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We acknowledge, honour, and give thanks for the traditional lands and history of the Secwépemc people. We value and honour the relationships with each of the First Nation communities on whose lands we have the privilege of educating children.

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2026-27 School Year Calendar

Apr 21, 2026
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2026-2027 school year calendar has been approved by the Board of Education and is now available for families to view and download. The calendar provides a full overview of the upcoming school year, including start and end dates, statutory holidays, non-instructional days, and school breaks.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The calendar can be accessed through the District’s website: </span><a href="https://www.sd83.bc.ca/documents/921adfa0-748d-4776-b72c-222bfb371a9d/SD83-2026-2027-School-Calendar.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20260316201307" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2026-2027-Calendar.pdf</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2025-26 school year calendar is also available on the District's website: </span><a href="https://sd83.cmdesign.imagineeverything.com/documents/a2bb1ca8-9534-5841-8708-748fa43e6ca5/Final-SD83-2025-2026-Calendar.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217062028" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2025-2026-Calendar.pdf</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><a href="https://sd83.cmdesign.imagineeverything.com/documents/a8a92ed3-ae23-5893-9dac-eb5db5f6ca62/2025-2026-School-District-Calendar-for-website-Oct-2025.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217062115" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2025-2026-Calendar-Details.pdf</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0f524121-b88a-4c64-96d7-77876e69850e?fingerprint=ppb20260317165742" alt="SD83 2026 2027 School Calendar" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
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Newsletter #9 - June 1, 2026

Jun 1, 2026
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Highland Park Huskies,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: It’s June!&nbsp; This school year has flown by.&nbsp; I know our students are looking forward to the following year end activities: more recreational swims, additional fieldtrips, District Track and Field Meet on Tuesday, June 2, our whole school assembly on Wednesday, June 3, our </span><a href="https://hpe.sd83.bc.ca/news/hpe-annual-triathlon-" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">HPE triathlon</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> on Friday, June 5, our last PAC meeting of the school year on Wednesday, June 10, Hot Dog Day (funded by PAC) on Friday, June 12, the HPE Grade 12 Graditude visit on Wednesday, June 17, Bannock Day on Thursday, June 18, Indigenous People’s Day Celebration on Friday, June 19, Fun day on Monday, June 22, our Year End Assembly and Grade 5 farewell on Thursday, June 25 at 8:30 am.&nbsp; </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The last day of school for students is on Thursday, June 25 and dismissal will be 4 hours earlier, at 10 am.</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> &nbsp;Busses will run as usual, just 4 hours earlier.&nbsp; Your child’s final learning update – the written Summary of Learning, will be available online and sent home on the last day of school.&nbsp; If you have questions about your child’s learning or progress, teachers can be reached by calling the school on Friday, June 26.&nbsp; For a more comprehensive list of all the upcoming field trips and events, </span><a href="https://hpe.sd83.bc.ca/calendar" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. For more information about the happenings and news at HPE, </span><a href="https://hpe.sd83.bc.ca/news" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp; </span><a href="https://hpe.sd83.bc.ca/newsletters" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to access previous Newsletters.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have children in grade 5 heading to Len Wood Middle School, the countdown is on—with only 20 days left in their elementary journey. They will be missed considerably at HPE, and the school simply won’t be the same without them. This group has left a lasting mark through their leadership, kindness, and school spirit. While we are sad to see them go, we are incredibly proud of all they’ve accomplished and excited to see what lies ahead for them. &nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A reminder that there is a meeting for grade 5 parents at Len Wood Middle School on Tuesday, June 2 at 5:30 pm in their library.</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Glow Gallery was featured in the Morning Star News.&nbsp; </span><a href="https://vernonmorningstar.com/2026/05/23/a-knack-for-neon-armstrong-students-create-stunning-glow-gallery/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to read all about it.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As the school year comes to a close, I wish to express what an honour and a privilege it has been to serve this school community.&nbsp; I look forward to next school year at HPE and as always appreciate your encouragement, feedback and support in making our school the best place for our students to learn and grow. &nbsp;The main purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed of what’s in the works for the 2026-2027 school year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As always, please reach out if you have questions or concerns regarding any and all aspects of Highland Park School.&nbsp; If you need to reach me over the summer months, please email </span><a href="mailto:scull@sd83.bc.ca" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">scull@sd83.bc.ca</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Warmest regards,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Shelly Cull 😊</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">HOT LUNCH: </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A reminder that there is no Hot Lunch offered in June.&nbsp; However, PAC Is providing a Hotdogs to students and staff on Friday, June 12 to supplement lunch from home.&nbsp; Please remember to bring healthy snacks to compliment your child’s lunch on this day.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">31</strong></b><b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong class="editor-text-bold">st</strong></sup></b><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> ANNUAL TRIATHLON – Friday, June 5, 2026</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: This opportunity is provides to all classes with students in grade 4 and 5.&nbsp; </span><a href="https://hpe.sd83.bc.ca/news/hpe-annual-triathlon-" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for more information.&nbsp; Approved volunteers that have been arranged with Mr. Byrnes, our coordinator, will need to check in at the office and obtain an HPE Approved Volunteer Lanyard.&nbsp; In addition, when bringing bikes and helmets to school on Wednesday, June 3 and taking them home on Friday, June 5, </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">we kindly ask that you find parking and walk your bike</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to the black top area outside the gym. &nbsp;For pick up of the bike, you can access the outside entrance of the gym. &nbsp;A reminder that the IPE grounds are available for parking.&nbsp; Please come early to beat the usual morning drop off or after school pick up traffic. &nbsp;Bikes will be stored and monitored outside for the first part of the day while we have our whole school assembly.&nbsp; Once our assembly is over, bikes will be stored in the gymnasium.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY CELEBRATION</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">– Friday, June 19:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> On Friday, June 19, HPE students and staff will acknowledge National Indigenous People’s Day.&nbsp; Currently, our students are practicing singing an Indigenous song entitled </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">O’Siem</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> by Susan Aglukark, the first Inuk performer to secure a Top-10 hit in Canada. The song will be sung as a whole school. We chose </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">O Siem</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> because it shares an important message about inclusion, friendship, equality, and respect—values that are central to Indigenous cultures and to the spirit of National Indigenous Peoples Day. By learning and singing this song, students are engaging with an Indigenous artist’s voice and reflecting on how we can treat one another with kindness and understanding. In addition, our lovely Ms. Laura will be singing and leading the grade 5’s in drumming.&nbsp; Ms. Laura has organized a group of PAC volunteers in the making of Bannock.&nbsp; Due to volunteer availability, Bannock will be made and offered to students and staff on Thursday, June 18.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On Friday, June 19 students are encouraged to wear the following colours representing the colours of Canada, our school and also when put together, represent the colours of the Nunavut flag, where Susan Aglukark is from.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sandberg, Myhre, and Johnson, Terrell and Cooper (Grade k/1) – red</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kalf, Fassbender and Ricard (Grade 2 and 2/3) – white</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Coombs and Daughtry (Grade 3 and 3/4) – yellow</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MacDonald, Benge, Byrnes and Vallance (Grade 4/5) – blue</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">PAC NEWS: </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">First, I want to take a moment to recognize the extraordinary dedication and commitment of a dynamic trio that has maintained roles on our PAC executive for many, many years - Julie De Boer, Amanda Shaw, and Brittany Gee. Their leadership, time, energy, and care have made a meaningful and unforgettable difference in our school community. Through their efforts, they have supported students, families, and staff in countless ways, often behind the scenes, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they have done. Please join me in thanking them for their outstanding service to our school.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we look ahead, we welcome our new PAC executive team. Taking on these important roles are:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">President:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Kelsey Wagner</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Vice President:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Andrea Campbell</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Secretary:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Tiffany Skoreyko</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Treasurer:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Tamara Versteeg</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each of these individuals brings enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and a shared commitment to supporting our school community. We are confident they will build on the strong foundation established by the outgoing team and continue to keep our important HPE traditions in place.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please join the HPE staff in warmly welcoming our new PAC executive and in expressing heartfelt appreciation to those who have served.&nbsp; We are still looking for parent volunteers for hot lunch, safe arrival, and crossing guard.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Their first fundraiser will be the IPE Parking at HPE.&nbsp; More information about how this works and the sign up process will be emailed home soon.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our last PAC meeting of the school year on Wednesday, June 10 at 2:30 in the library. Hope to see you there. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SCHOOL FEES: </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As communicated previously, parents are asked not to purchase school/classroom supplies for the 2026 – 2027 school year.&nbsp; </span><a href="https://hpe.sd83.bc.ca/news/school-supply-fee-notification-letter-20260305033126" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for information from March 4. Next year will be charging families the SD83 Board Approved Fee of $45 for each child for classroom supplies.&nbsp; This ensures that our students have the supplies they need when they need them and ensure that the supplies are consistent in quality, for a much lower price.&nbsp; In addition to the $45 classroom supply fee, we have the usual fee for the planner ($10) and cultural fee ($10).&nbsp; Additional costs and/or donations of items may be requested by the teacher throughout the year for extra opportunities, such as fieldtrips and special activities.&nbsp; </span><a href="https://hpe.sd83.bc.ca/documents/c631fc73-13b7-409c-b321-394d33c10c84/HPE-STUDENT-FEES-2026-2027.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20260530151928"&fingerprint=ppb20260530151928 class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to view the fee structure for the 2026 – 2027 school year.&nbsp; </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Payment is due by Friday, October 2, 2026</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp; If you would like to pay fees for next year before the end of this school year, please see our lovely secretary Tammie, she would be happy to assist.&nbsp; As noted on the form, we have an e-transfer option to make this process easy for families. &nbsp;As always, if you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact Shelly Cull, principal to arrange support.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">BELL SCHEDULE:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> There will be a slight change to our bell schedule in order to meet the required hours of instruction.&nbsp; Due to the contractual start day (after labour day) and end day of the year (last Friday in June), we need to add 7 minutes each day to accommodate the later start and earlier end of the school year.&nbsp; We are currently at 296 minutes per day and will need 303 minutes in order to meet the mandated hours of instruction required by the School Act. We need to have 182 instructional minutes in the morning and 121 minutes in the afternoon. We also need to keep in line with other schools in our area for bussing. After consultation with staff and PAC, here is the bell schedule for next school:&nbsp;</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">7:40 am</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Supervision Starts</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">7:58 am</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Warning Bell (instead of 8:57)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">8:00 am</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Instruction Starts (instead of 8:04)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9:32 – 9:47 am</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Recess – 15 mins (instead of 9:33 – 9:48)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9:47 am</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Instruction Starts (instead of 9:48)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">11:17 – 11:37 am</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Eating time – 20 minutes (instead of 11:18 – 11:38)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">11:37 – 12:02 pm</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Play time – 25 minutes (instead of 11:38 – 12:03)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">12:02 pm</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Instruction starts</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2:03 pm</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dismissal (instead 2:00)</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten students will continue to start their dismissal process at 1:53 as this process is a big part of their instructional time for safe supervision.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2026 - 2027:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Please contact our office at 250-546-8723 as soon as possible if you are moving or know of anyone moving into our catchment.&nbsp; Throughout the summer you can also email me at </span><a href="mailto:scull@sd83.bc.ca" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">scull@sd83.bc.ca</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp; This information is vital for planning purposes.&nbsp; The more secure we are with our enrollment, the faster we can get into assigned classrooms for the school year. The first day of school for students in grade 1 – 5 at Highland Park is Wednesday, September 9.&nbsp; Students will be returning to their previous classroom (where possible) for the first day and for as long as it takes to solidify our enrollment and balance out student placement given any unexpected moves and new registrations.&nbsp; </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dismissal on the first day of school (Wednesday, September 9) for students is three hours earlier, at 11:03 am.</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; Buses will run as usual, just 3 hours earlier.&nbsp; In order to ride the bus, your child must be registered.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2026 – 2027 KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> The first day of school for our new kindergarten students is on Thursday, September 10.&nbsp; We are excited to welcome approximately 48 new kindergarten students for the 2026 – 2027 school year. </span><a href="https://hpe.sd83.bc.ca/welcome-to-kindergarten-2025-2026" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to view the </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">gradual entry schedule</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and the instructions specific for our new kindergarten crew shared at our Kindergarten orientation on Wednesday, May 27. The gradual entry schedule for our new kindergarten students is pictured below for your planning.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9d55cada-4d64-4127-90cc-4157653b7d60?fingerprint=ppb20260530155445" alt="Kindergarten 2026 2027 gradual entry schedule" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SCHOOL LEARNING PLAN 2026 – 2027</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: Our school learning plan will look very similar in terms of our areas of growth. You can </span><a href="https://hpe-sd83.cmdesign.imagineeverything.com/documents/ae24607e-34de-41f4-a813-8388d60ff4d4/Highland-Park-Elementary-School-Learning-Plan-2025-26.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217062205"&fingerprint=ppb20251217062205 class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to access the 2025 – 2026 School Learning Plan.&nbsp; The 2026 – 2027 version will be available at the start of the school year.&nbsp; The school learning plan represents our collective focus and efforts as a school community. This year our staff worked incredibly hard focusing on the narrowing of our goal area of Writing and Numeracy.&nbsp; We also worked hard with our efforts at our monthly assembly and related classroom follow up on topics to help improve student belonging and wellness related to HUSKY STRONG ways of being at HPE.&nbsp; I am proud of our staff for their efforts and our students for the growth they are making.&nbsp; Once again, we will be inviting parents to a School Learning Plan Meeting in October or November to review our data and gain insight from our families into our goal areas.&nbsp; &nbsp;As always, your feedback and input is important to me and our Highland Park team.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">FAREWELL TO SOME HPE STAFF:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> I’d like to wish the following school based staff members farewell as their positions have come to an end at our school.&nbsp; At this time we bid farewell to teachers, Emily Ricard in grade 2/3, Olivia Johnson in grade k/1, Jessica Bergman, LRT and grade 4/5 teacher, Vivian Jacobs, Thursday music teacher, and Darby Brandoli, a k/1 teacher currently on leave as well as CEA Stefani Pollen. &nbsp;There are all kinds of moving pieces with staffing but this represents what we know at this point. While we bid farewell, I suspect we will see some of these individuals return in the new school year at some point in some capacity.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">STUDENT PLACEMENT AND PARENT INPUT</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: I thank you for all the parent input that was provided regarding student placement. &nbsp;The due date for this input was Friday, May 22. If you emailed input to Mrs. Cull, you should have received a follow up email to confirm it was received. If you did not receive a follow up email from Mrs. Cull, please contact the office and </span><a href="https://hpe.sd83.bc.ca/news/newsletter-7--20260414023940" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to review the instructions for providing input which were also emailed to families on May 6. The student placement process is already well underway given what we know at this time regarding our enrollment and current school configuration plan.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While student placement remains a staff decision, based on many different factors observed at school, parent input does matter to us.&nbsp; Student placement in classrooms is a complex process.&nbsp; Please understand that purposeful student placement and class design is a significant undertaking. Our goal as a staff is to create classes that are balanced with each child’s needs being reviewed and discussed prior to class placements. When creating class lists, teaching teams discuss each child’s strengths and needs related to their social/emotional and academic contributions in an effort to create a balanced and effective learning environment for all students in that particular class. We work hard as a staff to consider the best learning environment for all children, one that prioritizes learning for all.&nbsp; Given the contractual constraints of class size and composition requirements, we consider a variety of scenarios to best meet the educational needs of our students, school wide. Due to the amount of effort and thought that goes into the construction of a classroom learning community (including the consideration of parental input), we are unable to accept input after the deadline.&nbsp; </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Making changes to student placement in the new school year is extremely rare as individual changes made to class lists begin to compromise the educationally sound reasoning originally intended in the classroom design</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In most cases making changes is next to impossible due to contractual constraints related to class size and composition</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Please note that when a class contains more than one grade level, learning standards from all grade levels in the class will be taught. Providing a rich, meaningful educational experience is important in every classroom. Thank you for your trust in our staff and their rationale for student placement.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2026 – 2027 SCHOOL CONFIGURATION:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Given what we know about our student enrollment and staffing at this point, the table below outlines our school configuration plan for the 2026 - 2027 school year. &nbsp;With our enrollment of approximately 280, we can fit into 13 divisions and still have limited space for new comers</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp; It is important to remember that this plan could change if enrollment changes significantly over the summer</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp; Again, please keep the school informed if you are planning on moving or know of anyone moving into our catchment.&nbsp; We may be in a position where new families may be put on a waitlist.&nbsp; The configuration proposed below allows for the possibility of greater balance, teaming among our teachers and the potential for some looping (having students for more than one year, if deemed in their best interest).&nbsp; While the building of classroom community takes priority, we will look for ways to bring our grade level groups together for various events/experiences and activities.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 33.3333%;"><col style="width: 33.3333%;"><col style="width: 33.3333%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 13</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Sandberg</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 12</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Myhre</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 11</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten/Grade 1</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">TBA</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 10</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 1</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Terrell</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 9</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 1/2</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Cooper</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 8</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 2</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Fassbender</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 7</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 2/3</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Coombs</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 6</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 2/3</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Kalf</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 5</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 3</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Daughtry</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 4</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 4/5</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. MacDonald/TBA</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 3</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 4/5</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Benge</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 2</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 4/5</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Byrnes</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Div. 1</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 4/5</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Vallance</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At this time, we will be posting a K/1 position, .2 classroom position (grade 4/5), and .4 Learning Resource Teacher position.&nbsp; Stay tuned for more information about the changes to our HPE staff team.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2026- 2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: </span><a href="https://hpe.sd83.bc.ca/news/2026-27-district-calendar" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to access the 2026 – 2027 school calendar and record all the pertinent dates in your family calendar.&nbsp; </span><a href="https://www.sd83.bc.ca/documents/921adfa0-748d-4776-b72c-222bfb371a9d/SD83-2026-2027-School-Calendar.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20260316201307"&fingerprint=ppb20260316201307 class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to access a pdf to download and print for your reference.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">HPE APPAREL</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: </span><a href="https://www.1602customdesigns.com/collections/hpe" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to access HPE Apparel options if you are looking to add to your collection in preparation of 2026 - 2027 spirit days. </span></p>
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HPE Annual Triathlon

May 29, 2026
<p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Hello Highland Park Huskies!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On&nbsp;Friday,&nbsp;June&nbsp;5th, all classrooms with grade 4’s and 5's at HPE will be taking part in the&nbsp;31st&nbsp;annual Highland Park Triathlon.&nbsp;&nbsp;The triathlon is designed to get students&nbsp;participating&nbsp;in a physically challenging activity at their own ability level.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is&nbsp;not&nbsp;a race, and there is no timing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Everyone is to challenge themselves at their own level and feel a sense of accomplishment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Students choose,&nbsp;ahead of time,&nbsp;the level at which they wish to&nbsp;participate; Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Iron Kid.&nbsp;&nbsp;The standards required in which to achieve these goals have been carefully explained to the students.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students will&nbsp;be required&nbsp;to bring their bikes and helmets to&nbsp;school on Wednesday, June 3rd</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please find parking to help your child with their bike as the kiss and ride lane is meant for quick drop off and pick up</span></u><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Bring this equipment to school early allows a few&nbsp;days for bike training to ensure that the students are ready for the big day.&nbsp;The&nbsp;students&nbsp;will&nbsp;learn the&nbsp;triathlon&nbsp;route&nbsp;so they are confident when they begin the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is important that the helmet fits well, and that the bike is in good working order. When your child brings their bike to school, they may bring it down to the gym where it will be placed in a row next to their division number.&nbsp;&nbsp;The gym will be opened on&nbsp;June&nbsp;3rd&nbsp;beginning at 7:30 a.m. During the days leading up to the event, the bikes will be secured in the gym each evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bikes will need to be picked up at the&nbsp;completion of the event on&nbsp;June&nbsp;5</strong></b><b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong class="editor-text-bold">th</strong></sup></b><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On the day of the event, please send your child to school wearing good running shoes tied properly, and suitable clothing to&nbsp;participate&nbsp;in a running event.&nbsp;&nbsp;A hat is also&nbsp;a good idea&nbsp;if the day is sunny.&nbsp;&nbsp;Their swimming suit and a towel should be brought in a separate bag that is clearly marked with their name.&nbsp;&nbsp;After swimming all the bags are placed in a bin and driven back to the school, so the swim bag must be clearly marked to ensure it is returned to your child.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When the triathlon begins, students will walk with their class over to the pool, dropping their bikes off at the IPE grounds along the way.&nbsp;&nbsp;They will complete their swim, change into their cycling/running clothes, and walk to the IPE grounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;There they will complete the cycling&nbsp;portion&nbsp;of the triathlon.&nbsp;&nbsp;When done, they will walk their bikes back to the school, and begin the final leg, which is running.&nbsp;&nbsp;After their laps are complete, they will run triumphantly across the magnificent Highland Park finish line amongst the cheers of all their friends and family.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In order for&nbsp;this event to run smoothly, we&nbsp;require&nbsp;a&nbsp;significant number&nbsp;of approved volunteers.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have not already signed up to volunteer, and you are available, please call the office to talk with Mr. Byrnes.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you Highland Park staff and parent volunteers for helping make this tradition a reality year after year. 31 years! </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/19f9c73b-6908-4d02-a443-92bbae9d7974?fingerprint=ppb20260529162733" alt="Image (68)" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/220745ce-8a19-4161-9d77-1516a50d26a9?fingerprint=ppb20260529162733" alt="Image (69)" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2941d5f5-2e98-48d0-b700-d6eba3bc2a18?fingerprint=ppb20260529162736" alt="Image (67)" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><br></p>
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Upcoming Events

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District Track and Field

Grade 5 Parent Night at LWMS (Library)

Grade 4/5 Bikes to Gym

Assembly

Field Trip to Kingfisher - Mrs. Kalf and Ms. Ricard

Grade 4 and 5 Triathalon

Swimming - Ms. Myhre's Class