News from the Den- April 5, 2025

Our first day back was a busy one. It started off with April Fools' Day or Poisson d'Avril as it is called in French. Students learned on the announcements that Poisson d'Avril translates to April's Fish in English. In France they make paper fish and will secretly put it on someone's back as their April Fools' joke. So many students and classes participated in this. We had paper fish all over the place and it was such a great time!

We also got to officially welcome Mrs. Kokotailo (our new assistant principal) to our school community. We are grateful for all the students and parents who took a minute to introduce themselves and make her feel welcome at Heritage Hills.

Have a great weekend!

Kyla Harding & Carla Kokotailo

Principal/Directrice & Assistant Principal/Directrice Adjointe

Table of Contents

WEEK AT A GLANCE

ACTION

• Get ready for Kindergarten

OPPORTUNITY

• Family Movie Night
• Pre-kindergarten Programming at EIPS

INFORMATION

• FAHHE Newsletter
• Junior High Information Nights: Running April and May
• EIPS Annual Education Results Report
• Did you know?

WEEK AT A GLANCE

ACTION

Get Ready for Kindergarten
Do you have a child registered in kindergarten next year? If so, make sure to attend Heritage Hills Elementary's upcoming Kindergarten Information Night on May 15. You’ll get to:

• tour the school;
• meet the teachers;
• gain insight on play-based learning; and
• see what a typical day looks like.

Kindergarten Information Night 2025:
Date: May 15
Time: 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Location: Heritage Hills Elementary, Gym

To make the transition to school as smooth as possible, Elk Island Public Schools has put together a toolkit for families. The kit includes information about registration, important dates, programming options, what to expect, eligibility, finding your designated school, transportation and more.
Additional information about Heritage Hills Elementary’s kindergarten program is available on the school website.

OPPORTUNITY

Family Movie Night
We are excitedthat our Read-a-thon reward of a movie night is coming soon! Next Friday, April 11 @ 6:30 p.m., FAHHE is hosting The Garfield Movie in our school gym. Families can bring blankets, sleeping bags, pillows to snuggle up, eat snacks and enjoy the big screen. It will be a great night, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Reminder- Please RSVP by April 7 here.

Pre-kindergarten Programming at EIPS
Is there a preschooler in your life experiencing identified developmental delays or challenges with speech-language—big or small? If so, Elk Island Public School’s Play And Learn at School (PALS) program could help.

Early learning lays the foundation for success in primary grades and beyond. As such, EIPS offers the pre-kindergarten PALS program in five of its elementary school locations—including . Applications are now open for free speech-language assessments for those interested in registering in the PALS program this fall. The assessment helps determine if PALS is appropriate for your child.

If you know a preschooler, born in 2021 or 2022, who could benefit from pre-kindergarten programming or want to book an assessment, fill out the PALS Program Request Form or call 780-417-8219. For more information, visit eips.ca.

INFORMATION

Coyotes Values in Action- Value of the Month for April: Well-Being
Well-being means feeling happy, healthy, and safe. It’s about caring for and helping us feel good about ourselves and our school community.
When students feel happy, healthy, and safe they learn better and enjoy school more. Well-being builds resilience, strengthens relationships, and helps us work together as a community.
Fun Ways to Practice Well-Being at Home:

• Mindfulness Moments: Take deep breaths and share what you’re thankful for.
• Get Active: Walk, play outside, do a body moving activity together.
• Check-In: Talk about feelings and highlights of the day.
• Be Creative: Draw, build, or bake for fun and connection.
• Family Game Night (with snacks!): Play a game, laugh, have snacks and enjoy time together.
• Hug: Studies show a 20 second hug a day lessens anxiety, builds self-esteem, reduces fear, increases trust, and helps relaxation.

At HHE, we are prioritizing well-being by teaching students to manage emotions, solve problems, and support each other. Through group activities and mindfulness, we create a caring, positive environment.
Let’s work together to help every child feel happy and supported! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

FAHHE Newsletter
Check out what FAHHE's April Newsletter to read all about what is happening.

Junior High Information Nights: Running April and May
Junior high schools across EIPS are hosting information nights for all Grade 6 students and their families—taking place in April and May. Make sure to attend to learn everything you need to know about the junior high programs at your child’s school. Those who attend will also have a chance to:

• meet the teachers;
• tour the school and classrooms;
• learn about the upcoming curriculum; and
• ask questions.

For specific dates and times, see: EIPS Junior High Information Sessions 2025

EIPS Annual Education Results Report
Every year, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) publishes an Annual Education Results Report, which outlines the Division’s Four-Year Education Plan, growth opportunities and how it supports students in achieving the best possible outcomes. Read through this year’s EIPS Annual Education Results Report 2023-24 and discover how EIPS fosters learning environments for all students to learn, grow and thrive—and why it matters.
April Spotlight: cultivating high-quality learning environments and experiences
· Raising the Bar: Evidence-based practices that are enhancing teaching and learning in EIPS
· Power of Kindness: Creating welcoming, inclusive, respectful and safe learning environments in schools
· Building Blocks: How effective planning, management and infrastructure are supporting learning
RELATED INFORMATION
EIPS Four-Year Education Plan: 2022-26
EIPS Three-Year Capital Plan: 2025-28

Did you know?
EIPS prepares a budget in the spring based on projected enrolment, funding, estimated costs and Board of Trustees budget priorities. Before the Division can finalize its budget for the next school year, we need to wait for the provincial government to provide the funding manual for school authorities and EIPS’ funding profile. This year’s funding manual is expected to be released in early April and the funding profile should be available mid-March. EIPS plans to publish its spring budget in May. Learn more