Rider's Digest

Welcome to our weekly newsletter, designed to keep parents informed with a convenient week-at-a-glance overview.

Find all the links to school-related resources at the end of this newsletter.

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."

– Henry Ford

Dear Landing Trail Families,

As we come to the close of another school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an incredibly full, meaningful, and memorable year at Landing Trail School.

This year has been filled with so many moments that reflect what makes this school community so special. From the learning that happens in classrooms each day to the many opportunities that bring our community together, I continue to be reminded of how fortunate we are to have a school filled with students, staff, families, and community members who care deeply about one another and about creating positive experiences for children.

Throughout the year, our students have engaged in countless learning opportunities that extended far beyond the classroom. From PLACE, BRIGHT Kindergarten, field trips, performances, leadership opportunities, festivals, celebrations, and community partnerships, it has been incredible to watch students continue to grow academically, socially, and emotionally while building confidence in who they are becoming.

This year also represented another important step forward in building the kind of school community we want Landing Trail to be. We have continued to strengthen our work around belonging, student support, literacy and numeracy intervention, positive behaviour supports, family engagement, and the creation of learning environments where students feel safe, valued, challenged, and supported. Schools are always evolving, and I am proud of the ongoing work at LT as we remain focused on what is best for students.

This year was also significant as we began intentionally strengthening our collaboration with Gibbons School through our shared commitment to #webelong. Throughout the year, our schools worked together to create more opportunities for connection, shared experiences, and a stronger sense of community for students and families. This work has been incredibly meaningful, and I am grateful for the partnership we continue to build together.

As we close the year, I would also like to recognize two staff members who will be moving on from Landing Trail. Mrs. Ameobi has been an incredible source of support for both staff and students, and I am deeply appreciative of the leadership, care, and commitment she has brought to our school community. I would also like to recognize Mrs. Lee, whose contributions to our students and school have been deeply valued. Both have played an important role in shaping the positive culture that exists at LT, and while they will be greatly missed, we wish them nothing but success as they move on to new opportunities and adventures.

I also want to recognize Ms. Jessica, Ms. Ava, Ms. Jacqlyn, Miss Gracie, and Ms. Jen, all of whom have supported students in different ways throughout this school year. Schools are strengthened by the people who work within them, and each of these individuals has played a role in supporting the positive culture and student experiences we have worked hard to build at LT. While they will all be missed, I want to sincerely thank each of them for their contributions to our school community and wish them all the very best in their next chapters.

None of this work happens in isolation. I want to sincerely thank our staff for the care, professionalism, and commitment they bring each day. Schools are complex places, and I continue to appreciate the incredible work that families do not always see, but that directly impacts student success.

I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the many community partners who have supported our students throughout this school year. Thank you to Cobs Bread, which continues to make weekly donations to support our Nutrition Program, and to PC Children’s Charity, whose funding has enabled us to strengthen students' access to nutrition supports throughout the year. Thank you also to the Gibbons Fire Department, Gibbons Ag Society, Mike’s Independent Grocer, Constable Clem, Cosmic Radiance Gaming and the Gibbons Dart Club for the many ways you have supported our students and school community. These partnerships matter deeply, and they help create opportunities and experiences that simply would not be possible otherwise.

I also want to thank our Parent Involvement Association, School Council, and volunteers. Your support has helped make so many experiences possible for students this year. Whether through fundraising, volunteering your time, supporting hot lunches, organizing events, or simply partnering with us throughout the year, your contributions continue to make Landing Trail a better place for students.

Most importantly, thank you to our families. Raising and educating children is a shared responsibility, and I recognize the trust you place in us each day as your children walk through our doors. Schools work best when families and educators work together, and I am grateful for the continued partnership, support, and commitment you have shown throughout the school year.

As we head into summer, I hope every family has the opportunity to rest, spend time together, and enjoy a well-deserved break. To our students, thank you for bringing your energy, curiosity, humour, and personality into our building each day. You are what makes Landing Trail such a special place.

Thank you for helping make Landing Trail a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe school community.

Have a wonderful summer.

With gratitude,

Louise Loh, Principal

Dear Landing Trail Families,

It is with great excitement that I introduce myself. My name is Mrs. Tarra Larson, and I am honoured to be returning to Landing Trail School as your Vice Principal for the 2026–2027 school year.

Many of you may remember me from the beginning of the 2025–2026 school year, when I had the privilege of serving as Acting Vice Principal. During my time at Landing Trail, I quickly came to appreciate the incredible students, dedicated staff, and welcoming families who make this school such a special place. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue building those relationships.

Over the past ten years with Sturgeon Public Schools, I've had the opportunity to serve as a classroom teacher, strategies teacher, school counsellor, and Acting Vice Principal. Throughout these roles, I've been passionate about creating safe, caring learning environments where every student feels valued and supported.

As Vice Principal, I believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success. I look forward to celebrating student achievements, supporting learning and well-being, and helping every student feel a sense of belonging. Together, we can help every student grow with confidence, curiosity, and kindness.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family. My husband, my two stepdaughters, our son, and our Labradoodle, Tucker, keep life busy, joyful, and full of adventure! They remind me every day of the importance of creating schools where children are excited to learn and families feel connected.

Whether you have a question, a concern, or simply want to introduce yourself, I encourage you to reach out. I value open communication and look forward to partnering with you throughout the school year.

I am excited to reconnect with familiar faces, welcome new families to Landing Trail, and begin another wonderful year together. I look forward to seeing you around the school and getting to know each of you throughout the year.

Until then, I hope you and your family have a wonderful, safe, and relaxing summer. I look forward to welcoming everyone back at the end of August!

Kind regards,

Mrs. Tarra Larson
Tarra.Larson@sturgeon.ab.ca

Unlock Your Child's Potential with hands-on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Mathematics with our Kindergarten enrichment program.

This BRIGHT (Building Resilience, Imagination, Growth Mindset, Hands-on Learning, and Thinking Critically) kindergarten enrichment program is designed to capitalize on young learners' innate curiosity and creativity. It provides a comprehensive, inquiry-based education that emphasizes the journey of learning over the final product. By integrating STEAM principles, we aim to foster a generation of academically proficient students capable of critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative thinking.

Program Schedule

Alternating Kindergarten days that complement regular Kindergarten programming for full-day enrichment.

Prepare your child for a BRIGHT future.

• Enhances the existing Kindergarten curriculum.

• Real-life connection: Fostering community and collaboration as they explore real-life problems and solutions.

• Foster Curiosity and Inquiry: Encourage young learners to explore, question, and investigate the world around them, nurturing a lifelong love of learning.

• Develop Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Utilize STEAM activities to enhance cognitive flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to find innovative solutions.

• Promote Collaboration and Communication: Through group projects and experiments, cultivate teamwork, social-emotional skills, and empathy.

• Encourage a Growth Mindset: Teach students that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities.

• Integrate Creativity and the Arts: Enhance engagement, self-expression, and aesthetic appreciation.

Invest in Your Child’s Future

• Monthly Fee: $355

• Covers specialized instruction, learning resources, and supplies.

Join Our Community of Curious Learners!

Interested? Visit https://www.landingtrailschool.ca/ or scan the QR code to fill out our interest form.

For the upcoming 2026–2027 school year, we are changing how student school supplies are handled.

Earlier this year, a school supply fee was brought forward to School Council and approved. This means families will no longer need to shop for individual supply lists. Instead, the school will purchase all student supplies directly.

The supply fee will cover your child’s school supplies and a school shirt.

This change is about making things easier and more cost-effective for families. Rather than spending time going store to store and trying to match supply lists, everything your child needs for learning at school will be ready for them on the first day.

Families will not need to label supplies or bring them in on the first day. All supplies will be organized and ready for students when they arrive. This also allows us to use the first day of school to focus on welcoming students, building routines, and getting started with learning, rather than sorting and organizing materials or tracking down specific items.

By purchasing in bulk, we can access better pricing than retail prices. This helps keep overall expenses reasonable while ensuring students have the materials they need, when they need them.

Student supplies that will be provided by the school include:

• pencils
• markers
• duotangs
• binders
• rulers
• scissors
• geometry tools (as required)
• and other items students use regularly for their learning

Families will still need to provide a few personal items:

• backpack
• water bottle
• lunch kit
• indoor shoes
• a change of clothing (as appropriate for grade level)

We are committed to transparency and responsibility regarding this fee. All funds go directly toward student supplies and the school shirt. Any unused funds will be returned to families. At the end of the year, families will also have the option to send any remaining supplies home with their child or donate them to the school.

This approach also ensures that all students have the same supplies throughout the year, so the focus is on learning rather than finding and managing materials.

We know families are busy, and this is one way we can reduce that load while also keeping costs predictable and manageable.

If you have any questions, please reach out, we are happy to help.

• August 21 - 25: School Offices Open (NO CLASSES)
• August 26: PD Day (No Classes)
• August 27: PD Day (No Classes)
• August 28: Operational Day (No Classes)
• August 31: (Grades 1 - 4) Staggered Start (Last Names L - Z)
• September 1: (Grades 1 - 4) Staggered Start (Last Names A - K)
• September 7: Labour Day (No Classes)
• September 8: School Council & PIA Meeting @ 3:15 pm
• September 30: Truth & Reconciliation Day (No Classes)
• October 7 & 8: School Photos
• October 12: Thanksgiving Day (No Classes)

Ordering is closed for 2025/2026. Thank you for your support.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support!

Please follow instructions bellow to make an account for the 25/26 school year.

• Go to landingtrail.hotlunches.net
• Click on "Click Here to Register"
• Enter Access Code: LTHL
• Complete the rest of the registration form including your email address to ensure you receive reminder emails about hot lunch order deadlines, and vour child's hot lunch order for the upcoming week.
• Click the "Register Now" button at the bottom.
• Follow the instructions to add each child in your family who attends Landing Trail School. Once your child(ren) are registered, click on "Orders."
• Proceed to order hot lunch for your children.

Orders open monthly and will be primarily completed online, if you would like to submit a paper copy please print the attached form and send it back to the school by the given date.

PayPal option:

We accept hot lunch online order payments through PayPal (www.paypal.com)

You can either pay with a credit card as a PayPal guest (Visa, Mastercard or Amex), or set up your own PayPal account.

Cash option:

Cash can be sent in to your child’s teacher or dropped at the office, please use exact cash as no change will be given. If choosing to order online but pay by cash complete the order online but do not check out via PayPal at the end. Please be sure to label any cash sent into the school.

Please Note: Should you experience any issues with your PayPal account, you must contact PayPal

directly to solve the issue.

Once hot lunches have been ordered no refunds will be given under any circumstance. No late orders or payments will be accepted past 12:00 pm on the cutoff date, any unpaid orders will be automatically deleted from the system after 6 hours left unpaid and an email will be sent to the email on your account.

If your child is not at school on hot lunch day you can arrange to pick up in the office after hot lunch service has closed for the day at 12:30 pm, please make arrangements for pick up with the office by 10:00 am or you can choose to donate the lunch to a student in need. If no arrangement for pick up is made, and the lunch goes to the classroom, your child’s lunch will be donated.

Due to timing of classes, we can not accommodate Hot Lunch for Pre-K.

Please be sure to double check all kindergarten days as no refunds will be given for wrong Friday orders.

** ALL MEALS ARE PEANUT AWARE - DAIRY AND GLUTEN AWARE ITEMS WILL BE LABELED ON ORDER PAGE AS AVAILABLE**

Attendance plays a critical role in your child's education. When your child is absent and you have not contacted the school to inform us, effort will be made to contact you to ensure that your child is safe at home. Please report your child's absence by calling or emailing the school.

There are three ways to report your child's absence:

• Online - Use this link to report your child's absence.
• Telephone - Call 780-923-2898 and leave a voice message.
• Please include the following information:
• Your child’s full name & class or teacher
• When your child will be absent or late
• The reason for the absence or late
• When your child is expected to return to school

• Email - ltrail@sturgeon.ab.ca to report your child absent.
• Please include the following information in the email:

• Your child’s full name & class or teacher
• When your child will be absent or late
• The reason for the absence or late
• When your child is expected to return to school

Did you know that grade 2 students have been doing all our morning announcements since last year? Tune in every morning at 8:35 am if you'd like to watch!

*Students with ATIA (FOIP) permissions lead announcements.

Sturgeon Public Schools is proud to be the first division in Alberta to partner with Unplugged Canada, a parent-led movement that encourages families to delay giving children personal smartphones until at least the age of 14. Waiting can have a profoundly positive impact on children’s mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Lifetouch is now Proudly Canadian Owned, locally represented and community focused.

As part of our end-of-the-year planning, we are in the process of creating a 2025-2026 school yearbook Laurentian for the orders and programming. We still use Lifetouch for the individual photos that are placed into the yearbook. Recently, Lifetouch has been in the news.

Here is a statement that the company has issues to address some of the concerns that have been presented:

“At Lifetouch Canada, owned by Everest Solutions in Canada, student safety goes beyond the camera lens. As a trusted partner to schools for 90 years, we’re committed to protecting the privacy and personal information about every student we serve."

We are aware of some misinformation circulating regarding school photos and want to share accurate information with our community.

• Student photos taken by Lifetouch Canada are used only for school records and to provide families with the option to purchase photos.

• Lifetouch also partners with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection to provide free Pictures to Protect cards, which families can use in emergencies.

• Student images are not shared, sold, or used for AI, facial recognition, or any third-party purposes.

• While Lifetouch is part of a larger corporate structure, external investors do not have access to student images or day-to-day operations.

• All practices follow applicable provincial and national privacy laws.

We value your trust and remain committed to protecting student information while helping families capture important school memories.

For additional information, families may contact: privacy@everestsolutionsgroup.ca

This is a friendly reminder that there are designated non-parking areas in front of the school. We kindly ask that you do not stop or park in these spaces during drop-off and pick-up times.

Please note that peace officers do monitor these areas regularly and may issue tickets if vehicles are parked in violation.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep our school entrances safe and accessible for all students.

Thank you to all of our Safety Patrollers for their continuous efforts! Just a reminder, please arrive no earlier than 8:10 in the mornings for your shift. If you are unable to make your shift please ask another student to cover it for you.

Please be mindful of drop-off and pick-up zones during morning buses for student safety. It is important for students to always use the crosswalk to cross the road.

Thank you for your cooperation with this! It is much appreciated!

PowerSchool App

You will require a District Code to access your child's profile on the PS App.

District Code: JDQX

Find the PS App for Google here.

Find the PS App for Apple here.

Looking for more information on Outcomes-Based Reporting? Click this link to find out more.

Did you know that parent volunteers run our Hot Lunch program? A huge thank you to parents who give up hours of planning, organizing and delivering hot lunches to our students and staff almost every Friday. If you're looking for other ways to volunteer for PIA Events/Hot Lunch in the 2025/2026 school year, please get in touch with our PIA at landingtrailpia@gmail.com.

NEXT MEETING: September 2026

If you are interested in helping with planning or volunteering, please e-mail: logoscommittee@gmail.com

We are so encouraged by the positive response to our smudging opportunity! With such strong interest from students, we will now be dividing into two groups to accommodate the large numbers. We began on Monday, September 22nd. Students will have the opportunity to participate in optional smudging at the end of the day (around 2:45 pm) on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Smudging is a traditional Indigenous practice that uses the smoke of sacred medicines (such as sage, cedar, sweetgrass, or tobacco) for purification and reflection. Participation is always voluntary: families may choose to have their children participate, observe respectfully, or not take part at all.

This practice supports our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, helping students grow in respect, understanding, and a strong sense of belonging.

Parental permission is required for a child to participate (Click this link to give consent).

Please note that OSC is operated by an independent contractor and leases space in the school building.

OSC Hours:

Morning: 6:45 AM – 8:30 AM

Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Full-day care during school breaks and PD days

Landing Trail Spirit Wear

Get your LANDING TRAIL SPIRIT WEAR! The online store is open with a great variety of clothing and accessories to be purchased.

Register at the following website and start shopping NOW!

https://landingtrailschool.entripyshops.com/

• Shoppers will be able to place orders year-round.
• There is no cut-off for orders. Entripy will process all orders that it receives in a timely fashion.
• Each time an order is placed, you will input a shipping address. Entripy will ship the order to the address that you have specified.
• Entripy accepts credit and debit payments using Visa and MasterCard.
• Note: All sales are final
• NO Sizing Kit is available.

Click on this link to contact a staff member.

General Email: ltrail@sturgeon.ab.ca