Welcome back to a new school year! We are so excited to see you and hear about your summer holidays.

As we gather once again, we are reminded of the blessings that come with each new beginning. Our faith teaches us that every day is a gift from God, an opportunity to grow in wisdom, knowledge, and love.

This year, let us continue to strive for academic excellence but also for spiritual growth. Our theme for the year is “Taking Time To PAWS”, and through this, we hope to reflect the light of Christ in all we do.

We are excited to see familiar faces and to welcome new ones to our school family. May this year be filled with grace, learning, and joy as we walk together on this journey of faith and education.

On behalf of our St. Patrick staff, welcome back and may God bless each of you!

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Mrs. Rota

Vice Principal

Mrs. Wogrinc

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Miss. Bergstreser

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Mr. Unreiner

Principal

Office Administration

Welcome Back To School!

Front

Doors

5B

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5

KD

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5M

4J

4V

3K

3B

2N

3M

Google Classroom

1F

2B

4S

Learning Commons Area (Library)

Gym

(OSC Program)

ELP-A

ELP-O

2H

KD

KW

1Z

1B

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3C

Just Right Room

Music & Guitar Room

Principal

VP

Office Admin

First Week of School (September 3 - 6)

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• Teachers will meet students and parents outside of the school at designated areas below before and after school (8:40 - 8:55 am and 3:30 - 3:35 pm). ELP & Kindergarten students will come into the school.

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• Please wait with your teacher outside…NO access to playground before school starts.

• NO parking or drive-through in the bus lane or staff parking lot. These areas must be accessible for buses , pedestrians and persons with disabilities.

Front

Doors

5B

​

5

KD

​

5M

4J

4V

3K

3B

2N

3M

Google Classroom

1F

2B

4S

Learning Commons Area (Library)

Gym

(OSC Program)

ELP-A

ELP-O

2H

KD

KW

1Z

1B

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3C

Just Right Room

Music & Guitar Room

Principal

VP

Office Admin

Second Week of School (September 9 - 13)

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Students have THREE options before school starts:

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• Option 1: access the back school yard playground (not before 8:40 am = no adult supervision)

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• Option 2: access the Out of School Care Program (OSC). Registration forms located on school website.

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• Option 3: visit with Mrs. Rota and Mr. Unreiner at the front doors of the school until the 8:55 am bell rings.

Very IMPORTANT: teacher supervision begins at 8:40 am (school playground)

• students stay outside before the 8:55 bell rings
• Inside Days: students will be invited into the school for extreme weather conditions, such as:

below 22 degrees celsius, extreme rain/wind, etc.

Can parents ACCESS the school?

Helpful tips below:

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• Communication: Parents, please connect with your child’s teacher for any questions or concerns by email (website - staff directory) or by phone (403-527-1177).

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• ELP and Kindergarten (starting Friday/Sept 6): if needed, during the first week of school parents are welcome to join the teacher as they walk into the classroom. After the first week of school please access the front doors with your child for drop-off and pick up. We kindly remind parents to be early for these times in support of staff lunches and student transitions from ELP to Kindergarten.

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• Although all school doors are locked at ALL times you are always welcome to come into the school (ie: drop off lunch or school work, or other). We kindly ask that parents do not crowd the front entrance and to wait outside at designated classroom areas to meet with your child.

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NEW School Security and Bus Lane ONLY Updates

The front school doors are locked at

ALL times.

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If students are late or if you’d like to visit the school you will need to use the security system for access.

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Please be patient and only press ONCE for our front office to respond. Due to wifi there may be a delay of 10-20 seconds. Very soon you will be in the school.

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Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

OSC Program (Out of School - Before/After)

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• Flexible Times: 7:00 - 8:55 am and 3:20 - 5:30 pm

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• Cost: $20 registration fee and $1.25 for every 15 minutes of

child care. Registration requires 48 hours to process.

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• OSC balances are notified through parent email and paid through School Cash Online only. Payments are required monthly.

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• Before School: registered students may walk into the program alone

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• After School: parents or listed guardians MUST come into the school to pick up his/her child. Government photo ID is required. There will no longer be an OSC staff at the front doors of the school as supervision is needed within the program.

Parent Communication and Support

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Ways for YOU to stay connected and support your child…

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• Stay connected to our school and parent council FACEBOOK.

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• The safety, dignity, and care of your child is our top priority! Please connect with your child’s homeroom teacher if he/she is sharing concerns at home. If these concerns continue connect with the school administration.

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• Did you know that all MHCBE schools have access to certified mental health counsellors? If your child is showing signs of physical, emotional, or mental health please connect with the teacher and/or school admin.

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• Sometimes students may use hurtful words or actions with friends which is quickly shared to parents as bullying. Did you know, the true meaning of bullying is to seek others with intention to harm. A term that many 5-10 year old children may not understand. Help us communicate and use us to support your child with common social skills and tools, such as: please stop, inform teacher/parent, and if repetitive we strongly encourage you to inform school administration (discipline may be needed). Sometimes the teacher and/or admin are the last to know…please connect with us if your not seeing improvement.

Kiss and Go Parking - BYLAW Enforced

As you arrive to St. Patrick school you will notice NEW signage for a Kiss & Go zone that has been implemented to enhance the safety of our students and staff during drop-off and pick-up times.

Effective September, this designated quick drop-off zone will be in place in front of the school. This bylaw encourages all parents to use the designated area for brief, safe student drop-offs to minimize congestion and ensure a smoother traffic flow. We kindly ask that you refrain from parking for extended periods (no more than 5 minutes) in this zone to keep the space available for others.

This initiative is essential for maintaining a safe environment for everyone, particularly during our busy hours. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and support in following this new regulation, as it is designed with the best interest of your children in mind.

Similar to last year, the Medicine Hat Bylaw will be present at all schools in support of school safety (this includes kiss and go zone, our bus lane, and staff parking lot). Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification.

Thank you always for your understanding, support, and continued partnership in keeping our school community safe.

Please remove your HAT in school!

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We kindly ask that hats are removed inside the school but may be worn outside.

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Guidelines of discipline are similar to “use of electronic devices” in school, such as; principal discussion, parent contact, and temporary confiscation to the office. Thank you for your support and understanding.

1. Respect and Etiquette: a sign of respect in many cultures that help maintain a respectful environment.
2. Safety and Security: Hats can sometimes make it harder to identify students. Being able to see students' faces clearly helps staff monitor and identify individuals quickly.

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• Preventing Distractions: Hats can sometimes become a distraction (logos) in the classroom, drawing attention away from learning.

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• School Equity: Schools often encourage a sense of community and equality that can sometimes create social divides or competition.

Use of Cell Phones & Electronic

Devices in School (AP 352)

To create the best possible learning environment and reduce distractions, we ask that students do not bring cell phones or other electronic devices to school. If your child needs to bring a phone for communication after school, it must remain turned off and stored in their backpack during school hours. Our staff is always available in case of an emergency, and we will ensure that you are contacted promptly if needed.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning atmosphere. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office.

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Respect of Safety and Privacy

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Reasons why it's important to ask for permission before taking photos or videos:

1. Respect: Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. Not everyone wants to be recorded or have their picture taken. It’s kind to ask first.
2. Privacy: We all have moments when we might not want to be in the spotlight. Respecting each other’s privacy means we’re being thoughtful and considerate.
3. Focus on Learning: At school, we’re here to learn and grow. Sometimes, taking photos or videos can distract us from our lessons and activities.
4. Digital Footprint: Once something is online, it can be hard to take back. Let’s make sure we’re only sharing things that everyone is comfortable with.

So, remember to always ask for permission before you take a photo or video. It’s a simple way to show that you care about others’ feelings and privacy.

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Procedures and Consequences

Guidelines of school discipline in support of social, emotional, mental, and academic wellness for all students.

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1. Cell phone or device taken to the office and a follow up conversation with the student and parent.

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• Temporary confiscation of the device brought to the office before school begins; the student may pick up at the end the day.

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• In-school or Out-of-school suspension

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Use of Cell Phones & Electronic

Devices in School (AP 352)

Background Definitions of AP 352:

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Instructional Time: includes all time during a scheduled period where students are in the

classroom, or time outside the classroom where teachers take responsibility for ensuring that

learning activities for students are directed toward achieving the outcomes of approved

programs of study and instructional support plans.

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Non-Instructional Time: includes time during the school day where students are not scheduled

to be with a teacher. This includes before and after school, breaks and lunch. This does not

include bathroom breaks during instructional time.

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Personal Digital Device: any personal electronic devices that can be used to communicate or

access the internet, a cellular network or other devices; such as a cell phone, computer, tablet,

gaming device, electronic toy or smart watch.