Taradale Talk  

Principal Update 

September 8, 2026 

Dear Taradale Families, 

We hope you have had a wonderful long weekend.  

A new school year means new friends, new learning, and new opportunities. Each day will bring chances for your child to grow, try their best, and celebrate their successes. 

Please remember that classes begin at 8:10 am. Arriving on time helps students feel ready and confident for the day ahead. 

Thank you for your support and partnership. Together, we can make this a wonderful school year full of learning, friendship, and success. 

Attendance 

Under the Education Act, it is an Alberta Education expectation that all students under the age of 16 attend school every day. This includes our half-day Fridays. Even though students are only in school for the morning; there is still important learning that is taking place. Please make it a priority to ensure your child attends all days of school.  

If your child is going to be away, please call out Attendance line 403-777-6270 option 1. 

Communication 

When you have specific questions about your child, your first point of contact is always the classroom teacher. Please email the teacher to book a time to talk. Teachers are not available to talk during school hours as they are teaching. 

Building Entry 

If you need to come to the office after dropping your child off outside at their door; please ensure you are walking around to the front office from the outside. For safety reasons, parents must enter through the front door of the school.  

Late Arrival 

Our doors open at 8:05 for students to come into the school to begin their day. The bell goes at 8:10. This is the beginning of instructional time. It is very important that your child arrives before 8:10 so that they do not miss learning time.  If your child arrives after 8:10 they must go around to the office to access the building and check in at the office. Please prioritize being on time for school. 

Early Pick up 

If you are coming to the school to pick up your child early, you must come to the office. Students will not be released from their dismissal doors. Please ring the bell and let the office know you are here to pick up your child.  

Dismissal 

Students are dismissed promptly at 2:40 pm. Please ensure you are at your child’s designated door by 2:40pm 

Crosswalk Safety 

As you have noticed, there have been some changes on Taravista Drive to make it safer for pedestrians. Speed Bumps were installed last year and over the summer Bump Outs were installed at both crosswalks. This has significantly shortened the crosswalks. There will be some changes in the way we are supporting the crosswalk this year. The crosswalk supervisor will not be walking into the middle of the crosswalk to assist pedestrians. The supervisor will press the overhead crosswalk sign and identify the intention to cross with an outstretched arm. Pedestrians will then cross the road. This will avoid the constant pressing of the crosswalk sign button, and we will be crossing pedestrians in large amounts to minimize disruption to traffic. This may mean pedestrians will need to wait a few extra minutes in order to cross the road. Please be patient as we want all of our pedestrians to be safe. Please work with us as we prioritize everyone’s safety. 

Bussing and Parking 

Taradale School has one school bus. To accommodate our school bus; there is signage along Taravista Drive and Tarawood Road. Taravista Drive (just past the bus shelter) is a no stopping zone as this is the bus zone. Additionally, you are not permitted to park in front of the school as it is a no parking/loading zone. You are able to stop along this area for a maximum of 10 minutes.  

Tarawood Road is a no parking zone/loading zone. You are able to stop along this area for a maximum of 10 minutes. You can park on the road past the teacher parking lot. Thank you for paying attention to these parking signs as these are mandated by the City of Calgary.  

Parking Lot 

Students are not permitted to be dropped off or picked up in the school parking lot. Supervisors are at the parking lot entrance to ensure student safety. Please be respectful to our teachers patrolling the Parking Lot.   

Dress for the weather 

This is a reminder that we will be going outside during recess and at lunch for some fresh air to play and socialize with friends. This includes going outside in all types of weather. Please ensure your child is dressed for the weather. 

Forms 

Each year, schools have a variety of forms that parents / legal guardians are required to complete or review and update, some of which are paper and others online. In CBE, the forms in an online format (SchoolEngage) are:  

• Demographic Verification - 2026-27 – This required form is an Alberta Education and Childcare requirement as proof of Registration for funding purposes and includes your child’s personal information as well as parent / legal guardian contact information.  

• Citizenship Information Update - 2026-27 – This form becomes available and is required to complete if you change your child’s citizenship information on the Demographic Verification form. 

• Annual Authorization - 2026-27 – Combines the following forms: 

o School District Use of Personal Information - explains how CBE uses personal information in providing education services. 

o Consent for CBE Use of Student Information – provides an option to grant / not grant consent for additional use of student information by school/district and third parties. 

o Consent for Use of Student Information by News Media and Outside Groups (Third Party) - provides an option to grant / not grant consent for additional use of student information by outside groups and third parties 
o Consent for Student Participation in Annual CBE Surveys – these surveys support school and system planning and help improve programs and supports offered to students 
o Parental Opt-In for Notifiable curriculum for students in grades 3 to 9 – written consent of parents prior to providing instructions or materials that deal primarily and explicitly with human sexuality, gender identity or sexual orientation. Students are unable to participate in this portion of the curriculum unless consent is granted. 

SchoolEngage is one of the applications found in your MyCBE account. This is the same account that you use to pay fees, view academic information, book school conferences, etc. 

Please submit the Demographic Verification and Annual Authorization forms in SchoolEngage for your child by Monday, September 14.  These forms are mandatory every year for Alberta Education to confirm student funding.  Thank you for completing them. 

Medical Health Form 

If your child has a medical issue, we need to update forms each year. Please click on the link below to access the health form and return to the school.  

Medical Form 

Noon Supervision 

If your child will be staying for lunch, please register through MyCBE/PowerSchool. Registration for lunchroom is on-going throughout the year. There is a fee that you will be charged for your child to attend the lunchroom program. Fees begin to be available for payment after registration around the end of September. 

Brown Bagging 

Taradale has a partnership with Brown Bagging 4 Kids who provide our school with lunches for students in need. If you are struggling to provide your child a lunch each day, please reach out and we will ensure your child receives a lunch. Please call the office to sign up for this program. 

School Messenger 

Please ensure you have subscribed to School Messenger so that you receive emails from Taradale School and CBE System Updates.  School Messenger and the Taradale School webpage are the primary means of parent communication.  

MyCBE/PowerSchool 

Please ensure you have created your MyCBE/PowerSchool account. This will enable you to book conferences, pay fees and see Report Cards. If you need assistance, please let us know. 

School Council 

We will hold our Annual General Meeting for the Taradale School Council on September 22 at 2:00 pm. This will be an in person meeting at the school.  At the present time, we do not meet the criteria for a School Council. We need to fill the following positions in order to qualify for a School Council. 

Chair and Co-Chair 

Secretary 

Instagram Account 

Follow us @taradaleschool for exciting updates of our learning journey for 2025-26. 

Important Dates: 

September 10 – Meet The Teacher (4:00-6:00 pm) 

September 17 – Terry Fox Run 

September 25- No School (PD Day) 

September 30 – NO SCHOOL National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

Thank you.

Karen Bose
Principal