Welcome Back!

Welcome
back! We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with rest, fun, and time with family and friends. Over the past week, our staff has been hard at work preparing classrooms, planning engaging learning experiences, and getting everything ready to welcome students back. We are excited to see our school community come together again and look forward to an amazing year ahead. The first day of classes is Monday, September 2, and all staff will be outside at 8:45, greeting and organising students for our 9:00 start. There are assigned meeting areas for each grade, and from there, students will be organised into classrooms, heading inside with their teacher and class. You should be receiving a “welcome” message from you child’s teacher this afternoon. We can’t wait to see everyone’s smiling faces as we begin this new chapter together!

Meeting Areas

Kindergarten                 In kindergarten garden, in front of the school

Grade 1                            Bell tower

Grade 2                            Outside of the plant park along the fence

Grade 3                            Grade 3 compound area

Grade 4                            Soccer field

Grade 5                            Bike racks

Grade 6                            Grade 6 compound area

Weekly Communications

Each week OHS will try to send a whole-school update via messenger. Updates will highlight important reminders, general information, celebrations, and important dates. We will send a brief outline of the message with a link to the full details on our website.

Confirmation of School Hours

For the 2025-2026 school year, classes for all students will begin at 9:00AM. It is important your child is here on time to start the day. Beginning Sept. 4, the school will have a soft entry where students are allowed to enter the school and class at 8:50AM. This allows classes to begin promptly at 9:00, and provides some time for students to ease into the day. Dismissal will be at 3:34PM Monday through Thursday, and will be earlier on Fridays at 1:00PM. It is extremely helpful and important that you ensure your child is picked up promptly after school.

For our students in Kindergarten, every day of the week, Monday through Friday, school hours are 8:40 AM – 11:39 AM. Soft entry is not available for Kindergarten students, based on the nature of the Kindergarten program.

Kiss & Drop Procedures

Ensuring the safety of our students, especially during their commute to and from school, is our top priority. We kindly request your support in reinforcing the importance of pedestrian safety with your children. Please remind them to always use designated crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and remain vigilant while walking near the school zone. Additionally, encourage them to avoid distractions such as texting or wearing headphones while crossing the street. As parents, you also have a vital role to play as drivers. Please adhere to
speed limits, be extra cautious in school zones, and avoid any form of distracted or reckless driving. Together, we can create a secure environment for all our students and pedestrians in our school zone. Thank you for your cooperation in fostering a culture of safety. If you are dropping off students in the morning, or picking up students in the afternoon, please familiarize yourself with our Kiss & Drop Procedures.
With your help, we can ensure students safety on the way to and from school.

Reducing Screen Time

As we prepare for the return to school, we encourage families to begin easing students off of screen time and shifting routines toward more active and balanced activities. Spending time outdoors, reading, or engaging in family activities can help students transition smoothly back into learning routines. As classes begin, it’s also important for parents to monitor and set healthy limits around social media use, ensuring students are well-rested, focused, and ready for a successful school year.

Cell Phones/Watches at School

A friendly reminder that students are welcome to bring cellphones and smartwatches to school; however, in alignment with recent Alberta government legislation, all personal devices must remain “away for the day” during school hours. Smartwatches may be worn for timekeeping, but communication functions must be turned off. Phones should be in backpacks or desks and are not available for use during school, including lunch. Please note that the school is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen devices. These guidelines help ensure that classrooms remain focused, safe, and free from unnecessary distractions, allowing all students to fully engage in their learning. Please note that the school is not responsible for items brought

Dogs on School Property

We would like to kindly remind everyone that dogs are not allowed on school property. While we understand the deep bond many of us share with our furry companions, this policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our school community. Some individuals may have allergies or fears related to dogs, and we want to create an inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable. Additionally, dogs can be unpredictable, and their presence may pose a risk to the safety of students, staff, and visitors. We
appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this policy and thank you for helping us maintain a secure and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Important Dates