Principal’s Message

We’re so excited to be back! Our focus for September is:  “Starting Strong, Together!”

September is a time for fresh starts, new routines, and building the foundation for a successful year. This month, we will focus on getting to know one another, building connections, and creating a strong sense of belonging in our school community.

September is also a month for coming together as a community. We look forward to celebrating and connecting through Individual Photos, the Kokanee Fish Festival, our AHE Family Barbecue, and Meet the Teacher.

As we approach Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we will also take time to learn, reflect, and deepen our understanding of the importance of truth, reconciliation, respect, and caring for one another.

Let’s start the year strong by building positive relationships, learning our expectations, showing CARES, and creating a school community where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and valued.

Configuration and Staffing

AHE welcomed 202 kids this week into 10 divisions. We have single grade classrooms as well as some combined classes.

What is a Combined Class?

A combined or multi-grade class—often called a split class—is made up of students from two or more grades learning together with one teacher. These classes are mostly found in elementary schools. Students are taught the full, grade-appropriate curriculum for their level. Children in a combined class are not expected to work beyond their abilities, nor are they held back to a lower grade level.

Why Do Schools Create Combined Classes?

Combined classes are formed for several reasons. Our school team spends a lot of time balancing educational needs with available staffing, enrolment numbers, and contractual class size limits. This planning process ensures that all students are placed in supportive and effective learning environments.

Will the Teacher Teach the Entire Curriculum to Both Grades?

Yes. Teachers in combined classes use integrated teaching and cross-curricular planning, which align with B.C.’s

curriculum. This curriculum focuses on flexible learning, core competencies, and deeper understanding across subject

areas. Instruction is tailored to a range of learners, creating meaningful, connected learning experiences that encourage

collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

Our Classes!

Kindergarten – Ms. Tedesco
Gr. 1 – Ms. Butler and Mrs. Stewart
Grade 1/2 – Mrs. MacLeod and Mrs. Stewart
Grade 2/3 – Mrs. Vickers and Mrs. Stewart
Grade 3 – Ms. Poirier
Grade 4/5 – Mrs. Haworth
Grade 4/5 – Mrs. Gadbois
Grade 6 – Ms. Hall
Grade 6/7 – Mrs. Gauer and Ms. Francis
Grade 6/7 – Ms. Johnson and Ms. Francis

Support Staff

Secretary – Mrs. Pendergast
Learning Support – Mrs. Just, Ms. Draboczi
Library – Ms. Draboczi (Teacher Librarian), Ms. Bourdeau (Library Clerk)
Physical Education – Mr. Cadegan
Educational Assistants – Ms. Carley, Mrs. Sutherland, Mrs. Cottingham, Ms. O’Gorman, Mr. Becker
School Counsellor – Ms. Lambert
Speech Language Pathologist – Ms. Penner
Indigenous Student Advocate – Ms. Krug
Custodians – Mrs. Kolt, Ms. Federico

CARES at AHE

As we settle back into our routines, we will take time to revisit our school expectations and familiarize ourselves with our updated CARES Matrix. Together, we will explore what it means to demonstrate Cooperation, Achievement, Respect, Enthusiasm, and Safety in our classrooms, on the playground, and throughout our school.

We are still working on finalizing this year’s version of our CARES Matrix, with meaningful connections to BC’s Core Competencies (https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/competencies ). We are excited to share this updated resource with our school community and look forward to using it to guide how we learn, connect, and care for one another throughout the year.

Stay tuned for more information coming soon!

Student Handbook and Planner

Students in grades 1-3 at AHE will receive a student planner in the upcoming days. Student planners are an important tool for helping students stay organized and supporting communication between home and school. We encourage families to check their child’s planner regularly, as it can be used for daily reminders, important information, and communication with teachers.

We also encourage families to take some time to review the Student Handbook, which can be found in the front pages of the planner. The handbook contains important information about school routines, expectations, and policies. Familiarizing yourself with this information will help ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year.

Thank you for partnering with us to support strong communication and student success!

Numeracy Problem of the Week

Each week, students will have the opportunity to engage with a Numeracy Problem of the Week! These problems are designed to encourage students to think critically, solve problems creatively, communicate their mathematical thinking, and persevere when faced with a challenge.

Our goal is to build a positive and thriving mathematical community where students understand that there is often more than one way to solve a problem. We encourage students to share their strategies, explain their thinking and learn from one another.

Families can find the Numeracy Problem of the Week in the front entrance and entries are located in front of Mrs. Pendergast’s desk.

Rhythm By Nature

We are excited to offer students in grades 3-7 an engaging opportunity to learn through rhythm and music with Rhythm By Nature on Thursday, September 17! Through interactive drumming and rhythm activities, students will explore important skills such as active listening, supporting others, leadership, teamwork, and community participation.

Each session will include a blend of learning a simple ensemble drumming piece, interactive rhythm games, and activities that encourage participation, healthy risk-taking, and learning through mistakes and experimentation. Students will also have opportunities to move from imitation and structure into innovation and self-expression.

 

AHE PAC News

Welcome Back, Arrow Heights Families!

We can’t believe summer flew by so quickly — but we’re excited to kick off another fantastic school year with you!

Getting involved with the PAC is a great way to stay connected with your child’s school experience and keep up to date on exciting events like Hot Lunches, the Scholastic Book Fair, and the ever-popular Holiday Craft Fair. These events are made possible by parent volunteers, and we’d love to have you join us! Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are all welcome and encouraged to attend our meetings

Join us for our first PAC event of the year — the first-ever Welcome Back Family BBQ on Thursday September 17th at 5:30pm, right after the Teacher Meet & Greet.  Come enjoy some BBQ, connect with fellow AHE families, and kick off the new school year together! All AHE families welcome! We can’t wait to see you there!

Our first meeting of the year is Monday, September 14th, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the AHE Library.  As always, child care is provided.

Can’t make it to the meetings but still want to help? No problem! Just email pacarrowheights@gmail.com, and we’ll add you to our volunteer list so you can stay in the loop.

Let’s make this school year a great one — together!

Meet the Teacher

We are excited to kick off the school year with our first AHE Family BBQ, proudly planned and hosted by our wonderful PAC!

Families are invited to join us for Meet the Teacher from 5:00–5:30 p.m., when teachers will be in their classrooms to welcome students and families and help everyone get connected for the year ahead.

Following Meet the Teacher, the BBQ begins at 5:30 p.m. Come hungry and enjoy a wonderful evening connecting with other AHE families and celebrating the start of a new school year and checking out the new additions to our playground!

A huge thank you to our PAC for organizing this special community event. We hope to see you there!

 

Individual Photos

Mountain West Studios will be at AHE on Wednesday, September 24 to take individual student photos.

Please ensure your child is ready for photo day and dressed comfortably for their picture. More information about photo packages and ordering will be shared with families closer to the date.

Kokanee Fish Festival

Our Grade 1/2 and 2/3 Classes have been invited to the Kokanee Fish Festival on September 25, at Bridge Creek. The Kokanee Festival is a full-day, multi-station educational event focused on salmon, wildlife, and the local ecosystem.

Hot Lunches

We are excited to welcome Austin from Community Kitchen to provide delicious hot lunches for our students at least twice a month! These lunches are a wonderful opportunity for students to enjoy a warm meal together as a school community and to try new foods and flavours.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options will always be available, ensuring there are choices for everyone to enjoy.

Our first hot lunch will take place on September 24! Students are reminded to bring a bowl and utensils so they can enjoy their meal.

We look forward to sharing good food and good company together!

The First People’s Principles

This year, we will continue to weave the First Peoples Principles of Learning throughout all areas of our curriculum and school community. These principles remind us that learning is holistic, reflective, experiential, relational, and connected to community, culture, and place.

Students will have opportunities to learn from the land, through relationships, and alongside one another, while developing a deeper understanding of their connection to the world around them. The First Peoples Principles of Learning will help guide meaningful learning experiences across all subject areas and support our commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful school community.

Cross-Country Running

Running club will once again be starting up for students in grades 4-7. There will be a meeting at recess on Tuesday, September 15th for all students who are interested.  Mrs. MacLeod, Ms. Johnson and Ms. Draboczi will be running practices from 2:30 to 3:15 Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on September 17th. See the schedule below for the run events at each school.

September 24 – AHE

October 1 – BVE

October 8 – CPE

October 15 – EDG (at Mt. Revelstoke)

Students are asked to try to arrange their own rides to and from the run events.

Whole School Outing September 28th

On Monday, September 28th, we will be bussing all students to Centennial Park (busses leaving at 8:35) for morning activities, including the Terry Fox Run on the Greenbelt and Indigenous Education activities in honour of Orange Shirt Day. It will be very special for our students to walk the paths and spend some time along Swift River, as we recognize people who attended Residential Schools and work towards our school goal of Reconciliation.

***Parent volunteers for the morning will be welcome and appreciated! Please reach out to your classroom teacher is you are able to help.

Important Dates

September 14 – Whole School Assembly 11:15

September 14 – PAC meeting 6:30

September 17 – Rhythm By Nature (grade 3-7)

September 17 – Band Instrument Rental Night at CPE 4:00-5:00

September 17 – Meet the Teacher 5:00-5:30

September 17 – AHE Family Barbecue 5:30

September 24 – Individual Photos

September 24 – Hot Lunch – Community Kitchen

September 24 – AHE Cross Country Run

September 25 – Kokanee Fish Festival (gr. 1/2 and 2/3)

September 28 – Whole School Outing for Terry Fox Run and Orange Shirt Day

September 30 – National Day of Truth and Reconciliation – no school

October 1 – BVE Cross Country Run