Hello Jennie Elliott Families,
As we enter the winter break, we wish all of our families a joyful, restful holiday season filled with warmth, connection, and moments of happiness. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year on January 5, refreshed and ready for the months ahead.
Recess Play
As part of Jennie Elliott’s ongoing commitment to student well-being, time has been intentionally built into Ms. Bignell’s schedule to support inclusive and engaging recess experiences for all students. During Division 2 morning recess and Division 1 afternoon recess, Ms. Bignell has been present outside with the goal of helping make recess play accessible for all students.
Over the past couple of months, Ms. Bignell has introduced new recess games that can be played with both large and small groups. These games are easy for students to organize and run independently, without the need for ongoing teacher support. Students from all grade levels have been joining in on these activities, helping to promote active play, positive social interactions, and a stronger sense of belonging across the Jennie Elliott School community.
Call for Donations- Loose Parts
A huge thank you to everyone who has already donated items for our loose parts play initiative! Your contributions will help make recess more collaborative, creative, and fun for all students.
We are still happily accepting gently used items such as:
- Bike tires (no rims)
- Tarps
- Pots, pans, and kitchen utensils
- Milk crates
- Ropes
- Buckets
- Kids’ snow shovels
- PVC pipe (varied lengths)
- Pool noodles
All items should be clean and safe to use. Donations can be dropped off at the school office or sent with your child. Questions? Contact Ms. Bignell at clbignell@cbe.ab.ca.
Thank you again for supporting imaginative and engaging play at Jennie Elliott!
Indoor Recess and Polar Bear Club
A reminder from last week’s message, we will be bringing back the Polar Bear Club for both Division 1 and Division 2 recesses! When temperatures fall between –20°C and –25°C, students who are dressed appropriately may choose to go outside for a short outdoor recess. Once students are dressed, this typically allows for about 7–8 minutes of outdoor time, offering a brief but valuable opportunity for movement and fresh air.
Participation in the Polar Bear Club is voluntary. We encourage families to talk with their child at home and decide whether this option is a good fit. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please email your child’s teacher; otherwise, students will be allowed to go outside for the short break, if they choose to.
Students participating in the Polar Bear Club must wear:
- Winter jacket
- Snow pants
- Mittens
- Toque
- Winter boots
Quilling Club
Grades 4, 5 and 6 families please read Ms. Danchuk’s quilling club letter regarding this exciting offer for students to join this club during Div 2 recess.
Upcoming Events
Click here to see the school’s website calendar
Dec 19 - Last day of classes before Winter Break
Dec 25 - Christmas Day
Jan - Tamil Heritage Month
Jan 1 – New Years Day
Jan 4 – World Braille Day
Jan 6 – Orthodox Christmas
Jan 5 - Classes resume after Winter Break
Jan 12 - New registrations open for the 2026–27 school year (including Kindergarten)
Jan 13 – Lohri
Jan 27 – Family Literacy Day
Jan 30 – Non-Instructional PD Day (no school)
Feb - Black History Month
Feb 5 – Winter Walk Day
Feb 5 – World Read Aloud Day
Feb 12, 13 – Teacher's Convention (no school)
Feb 14 – Valentine's Day
Feb 15 – National Flag of Canada Day
Feb 16 – Family Day (school closed)
Feb 17 – Lunar New Year
Feb 27 – Non-instructional PD Day (no school)