Panther News

As we step into October, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible start we’ve had to the school year. In just a few short weeks, we have already celebrated so many moments that speak to the energy, dedication, and spirit that make Bentley School such a vibrant place to learn and grow.

We began the year by opening our doors to the community during our Open House. This event was made possible by our dedicated teachers who volunteered their time to showcase classrooms, answer questions, and highlight the great work happening in our school. Their commitment to students and families continues to inspire me each day.

School spirit was on full display during our Terry Fox Run, where students, staff, and families came together to honor Terry’s legacy and raise awareness for a great cause. The enthusiasm didn’t stop there. Our students had plenty of laughs as they bid for the chance to see their teachers take a pie in the face. It was a fun and memorable way to celebrate community while building lasting connections.

On September 29, our school recognized Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters. This was a powerful opportunity for our students and staff to come together to reflect on the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools in Canada. Through activities, conversations, and the wearing of orange, our school community showed its commitment to learning, understanding, and walking together toward reconciliation. I am proud of the thoughtful participation and respect shown by our students during this important day.

Our athletes have also hit the ground running, with exciting achievements already underway. Congratulations to our golf and cross-country teams on their early season successes! We are equally proud of our dedicated volleyball players who have been working hard both in practice and in competition. Just as important are the many students who volunteer behind the scenes as scorekeepers and supporters, ensuring our teams can shine. These efforts reflect the true Bentley spirit of teamwork and commitment.

As your principal, I feel truly honored to have been welcomed so warmly into both the school and the wider Bentley community. The pride and passion that everyone brings students, staff, and families alike make Bentley School an extraordinary place to be. I look forward to all the learning, growth, and accomplishments still to come as we journey through the year together.

Thank you for your continued support and for making Bentley School such a special place.

Warm regards,
Adam Sia
Bentley School Principal

This October, 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! From now until October 31st, 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!

Support the graduating class of 2026 at Bentley School by participating in our Bottle Drive on Thursday, October 2nd! Students will be canvassing the community of Bentley from 6–8 p.m., collecting bottles and cans to raise funds for their upcoming graduation. Thank you for supporting our students and our school!

On Friday, October 3, Kindergarten students will visit the Bentley Firehall. Student learning will center around firefighters and emergency services and how these community helpers are an important part of student's broader community.

On Friday, October 3, Grade 1 students will be going to Gathered Grown Family Farm where they explored and planted pumpkin seeds in the Spring. They are returning to see how the pumpkin seeds have changed into pumpkins. They will spend the day learning, exploring and enjoying the outdoors.

Shop our selection of amazing Bentley School Spirit Wear!

Store Opens: Monday, September 8
Order Deadline: Monday, October 6

Don’t miss out – gear up and show your Bentley spirit!

Click the link to shop: https://bentleyschool.itemorder.com/shop/home/

📅 Don't forget to place your November hot lunch order between October 13–19. Orders must be placed through the PowerSchool and Online Payments Parent Portal.
⏰ Late orders will not be accepted.

Marks for Grade 4 - 12 will continue to be available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. For detailed instructions on how parents and students in Gr. 10 - 12 can access marks anytime, anywhere - please follow this link.For detailed instructions on how parents and students in Gr. 4 - 9 can access marks anytime, anywhere - please follow this link. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 can watch for a term 1 progress report available in SeeSaw. The Scholastic Book fair will be running the week of Parent Teachers Interviews from November 3 - 6th. It's a great opportunity for some early Christmas shopping!

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 in October 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, October 29 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 Europe 2026 Travel Club will be selling VIP Foods starting October 15 to help fundraise for their upcoming European adventure!

📅 Order Deadline: November 14
📦 Product Delivery: November 27

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!

Get ready for a spooky good time at our annual Halloween Dance!

📅 Thursday, October 30th
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Bentley School
🎟️ $2/person or $10/family
(Students Grade 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult.)

🧛‍♂️ Prizes for Best Costume!
🍬 Canteen available – proceeds go towards our Europe Travel Club!

We’re hoping to move ahead with this exciting event, but we need your help!
We're looking for parent volunteers to assist with supervision, setup, and cleanup. If you're able to lend a hand, please contact the school. Your support will make this dance possible for our students! Let’s make it a night to remember!

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!

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our annual Terry Fox School Run!

Together, our students raised $3990.05, with an additional $843 raised through the fun "Pie the Teacher" fundraiser for a total of $4833.05! Your generosity helps continue Terry’s legacy and supports cancer research across Canada. Way to go, everyone!

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 Tuesday, October 21 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 October, and PCA will in Bentley December 9 - 11 to offer services.

Huge congratulations to Nick and Ryker for their amazing performances at the Red Shoe Race on September 10, hosted by Lindsay Thurber High School!

With over 100 racers in each race from grades 9–12, competition was tough — but Nick powered through to take 2nd place, and Ryker pushed hard to earn an impressive 5th place finish!

We’re incredibly proud of our Jr. High Cross Country Team for bringing home the 2J Banner at the Cross Country Meet in Alix on September 23! Congratulations to ALL of our athletes on an amazing meet, and best of luck to everyone moving on to the next race at Burma Park on October 16. Let’s keep running strong!

A huge congratulations to our Sr. High Golf Team who competed in Camrose on September 15.

Special shoutout to Toran and Alexis who advanced to Provincials held September 22–23 in Lethbridge and Magrath — well done!

Also, big congratulations to our Jr. High Golf Teams who competed in the WC Championship at Lacombe Nursery on September 29. We’re proud to share that our Jr. High Boys Golf Team brought home the 2J/3J WC Banner!

Big shoutout to the Jr. A girls team for taking home the championship at their home tournament on September 20. It was a hard-fought final in a close game against Clive, who secured second place, with Caroline rounding out the podium in third. Well done to all the teams for a great weekend of competition!

Huge congratulations to our Sr. High Boys for taking GOLD at our home tournament on September 27! An amazing team effort and a well-deserved win! Shoutout to St. A’s for earning 2nd place, and to Spruce View for taking 3rd — great competition and sportsmanship all around! Thanks to all the teams, coaches, and fans who made the day a success!

RDP is hosting an information session for students and parents interested in learning more about opportunities at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP).

🔹 Program options (including trades)
🔹 Registration process
🔹 Funding and scholarships
🔹 Key dates and deadlines

🗓️ Date: Thursday, October 16
📍 Location: Red Deer Polytechnic Main Campus
🕒 Time: 7:00 p.m.

✅ Registration is required as seating is limited.

Forty students in Grade 9 - 12 will have the exciting opportunity to attend the Ten Peaks Student Innovation Conference on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Red Deer Polytechnic.

This free, full-day event will focus on Alberta and Canada’s evolving energy sector, with themes of energy transformation, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

🔹 2 keynote speakers
🔹 Choose 3 breakout sessions from 16 speakers
🔹 Participate in 1 hands-on workshop or full-day RDP lab tour
🔹 Enjoy a fun passport ice breaker game

📍 Location: Red Deer Polytechnic Main Campus
🕗 Departure: 7:50 AM | Return: 4:00 PM
🍽️ Note: Students must bring a lunch (vendors will be closed). Snacks and water bottles provided.

Learn more at the Ten Peaks website.

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