lakeland Ridge Weekly Update!
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays Lakeland Ridge Families!
We wish you all a wonderful and relaxing holiday season filled with happiness, laughter, and love. May you find time over the break to relax, recharge, and enjoy time together with family and friends.
We look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year and are excited for the fun adventures in store for 2022.
All the best,
LLR Staff
Upcoming Dates and Events
Dec 22- Jan 4: Christmas Break
Jan. 5: Classes Resume - Early Dismissal - 1:55 PM (Twin Day)
Jan. 11: School Council 6:30-7:30PM & PAS Meeting 7:30-8:30PM
Jan. 31: PL Day: No School
Christmas Break
Lakeland Ridge School will close for the Christmas break at the end of the day on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. The school will reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. During this time, if you have any school-related questions or concerns, contact Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) Central Services at 780-464-3477.
EIPS Central Services Christmas Break Hours
Open December 22 and 23: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Dec. 23, 2021, to Jan. 3, 2022
Open January 4: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*for location and contact information visit www.eips.ca.
From everyone at Elk Island Public Schools, we wish all of you a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year.
Staffing Update
We wish to extend a warm wolf welcome to Mrs. Sherri Prince. Mrs. Prince will be helping in the school office starting on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 until Mrs. Janke returns.
Holiday Travel Reminders
As the Christmas break approaches, we wish to remind you of federal public health regulations related to when students are permitted to return to school after travelling outside of Canada.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated students under 12 years of age travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians cannot return to school or daycare for 14 days following their return to Canada, and must follow the mandatory requirements under the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order.
Fully vaccinated students 12 years and older who travelled out of the country can return to school without delay so long as they are asymptomatic. If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, these students are subject to the Government of Canada’s required 14-day quarantine, regardless of whether they are accompanied by a parents or guardian who qualifies as a fully vaccinated traveller.
Additional information on travel restrictions and public health regulations can be found at the Government of Canada’s website. Any questions or concerns about these restrictions should be directed to the Government of Canada, through their www.travel.gc.ca website.
Family Resources
Kids help phone 1-800-668-6868
The Distress line 780-482-4357
Family and Community Service
(FCS) call-in hours 780-464-4044
Togetherall https://togetherall.com/en-ca/
Togetherall is a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Strathcona Food Bank
To apply for a hamper, please phone their office at 780-449-6413. They are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., except for statutory holidays and can usually get hampers to families within 3-5 days with same-day hampers available upon request before 10 am. See https://strathconafoodbank.ca/ for more info.
Saffron Centre & Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC)
Saffron Centre is available to support families and individuals who have been affected by sexual violence. CASASC has a 24hr Crisis Line: Call or Text 1-866-956-1099
Boys and Girls Club Strathcona County
Boys and Girls Club has teen and child programs running throughout the holidays that are free or low cost.
Phone: 780-416-1500
Alberta Health Services (AHS)
Alberta Health Services(AHS) has a great resource called Help in Tough Times with a huge amount of organizations and helpful numbers to call if you are in need of support. Mental health concerns, financial support, emergencies, grief and stress are all mentioned in this resource:
2022-23 School Fees Parental Input
Volunteer Update
All Elk Island Public Schools require proof of full vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result, from volunteers and visitors. Please note proof of vaccination is not required for those visiting for a short time and not interacting with students—parents, school council members, external delivery or service vendors.
Parent volunteers (field trips, classroom visits, etc.) can either come to the office and show their ID and vaccination card to school administration for scanning, or they can email their QR code to Jeff Huculak at jeff.huculak@eips.ca. Volunteers may also be required to show their ID and QR code at field trip venues.
Kindergarten Registration Starts Soon!
Is your child turning five on or before Dec. 31, 2022? If so, it’s almost time to register for kindergarten.
Kindergarten registration opens for the 2022-23 school year on Feb. 1, 2022.
To help families prepare, Elk Island Public Schools has put together an online EIPS Kindergarten Tool kit to make the transition as smooth as possible. The kit includes information on registration, important dates, programming options, what to expect, eligibility, how to find your designated school, transportation and more.
Additional information regarding Lakeland Ridge School’s kindergarten program is available at lakelandridge.ca.
Returning Student Registration for 2022-23
Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) will once again conduct an online returning student registration process to confirm student registrations for the 2022-23 school year. Families of all current students—with the exception of graduating Grade 12 students—must complete the process to confirm the school their child plans to attend in the 2022-23 school year or advise the Division of their plans not to return to EIPS. Additionally, students who want to attend a non-designated school need to make that request through the returning student registration process—acceptance is based on available space. The 2022-23 returning student registration takes place Feb. 1-28, 2022.
Access to the Returning Student Registration Form is provided throughthrough the PowerSchool Parent Portal. If you don’t have a PowerSchool Parent Portal account, you need to set one up before Feb. 1, 2022.
Create a PowerSchool Parent Portal account
For more information, contact the school office at 780-416-9018.
Literacy at Home
Check out these articles on the health benefits of listening to podcasts.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a34100126/podcast-brain-benefits/
https://evergreenpodcasts.com/blog/7-reasons-you-need-to-listen-to-podcasts
Math Resources
The following link provides a variety of websites for you to help your child at home with math. The websites included have basic fact practice, games, worksheets, and videos. Click on the picture for access to the website. We hope you enjoy the resources.
Inclement Weather
With the winter season well underway, we want to remind families to dress children appropriately for the weather when getting ready for school or the bus. The weather often changes unexpectedly throughout the day, so please select suitable outerwear and ensure your child is prepared for changing conditions.
If inclement weather conditions occur, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) will advise families of any bus cancellations using various communications tools, including automated-telephone messages, alerts posted on www.eips.ca and school websites, Twitter, Facebook, local radio stations and on the Ride 360 and Bus Status apps.
Decisions regarding bus cancellations are guided by EIPS’ Administrative Procedure 131: Inclement Weather, which states: “school bus service may be suspended … when there is a forecast or current temperature of -40 C including wind chill, in one or more regions.” Other reasons for suspending or delaying school bus services include adverse weather and poor road conditions.
When school bus services are suspended, schools remain open to students. EIPS believes families have the right and responsibility to make choices for their children based on they feel is safest during times of inclement weather.
For more information, contact EIPS Student Transportation at 780-417-8151.
Indigenous News
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Virtual Family Gatherings | January to March 2022
The First Nations, Métis and Inuit education team is once again offering online virtual gatherings for EIPS families of First Nations, Métis or Inuit children. We look forward to continuing the conversation from last year and welcoming new families to our virtual circle. These gatherings are an opportunity for First Nations, Métis and Inuit parents/guardians to come together to make connections, create a supportive environment for dialogue, share hopes and ideas for their children within the EIPS family and learn what’s happening around the Division. We’re grateful to Elder Wilson Bearhead for attending our virtual parent gatherings last school year and agreeing to open each of our gatherings again this year. It’s truly an honour and a privilege to be guided by Elder Wilson, and we hold our relationship with him close to our hearts.
Sessions will take place online using Microsoft Teams Meetings. Join on your computer or mobile app. Join the meeting (the same link will work for all three meetings).
Gathering 1: Jan. 18, 2022 (7–8 p.m.)
Gathering 2: Feb. 15, 2022 (7–8 p.m.)
Gathering 3: March 15, 2022 (7–8 p.m.)
ASBA Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards | Deadline: Feb. 1, 2022
Submissions are now open for the 2022 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards! Nomination packages in both English and French are available online. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 1, 2022. Hosted by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA), these awards celebrate exceptional First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, nominated by members of their education communities, based on their exemplary leadership, courage and commitment to their cultures and educational paths. Last year, ASBA received a total of 204 unique nomination letters and submissions from across the province. Students may be nominated by other students, teachers, principals, superintendents, education directors, trustees, school staff, Elders or a member of the education community. Watch past student recipients speak about why these awards are so special.
If you’re interested in having your child nominated, please connect with your school’s administration or lead teacher (Jennifer Rice) to begin the process. Three EIPS students were selected for special recognition last school year!
Direct Student Support
RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth
Are you an Indigenous youth in Canada looking to pursue post-secondary education? The RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth could help you achieve your post-secondary goals. The application deadline is Jan. 5, 2022.
The RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth will award 20 scholarships valued up to $10,000 each per year (up to four years) to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada demonstrating strong academic performance and community involvement. RBC has been providing a scholarship for Indigenous students to complete post-secondary education since 1992. To date, more than $1.8 million dollars have been awarded to 198 Indigenous youth across Canada pursuing post-secondary education.
Study Help for Métis students Rupertsland Institute has secured access to Alberta ExamBank for K-12 Métis students to test their understanding through online practice. Métis students can sign up for the RECC Room to find the login for their MNA Region. Questions? Contact education@rupertsland.org.
Resources of Interest
One powerful project the Métis Nation of Alberta and Rupertsland Institute recently launched is the collaborative storyboard mural and re-release of the book, Métis Memories of Residential Schools, A Testament to the Strength of the Métis. In a collaborative effort with respected Métis Elder Angie Crerar, author Jude D. Daniels, Canadian artist Lewis Lavoie, Rupertsland Institute and Werklund School of Education, this powerful resource was designed to acknowledge, highlight and share Métis residential school survivor experiences. Watch the recording of the virtual unveiling of the mural.