Panther News

How can it be February already? It feels like only a few weeks ago that I was walking into Bentley School for the first time as the new administrator, learning the lay of the land and getting to know this incredible community. And yet, here we are at the end of first semester and officially at the halfway point of the school year.

As I look back, I am continually amazed by all that Bentley School has accomplished. For such a small community, we do some very big and impressive things for our students and for Bentley as a whole, and none of it happens without your support. When I think about raising nearly $5,000 for the Terry Fox Run and the many lives that will be impacted by that generosity, or closer to home, the incredible meals that were provided for our junior and senior high students, I am reminded just how special this place truly is. The number of volunteers who stepped forward to prep food, donate supplies, and support our students was nothing short of incredible. As an administrator, I take great pride in sharing these stories with colleagues across our division. I won’t say it’s bragging… but let’s be honest, it absolutely is and I’m okay with that. Bentley School is tied to its community in a way I haven’t experienced anywhere else, and I am proud to share that whenever I can.

As we continue to move forward, we are also looking for more ways to ensure parent voices are heard and valued in the decisions we make as a school. This month, we are launching a new monthly feedback opportunity called Panther Pulse. Each month, families will be invited to complete a short, five-question survey that takes only a few minutes to answer. This will provide a direct line of communication to the school administration and help ensure that the decisions we are making reflect what matters most to our families and community. The questions may range from course selection and timetabling to school events you’d like to see continue or perhaps change, and even new ideas or opportunities you’d like us to explore. This month’s Panther Pulse is especially important, as the results will be shared with the Parent Council to help begin planning a Parent Night focused on AI and what it means for learning and education moving forward. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey, and feel free to include your children in the conversation — we truly want to hear your voice.

Looking ahead to this month, we also have one of Bentley School’s most anticipated events coming up, the Joslyn Snow Winter Classic. This event has long been regarded as one of the most memorable experiences our school participates in, and we already have a large number of students signed up to play against the teachers. Some staff members have even begun stretching for the game, a reminder that we may be getting a little older but not to worry, we do have some younger teachers ready to carry the torch! We hope you are able to join us for what promises to be a great evening with our students and staff.

This time of year also marks when the leadership team begins to look ahead to next year, and once again, your feedback is incredibly important to us. The Panther Pulse survey attached to this newsletter is one way we hope to gather your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions as we continue planning for the future of Bentley School.

Thank you for your continued support, especially over the holiday season, and for being such an important part of our school community. There will be additional opportunities to share your thoughts with us in person, so please keep an eye on future newsletters. Finally, thank you for welcoming me so warmly into this community. I couldn’t be happier to be here, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a supportive and engaged group of families.

Warm regards,

Adam Sia

Principal, Bentley School

Here is the "Panther Pulse" Link

https://forms.gle/aivaJgb2KeMgWj3k8

Mid-Year Student Progress

As we approach the end of Semester One, teachers are finalizing mid-year assessments to provide families with a clear picture of each student’s progress so far this year.

For K–3 Families:
You will receive a “Growth as a Learner” summary for your child. This will be shared with you through Seesaw on February 4, and will include an overall comment about your child’s learning so far this year.

For Grade 4 - 9 Families:

Mid-term marks and comments will be available to families by February 4. You will receive an email notification indicating marks have been finalized and are ready to view in PowerSchool. These reflect your child’s academic progress for the first half of the year. Marks are based on the learning outcomes covered to date and the work your child has completed. For detailed instructions on how parents and students in Gr. 4 - 9 can access marks anytime, anywhere - please follow this link.

For Grade 10 - 12 Families

Semester 1 final marks will be finalized by Monday, February 2. You will receive an email notification indicating marks have been finalized and are ready to view in PowerSchool. For detailed instructions on how parents and students in Gr. 10 - 12 can access marks anytime, anywhere - please follow this link.

If you have any questions about your child’s progress or how to access information in PowerSchool or Seesaw, please feel free to contact the school.

Students will be selling candy grams for .50 cents each the week of February 2 - 6 outside the elementary office. Delivery on Friday, February 13 in time for Valentines Day!

March hot lunch orders will be open from February 2 - 8. Be sure to place your orders during this window.

Or simply want to know more about your school?

Come to the next Parent Council Meeting, to be held Monday March 30th, at 6:30pm. Parent Council is also actively seeking to find a new secretary, so if this sounds like something you might be interested in, please reach out to the Parent Council Chair, Michelle Lunty, at mm@ualberta.ca.

Student safety is our top priority. Please ensure all traffic laws are followed when parking or driving near the school, including full stops at stop signs and adherence to all posted parking regulations. Your cooperation helps keep everyone safe. We also ask that drivers respect school buses at all times by not blocking routes.

Beginning in February, our Wellness Cart will be making weekly visits to elementary and junior high classrooms. The cart offers a variety of wellness-related items such as school supplies, activities, fidgets, and snacks. Most items are free, with a small selection available for purchase ranging from $0.50 to $1.00. The Wellness Cart is proudly supported by Austin and Aurora as part of their Life Skills programming, helping to promote student well-being and provide positive supports throughout the school week.

The Gr. 6 class will be selling chocolate almonds and other chocolate treats as a fundraiser for Gr. 6 camp. Chocolates will be available through any Gr. 6 student in Mrs. Siverson's class. Chocolates will also be sold at lunch hour on Monday & Wednesday during the months of February and March.

Bentley School is excited to celebrate World Read Aloud Day by shining a spotlight on the joy and importance of reading! On this day, students throughout the school will take part in read-aloud activities that promote literacy, imagination, and a love of books.

To make the day even more special, we are thrilled to welcome special guest readers who will be visiting classrooms to share stories with our students. These guest read-alouds help highlight the power of reading aloud and the positive impact it has on language development and community connection.

We look forward to a fun and meaningful day of storytelling, learning, and celebrating reading together!

Students will be participating in Winter Walk Day on Friday, February 6, starting at 1:00 p.m., and everyone is welcome to join us! This year’s walk will also serve as the kick-off to the Winter Olympics, making it an Olympic-themed walk. Students are encouraged to wear Team Canada colors of red or white or Team Canada spirit wear to show their school spirit and get into the Olympic mindset. A big thank you to our amazing volunteers who will be serving hot chocolate and cookies to students after the walk.

Students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 will participate in skating at the Bentley Arena as part of the PE class during the week of February 9 - 12. Students will walk down to the arena with school staff. Dates and time are also on the school website calendar.

Skates, gloves or mittens and a CSA approved hockey helmet, ice skating helmet or ski/snowboard helmet are required for this activity. New helmets and skates are available at the school thanks to a grant from Hockey Alberta Foundation grant. Please contact your child's homeroom teacher if your child does not have these items.

Skates being transported on a bus, must have guards on them and they must be in a backpack or sports bag (not a plastic grocery bag).

Sticks and pucks are not allowed.

We are looking for volunteers to help tie skates, if you can help, please connect with your child’s homeroom teacher.

All volunteers must complete the application form and criminal record declaration forms available at the office or online at: https://bentley.wolfcreek.ab.ca/parents/volunteer-information

There is no cost to this activity.

If you have any questions in regards to skating, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.

Join us at the Joslyn Snow Memorial Winter Class on Thursday, February 12 from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Watch for an email in regards to format and team assignment for students who have registered to play. Admission is free. There is a 50/50 and raffle table on site so bring cash! All proceeds from this event support the Joslyn Snow Memorial Scholarship. If you would like to donate an item or items to the raffle table, please contact Sheri Kimmel by email at sheri.kimmel@wolfcreek.ab.ca.

The Leadership Team is hosting a fundraiser called “Date Night,” on Friday, February 13th from 4:30-9:00 pm. We are offering to look after your children for the evening. This will give you the opportunity to go on a date, have a quiet night at home or go shopping! We are willing to look after children ages 4 - Grade 5.

• The admission is $10.00 per child.

• Drop off is no earlier than 4:30 pm.

• Pick up must be no later than 9:00 p.m.

• Children must be able to use the washroom on their own.

Family-rated movies will be shown, activities will be available in the gym and classrooms will also have activities for your child(ren) to do (crafts, games, etc.). Leadership students and staff will be supervising these activities. We will also offer the option to prepay and have a hot dog, juice and chips for your child at the cost of $4.00 per child. Your child will not be able to pay for a snack at Date Night. If you are not buying a hot dog package, please make sure your child has had supper before you leave.

Funds raised go to support Leadership initiatives at the school. Online Pre-Registration is REQUIRED by Wednesday, February 11th. To register, login to your parent portal account and click on the school fee icon to register and pay for each child. This program will run provided there is sufficient interest and support.

If you have further questions, please contact Miss Bertin at the school (403-748-3770).

Thank you for your support.

Show your school spirit and wear pink or red for Valentines Day on Friday, February 13!

Relax and ease back into school after our February break with pajama day on Monday, February 23.

Bentley School will be joining schools across Canada in recognizing Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 25. Pink Shirt Day is a national movement that promotes kindness, inclusion, and respect while standing up against bullying in all its forms. Students and staff are encouraged to wear pink as a visible sign of support for creating a safe, welcoming, and caring school environment for everyone. Throughout the day, classrooms may engage in age-appropriate discussions and activities that reinforce the importance of empathy, belonging, and positive relationships. Together, we can make a difference by choosing kindness every day — not just on Pink Shirt Day!

Parents and guardians of students in Grades 4–10 are invited to participate in the annual Alberta Education Assurance Survey. This survey provides valuable feedback that helps inform improvements to education at both the school and provincial levels. Please watch for an email from the school with instructions and a single-use access code to log in and complete the survey online. Your voice matters, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.

New student registration for Pre-K & Kindergarten to Gr. 12 opens January 5. If you currently have a student in Pre-K who is either Kindergarten age or returning to Pre-K, parents will receive an email with returning student registration instructions. Current, Kindergarten to Grade 11 students won’t receive returning student instructions until August 2026.

Bright Futures Play Academy (BFPA) New Student Registration for 2026-2027

• Returning BFPA students will receive an email with registration instructions.
• New students must select the 2026-2027 NEW BFPA Registration Form
• Children must be 3 or 4 years of age by December 31 of the upcoming school year in order to apply
• Programs are designed for children to attend two days per week on a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. Four days per week programming may be available following further consultation with families and is based on location and availability.
• A copy of the original birth certificate and other legal documentation (custody orders, etc.) must accompany your registration. If you need to order your child's birth certificate, click on the link to Alberta Services.
• Pre-Kindergarten students are not eligible for busing.
• For full program details visit: https://bentley.wolfcreek.ab.ca/programs/bright-futures-play-academy
• $150 enrolment fee is due in June (fee subject to review).

Kindergarten New Student Registration for 2026-2027

• Students currently in Bright Futures Play Academy who are of Kindergarten age will receive an email with registration instructions.
• New students must select the 2026-2027 NEW K-12 Registration Form
• Children must be 5 years of age by December 31 of the upcoming school year in order to apply
• Programs are designed for children to attend two full days per week. Days offered will depend on the number of students registered. Please register by March 31 to help with program planning.
• Kindergarten class placements are based on a number of factors including, number of kindergarten registrations received, date of registration, program day availability and student needs, not just on parent preference.
• A copy of the original birth certificate and other legal documentation (custody orders, etc.) must accompany your registration. If you need to order your child's birth certificate, click on the link to Alberta Services.
• Rural Kindergarten students are eligible to apply for busing.

Questions? Having trouble registering during school hours? We will be happy to help! Please call the office at 403-748-3770 and ask for Mrs. McDiarmid or Mrs. Lush.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Arts Alive and helped make it such a fantastic evening. Your support, encouragement, and enthusiasm meant so much to our students.

We are incredibly proud of the creativity, talent, and hard work showcased through the art displays, woodworking projects, live music, and culinary creations. It was truly wonderful to see our school community come together to celebrate the arts.

A big thank you to our students, staff, volunteers, families and especially Mr. Button for making the night such a success — what a great evening!

Volunteers Needed for Hot Dog & Popcorn Days We are seeking parent volunteers to come in to assist with hot dog days and popcorn days. Please click the link to sign up: Sign up Here!

Jr. high curling practices have started and are taking place during the lunch hour on Tuesday and Friday for students who have signed up to play. Thank you to Mrs. Fraser, Mr. Dick and Miss Howe who have signed up to coach. Unfortunately, there was not enough interest for a sr high team this year.

For the most up-to-date information, including schedule changes and updates, please be sure to check the Athletics Calendar regularly. We encourage families to stay connected and support our teams throughout the season—go Panthers!

Sr high basketball home games are live streamed. Visit our school website & click on the athletic tab at https://bentley.wolfcreek.ab.ca/athletics and click on High School Gym - Watch Live

In Wolf Creek Public Schools, we value technology as a tool for innovation and creativity. However, just as we teach our children to navigate the physical world safely, they also need a "digital compass" to explore online spaces. As parents, you are the most important guide in this journey.

Here is how we can work together to empower our children and bridge the "safety gap" online.

1. You are the Best "Guardrail"

While many apps offer fun and connection, experts remind us that many digital spaces were not originally designed with child safety as the primary focus. This can sometimes leave "unsupervised" gaps where adults can interact with children. By staying involved and talking to your children about their favorite apps, you provide the essential supervision and safety measures that the platforms themselves may lack.

2. Building Digital Habits Early

It is a common myth that online safety is only a conversation for older teenagers. Just as we teach children to look both ways before crossing the street as soon as they start walking, we can start "digital safety" talks early. Engaging in these dialogues with children as young as 11 (or even younger) helps protect them and builds a foundation of trust before they reach the ages most heavily targeted by online risks.

3. Spotting the "Bridge" to Private Spaces

You don't need to know the technical details of every app to keep your child safe. You simply need to watch for a specific pattern. Most online risks follow a "bridge" trajectory:

• The Public Start: Conversations often begin in the public chats of popular games like Roblox, Minecraft, or Steam.

• The Private Move: The goal of an offender is often to move the child away from the public game into private messaging apps with video or unmonitored chat, such as Discord, Twitch, or Telegram.

By setting a simple rule; "We keep our gaming conversations in the public game and don't move to private apps", you can intervene effectively before a situation escalates.

4. You Don't Have to Be an Expert

It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the fast-paced world of technology. The good news is that you aren't alone. Organizations like the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) provide specific, easy-to-use resources designed to help parents start these conversations. You don't need to be a "techie" to be a great digital mentor.

5. Communication: Your Best Defense

Online threats often rely on "silencing" victims through fear or "doxing" (sharing personal info). The most powerful tool you have is an open, judgment-free line of communication.

Ensure your child knows that no matter what happens online, they can come to you without fear of losing their device or being in trouble. This is especially important for females, who reports show are disproportionately targeted. A child who knows their parent is a "safe harbor" is much less likely to be influenced by online pressure.

Moving Forward Together

Wolf Creek Public Schools remains committed to shared responsibility and accountability for student wellness. By framing these conversations around protection and partnership, we move from fear to empowerment.

Community events can be advertised here for free.

Registration is open!

Registration is open!

Opening Weekend!

Announced Jan. 22, 2026, Alberta’s government is investing an additional $547,000 in KidSport Alberta to help children access sport and recreation. Registration fees and equipment costs often keep students on the sidelines, limiting opportunities to build health, skills, and friendships through organized activity. The new funding follows last year’s $8 million investment through the Every Kid Can Play program, including $3.5 million for KidSport Alberta, and will support more than 1,500 additional children this year. Since launching in 2023, the program has supported more than 35,000 registrations and is expected to assist more than 12,000 children in 2026. The initiative works with more than 130 provincial and community non-profit organizations across Alberta. Eligible families may receive up to $350 per child to help cover fees. This year’s deadline for application is Dec. 13, 2026. System education leaders are encouraged to share this opportunity with families.

Register for the Move Your Mood Family Challenge

Looking for a fun way to strengthen connections and build healthy habits in your school community? This February, families across Alberta are invited to take part in the Move Your Mood Family Challenge. The challenge offers creative ideas for families to:

• Move together through fun physical activities
• Cook and eat together with healthy recipes
• Practice mindfulness and positive coping strategies
• Learn about the 40 Developmental Assets to help kids grow up great

By participating, families can explore new ways to support wellness and enjoy quality time together.

Register to complete weekly activities and be entered for a chance to win fun family prizes!