Dear McKenzie Lake Families,
On Thursday morning, we were thrilled to welcome over 580 students to McKenzie Lake School. The surge in new enrollments this summer surpassed our expectations, and our dedicated staff worked tirelessly in the days leading up to the first day to ensure that every student had a classroom and a teacher ready to greet them for the 2024-2025 school year.
To kick off the year, each teacher will read the book Be a Good Ancestor by Leona and Gabrielle Prince. This picture book invites readers to reflect on their connection to the world and consider the impact of their actions. It addresses environmental issues, animal welfare, self-esteem, and community, making its universal message accessible to all. Throughout the year, each grade will explore different themes from the book and make connections from the text to themselves, others, and the world around them. During our September 26 & 27 parent conferences, you will see evidence of this learning displayed within the school.
We are eagerly looking forward to a fantastic school year! Below, you’ll find some important reminders and information about upcoming events.
Soft Start
To ease congestion during entry times, teachers will be greeting students at the doors each morning between 7:50am-8:00am. Students can enter at any entrance and proceed to their classroom. The doors close at 8:00am, when our morning bell rings so please arrive before 8:00am. Students arriving late will need to check in at the main office, through the main entrance, to confirm their attendance before proceeding to class.
Kiss and Go (starts Tuesday, September 3)
The Kiss & Go area is only for parents doing curbside drop off, meaning the student drop-off in front of the school will be a No Parking Zone. The Kiss & Go runs the length of the school, along McKenzie Lake Way and will have a sign to mark where it starts. Parents are able to pull over to let their child out, but are not able to leave their vehicle unattended. Students then proceed to the closest entrance on their own. Mrs. Cooper or Ms. McComish will be there to greet students as they are dropped off.
The Community Centre has asked that parents not use their parking lot, in addition to the staff parking lot not being accessible to parents during drop off and pick up. If you are wanting to walk your child to their designated door, you are able to park on the other side of McKenzie Lake Way by the lake and utilize the crosswalk. Parents can also park before or after the Kiss & Go, which runs the length of the bus zone.
Attendance
It is important that you inform the school is your child is going to be absent or arriving late. Please report all absences to the Attendance Line at 403-777-6500 ext. 1 or email: mlsattendance@cbe.ab.ca.
When leaving a message, please include:
Student Name:
Teacher Name/Grade:
Reason for absence:
Do they take the bus: Yes/No
Designate a Meeting Place
It is very important to have a designated meeting spot for 2:35pm pick-up times. All students in grades 1-5 will be dismissed at the bell and are to immediately go to the meeting spots that they have identified with their families. Please ensure you have not chosen a meeting place in the school parking lot as it is off-limits to parents and students. Kindergarten is the only age group where teachers will wait for a parent to arrive before dismissing students. All students are taught in class that if they get to their meeting spot and there is no one there to pick them up after five minutes, they are to come to the office through the front entrance of the school for help.
Fun Lunch
Students in Grades 1-5 can order a Fun Lunch for designated days each month. Orders are managed through the company Healthy Hunger and can be placed online at www.healthyhunger.ca.
Label Everything
Each year, we donate thousands of dollars' worth of unclaimed clothing and other items from our Lost and Found to charity. However, items labeled with your child’s name will be returned directly to them.
If you need custom labels for your child’s school items or clothing, you can order them through Mabel’s Labels online. By selecting McKenzie Lake School as your supporter, you’ll also be supporting our School Council’s fundraiser.
City of Calgary Bylaws (regarding dogs)
City of Calgary Bylaws state that dogs are not allowed in school grounds, playgrounds, sports fields, golf courses, cemeteries, or wading/swimming areas. We appreciate families abiding by this bylaw during school hours, and at drop-off and pick up.
Sincerely,
Dayna McComish