Hello Rideau Families!
Over the last 3 days it has been wonderful working with staff and getting to know some families and students that have dropped by to say “hello”. We trust that you are as excited as we are to open our doors to all students next Tuesday, Sept 2!
Please note that class lists have been finalized after very careful consideration of classroom dynamics and balancing for student academic and social-emotional needs. Our team of professionals takes this work very seriously and thank you in advance for your trust and support.
We are excited to introduce another layer of communication coming from Rideau Park School where we can celebrate and showcase our learning environment, special events and celebrations.
Please consider checking out our new Instagram pages: @cbe.rideaupark as well as my own “Principal” account: @principalriquelme
I would also like to let you know that moving forward you can expect to receive our “Hello Rideau” weekly communication at the end of each week. Thank you for your engagement!
Athletics News
We know that many of our junior high athletes are looking forward to the fall season. We have some important updates to share as tryouts will begin on September 4!
Please visit our athletics page for tryout schedule and/or calendar page.
Reminders | New Bell Times / Supervision
- Monday – Friday Soft Entry: 9:00am – 9:15am
Class Begins: 9:15am
- Monday – Thursday Lunch: 12:10pm-12:55pm
Dismissal: 3:49pm
(Kindergarten dismissal: 12:00pm)
- Friday Early Dismissal: 1:16pm (Kindergarten dismissal: 12:00pm)
Purpose of Soft Entry: This allows for a gradual, calm and staggered student entry into the building. The expectation for all students is that they are in their classes and ready to begin learning at 9:15am. We thank you for your support in ensuring that students arrive on time and ready.
First Day of School (Grade 1-9) – September 2, 2025 & Staggered Entry Days (Kindergarten)
Teachers will be outside on the first day(s) of school starting at 8:50am to welcome students back to school.
Beyond the first day(s) of school, please note that school staff does not provide supervision before 9:00am or after
3:49pm, unless there is planned extra-curricular/athletics. Outside of these times, the exterior doors remain closed.
To ensure safety for our staff and students, all visitors to the school must come to the main door and speak to school
staff before entering the building. We thank you for your cooperation.
First Day Meeting Spots and Daily Entry/Exit Doors
- Kindergarten (staggered entry days Sept 2, 3, 4, all students arrive Sept 5)
o Meet teacher and line up at the main door
o Dismissal directly to parents/guardians at main door
o Please note that staggered entry assignments will be e-mailed separately to families on Wednesday August 27 - Grades 1-2
o Meet teacher at the front courtyard (by the tables), daily entry through main door
o Dismissal directly to parents/guardians at front courtyard - Grades 3-6
o Meet teachers at field near playground (Teachers will have signs!), daily entry through playground doors
o Dismissal at playground doors (parents/guardians plan a meeting spot) - Grades 7-9
o Grade 7 meet teachers at the sport court behind the school, daily entry at gym doors
o Grade 8-9, daily entry at the gym doors and go to home room
o Grades 7-9 dismissal at gym doors
First Day - Coffee and Conversation with the Principal
Please join me with your favourite morning beverage (latte, matcha, smoothie, tea etc) at our front compound/picnic tables for an informal “meet & greet”. In late June I had the opportunity to connect with some of our kindergarten families, and I am looking forward to getting to know you all. I am happy to offer this time for an informal chat and visit!
First Day Parking – Pick Up & Drop Off
All schools across the CBE experience significant congestion at entry and dismissal times; Rideau Park is no exception and likely suffers from even greater congestion due to our narrow streets and unique entry to the school property.
As many of you are already aware, significant City of Calgary water main extension construction is impacting access
to the area surrounding Rideau Park School.
To reduce congestion, we strongly encourage any families that are able, to walk/wheel/ride to school until the construction eases. Thankfully, the midterm weather forecast is favourable for walking!
Picking Up Students Early
As we have done in the past, parents/guardians are asked to please e-mail your student’s teacher and/or the main
office ahead of time to advise of any changes to your student’s schedule.
To ensure student safety, all students must be met at the office by parents/guardians so that they can be signed out.
School Supplies
Please check out https://rideaupark.cbe.ab.ca/back-to-school for detailed information about school supply requirements for all K-9 students. Please scroll down the webpage to locate information for each grade level.
Don’t Miss Out on School Messages - Sign up SMS
We use SchoolMessenger to send email, text (SMS) and voice messages from our school and from the CBE. Please visit our website at: https://rideaupark.cbe.ab.ca/subscribe-to-school-messages to ensure you are able to receive all communication flowing from Rideau Park School and from the Calgary Board of Education.
Once again, on behalf of all teaching and support staff, I look forward to welcoming you to Rideau Park School and I look forward to connecting with each of you as the year progresses.
Sincerely,
Andrea Riquelme, Principal Rideau Park School