News from the Den- October 3
We started this week with Orange Shirt Day. Our First Nation, Metis and Inuit lead, Ms. Whitney organized a meaningful day of Orange Shirt Day activities where the classes got to tie ribbons on our fence to represent our love and solidarity for our community's survivors, as well as the countless children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of survivors.
And as we end this week our hearts are heavy! As you know, the Alberta Teachers’ Association has announced strike action beginning Monday, October 6, 2025. This means that all EIPS schools, including Heritage Hills Elementary , will be closed to students starting October 6. This will continue until a resolution is reached. During this time, there will be no classes, transportation, extracurricular activities, or school events taking place. We know this is difficult news, and we appreciate your understanding as the situation unfolds.
Please note that during the strike, teachers will NOT be providing schoolwork, assignments, or instructional materials, as classes are officially paused until a resolution is reached. Also, neither students nor parents will have access to the school.
Know that our staff deeply care for your children. Heritage Hills is a family, we are a pack and care about one another. We remain hopeful for a quick resolution and look forward to being back together as soon as possible.
For the full Division update and ongoing information, visit eips.ca/labour-updates.
Enjoy the beautiful fall weather! We hope to see you all soon!
Kyla Harding & Carla Kokotailo
Principal/Directrice & Assistant Principal/Directrice Adjointe
Table of Contents
ACTION
- Municipal Election 2025: Vote October 20
- Pay School Fees Online
OPPORTUNITY
- Read In Week
INFORMATION
- Celebrating World Teachers' Day: October 5
- Terry Fox
- Picture Retakes
- Hot Lunch
- School Bus Safety Week: October 20-24
ACTION
Municipal Election 2025: Vote October 20
The next municipal election, which includes the election of local school board trustees, takes place on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. It’s your opportunity to get involved in public education by casting your vote for a public school trustee.
EIPS Trustee Election information
Electors can cast their votes for municipal candidates—mayors, reeves, councillors, as applicable—and school board trustee candidates—public or separate. Voting stations are typically open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Each municipality conducts the election for its residents and establishes formal voting station hours and procedures.
To learn more about election day procedures in your area, including opportunities for advance voting and voting by special ballot, visit your local municipality’s website.
Pay School Fees Online!
School fee information for the 2025-26 school year is now posted on the PowerSchool Parent Portal. All fees are due within 30 days of being posted. To access your fee information, simply log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal and go to “Student Fees.” There you can view your fees and pay them online. If you’re unable to pay your school fees, you can apply to have certain fees waived. The application deadline is Dec. 15, 2025.
NOTE: Don’t forget to also log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal regularly throughout the year. Fees are often added to your child’s account to cover the cost of various school activities such as field trips, class projects, extracurricular activities fees and more.
For more information, visit Heritage Hills fee page. Alternatively, contact Amanda Trach at Heritage Hills Elementary at 780-467-7447
OPPORTUNITY
Read In Week is taking place October 6-10
Read In Week is an initiative celebrated throughout the Division annually to encourage a lifelong love of reading and to enhance literacy awareness among students, staff, families and community members. This year’s theme: “Books to Bytes.” We’re excited to let you know that Read In Week is coming up from October 6 to 10! This special week is all about celebrating our love of reading and the joy that stories bring to our school community. The theme this year is “Books to Bytes”, which highlights and celebrates all forms of reading - from traditional books to digital texts and everything in between.
Heritage Hills Elementary invites all families to participate in Read In Week by reading yourself, with your child or with someone in the community. For more information, visit the Read In Week website.
Information
Celebrating World Teachers’ Day: October 5
October 5 is World Teachers’ Day! World Teachers’ Day recognizes the integral role teachers play in providing quality education to students. On October 5, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) encourages all of its students, parents, caregivers and community members to show their appreciation for their teachers and the positive impact they make on our lives. EIPS extends its heartfelt thank you to all Division teachers for their dedication, hard work and commitment in guiding and educating students through their kindergarten to Grade 12 years.
Terry Fox Run
Thank you to all who came out to our run and supported such a great cause. Our school raised $750! Way to go HHE!
Picture Retakes
If your child(ren) missed picture day or their picture could have been better, save the date! Picture retakes are scheduled for October 27 & 28.
Hot Lunch
Hot Lunches have been cancelled for next week. Once the school is open, there will be new order coming out.
School Bus Safety Week: October 20-24
Schools throughout Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) are celebrating School Bus Safety Week from October 20-24. The theme: ‘My driver is my superhero,’ which gives students the opportunity to highlight how their bus driver keeps them safe on the journey to and from school. Throughout the week, various activities are planned, including information sessions, bus-safety lesson plans and bus-evacuation drills.
For more information, visit EIPS Student Transportation or contact 780-417-8151.