To the CJP Community,
Welcoming a New Face to the Front Office
I’m pleased to share some exciting news with our school community. We have welcomed a new Administrative Secretary to our team! Please join me in welcoming Charlene Brust to CJP.
Charlene brings a strong background in administrative support and a genuine passion for working in a school environment. We are thrilled to have someone with her professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail supporting our staff, students, and families. Whether you’re calling the school or stopping by the office, Charlene will be one of the first friendly faces (or voices) you encounter. I know she’s looking forward to getting to know our community and becoming part of the daily life of our school.
Honoring Story, Identity, and Belonging through Round Dance
This past Thursday, our community came together for a meaningful Round Dance Ceremony, an event that marked a powerful moment in our ongoing journey toward Truth & Reconciliation.
With the guidance and support of Albert Goulet, the ceremony began with a traditional Welcome Song that grounded us in purpose and connection. Each classroom then shared a representation of their collective story – expressions that reflected their identity as a class, rooted in the theme of belonging here at CJP. These personal and creative contributions were the result of thoughtful work and reflection with Albert and Adrian over the past number of weeks.
The ceremony culminated in a group Round Dance, bringing students together in a circle of unity, respect, and shared humanity. It was a moment that beautifully reflected the heart of our school community and the relationships we continue to build through story, learning, and listening.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Albert and Adrian Goulet for their leadership and generosity in guiding this important work, and to the many parents who joined us in support and celebration. Your presence made the experience even more meaningful for our students.
Together, we continue to learn, grow, and honour the path of reconciliation, anchored in belonging.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As Teacher and Administration Appreciation Week comes to a close, I want to extend my deepest thanks to our incredible School Council / Parent Association, and all the families who helped make this week so special.
From the thoughtful gifts, delicious snacks, uplifting poster messages, and the popsicle-stick messages where students shared their kind words of gratitude, every gesture was noticed, appreciated, and truly meaningful. This morning's breakfast treats were the perfect way to start the day, and a wonderful reminder of the care and generosity that define our school community.
We are so grateful for the ongoing partnership between families and staff. Your support not only lifted spirits this week but also strengthened the work we do together every day to support student learning and well-being. We are grateful for all members of the School Council / Parent Association involved in recognizing staff throughout the week.
On behalf of all of us, thank you for making us feel so valued and appreciated.
Introducing our Feathered Friends
I understand that some ducklings have hatched this week in the kindergarten class, which has naturally brought a lot of excitement and joy to our young learners. This special event offers a wonderful hands-on opportunity, giving students the chance to observe life cycles, practice responsibility, and deepen their connection to the natural world.
I’m hearing we’ve already settled on some very fine names for our new feathered friends: Cutie Quackster, Millie Killie, Captain John Palliser, Sunday, and Sunday Sigma.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Friday, May 16 – NI Day (so school for students)
- Monday, May 19 – Victoria Day (holiday)
- Wednesday, May 21 – Parent’s Speaker Night with Connie Jakab at 6:20 pm
- Thursday, May 22 – Kindergarten Orientation at 6:00
- Tuesday, May 27 – Tune Filled Tuesday (details to follow – school hours event)
- Tuesday, May 27 – School Council / Parent Association Meeting [Elections] at 6:30 pm
From CJP School Council / Parents Association
Parent’s Speaker Night! Join the CJP SC/PA as we host Connie Jakab on May 21, 2025! At this FREE event we will explore the complexities of bullying & learn practical strategies that work. Doors open at 6:20pm, with time to mingle before the talk begins at 6:40pm. Light lunch will be provided. Register now on our events page www.CJPPA.ca/events.
Fun Lunch/Fun Snack: Thank you to our amazing volunteers who delivered 309 Subway orders this past Wednesday. Today (May 9th) is the last day to order Fun Snack from Booster Juice which will be delivered to students on Thursday, May 15th.
Staff Appreciation: A big THANK YOU to all the students who took part in this week's Staff Appreciation events. Your energy and enthusiasm made it extra special! And an extra shoutout to the amazing volunteers who helped make this morning’s Staff Appreciation Breakfast such a success. Check out our Facebook or Instagram for a recap of the week’s celebrations!
PATs Volunteer Readers: CJP has students who need support for their upcoming PAT’s. We're looking for volunteers with a CBE security clearance who can help read and write the provincial achievement exams. Sign up here if you can help!
Work Bee: The monthly Work Bee is this coming Wednesday, May 14th. There are still a few spots open in the morning and afternoon to come out and join the monthly working get together to help the CJP teachers and staff. Sign up here!
School Council and Parents Association Meeting: The final meeting of the term is on May 27th. At this meeting we will be electing and appointing volunteers to various roles for next year. A full listing of theSC/PA Open Positions are listed here. Please reach out to connect@cjppa.ca to inquire about any of these opportunities. We’d love to have you on the team!
Pedalheads: Planning your summer? Use code CPTJOHN25 when you register your student(s) for any Pedalheads bike program in Alberta. Until June 30, 2025, you will receive $25 off the program. In return, the CJP Parents Association also receives $25 each time the code is used. Check out the available programs on the Pedalheads website.
Sincerely,
Oliver Fisher
Principal, Captain John Palliser School