In 2016, a Grade 3 student became Head of School for a Day at River Valley School. With the chance to make something happen, she chose to think about others.

Her wish was simple: help local families enjoy a holiday meal. What if our school community collected food together, with each day focused on something families could use?

That idea became 12 Days of Giving. Ten years later, it remains a much-loved part of the holiday season at River Valley School.

From November 30 to December 15, 2026, we’re celebrating its 10th anniversary with a challenge: match or beat the 1,600 pounds collected during our first campaign.

Small acts, lasting kindness

According to the Calgary Food Bank, River Valley School families have donated more than 11,000 pounds of food over the years. Our community has also supported other organizations along the way.

Behind that total are so many everyday acts of kindness. A child choosing cereal at the grocery store. A family adding extra cans to their basket. Students organizing donations and watching the collection grow.

These moments help children understand that caring for others can begin with something small, and that their contribution matters.

It started with a student

Our student leadership group, STU-GO, continues to help lead the campaign, just as it helped bring that first idea to life.

There’s something special about knowing this tradition began with a child who saw a way to help and spoke up. The school community listened. Together, they created something that students and families are still part of a decade later.

We recently reconnected with the founding student’s family to share the anniversary news. Hearing how much it meant to them was a lovely reminder that the connections made here continue long after students leave our classrooms.

Join us this holiday season

This year, we’re inviting our Bowness neighbours to join our students, families and staff in supporting the Calgary Food Bank.

• Day 1 – November 30: Rise & Shine Lower-sugar cereal and oatmeal
• Day 2 – December 1: Pasta with a Purpose Regular or gluten-free pasta
• Day 3 – December 2: Let’s Get Saucy! Canned pasta sauce and canned tomatoes
• Day 4 – December 3: Small Grains, Big Impact Rice, barley and quinoa
• Day 5 – December 4: Spread Some Kindness Peanut butter and other nut butters
• Day 6 – December 7: Caring for Little Ones Infant formula, baby cereal and diapers (sizes 4, 5 and 6 are more needed!)
• Day 7 – December 8: Snack & Share Granola bars and individually packaged school snacks, including gluten-free and nut-free options
• Day 8 – December 9: Soup-er Giving Canned soup
• Day 9 – December 10: Pack in the Protein Canned fish or meat; canned or dried beans, chickpeas and lentils
• Day 10 – December 11: A Rainbow of Kindness Canned fruit and vegetables
• Day 11 – December 14: Paws for a Cause Unopened dog or cat food, pet treats, pet toys and new or gently used towels
• Day 12 – December 15: Everyday Essentials Shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, deodorant and feminine hygiene products

Whether you bring one item or participate throughout the campaign, thank you for helping care for local families this holiday season.

Ten years ago, one student shared an idea. This November, we get to carry it forward together.

Have questions or want to participate? Contact community@rivervalleyschool.ca to learn more!

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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, at River Valley School, DPA highlights an essential part of how our students learn, reset, and grow together.

Learning takes focus, and sometimes a classroom needs to take a breath. Because different grades take their DPA breaks at different times throughout the day, teachers can head outside right when their group needs a reset. If students are feeling restless after a long stretch of focused work, stepping outside gives everyone an immediate breather to clear their heads and regulate before heading back inside.

DPA offers a safe space for our students to explore, push their boundaries, and try new things. In the winter, our students work together to build snow forts. This child-led play encourages problem-solving and teamwork.

Learning Leader and Teacher Mr. Tait explains,

“It’s an opportunity for kids to practice risk-taking outside of a structured classroom environment.”

Our students also learn to embrace DPA in all types of weather, which helps build resilience and year-round appreciation for nature. There is no waiting for the snow to melt or the rain to stop; every weather condition brings its own unique opportunities for movement and wonder.

Different age groups also share outdoor spaces during DPA when they normally wouldn’t; this leads to opportunities for cross-age play. Older students have the chance to step into mentorship roles, while younger students learn new games and skills from their peers. This cross-age play creates a strong sense of community school wide, allowing friendships to form beyond the classroom.

Whether it’s connecting with friends, building forts in the snow, or taking a much-needed breath of fresh air, free-choice daily physical activity plays an important role in our students’ well-being.

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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 funds raised, the gala has given us something equally meaningful: friendships, shared memories, and a stronger sense of belonging. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has made this tradition such an important part of our school’s story.

While we will not be hosting a gala this school year, the spirit that made those evenings so special is very much alive.

We’re carrying forward the spirit of togetherness by creating more opportunities for our community to connect throughout the year.

More Opportunities to Connect, All Year Long

We acknowledge that family life is busy. Between work, school, and everyday commitments, finding time to connect isn’t always easy. Yet some of the most meaningful friendships begin in simple moments: a conversation at school pickup, a familiar face at a concert, or a shared laugh at a community event.

This year, we’re embracing a different approach to community engagement and fundraising, creating opportunities throughout the school year for families, grandparents, alumni, and friends to participate in ways that work for them.

At the heart of these initiatives is what has always made RVS special: the people who make up our community and the joy of coming together. Through shared experiences, meaningful connections, and the generosity of our community, we can create more opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and thrive.

Finding New Ways to Come Together

As one of the early initiatives of our Community Partnership Program, we recently collaborated with Studio One to host a private Lagree class. It was a lovely opportunity to try something different, connect with one another, and share a few laughs, while giving us a glimpse of what thoughtful local partnerships can make possible.

Through our Community Partnership Program, we’re looking forward to building more relationships with local businesses, creating meaningful experiences for our RVS community, and finding new ways to support our fundraising efforts. As we work toward our Annual Fund goal, the generosity and involvement of our community remain essential in helping us create more opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and thrive.

Our upcoming Giving Day will offer another opportunity for families and friends to come together in support of Where Wonder Grows, our 2026/27 Annual Fund.

These are just some of the ways we’re exploring more opportunities to connect, participate, and strengthen the sense of belonging that makes our RVS community so special.

There’s a Place for Everyone

Every family brings something special to RVS. Some enjoy organizing events, while others contribute through volunteering, sharing ideas, connecting us with local businesses, or offering Gifts-in-Kind.

For those with busy schedules, there will also be opportunities to participate online, support fundraising initiatives, or simply help spread the word.

Through our Parent Network and Advancement Office, we welcome your ideas and involvement in shaping future activities and bringing our community together.

You don’t need to take on a major commitment to make a meaningful contribution. Sometimes, simply showing up is where the connection begins.

The Wonder of Belonging

As parents, we spend so much time helping our children build friendships, discover new interests, and find their place in the world. Sometimes, we forget how meaningful those same experiences can be for us.

Taking a moment to connect with another parent, stepping outside our usual routines, or joining a school activity can bring an unexpected sense of belonging.

RVS is more than a place where our children learn. It is a community where families grow, friendships flourish, and everyone has something to contribute. The gala has been a wonderful chapter in our school’s history, and its legacy of generosity and togetherness will continue to inspire what comes next.

The way we gather may be evolving, but the heart of our community remains the same.

We look forward to creating many more moments of wonder together.

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Walk through the halls of River Valley School on a House Day and you’ll immediately notice the excitement. Students proudly wear their House colours, friendly cheers echo through the gym, older students encourage younger teammates, and every point earned is celebrated together.

While the competitions are certainly fun, our House System is about much more than earning points. It is one of the many ways we nurture wonder, build belonging, create meaningful learning experiences, and encourage creativity while helping every child discover their individual best.

Four Houses. One Community.

Every River Valley School student belongs to one of four Houses:

❤️ Red
💙 Blue
💚 Green
💜 Purple

Students remain in their House throughout their time at River Valley School, creating a lasting sense of identity, pride, and tradition. Siblings are always placed in the same House, allowing families to cheer together, celebrate milestones, and build House pride that lasts for years. Although each House enjoys a little friendly competition, together they create one connected River Valley community.

Every Child is Known. Every Child Belongs.

At River Valley School, we believe children learn best when they feel seen, valued, and connected, and our House System helps make that possible.

Instead of belonging only to their classroom, students become part of a team that spans every grade. A Kindergarten student might cheer alongside a Grade 6 student during a House Challenge, while older students naturally mentor and encourage younger teammates. These cross-grade relationships create familiar faces throughout the school, foster friendships beyond the classroom, and strengthen the sense of belonging that defines our community.

Wonder Through Shared Experiences

Some of the most memorable moments of the school year happen through our Houses. Students look forward to exciting House Challenges like tug-of-war, relay races, spirit competitions, assemblies, and collaborative games, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Throughout the year, Houses also come together for kindness initiatives, outreach and community service challenges, and activities that encourage teamwork, creativity, and school spirit.

House pride is part of everyday life at River Valley School. Students earn House Points not only through challenges and events, but also by demonstrating our school values through acts of kindness, responsibility, perseverance, respect, and positive citizenship. Whether it’s helping a classmate, welcoming a new student, showing leadership, or making thoughtful choices in the classroom, these everyday moments are recognized and celebrated.

Learning with Purpose

Every House activity is designed with a purpose. Students learn to collaborate, solve problems, communicate respectfully, persevere through challenges, and contribute to a shared goal.

Along the way, they discover that leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice. Sometimes it’s encouraging a teammate, supporting a younger student, or leading by example through kindness and integrity. These authentic experiences help students build confidence, resilience, and skills that extend far beyond elementary school.

Creativity Has a Place in Every House

No two House Challenges are exactly alike, and that’s intentional. Some celebrate athletic ability, while others focus on creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, artistic expression, or problem solving.

By offering a variety of experiences throughout the year, every student has the opportunity to contribute in ways that reflect their unique strengths and interests. Every child has something valuable to offer, and every contribution helps their House succeed.

More Than Friendly Competition

Students love earning House Points, and while the excitement and House pride are real, what they remember most isn’t the final standings.

They remember the friendships they built, the teammates who encouraged them, the laughter during a tug-of-war, the pride of giving back through a House outreach challenge, the younger students they helped along the way, and the feeling of being part of a community that celebrated them for who they are.

That’s the lasting impact of the House System. It isn’t measured by points or trophies, but by the confidence, connections, and sense of belonging that students carry with them throughout their time at River Valley School.

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Students at River Valley School take on months-long drama projects. These projects don’t begin with construction but with Greek history. By grade 6, the children are using knowledge of technical theatre to learn in depth about greek theatre. Ms. Forsch introduces students to the roots of Greek theatre, explaining how so many storytelling elements we still use today like prologues, epilogues, choruses come directly from Greek drama. Students also look at some of the earliest Greek theatrical masks as well as more modern ones, discovering how these influences can shape their own creative choices.

Each year students can dive deeper into mask and puppet crafting and each year feels different, shaped by new knowledge, experiences, and emotions. Mask and puppet making becomes something they revisit with fresh eyes and gives them the opportunity to grow as storytellers and artists. 

The materials used in these projects are extremely intentional and meant to be durable. Masks and puppets are crafted from masking tape, it’s clean, easy to manipulate, and ideal for creating strong forms. These pieces aren’t built to be static but to be used, performed with, and brought to life through movement and imagination.

However, drama at RVS doesn’t exist on its own. It naturally connects with other specialist classes, especially during major events like the Spring Concert. Drama, Music, and Early Learning Music come together to create performances that feel cohesive and collaborative. This year’s production, “Who Stole the Moon? An Astronomical Mystery,” grew out of a simple question given to students: Why would someone steal the moon? From there, they brainstormed suspects and motives, building a whole storyline. Our Music specialists then adapted lyrics and rehearsed songs to support the original storyline. 

Through all of this, what matters most to Ms. Forsch is watching students grow. She loves seeing the transformation from the beginning of the year to the end, watching students discover that creativity belongs to everyone. Whether a child is extroverted or introverted, there are countless ways to find success in drama through vocals, movement, technical work, or performance. “It’s fun to see me explaining something and there’s a little bit of doubt and then when they start to realize ‘oh I can do this’ it’s fun to see that realization come to them.”

The broader RVS community also plays a huge role in nurturing this creative environment. Teachers bring their own passions and creative interests into the school, creating a culture where curiosity is encouraged and risks feel safe to take. It becomes a lifelong creative community, one where people relax, collaborate, try new things, and support each other’s ideas. This sense of shared creativity is something Ms. Forsch sees and appreciates every day.

At the end of the day, drama helps students figure out who they are and how they like to express their own wonder – whether through dance, singing, puppeteering, but all throughout they learn how to interact with others, get out of their comfort zone, create new projects or learn the elements of good storytelling.

The post Where Wonder is Created from Scratch: Drama at RIver Valley School appeared first on River Valley School.

A Family Inspired to Give

Our family’s journey with River Valley School began with a spark of inspiration at our very first RVS Gala. Seeing the enthusiasm and generosity of others in our community motivated us to get involved and start donating ourselves.

Over the years, our commitment has continued because we’ve been so thrilled with the growth and development of our children. We believe that investing in a child’s early years is one of the most meaningful ways to make a lasting impact—and we hope that other families can benefit in the same way.

Why River Valley School

We chose RVS because of its dedication to whole-child development, where curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning are encouraged every day. Isaac especially thrives in the STEAM program and is already looking forward to more hands-on activities next year. When asked what he loves most about RVS, Isaac doesn’t hesitate: it’s interacting with his friends and exploring together

For us, supporting RVS isn’t just about giving—it’s about helping nurture wonder, curiosity, and connection for all students.

The post Inspiring Curiosity and Giving Back:The Lewkowicz Family Story appeared first on River Valley School.

Our STEAM Club students are moving full speed ahead in their journey toward the APEGA Science Olympics! After weeks of brainstorming, designing, and planning, the club is now at an exciting stage: testing their first prototypes.

Eighteen enthusiastic students from Grade 3 are representing River Valley School at the APEGA Science Olympics, a prestigious event hosted by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA). This annual competition challenges students to apply creativity, scientific thinking, and problem-solving skills to real-world engineering and technology projects.

Grade 3 STEAM Club Testing and Improving Prototypes

To turn their ideas into tangible solutions, students tested their prototypes with care and attention. Each student received a worksheet to evaluate their device, answering questions like:

• What’s the best thing about your design?
• What color blindness issue do you most want to solve?
• Where will your device be used?
• How many lens or color combinations can your device offer?
• Is your device wearable for most people?
• Is your device practical and durable?
• What materials do you need to improve your device for the Science Olympics?

These questions encouraged students not only to analyze the functionality of their prototypes but also to think about the real-world impact of their designs.

Compassion in Action

What makes this project truly special is that it blends excitement with empathy. As students design devices for people with color blindness, they are practicing compassion-driven innovation—understanding the needs of others inspires better problem-solving and more creative solutions. Many students commented on how thinking about “how this will help someone in real life” made their designs more thoughtful and purposeful.

The next step for our STEAM Club is to refine their prototypes into more robust devices. With feedback from testing and careful reflection from their worksheets, students are exploring better materials, improved durability, and innovative design features to take their creations to the next level for the Science Olympics.

Looking Ahead

The journey from concept to prototype has been energizing, educational, and inspiring. Our students are learning that compassion leads to innovation, and that problem-solving is most meaningful when it addresses a real need. We can’t wait to see their refined devices shine at the upcoming APEGA Science Olympics—and to celebrate the creativity, curiosity, and kindness that fuel their work.

Stay tuned for the next edition of the STEAM Club Blog as we follow our students’ progress toward the big event!

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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 joy. Walk into an RVS early learning classroom and you’ll see students building, imagining, experimenting, and asking questions that spark entire adventures. A child wonders, “How does an airplane work?” and suddenly the classroom transforms into a full airplane simulation, complete with pilots, passengers, and a whole lot of imagination.

Another day, students might be gently caring for caterpillars—watching them grow, transform into butterflies, and finally release them into the world. These moments aren’t just cute; they’re powerful. They nurture responsibility, empathy, and a sense of wonder as children witness real change happening right in front of them. As our Early Learner Instructor, Ms. Robinson, puts it: “It is when children are in play that they grow into architects, chefs, engineers, and teachers of the future!”

Our youngest learners are paired with older buddies who model friendship, mentorship, and leadership. These relationships help children feel safe, connected, and confident because learning happens best when you feel like you belong.

Every toy, craft, and activity in our early learning spaces is intentionally chosen to support development. Students explore:

• Animated Literacy & Heggerty for early phonemic awareness
• Handwriting Without Tears to build writing skills gently and joyfully
• Hands-on numeracy through manipulatives and real-world exploration
• Unstructured indoor and outdoor play that builds creativity, resilience, and problem-solving

Even our youngest students benefit from weekly sessions with specialists who bring their subjects to life:

• French, Music, Phys Ed & Library
• Art & Drama
• Outdoor Education

These experiences broaden their world, nurture creativity, and help them discover new passions. At the core of each day is meaningful classroom learning guided by caring, experienced educators. Through hands-on, play-based experiences, children develop:

• Early literacy and numeracy
• Social-emotional skills
• Fine and gross motor abilities
• Confidence, independence, and curiosity

This is the foundation that sets them up for a lifetime of learning.

So… what does it mean to go to school when you’re four?

It means learning feels like play.
It means questions turn into adventures.
It means being surrounded by people who cheer you on.
It means discovering the world with joy, wonder, and friends by your side.

And honestly, what better way is there to begin your educational journey?

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning.  But for children, play is serious learning.” – Fred Rogers

The post Learning That Feels Like Play: Early Learning at River Valley School appeared first on River Valley School.

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 more frequent grades, we want to give students what they need most: time to learn, opportunities to reflect, and ongoing feedback that helps them grow.

More Time to Learn, Explore, and Grow

Learning isn’t a race.

Children develop understanding at different paces, and deep learning takes time. By extending the time between formal report cards, students can fully engage with new concepts, revisit challenging ideas, and strengthen their skills before they are formally assessed.

This approach encourages curiosity, persistence, and confidence rather than rushing toward the next grade.

Feedback That Makes a Difference

While there are now two formal report cards each year, feedback certainly hasn’t decreased. In fact, students receive more meaningful feedback throughout the learning process.

Instead of waiting until a reporting period, teachers provide ongoing observations, conversations, and coaching while learning is happening. This immediate feedback helps students understand what they’re doing well, identify their next steps, and make improvements right away.

Research consistently shows that timely, specific feedback has a greater impact on student learning than grades alone.

Meaningful Reporting for Families

Our January and June progress reports serve as comprehensive checkpoints that provide a clear picture of your child’s growth, achievements, and next steps.

These reports reflect learning over a longer period of time, allowing teachers to provide a more complete and accurate assessment of each student’s development rather than a snapshot taken partway through a learning journey.

Throughout the year, families can also expect ongoing communication from classroom teachers through conversations, conferences, emails, and Seesaw updates, ensuring there are no surprises when formal reports are shared.

Building a Growth Mindset

Our approach is also inspired by the work of psychologist Carol Dweck and her research on the Growth Mindset.

When students receive a grade before they’ve had enough time to fully develop a skill, it’s easy for them to believe they simply “aren’t good” at something. Instead, we want students to embrace the power of yet.

“I can’t do this”… becomes…

“I can’t do this yet.”

That small shift encourages perseverance, resilience, and the understanding that learning is an ongoing process.

Keeping the Focus on Learning

At River Valley School, assessment isn’t about collecting marks. It’s about supporting growth.

By moving to two reporting periods, our teachers can spend more time where it matters most: working alongside students, providing meaningful feedback, and helping each child build the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to thrive.

Because when children are given the time, support, and encouragement to grow, they don’t just achieve stronger academic outcomes. They develop the confidence and resilience to become lifelong learners.

The post Progress Reports at River Valley School: A System Built for Growth, Not Guesswork appeared first on River Valley School.

Using everyday items that might otherwise be thrown away, students are learning how innovation can be both sustainable and inclusive. Through brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and refining, they are applying real-world STEAM skills—engineering, problem-solving, and design thinking—while keeping empathy at the heart of their work. Each project begins with an important question: How can we use what we have to make life easier for someone else?

Beyond the weekly hands-on building sessions, our STEAM Club is also preparing for the APEGA Science Olympics this May, where students will showcase their ideas, teamwork, and scientific thinking in a fun, competitive environment. As they work toward the competition, they’re gaining confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of how science and technology can create positive change.

Thanks to Mrs. Harris, Ms. Caitlin, and Mrs. Green, our Tuesday lunchtime STEAM Club is more than just a club—it’s a space where curiosity sparks innovation, recycled materials turn into powerful ideas, and students learn that they can design solutions that truly matter.

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