What's Up at Myrtle Philip? August 2026

Welcome Back!

Brianne Aldcroft

I hope you all found opportunities for adventure and rest this summer. The Aldcroft clan stayed close to home this and had some local adventures and laziness. We are ready to get back into our school routines, however, and we introduced a new responsibility this school year...each kid is making dinner once a week (grade 6 and 10)! We have got to expand their cooking skills. Annie's and baby carrots will only get you so far in life. I'll let you know how it goes.

I got excited butterflies in my tummy on the drive into work on Monday. I do love summer and vacation like anyone else, but I really love the work we get to do. I'm really excited for this upcoming school year and I hope you and your kids are too.

Below is school start information:

1. Key Dates

2. Kindergarten Gradual Entry info

3. School Supplies info

4. Class Placement info

5. Personal Technology

6. Attendance

7. Busing info

8. Volunteer info

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New Stuff

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1. Key Dates

Monday, August 24

Brianne Aldcroft, principal, back on email.

Monday, August 31

Courtney Brown, clerical, back in the office and answering phones.

Tuesday, September 8

First day for grade 1-7, 8:30-9:30

-->Returning students, go to your old classroom. The teacher might be different.

-->New students, come to the office. We will place you in a temporary class until we finalize class placements.

First Day Cafe for parents of grades 1-7 students to meet the PAC and other parents

Wednesday, September 9

First day for kindergarten (details below)

Full day, 8:30-2:40, for Grade 1-7

Thursday, September 10

Your children's new teachers will reach out to you via email to inform you of placement. Grade 1-7 only.

First Day Cafe for parents of kindergarten students to meet the PAC and other parents. 8:45 to 11:30.

Friday, September 11

Grade 1-7 start in your new classes!

No school for kindergarten. We will email you to inform you of your child's placement.

Wednesday, September 16

Fire Drill

September 22-24, Scholastic Book Fair

Teachers will send info home

Wednesday, September 23

Collaboration Day--early dismissal at 12:00

Welcome Back BBQ hosted by PAC 5:00 pm at MPE

Friday, September 25

Earthquake Drill

Tuesday, September 29

Orange Shirt Day in recognition of Truth & Reconciliation

Assembly time TBD

Wednesday, September 30

Truth & Reconciliation, Day of Recognition

No School

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2. Kindergarten Gradual Entry

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3. School Supplies

Teachers have pre-purchased supplies for students. We will send out a link for payment. The cost is $50. If you need some financial assistance with this, please reach out to Courtney Brown or Brianne Aldcroft.

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4. Class Placements

Class placements are created through a thoughtful and collaborative process. We consider peer dynamics, social-emotional needs, and learning needs to name only a few, and then we design learning communities. No environment will be perfect for any individual child and that's the point! This is how we grow. Days will be hard. Learning will be hard. Navigating peers will be hard. We will help them. 

The ultimate goal of the placement process is to create inclusive learning environments where kids feel known, supported and ready to learn. If there are times where that's not happening, then that is our work to dive in on, not avoid. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's classroom teacher.

"If you can struggle, you can succeed."  Piper M., Grade 6 student at MPE.

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5. Personal Technology

Personal technology can interrupt learning because notifications, messages, and games pull attention away from class. Keeping devices put away helps everyone stay focused, protects people’s privacy, and makes sure learning isn’t disrupted.

Students may not use personal electronic devices including cell phones, smart watches, e-readers, and wireless earbuds during the school day unless a teacher gives clear permission for learning.

Devices, including watches, must stay turned off and kept in back packs. If a device is used without permission, it will be taken to the office. After the first offence, the student can pick it up at the office. After the second, a parent or guardian must pick it up.

--> Teachers may not be able to tell the difference between a normal watch and a smart watch. They may ask that all watches be kept in back packs. Admin supports this. Teachers don't have time to check every watch and what it can and and can't do.

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6. Attendance 

Regular attendance and being on time are really important for kids' learning and development. When kids are in class consistently, they build routines, stay connected to peers and teachers, and engage in daily learning that helps them grow academically and socially. 

If your child will be away, please use the [email protected] address to let us know. Don't use Courtney's work address as if she is away, we will not see the email.

Please let the office know as soon as possible if your child will be away during the first week of school. Email [email protected] with your child’s first and last name, the reason for their absence, and their start date. This is critical for our reporting to the district and Ministry.

We ask that both new and returning families take a moment to familiarize themselves with our Attendance Procedures and expectations.

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7. Bussing

Information about registering for busing and route information can be found here.

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8. Volunteers

Criminal Records Checks - If you wish to volunteer at Myrtle Philip Community School or partake in any class field trips in the upcoming school years, we require that a Criminal Record Check (CRC) be on file here at the office. Click here for more info.

Volunteer Driver Application – This must be completed annually in addition to the CRC if you plan to volunteer as a driver this year: Volunteers – Families – Myrtle Philip Community School (sd48myrtlephilip.org)

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In Case You Missed It

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Nothing yet! You are on top of it!

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Upcoming Dates

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Everything is above in August. Come September, I'll put the dates here.

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