September 2025 Newsletter

Principal’s Message

Welcome back to a brand-new school year!

I hope you all had a wonderful summer filled with rest, adventure, and time to do the things you love. Each September brings a fresh start—a chance to set new goals, try new things, and grow as both learners and individuals.

This year, we will be focusing on something very important: WHAT IS A GREAT LEARNER? That means we’re not just learning facts or skills—we’re learning how to become great learners. We’ll be exploring what it truly means to be someone who loves learning and knows how to do so effectively.

Throughout the year in our Character Education programming, we’ll look closely at four big ideas that will help us on that journey:

• Curiosity – Great learners ask questions. They wonder about the world, explore new ideas, and aren’t afraid to say, “I don’t know—yet!”
• Collaboration – Great learners know we’re better together. They listen, share, and work with others to solve problems and celebrate success.
• Critical Thinking – Great learners think deeply. They carefully examine information, make connections, and devise creative solutions.
• Commitment – Great learners don’t give up. They demonstrate determination, take responsibility, and persevere, even when learning feels challenging.
  

We all possess these qualities within us. This year, we’ll be practicing, talking about, and celebrating them in everything we do.

So, as we begin this school year, I challenge students to bring their curiosity to every class, their willingness to collaborate with every group, their critical thinking to every challenge, and their commitment to every goal they set. Together, we will make this a year of growth, discovery, and success.

I am so proud to be part of this amazing school community, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve—together. Welcome back, and let’s make this an incredible year!

Rob Froland, Principal

September – Important Dates

NSES Calendar

August 27 - First Day of School - Gr 1-6
August 27 & 29 - Kindergarten Staggered Entry Days
August 29 - Welcome Back Assembly @ 1:00pm in the gym
September 1 - Labour Day - No School
September 4 - Meet the Teacher @ 5:30pm behind the school
September 15 - School Council/PIIE AGM - 7:15pm
September 17 & 18 - Picture Days (Individual & Class)
September 19 - PD Day - No School
September 25 - BGSD Cross Country Run (Gr 3-6) @ Ecole Horizon Heights
September 26 - Terry Fox Run @ 2:00pm
September 29 - Truth & Reconciliation Assembly @ 9:00am in the gym
September 29 - Orange Shirt Day
September 30 - National Day for Truth & Reconciliation - No School

SafeArrival – Reporting Student Absences

This school year we will continue to use the new, more efficient student absence reporting system called SafeArrival. 

With SafeArrival, you can report your child’s absence in advance using any of these 3 convenient methods:

1. On your mobile device:
2. 1. Using your mobile device, download and install the SM Home app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.  Download the app with the following icon:
   2. The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. 
   3. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.
2. Use the SchoolMessenger website:
3. 1. Go to the SchoolMessenger website.  The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account.
   2. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.
3. By telephone:
4. 1. Call the toll-free number 780-955-4526 to report an absence using the automated phone system.

These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week.  Future absences can be reported at any time.

The automated notification system will attempt to contact parents at multiple contact points (email, text, push notification & phone call) until a reason is submitted for the absence. If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, office staff will follow up. 

If you report your child’s absence in advance using the SafeArrival toll-free number, website or mobile app, you will NOT receive these notifications.

Please report absences in advance using SafeArrival instead of sending notes or calling/emailing the school.  

Please download the SchoolMessenger Home app or sign into the website before this date. If you are having trouble logging in, please contact your school.

If you do not already receive text message from your school and would like to start, please ensure your school has your mobile phone number and then text “Y” to 978338. (Standard message and data rates may apply.)

If you have children attending other schools, please continue to report absences using the existing procedures for those schools.

StudyInsured, has Voluntary Student Accident Insurance that is optional for parents to purchase. Please see the website below for further details on the types of plans you may purchase and the types of coverage available. 

https://www.studyinsuredstudentaccident.com/compare-plans/

PLEASE NOTE: This coverage is completely voluntary and is meant for parents to purchase. This would be supplementary to any insurance that may be accessible through the school division.

Nutrition Program

The Muffin Days program will be starting again this fall. To make some gluten aware, we will use oat flour in place of wheat flour. The office will reach out to contact all known food sensitivities. If you don't receive a message, please contact the office directly.

NSES always has fresh fruit & veggies available for student snacks.

Please make sure your child’s allergy/medical information is up to date at all times. Also, if you have any concerns, please contact the office.

Recipes that are used will be posted here for you to review.