Every student loves recess, but what about those unstructured moments of outdoor Daily Physical Activity (DPA) that break up a day of heavy learning? Under Alberta Education’s Daily Physical Activity policy, students in Grades 1 to 9 participate in a minimum of 30 minutes of daily activity through school-organized time. While it fulfills a requirement,…
Celebrating the Traditions That Brought Us Together Some of the most wonderful memories at River Valley School have been made when our community comes together. For many years, our annual gala has been one of those special occasions, bringing families, volunteers, sponsors, and friends together for an evening of celebration, generosity, and connection. Beyond the…
Wonder is an everyday occurrence in drama class, it’s a place where curiosity and creativity meet constantly. Ms. Forsch, our Drama Specialist, often finds herself laughing, not out of humour, but out of pure joy at the energy students bring into the room. Students at River Valley School take on months-long drama projects. These projects…
When you’re three years old, “school” shouldn’t feel like desks and worksheets. It should feel like wonder. At RVS, that’s exactly what early learning looks like—structured learning that feels like play, curiosity that fuels discovery, and a community that celebrates every question, big or small. Because when you’re three, learning is supposed to feel like…
At River Valley School, we’re always asking one important question: What helps children learn best? For the 2025/26 school year, we introduced two formal reporting periods, one in January and one in June. This decision was grounded in educational research and our commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences for every child. Rather than focusing on…
Imagine a school day where time outside isn’t an afterthought but an essential part of learning. Picture going on a hike with your children and watching them confidently identify plants, animal tracks, or changes in the landscape because they’ve spent meaningful time learning outdoors and understand why all of these things matter. At River Valley…
At RVS, we believe learning isn’t just about being in the classroom—it’s about wonder, curiosity, and connection. That’s why our Buddies program is at the heart of what we do. It’s more than just pairing students together; it’s about creating opportunities for children to build friendships, explore their community, and discover their own voice. Buddies…
At RVS, wonder isn’t just something we experience within our school walls—it’s something we’re proud to share with the Calgary community. This holiday season, our teachers and students have been busy spreading joy and kindness through a series of outreach initiatives designed to ensure everyone feels a little wonder this time of year. The entire…
Leadership, Service, and Spirit Through STUGO At River Valley School, we believe that leadership is not just reserved for adulthood — it begins in childhood, nurtured through curiosity, connection, and the confidence to share ideas. One of the most meaningful ways students practice leadership at RVS is through our Student Government (STUGO), a collaborative, student-led…
A four-hour flight at 6 am, over 30 students, six teachers, and a packed itinerary; what could easily have been a stressful trip was an experience filled with wonder, curiosity, and unforgettable moments for our Grade 5 and 6 students. The Ottawa RVS trip is more than just a school trip it’s an incredible journey that…