Hello Rideau Families!

Orange Shirt Day Assembly – Thank you

Our approach to Orange Shirt Day this year highlighted the importance of connection – to family, to place and to each other. School should be a place where children feel safe and know that they belong. Engaging in Truth & ReconciliACTION helps us to understand the impact of the past so that we can move forward together in a good way to create inclusive, safe and productive communities for everyone.

With the leadership of our grade 1-2 and grade 3-4 students we experienced a meaningful and reflective gathering together. Thank you to our grade 1-2 students for sharing an Acknowledgment of the Land with sign language. I have been lucky to work with a variety of elders and knowledge keepers over the years and through those experiences, I came to learn that communicating through sign language was a common practice between Indigenous groups who did not share the same language. Using sign language for the Land Acknowledgement is another way to demonstrate intercultural understanding. Thank you grade 1 and 2! Our grade 3-4 students created word art that represented how kids should feel at school. Words such as “safe”, “welcome”, “loved” and “respected” were presented at our assembly. This sharing was simple and powerful and highlights how everyone within our community should be treated.

Careful text selection also contributes to our ongoing learning. During our assembly, I read Shi-Shi-Etko aloud to the group, written by NicolaI. Campbell of Interior Salish and Metis decent (British Columbia). This story highlights how a young girl gathered experiences and learning through the guidance of her family before leaving for residential school. Experiencing this story invites the listener to consider their own connections to family and place, and to recognize the importance of that connection-making for others.

Family Literacy Night – October 15, 2025, hosted by Mrs. Dockrill and Mrs. Bliek

We invite you to join us for Family Literacy Night on Wednesday, October 15 at 5:30pm. This special evening will give you a look into how children learn to read, the phonics and literacy instruction happening in our classrooms, and simple ways you can support your child’s reading at home. While this event is targeted towards our younger learners (K-3), all families are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!

Athletics Updates

Please continue to check our school website calendar for the most up to date information on practices and games for our busy fall season. We are looking forward to the start of Basketball Season! Please know that your admin team – either Ms. Riquelme or Ms. Cochrane will always be present at our home games. We look forward to cheering on our athletes! Go Rams! https://rideaupark.cbe.ab.ca/calendar

Construction Update – From the City of Calgary

Alley Access from 30 Avenue SW

September 25 – October 1 - Access from 30 Avenue SW to the back alley of homes along Rideau Road SW will be closed to complete concrete repairs. The alleyway will still be accessible from 31 Avenue SW.

Reminder - Birthday Treats at School

We kindly ask that families refrain from bringing treats (food items) to school for their children to distribute on their birthdays. While we appreciate the kindness and generosity of this gesture, celebratory food items create distraction from learning and may negatively impact students with food allergies or sensitivities. Teachers do find other ways to help your child feel special on their birthday. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Rideau Park Parents Association – School Council Update

Support School Fundraising, give yourself a break and treat your child at the same time! Order a hot lunch and skip the packing stress.

Hot lunches are served every other Thursday. Our last lunch raised $500 to support programs and activities for the kids at Rideau Park School. One less lunch to pack, and one easy way to give back to RPS!

• Visit healthyhunger.ca
• Add students, make orders and pay online
• Next Lunch: Oct 9 – Edo

Communication Update – Look for our School Council on Instagram! @rideauparkschool.parents

Our next in-person School Council night is: Wednesday Oct 22 at 7:00pm in the Learning Commons 

LAUNCHING SOON!: Friday Snacks! Once a month snack style items (pretzel, jugo, cookie) to be delivered at early dismissal.

We appreciate your ongoing support! Enjoy the weekend!

Sincerely,

Andrea Riquelme

Principal, Rideau Park School

Key Dates