Well teachers have been busy over the last 2 weeks preparing for the 2025/2026 school year and I must say the school looks great! We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday!
As we prepare to return to school next week, I have some sad news to share with our community. Earlier this month, our longtime head secretary, Laura Coleman, passed away after health complications. Laura was a caring and steady presence at Albion, and many students, families, and staff will feel her absence deeply. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
For those who knew Laura, this news may bring grief and sadness. For those new to our school, we want you to know how valued she was and how much she contributed to the caring spirit of Albion.
Children can respond to the death of a beloved adult in many different ways. Some may withdraw or show worries about separation, while others may cry, express anger, or show little outward response. All these reactions are normal. We encourage you to invite your child to share their thoughts and feelings, and if you believe they would benefit from additional support, please reach out to the school.
As we begin a new school year, we will carry forward the kindness and dedication Laura brought to our community.
Start Up Information
As many of you are aware the City of Maple Ridge has installed an East and West light at the intersection of Hill Avenue and 240th Street. This installation has had an impact on our school front school parking lot. Due to liability reasons, the school district was unable to have a gate west of Hill Avenue therefore, we needed to change the direction of the parking lot.
Vehicles can no longer enter through the north gate. All vehicles entering the school lot must enter through the south gate. Please note that drivers who are coming from Lougheed Highway can no longer turn left into the parking lot. Entry into the parking lot can only be done by traveling south on 240th Street.
We understand that the parking lot can be very frustrating however with over 500 students and no back entrances or exits from our property we must ensure that our students are safe when arriving and leaving school.
Morning Drop off
If you are entering the lot in the morning from 8:00 am-8:30 am, we request that all drivers please pull forward up to the curb in the “Drop Off Zone,” then have your child get out of the vehicle and walk to the sidewalk. There is no parking permitted in the drop off zone. Drivers are also asked to not get out of their vehicles. Unfortunately, due to the size of our staff there is no parent parking available. Vehicles with an accessibility pass will be permitted to park in the designated accessibility parking spaces. During drop off, vehicles with a school parking pass can park in the designated “Parking Pass Zone.” For information regarding a parking pass please contact our office. At no time are drivers permitted to park behind any parked vehicle. If you feel your child needs to be assisted to their classroom line up or you need to speak with a classroom teacher, please park your vehicle on one of the side streets.
Pick Up
Both gates will close at 2:00 pm and will reopen once dismissal at 2:20 pm is done and majority of the students have left the front of the school- usually around 2:30 pm.
Drivers with an accessibility pass will be permitted to park in designated accessibility spaces and ONLY vehicles with a parking pass are permitted to park along the curb at the front of the school.
The exit gate will not be opened until most students have left the front of the school.
Tuesday, September 3
The hours of instruction for students in Grades 1-7 on Tuesday, September 2nd are from 12:30 pm- 2:20 pm. All returning students are to report to their last year’s designated line up area. All new students will report to the gymnasium and then they will be placed in age-appropriate classes.
A reminder that there is an Open House for our incoming 2025/2026 Kindergarten students form 1-2 pm (RSVP was require). The Gradual Entry schedule for the 2025/2026 kindergarten students begins on Wednesday, September 4th. Kindergarten parents are asked to refer to the gradual entry schedule that was emailed last week.
On Tuesday our PAC will be hosting a Parent Lemonade gathering at the front of the school beginning at 12:45 pm. Please feel free to stop on by.
Regular instructional times on Wednesday, September 5th from 8:30 am (warning bell 8:25 am) until 2:20 pm for students in Grades 1-7.
School Supplies for 2025-2026
School supplies for the 2025/2026 school year have been purchased by classroom teachers through bulk ordering. Families will receive a notice, via the parent portal, the week of September 8th requesting a payment of $55.00 per child. If you have any questions or concerns, please ensure you reach out to Mrs. Dailey.
Indigenous Education- Self Identification
The Indigenous Education department is for those students whose family has Indigenous Ancestry. This can be First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. Proof of Ancestry is not required, and the Ancestry can go back several generations. The only thing we need for parents/guardians to fill out the Indigenous Education Self Identification form. This form identifies your child as having Ancestry, and it gives the Indigenous Education department permission to connect with them. Parents/Guardians can also indicate what types of support you would prefer; Language and Culture, Support Services, or you can choose both.
How do I Self-Identify?
- Accessing the form from the Indigenous Education website in fillable or print format. See the links below. You can complete the fillable form online and email it to al_reception@sd42.ca. For the printable version, print it, fill it out by hand, then either scan and email it back or drop it off at your child’s school.
- Pick up a Self-Identification form at your school office in September.
Printable form: 2025-26 Self-Identification Form
Fillable form: 2025-26 Self-Identification Form Fillable
Upcoming dates
Sept. 2- Students in grade 1-7 return 12:30- 2:20 pm
-Incoming Kindergarten Open House 1-2 pm RSVP was required
Sept. 3- Kindergarten gradual entry schedule begins
-Grade 1-7 instructional hours begin 8:30 am-2:20 pm
Sept. 23- PAC Meeting 6:30 pm- School Library
Sept. 25- PAC Welcome Back BQ 4-6 pm
-Classroom Open House 5-6 pm
Sept. 26- Student Individual Photos
Sept. 30- National Day of Reconciliation – No School
Have a great long weekend!
Mrs. T. Dailey