Weekly Update Feb. 5-9 | Winter Walk Day, Surveys, Carnaval, Valentine's Day, Casino

Dear families,  

Welcome to February! Our teachers and students continue to learn together about inclusion and diversity throughout the year. In celebration of Black History Month, teachers and students are taking a deeper focus into learning more about the stories Black communities in Canada have to tell about their histories and successes. 

Many teachers and students have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather and taking learning outside. We are also looking forward to off-site field trips. We are grateful for our volunteers who come to the school to help with classroom activities, field trips, or read with students. If you would like to volunteer, please connect with your child’s teacher or call the office. You will need a valid Police Clearance. Our main office staff can support you with this process.  

Winter Walk Day – February 7 

This Wednesday is Winter Walk Day! We encourage all families to use active transportation to make their way to school and to head back home at the end of the day. We will use the mapping walking/biking routes to school created in October by our Grade 5 students. In the morning, you can choose to walk from one of these meeting spots – more information about these routes will be shared on Monday. We hope to see everyone walking! 

Next Year Planning Survey - Reminder 

If you haven’t yet completed the Intent to Return to KGS survey for your child(ren), we ask that you do so as soon as possible. Thank you for your support!  

Carnaval February 8 - 14 

We’re so excited for Carnaval! We are very excited for our Carnaval celebrations. Carnaval originates in the province of Québec: 

“The tradition of celebrating from the end of January until Mid-February has been around for a long time! In Quebec City, the world’s snow capital, the first major winter carnival made its debut in 1894. A population often faced with harsh winters decided to put on a snow festival to warm their hearts. Interrupted by the two world wars and the Great Depression of 1929, the Carnival resurfaced sporadically until the second half of the century. In 1954, with a view to promoting the economic development of the Old Capital, a group of business people relaunched the festivities and chose Bonhomme as the event’s representative. The first edition of the Québec Winter Carnival took place in 1955 and became a must-attend event for the people of Quebec City and the impetus behind the city’s winter tourist activities. Today, the Québec Winter Carnival is undeniably a major winter event and continues to be a driving force in Quebec’s winter life.” (Carnaval de Québec, 2024 ) 

We will kick off the week with a concert for students by Folkofolie, an engaging French-Canadian musical duo. They will offer two shows, so that all students in the school will have the opportunity to participate.  Each day during Carnaval will be a theme day as follows: 

  • Friday February 9: Tuque/winter hat - Wear a Tuque Day 
  • Monday February 12: Chandail à carreaux - Plaid Shirt Day 
  • Tuesday February 13: King George School apparel/Jersey Day/Sports Team/ wear your favorite Colours Day 
  • Wednesday February 14: Rouge et Blanc – Wear Red & White like Bonhomme Carnaval! 

Students will also have the chance to engage in art, music and sport activities throughout the week. Students will receive a carnaval cadeau – a maple candy as a special cultural treat. Please let your child’s teacher know if your child is unable to have maple candy. 

Alberta Education Assurance Survey – Grade 4 – February 9 

It’s that time of year when the Alberta Government conducts the Alberta Education Assurance Survey (AEA). The AEA survey gathers feedback on the quality of education provided by school authorities and their schools. Schools and school authorities use this information to understand how they are doing and plan for the future. The AEA survey is sent to parents or guardians of students in Grades 4, 7 and 10. Teachers and students complete the survey online at school. 

Valentine’s Day – February 14 

Many students will be celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 14. We want to remind families that we do not share food - please consider a card instead. We ask that if your child brings cards for their class, that there is a card for every student. Thank you. 

Fundraising Casino – June 15 & 16  

Our fundraising casino will be held on June 15 & 16– and we will need many volunteers for this event. We have the opportunity to hold a casino every 2-3 years, and the funds raised help support student learning and enrichment activities at the school over the same period of time. If you are able to volunteer, please sign up here.  

Upcoming Dates of Significance 

February – Black History Month 

Wednesday, February 7 – Winter Walk Day, World Read Aloud Day 

Thursday, February 8 – Folklofolie concert for students 

Friday, February 9 – PM Kindergarten, Tuque Day 


Have a wonderful weekend,  

Allison Hull, principal, and Renée Samson, assistant principal