Dear MHS Families

We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Thursday, August 29!

We ask that students enter through the front  (main) entrance with the doors opening at 8:15 am.  Staff will be onsite to greet and direct students and minimize any nervousness that naturally comes with the start of school, especially for those students who are new to McKenzie Highlands. 

Grade 4 and 5 Students:  Upon entering the school, our grade 4 and 5 students will be directed to our auxiliary gym where they will meet their teacher and proceed to their classroom. We request parents say good-bye to their student outside and not enter the school as our teachers will be ready and will help them upon entering the school.

Grade 6-9 Students:  Homeroom class lists will be posted outside (wall by main entrance) and inside the school (main foyer) to allow students to find their homeroom teacher and class location. They are to then proceed to their homeroom. 

Students can also access homeroom information on PowerSchool on the morning of the first day of school.

We recognize some families may be extending their vacation until after the Labour Day long weekend.  If this applies to you, kindly e-mail the attendance line in advance at mckenziehighlands@cbe.ab.ca with the student’s first and last name, grade, reason for absence and duration.  Thank you for doing this as it helps us determine student numbers and who to expect at school the first week of September.

A reminder to students that cell phones and other personal electronic devices are away for the day as we align with the Ministerial Order.  This includes cell phones, ear buds, Smart watches, gaming devices, etc.  Upon being issued a locker, students are required to store their cell phone and other electronic devices in them.  We always encourage students to not share their locker combination and if have not yet purchased a device and are considering doing so, we recommend flip phones as a start.  Please note the school is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen personal electronic devices.  We will be revising our personal electronic device (PED) policy in accordance and will communicate expectations, consequences and rationale with our students and parents/guardians during the first weeks of school.  As always, if you are in need of contacting or communicating with your child, please call the office and also know that school phones are available for student use when classes are not in session.

Teachers put considerable time and thought into class placements at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year using a wide array of data.  As such,  we are not entertaining class change requests.

We anticipate the school cafeteria opening after the first week of school so please make sure students bring lunch, snacks and a water bottle. Glass bottles, Tim Horton's/Starbucks coffees/teas, slurpees, etc., are not allowed in the school setting.  Grade 7-9 have off campus privileges at lunch and grades 4-6 always remain on campus with staff supervision in place.

We have many great things in store for our students and are excited to welcome you all to the 2024-25 school year.   We hope you enjoy the remainder of the summer and look forward to seeing you next week.

Kind Regards,

Daryl Martin

Principal