Dear Friends and Families of HDC,

I am writing to request your support to reinforce a new lunch routine.

HDC students are permitted off campus at lunch some travel to Dalhousie Station. Many of these students have been depending on Calgary Transit buses to get back to school and are late returning. Calgary Transit bus times over the lunch hour do not align well with our school schedule, and when students regularly arrive late to their period 5 classes, their learning and the learning of others is interrupted.

This week, we have received reports from concerned community members and Calgary Transit that unsafe and sometimes disrespectful behaviors have occurred. Based on conversations with students returning late, some of these behaviors appear motivated by a “rush” to get back to school as bus and school times often do not align. All students are expected to abide by our Student Code of Conduct (including when off campus in the community at lunch). If HDC students do not demonstrate responsible, respectful, and safe behaviors off campus at lunch, these privileges may be lost.

Moving forwards, HDC students are asked not to depend on Calgary Transit if they choose to go to Dalhousie Station at lunch. A brisk walk will not only help students to be ready to re-engage in learning in the afternoon, it will also eliminate dependence on bus times that do not align with our school schedule. As is already the case, students are welcome to stay on school property for the entirety of the lunch break (with supervision inside until 12:46pm and outside until 1:15pm).

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to implement routines that support readiness for learning and safe and respectful behavior each day at school.

With appreciation,

Kate