Dear Friends and Families of HDC,

Our students had lots of fun at today’s Fall Field Day. A huge thank you to Mr. Hall and Ms. Kanary who worked to set up such a fun and engaging way for students to come together to compete, co-operate, get active, and have fun.

Many thanks also to all families who made it out to our Meet the Teacher event last week. Strong partnerships between home and school are critical for student success, and we look forward to continuing to work together this school year. Conferences are coming up on November 27 and 28- please mark your calendars and plan to attend for updates on your student’s progress in learning. In the meantime, email is the best way to connect with teachers to set up conversations and/or discuss ongoing learning supports and any concerns that may arise.

Please see below for some important messages:

School Fees

All fees for this semester’s option courses and athletics are now posted and can be paid through your My CBE account. If you are in need of financial assistance, please reach out to the main office to discuss your circumstances so that we can make a plan together. We work hard as a school community to offer a variety of rich learning experiences for our students, and are grateful for the support of School Council whose fundraising efforts help us to keep fees as low as possible whilst we work within our school’s allocated budget.

Casino Volunteers Needed

HDC's Parent Council supports enriched learning for all students at HDC. Their efforts support field trips, classroom enhancements, residencies in PE and the Arts, technology, special projects and more.

This year, we need your help! We are seeking volunteers for our upcoming casino on Saturday November 21 and Sunday November 22 at Pure Casino. This is our largest fundraiser, bringing in more than $80,000 in support of all grades and classes and HDC. Please consider volunteering! We cannot secure our casino spot and funds until all positions are filled. You do not need a police clearance to volunteer, and do not need to be a parent or guardian of an HDC student. No experience is necessary and all training is provided. Food during your shift is also provided. Please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4FA4AA28A2FCC07-65537247-pure to sign up or learn more about the positions, or scan the QR code on the counter in the main office.

Video Surveillance

Our school has a video surveillance system to help maintain a safe and secure environment at the school for students, staff and the public, and to help address vandalism and criminal activity on school property. The video surveillance system is installed and reviewed in accordance with Administrative Regulation 1066. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Education Act and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), specifically section 10(1) and the Access to Information Act (ATIA) .

This technology can be placed in areas such as the school parking lot, building entrances and exits, stairwells and hallways. This information is recorded and collected to help maintain a safe and secure environment in the school and on school property. The users of this information are the principal or designate and law enforcement personnel in the case of reported incidents that would require an investigation. Only authorized persons will review video surveillance information.

Inquiries concerning the video surveillance system, or the collection and use of recorded information may be made by contacting the school office.

HDC 2026-27 Yearbook

We are excited to inform you that this year we will be creating and offering an HDC yearbook! Grade 9 students are already hard at work with Mr. Malloy and Ms. Huang getting this project off the ground.

Daily Attendance

If your student will not be at school, please call the attendance line before the school day begins (403-777-7420) to report the absence. Please also support your student to arrive at school on time and ready to learn each day- when students miss instructional time, this can result in gaps in learning and challenges building positive relationships with peers and teachers. Attendance emails go out daily to ensure you are informed about and can follow up on any unexpected or unexcused absences or lates at home.

LEAD Program at HDC

We are excited to host the City of Calgary's Leadership program (LEAD) starts next week on October 6th. LEAD is a city-led afterschool program that runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:10pm – 5:10pm in the Music Room. This program includes mentorship, snacks, and volunteering opportunities. Signing up and participating offers students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, make a positive impact in our community, and have some fun! Please pick up a registration form from the main office or reach out directly to LEAD program coordinator, Steven Kapteyn, at steven.kapteyn@calgary.ca

HDC Athletics and Physical Education

We continue to cheer on our Cougar athletes at soccer and basketball practices and games this season, and to encourage physical fitness during daily PE classes at school. The cross-country season is now over, and our students should be proud of how they represented themselves and our school community. Please check the school calendar online for upcoming dates and events.

October Dates of Significance

  • All Month: Canadian Islamic History Month, German Heritage Month, Latin American Heritage Month, Women's History Month
  • 2: Custodial Staff Appreciation Day
  • 4: Sisters in Spirit Day
  • 5-9: International Walk to School Week
  • 5: World Teacher's Day
  • 10: World Mental Health Day
  • 11: International Day of the Girl Child
  • 12: Thanksgiving Day
  • 17-21: Secret Path Week
  • 8: Persons Day
  • 20: Dussehra
  • 22: Take Me Outside Day
  • 31: Halloween

Mark Your Calendars

  • 5: Photo Day (all day on the stage; lunch outside)
  • 6: LEAD Program starts (3:10pm at the school for those who have signed up)
  • 7: Grade 8 Field Trip to Little Shope of Horrors (Theatre Calgary)
  • 8-9 Outdoor Education Camping Trip
  • 12: Thanksgiving Day (School Closed)

As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns if you have them. We hope you enjoy some time outside this weekend as the days get shorter and the leaves continue to fall.

Warm regards,

Kate and Brandie