May 2 

Good afternoon families! We have really enjoyed the nice weather this week and see that more sunny days are in the forecast. We wanted to remind everyone that a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle are important for extended time outdoors.  

Outbreak Status 

We remain in outbreak status through the weekend and into next week. AHS will provide us with a lift date once the outbreak has been contained, and the school will let families know as soon as that happens. Thank you for your continued efforts and support in helping by keeping students' home when they are ill. 

REMINDER! Free Event on Children’s Nutrition and Lunch routines at West Springs School – May 6th 

Ever wondered why your child comes home with a full lunch bag of food sometimes? Or why have we switched to eating at lunch tables instead of in the classrooms? Come to our evening event on May 6th, .2025, to get answers to these and lots of other questions and hear from our principal and a Pediatric Dietician about these and a variety of other topics related to nutrition and our children. Please join us on May 6th at 5:30pm! 

Hats on For Mental Health – May 7 

Every year Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) dedicates a week in May to raise awareness of Mental Health. This year Mental Health Week will run May 5-11, and Hats On! for Mental Health Day will take place on May 7.   

Albertans are invited to wear a hat to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health. Participating schools will relax their hat rules and encourage students and teachers to build understanding by wearing hats to school. Students will also participate in a coordinated lesson on understanding mental health and the importance of removing the stigma associated with mental illnesses. 

Reminder | Test Alert on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 1:55 p.m., the National Public Alerting System will send a test alert across Alberta to all broadcast platforms. 

During the test, an alert will sound, followed by a text message letting cellphone users know the sound is part of a test and there is no need for concern. 

Asian History Month 2025 

 This month invites us to deepen our understanding of Asian Canadian experiences. Together, let’s honour the diversity of Asian communities not only by what we celebrate, but by how we lead — with courage, care, and a commitment to a more inclusive future.   

Student Fees 

When a field trip is cancelled a credit is created on the students account which will automatically go towards paying for upcoming field trips.  School-based fees (ie field trips) cannot be put towards central fees (noon supervision, transportation, supplies).  These overpayments will remain in student accounts for as long they attend a CBE school.  IE if a student is moving onto West Ridge, this credit will remain until it is used up. 

Music Notes 

Hello West Springs Families, 

I hope you've been enjoying the warmer weather. Here are a few highlights from the last few weeks of music class. 

Grade 4: Reviewing proper ukulele picking technique and learning and playing along with songs that use the G and G7 chords in addition to C, F, and Am, including "Chlorine", "Waka Waka", "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" and "Let it Be". 

Grade 3: Finishing learning and practicing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and practicing reading melodies using Low So, Low La and High Do, as well as Do, Re, Mi, So, and La. 

Grade 2: Practicing reading and singing melodies using Do, Re, Mi, So, and La, and starting to learn "Gotta Get Outside", a song written by one of my former students. 

Grade 1: Completing singing assessments, and learning "Gotta Get Outside", a song which was written by one of my former students. 

Kindergarten: Singing "If All the Raindrops", moving to music that is fast and slow, and reading and clapping simple rhythms.  

Have a great weekend, 

Mr. Peter Vooys 

On the Horizon 

  • May 5 SPARQ Bollywood Dance Residency (whole school during phys ed) 
  • May 6 Children’s Nutrition – A evening with a pediatric dietitian and the school’s lunch policies 5:30 pm to 7 pm at WSS-more information on our website 
  • May 5 Hats on for Mental Health May 5 – 11 is mental health week! 
  • May 8 School Council meeting and AGM 6 pm 
  • May 12 ALL Grade 4’s to West Ridge for scavenger hunt (time TBD) 
  • May 15 Grade 4 Baskerville/Thompson compost facility fieldtrip 
  • May 21 Fun Lunch - Subway (Monday/Wednesday Kindergarten) 
  • May 22 Spirit Day and Fun Lunch – Subway 
  • May 29 New family and Kindergarten “Welcome to West Springs School” presentation 5:30-6:30 pm