September 2023 Principal’s Message

We are thrilled to welcome you all back for another incredible school year filled with growth, learning, and endless possibilities. Whether you're returning to reconnect with friends and teachers or stepping into our halls for the first time, we are excited to embark on this educational journey together. 

Our staff has been hard at work preparing an engaging environment where every student can thrive. From our early-learning students to our grade 12 students, we are committed to encouraging a love of learning, exploring, and personal development. 

This school year, we will continue to develop our motto: GRIT (growth mindset, respect, integrity, and tenacity). We encourage each student to embrace their unique qualities and talents, and contribute to our Stirling School community. Remember that we are here to support our students every step of the way, as we navigate through the ups and downs that the coming year may bring.

Parents and guardians, your partnership is valuable to us. We invite you to stay actively involved in your child's education, collaborating with us to ensure their success. Open lines of communication between home and school are vital, and we eagerly anticipate working together to create a remarkable year for your child(ren). 

The following are some important things to remember.

• Please do not send your child to school before 8 a.m.
• We are encouraging students to go home for lunch if possible. 
• Please remember: 
• School start time is 8:10 Monday - Friday.
• Lunch Monday, Tuesday and Thursday is from 12:03-12:43.
• Wednesday's lunch is from 11:50-12:25.
• Parent council’s hot lunch order program will start in October
• Dismissal time Monday, Tuesday and Thursday is at 3:00
• Wednesday dismissal is at 2:30 p.m. 
• Friday dismissal is 12:00.
• Picture Day – September 28th LifeTouch will be coming in to take our pictures again this year. 
• Volunteers are welcome as long as you have the necessary paperwork handed in at the office (Vulnerable Sector check). 

This year, students will not participate in field trips, athletics, or off-campus events until the parents complete the "Risk Acknowledgement" form, which will be sent to you before the event or tryouts.  No phone permission or a signed note can be accepted as giving your child permission to participate. The form(s) are necessary for insurance purposes and to keep you informed.  Thanks for your cooperation.

I know that September is an expensive month for many families, but our programs need your assistance. We ask that you please pay your resource fees ASAP or make arrangements at the school office. We accept cash, debit or e-transfers for all fees. You may use the following email address for all e-transfers:  ssfees@westwind.ab.ca. Thank you!

Volleyball practices will soon be starting. If they haven’t already done so, have your child keep their ears/eyes open for dates and times. Practice times and games are also listed on our school website under the Athletic calendar. If your child(ren) is playing volleyball, please make sure that you complete the online acknowledgement form that will be sent to you.

Hot lunch order forms will be available online at stirlingschool.ca, and/or there will be a few available at the school office. October’s hot lunch order form is due September 27th. The parent council is always looking to have more parents assist with hot lunches; please get in touch with Mandy Nilsson if you are interested.

September at a Glance

• September 5 (Tuesday)
• School starts
• September 9 (Saturday)
• SV Girls’ Volleyball
• Tournament at FP Walshe
• September 15-16 (Friday-Saturday)
• Grade 7 Girls’ Volleyball
• Tournament at Matthew Halton (Pincher Creek)
• SV Girls’ Volleyball
• Tournament at Willow Creek Composite High School (Claresholm)
• September 18-24
• National Rail Safety Week
• September 18 (Monday)
• School-based PD Day
• No school for students
• September 22 (Friday)
• Terry Fox Run
• More information to come
• September 28 (Thursday ) 
• Lifetouch Fall Photos!
•  Individual AND classroom photos
• September 29 (Friday)
• ORANGE SHIRT DAY
• September 29-30 (Friday-Saturday)
• Grade 7 Boys’’ Volleyball
• Tournament at Matthew Halton (Pincher Creek)
• SV Girls’ Volleyball
• Tournament at McCoy (Medicine Hat)