Dear River Valley Families,
As we begin a new school year, I am filled with gratitude and excitement. September always brings fresh energy, new faces, and opportunities to grow; not only for our students, but for our entire community.
Programming & Curriculum Enhancements
This year, we are excited to introduce new resources across K–6 to enrich core curriculum delivery and elevate student engagement. The new Social Studies curriculum will be implemented in Grades K-3, and Grade 6, bringing fresh approaches and deeper learning opportunities into our classrooms. A central part of this work is the integration of Indigenous knowledge into the core curriculum, ensuring that every student’s experience is enriched by diverse voices, perspectives, and worldviews.
Welcoming New Leaders & Staff
I am pleased to formally introduce Stacey Fergusson, our Director of Finance, Laura Christensen, our new Director of Enrolment Management, and Tony Onufreychuk, our new Facilities Supervisor. Alongside them, we are also welcoming many talented new educators who bring fresh energy, expertise, and passion to our classrooms. We know they will be a wonderful addition to River Valley School.
Student Washroom Enhancements
Thanks to support from the Alberta Government Inclusive Spaces Grant, the new upper student washrooms are now complete; bright, modernized, and ready for use. These meaningful upgrades continue to enhance safety, accessibility, independence, and the daily experience of our students.
The Hollow: Reimagining Our Spaces
We are delighted to share the adoption of our newly renamed “Hollow” building (formerly the Riverview surgical building), now home to Finance, HR, IT, Advancement, and Facilities offices. By embracing this space as our own, we’ve freed up more room on our main campus for student learning while also laying the groundwork for future development.
Parking & Traffic Updates
The Hollow has also provided additional visitor parking during slower times of the day. Our drop-off and pick-up routines remain unchanged, and we kindly ask families not to park in the lot during those times. You will also notice improvements such as adjusted speed bumps, refreshed crosswalks, and expanded visitor parking. New signage will be installed in the coming days to support clear, safe and smooth traffic flow.
Link to our Parking Map
Playground Renewal & Outdoor Spaces
Our playground redevelopment has unfortunately been delayed by heavy summer rainfall and is not quite ready for the start of school. While construction continues, the area will remain securely fenced for student safety. A new 10-foot chain link fence has also been installed, enhancing safety and reducing the number of balls and equipment leaving the field. We look forward with anticipation to when students can fully enjoy this exciting new space in the coming weeks.
Uniform Update
I know that some families have experienced challenges with InSchoolWear stock shortages this fall, particularly with formal dress shirts. We have been in touch directly with InSchoolWear to raise our concerns, and they are actively working to replenish inventory as quickly as possible. In the meantime, I ask families to do their best to follow our uniform guidelines, with the understanding that the first few weeks may look a little different until stock is fully available.
Looking Ahead
While our campus and facilities continue to improve, our greatest focus continues to remain on what truly defines River Valley School: our people and our programs. It is in the dedication of our educators, the curiosity of our students, and the meaningful learning experiences we create together that our mission comes to life.
This year, we look forward to deepening connections, sparking creativity, and celebrating the joy of learning in all its forms. From new curriculum initiatives and enriched programming to the everyday wonder that unfolds in classrooms, I am excited for all that lies ahead. Together, we will create a year filled with curiosity, creativity, connection, and the kind of magic that makes our community so remarkable.
Warm regards,
Carolyn Breland
Head of School