Dear HDC families,

Hard to believe that we are already finished the first full month of the school year. We were thrilled to see so many of our students and staff wearing orange shirts last Friday to commemorate Orange Shirt Day. It is a small way that we can continue to recognize that there is still much to learn and do as we work towards reconciliation. 

Our Grade 7 classes had an amazing full day walking field trip to Nose Hill last week where they spent the day on the land and learning about Indigenous ways of knowing. All classes had the opportunity to visit the  Nose Hill Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel which was bult by members of the Blackfoot Confederacy in 2015. It is a tribute to the historical and spiritual connections between Indigenous peoples and the land and embodies the principles of harmony, balance, and respect for the environment. 

Nose Hill Medicine Wheel

We hope you have a great week! 

Jim & Brandie 

Important Upcoming Dates 

  • September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS 
  • October 2: 7-1 & 7-2 Field Trip – Journey 2050 
  • October 3:  7-3 & 7-4 Field Trip – Journey 2050 
  • October 4:  Terry Fox Run  
  • October 7:  School Photo Day  
  • October 11: Fall Field Day  

Dates of Significance 

  • October:  German Heritage Month  
  • October:  Canadian Islamic History Month  
  • October:  Latin American Heritage Month 
  • October:  Women’s History Month  
  • October 2:  Rosh Hashanah 
  • October 2: Custodial Staff Appreciation Day  
  • October 3:  Sisters in Spirit Day  
  • October 5:  World Teacher’s Day  

HDC School Council 

We are in need of a Treasurer and a Casino Chairperson for our parent groups this year. These position are critical for our school council and parent association. If you are interested in volunteering for either of these positions or have more questions, please email Mr. Parent at jlparent@cbe.ab.ca. 

REMINDER – Demographic Verification Forms 

Thank you to all those families who have submitted / updated their Demographic Verification forms through School Engage.  These forms are vital so we have accurate information, including parent/guardian contact numbers and email addresses. If you have not yet completed the demographic verification process, please do so ASAP in your MyCBE/SchoolEngage account.  

If you do not have a MyCBE account, on the MyCBE page click on Create a MyCBE Account. For online help refer, to MyCBE - Creating an Account (includes instructions and a video). 

To complete these forms:  

  • sign in to your MyCBE account 
  • click on the SchoolEngage icon 
  • select the demographic verification form 
  • complete or review and update the form 
  • click on Submit to send the form electronically to the school  

if you are having difficulty, or do not have a computer to complete the necessary requirement, you can contact the office and we can provide you with a paper copy if required.   

REMINDER – Student Health Plans 

Thank you to all those families who have submitted Student Health Plans to the office. This form needs to be completed and submitted if your student has a physical or medical condition that: 

  • is important that the school is aware of  
  • may affect the student’s attendance at school 
  • that requires medication is to be taken at school 

These forms need to be reviewed and updated annually or sooner if there is a change in the student’s health concern or school registration.  

HDC Physical Education 

We would like to remind families of the importance of proper footwear in PE from Monday to Friday. Crocs, Slides, Boots, etc. will not be permitted for use in PE activities. Thank you for your support in this matter of safety. As the weather gets cooler, please keep in mind the weather when planning for Physical Education Activities. 

For the weeks of Oct 1-10, Students will be participating in the following activities, according to homeroom. 

  • Outdoor Tennis - 703, 801, 803 
  • Indoor Gym Low Organization Games - 701, 704, 802, 804, 901, 904 
  • Outdoor Football - 702, 805, 902, 903, 905 

** Activities are subject to change based on gym availability and weather** 

HDC Cougar Athletics 

Cross Country 

Congratulations to all students who ran in the cross country meets this season! All of our athletes achieved personal bests in the final race, and we are so proud of their commitment to the team. Special shout out to Maddie and Grace in Grade 9 who finished in the top 25 for Senior Girls! Thank you to Ms. Schreiber for coaching the team, and to all students who participated in practices and meets this year. 

Cross Country team will meet for a team picture on Tuesday Oct 1 at lunch time. Please wear your Cougar Athletics shirt or a Navy shirt that day. 

Basketball 

Basketball games start the week of October 1. Please ensure all players have handed in their completed forms and are aware of upcoming practices and game times. 

Just a friendly reminder that spectators are welcome and encouraged at Basketball games this season. Any students travelling to other schools to spectate MUST be accompanied by a supervising adult for the entirety of the time they are there, if they are not in compliance, they will be sent home from the venue. 

Soccer 

Soccer season continues in the coming weeks. Thank you to all athletes and coaches who have been committed to games and practices and showing Cougar Pride and great hustle at all our games thus far.