PSS Family Week Ahead October 19 -23 

DIVERSITY. CREATIVITY. COMMUNITY. 

TOGETHER WE SHINE 

Prairie Sky School Vision 

Prairie Sky School is a diverse learning community where creativity and well-being empower every student to grow 

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 School Information 

• Website: https://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/prairiesky/Pages/default.aspx     
• Address: 201 Skyview Ranch Rd NE  
• Phone: 403-817-3452  
• Attendance Line: 403-807-8029  
• Email: prairiesky@cbe.ab.ca 

Message from the Principal 

As we head into the long weekend, I would like to thank all of our student athletes and coaches for their commitment, effort, and school spirit this fall. This week was filled with basketball and soccer games, and it has been wonderful to see our PSS Star athletes representing Prairie Sky School with such pride, determination, and sportsmanship. We also had an excellent turnout of students interested in wrestling, and we are excited to see this program get underway in the coming weeks. 

Inside our classrooms, learning and leadership continue to flourish. Our Leadership class has begun educating students across the school about proper recycling and waste management practices. Seeing students learn from one another and take an active role in making our school community better is inspiring and highlights the positive leadership we have throughout Prairie Sky School. 

A reminder to families that there is no school on Monday, October 19, as Prairie Sky School will be serving as a voting site. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend, has an opportunity to relax and spend time with family and friends, and returns refreshed for another great week of learning. 

Thank you for your continued support of Prairie Sky School. Together, we are creating a positive, caring, and active learning community where all students can thrive. 

Peter Rowe 
Principal, Prairie Sky School 
Diversity • Creativity • Community • Together We Shine 

Prairie Sky News   

From the Office 

Please be advised that school pick-ups after 2:00 p.m. (Friday 11:30 a.m.) will not be accommodated. If your child needs to be picked up early, please ensure that the pick-up takes place before 2:00 p.m. (Friday 11:30a.m.) 

All early pick-ups must also be communicated to the school in advance. Last-minute requests may not be accommodated, as they can disrupt the school day and our regular routines. 

We kindly ask for your cooperation in providing sufficient notice and planning all early pick-ups accordingly. 

Safety Spotlight:  

Bike, Scooter, and E-Scooter Safety 

With many students choosing to ride bikes, scooters, and electric scooters to and from school, we would like to remind families of the importance of safe riding habits. Students should always wear a properly fitted helmet, follow traffic and pathway rules, ride at a safe speed, and remain aware of pedestrians and other users. When arriving at school, bikes and scooters should be secured using the designated racks and a lock to help prevent damage or theft. Taking a few extra moments to practice safe riding and proper storage helps ensure that all students arrive at school safely and return home safely at the end of the day. Thank you for partnering with us to promote safe and responsible transportation at Prairie Sky School. 

Book Study: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 

Chapter 6 Summary: “Why Social Media Harms Girls More Than Boys” 

In Chapter 6, Haidt explores why girls have experienced particularly significant increases in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges alongside the rise of social media. 

He identifies several concerns, including social comparison, pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, online bullying, and the impact of social media on friendships. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok can expose girls to constant comparisons around appearance, popularity, and lifestyle. Online conflict can also follow children home, making it difficult to escape social pressures and drama. 

Haidt also discusses how online spaces can expose young people to harmful content, unwanted attention, and pressure to seek approval through likes and comments. While social media promises connection, it can sometimes leave young people feeling more isolated and less confident. 

A key takeaway from this chapter is that being connected online is not the same as feeling connected to others. Children need meaningful friendships, supportive relationships, and opportunities to develop confidence outside of the digital world. 

Reflection Questions for Families 

• How might social media affect the way your child sees themselves? 
• How can we help our children recognize that what they see online does not always reflect reality? 
• What opportunities can we create for meaningful, face-to-face friendships? 

School Council  

Next School Council Meeting: 

The next school council meeting will be at 5:45 pm on Monday, October 26^th at Prairie Sky School, in the Learning Commons. We will continue to incorporate a 'live stream' Teams meeting options, if you would prefer to join remotely, please click the link below to join. All parents and guardians are welcome! We hope to see you then. 

Microsoft Teams meeting 

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/240918158524972?p=lWoVYJDlyT1Lz1WgRr 

School Council Meeting Dates 2026-27   

• October 26, 2026 
• November 23, 2026 
• December 14, 2026 
• January 18, 2027 
• February 22, 2027 

Well-being, Leadership and Culture 

This year we have introduced CONNECT class for all students K-9. Our goal is to promote a safe, welcoming and caring learning environment focusing on monthly themes that support student’s social emotional learning and develop peer-to-peer relationships. 

 September’s theme was IDENTITY: “Who am I?” 

• Big Idea: Understanding who we are helps us build confidence, respect others, and create communities where everyone belongs. 
• Essential Question: Who am I, and how do my experiences, relationships, strengths, and interests shape me? 

October’s theme is BELONGING: “Where do I belong?” 

• Focus Areas: Inclusion, Friendships, Safety, Connection, Positive Relationships, and Community 
• Student Voice Question: What helps you feel included? 

Please ask your child to share their experiences and conversations with you. 

CBE Well-being Survey 

Starting on Tuesday October 20, Ms. Kennedy will visit grade 4-9 classrooms to administer the CBE Well-being Survey. Twice a year students are encouraged to complete surveys to provide feedback to support yearly planning and share their ideas about how we can make PSS a better place for learning, growing and promote a sense of belonging. Please review your MYCBE account to review your demographic forms for surveys.  

PSS Athletics  

• New PSS Athletics Calendar – please find all PSS athletics information located on this monthly calendar.