Panther News

As we step into November, I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for your patience, understanding, and support over the past several weeks. The recent province-wide teachers’ strike brought challenges for everyone students, parents, and staff alike. We recognize how difficult the uncertainty was for families, and I want to thank you for the compassion and encouragement you showed during that time.

Now that classes have resumed, our teachers are fully focused on delivering high-quality learning experiences for every student. They are dedicated to ensuring that all students continue to receive the same opportunities, supports, and engaging instruction that have always been part of Bentley School. Our staff care deeply about your children’s growth and success, and they are working hard to make each day meaningful, productive, and inspiring.

November is a month of reflection and change when the air turns crisp, the trees stand bare, and we begin to look ahead to the busy winter months. It’s also a wonderful time to celebrate learning, connection, and community. In the coming weeks, our school will be buzzing with exciting classroom activities, Remembrance Day reflections, and the spirit of teamwork that defines Bentley School.

I would also like to invite all parents and guardians to our Parent-Teacher Interviews. These meetings are an important opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, discuss their progress, and celebrate their achievements. Open communication between home and school is key to student success, and we truly value the partnership we share with our families.

At Bentley School, we see ourselves as part of a larger community that supports and uplifts one another. We are committed to continuing that partnership to listen, to learn, and to work together to create the best possible environment for our students. Please know that my door is always open. If you ever have questions, concerns, or ideas, I encourage you to reach out. Every voice matters, and together, we make our school stronger.

Thank you again for your ongoing support and trust. We look forward to a month filled with learning, growth, and connection.

Warm regards,
Adam Sia

Parent/Teacher Interviews for grade K to grade 6 will be in person from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm on November 4 & 6. BFPA interviews are on November 6. Parent/Teacher interviews for grades 7-12 will be in person from 4:00pm to 7:30 pm on November 13. Click here to book.

Parents of students with specialized programming/support will be contacted and scheduled for November 4 & 6 for grades 7-12 and November 13 for grades K-6.

Marks for grade 4-12 will continue to be available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. For detailed instructions on how to view marks in PowerSchool, please click here. Appointments for regular interviews are 15 minutes only. Please help keep our interviews on time and running smoothly. The Scholastic Book fair will be running the week of the elementary Parent Teacher Interviews and will be open the evening of November 4 & 6th.

The Scholastic Book Fair will be in Bentley from November 3 - 7. Elementary and jr high classes have signed up to visit the fair and make purchases. If students forget to bring money on their scheduled day, they can shop Friday at noon. The Book fair will also be open on Tuesday, November 4 and Thursday, November 6th from 4 - 7:30 p.m. during parent teacher interviews.

Bentley School will be holding our annual Remembrance Day Service on Friday, November 7 at 10:30 a.m. in the elementary gym. This year’s theme is “War Monuments,” as we take time to recognize and honour the brave individuals in our own community who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. The Legion will once again be providing poppies for students and gratefully accepts donations. Parents and guardians are warmly invited to attend and join us in this important time of reflection and remembrance.

Please remember there is no school on Monday, November 10 in lieu of parent teacher interviews and Tuesday, November 11 for Remembrance Day.

Help us warm hearts (and toes) by donating new socks for those in need.

We're collecting socks all month long, and every pair will be donated to individuals and families within our community and beyond who could use a little extra comfort this season.

Let’s show that even the smallest act of kindness—like a pair of socks—can make a big difference!

Join us in the fight against hunger by participating in our We Scare Hunger campaign! We’re collecting non-perishable food items to help ensure that no child ever goes hungry.

💪 Stand up to hunger and bring in your donations to support families in need.
🍕 The class that brings in the most items will win a pizza party!

Let’s work together to make a difference in our community—be a Hunger Hero!

Please note that all missed October hot lunches have been rescheduled to November. Please check the school calendar for new dates.

Looking ahead, December hot lunch orders will be open from November 3 to November 9. Be sure to place your orders during this window.

Join us as we honor Métis culture, heritage, and pride by participating in Rock Your Mocs on Friday, November 14! This special day encourages everyone to wear their moccasins in unity and celebration of Indigenous identity and traditions. By rocking your mocs, you’re helping to promote awareness, appreciation, and connection to Indigenous culture and history.

Dust off your cowboy boots and grab your hat—it’s time to celebrate Western Day on Friday, November 21st! Whether it’s denim, plaid, or a pair of boots, everyone’s encouraged to dress up and enjoy the day with some cowboy flair. Let’s make it a rootin’-tootin’ good time together!

Cozy up and get comfortable—Pajama Day is coming on Thursday, November 27th! Come to school dressed in your favorite PJs and enjoy a fun, relaxed day with your classmates. Whether you love fuzzy slippers, matching sets, or the softest flannel, this is your chance to show off your comfiest sleepwear. Let’s make the day extra fun and full of cozy vibes!

We would like to invite our Indigenous students to become a part of our school's Elder Program. Students in the program will meet with a Maskwacis Cree Elder where together they will focus on connecting with their culture, language and Indigenous identity. During this time, students will learn valuable cultural teachings through the use of crafts, stories, songs, and discussion. The program will begin soon and will continue for the rest of the year. Please reach out to Melissa Grant at 403-748-3770 Ext. 4992 to learn more.

Lifetouch will be at the school on Wednesday, November 26 for photo retakes.

📷 Kindergarten students who were not in attendance during the original photo day in September will have both individual and group photos taken.

If your child needs retakes, please notify your homeroom teacher in advance to ensure they are not missed. A volunteer will be coming around to collect students for retakes, so it’s important that either the teacher or your child knows they are expected to get retakes.

Thank you for helping us keep picture day running smoothly!

The Ice Cream Canteen is open! Every Tuesday and Thursday at lunch, students can enjoy a variety of ice cream treats for just $1 each. Run by the Grade 5 class, this fun initiative helps raise funds for extracurricular programs at our school.

Please join us at the next Parent Advisory Coucil meeting on Monday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school library

There will be a mandatory Europe Travel Club meeting for parents/guardians on Tuesday, November 18 at 7 p.m. in the high school common. Parents will receive an email with detailed information.

The Europe 2026 Travel Club will be selling VIP Foods starting November 13 to help fundraise for their upcoming European adventure!

📅 Order Deadline: November 27
📦 Product Delivery: December 4

If you’d like to place an order, please connect with a participating student or contact the school office for assistance.

Thank you for supporting our students on this unforgettable learning opportunity!

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!

Every year, Alberta Health Services Public Health School Immunization Program reviews immunization records for children in Grades 1, 6, and 9 to see what vaccines are recommended for them. Information packages will be sent home to applicable students. The package includes a consent form and information for each vaccine that is recommended for your child. Your child can only be immunized in school with your permission (consent). Your child will not get any vaccines at school unless you have signed and returned the consent form included in the information package. AHS will be on site Thursday, November 13 at Bentley School for routine immunizations. For more information visit: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Immunization/pages/school.aspx

We’re excited to share that our school has once again been selected to receive Oral Health Services as part of the PCA Oral Health Action Plan (OHAP) for the 2025–2026 school year. This program aims to prevent dental disease in children through free, in-school dental services such as fluoride varnish applications and dental sealants.

✅ What Services Will Be Offered?

With parent/guardian consent, the following services will be provided by trained dental hygienists and assistants from PCA:

• Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2

  • Visual dental checks

  • Two fluoride varnish applications (at least 3 months apart)

• Grade 1 and 2

  • Dental sealants applied to molars (where resources allow)

💡 What Are These Treatments?

• Fluoride Varnish: A protective coating brushed onto teeth to help prevent cavities.

• Dental Sealants: A thin plastic layer applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to reduce tooth decay.

📝 What’s Next?

Consent forms will be sent home in November and are due Nov 17. Services will be provided on site December 10 - 12.

The senior high volleyball league is heading into playoffs starting November 5th, while decisions are still being made regarding the junior high volleyball season. Stay tuned to the athletic calendar for the latest updates. Basketball sign-up sheets are now posted in both schools for students in Grades 6–12 — don’t miss your chance to sign up!

Grade 10 students will be participating in a full day first aid course with Mr. Lush on Monday, November 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Local community clubs and events can be advertised here for free.