Good evening, Raven Families,

It has been another amazing week at RTA! From unforgettable field experiences with Riverwatch, SAIT, CPAWS, and the Rothney Observatory, to the energy and excitement of our clubs, cross country celebrations, and badminton practices—our students were engaged and inspired. We also had a successful practice fire drill, a great show of environmental leadership from our Eco students cleaning up the fields, and of course, the annual RTA Scavenger Hunt, where we had the pleasure of welcoming new families into our school community. With all that excitement behind us, we are all ready to soak up some sunshine and enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend.

Mental Health Awareness Week:

·         ​Mental Health Awareness week is May 5 – 11.

·         This year’s theme is “Unmasking Mental Health,” inviting people to imagine what it would feel like to speak openly about their struggles without fear or shame.

Hats on For Mental Health:

·         ​Hats On for Mental Health Day is May 7, 2025.

·         Albertans are invited to wear a hat to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health.

·         RTA students and teachers are encouraged to build understanding by wearing hats to school.

·         Students will also participate in a coordinated lesson on understanding mental health and the importance of removing the stigma associated with mental illnesses.

Personal Mobile Devices:

·         As mandated by the Alberta government and CBE regulations, personal mobile devices (PMD) (cellphones, AirPods, headphones, Smartwatches, tablets, laptops, gaming devices, and any device that has access to the internet) are powered off and stored in backpacks in lockers for the day, including during breaks, lunch, and field trips. Students with medical reasons or specific learning needs may access their devices. When personal devices are required for learning, the teacher will direct students to retrieve them from their lockers and return them after the task. These regulations are in place to support student focus, academic success, and overall well-being. 

·         Today, we reinforced this rule before the field trip and reminded the students about the CBE’s progressive discipline policy. If students use a PMD, the following steps will be taken to support their learning and reinforce expectations:

• First Incident: Verbal Warning
• • Student is reminded of the expectations regarding the responsible use of Personal Mobile Devices and/or social media.
• Second Incident: Confiscation and Parent/Guardian Informed
• • The student will submit the mobile device to the teacher. The PMD is returned at the end of the school day.
  • The teacher informs the parent/guardian.
• Third Incident: Suspension/Confiscation and Parent/Guardian Involvement
• • Half-Day In-School Suspension
  • • The suspension is recorded on the student’s school record. 
  • The student will turn in the mobile device to the office and retrieve the phone from the office at the end of the school day. 
  • An Administrator will contact the parents/guardians to inform them of the repeated infractions.
• Fourth Incident: Loss of Privileges
• • Full Day In-School Suspension
  • • The suspension is recorded on the student’s school record. 
  • The student will not bring the mobile device to school or turn it into the office at the beginning of the day; they will retrieve it when they leave for the day. 

We encourage families to review the PMD policy with their student and discuss the importance of responsible technology use during the school day. Your support at home is important in helping students make choices that reflect our shared learning values.

Badminton Spirt Wear:

·         As per student request, we have a second round of badminton clothing available. The store will close on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
RT Alderman Athletics Online Store Badminton Copy | Big Mountain Activewear

RTA Social Well-Being Action Team:

·         The RTA S.W.A.T. team (Social Well-Being Action Team) is a group of passionate student leaders committed to creating positive change and enhancing the well-being of our school community. One of the ways we've chosen to do this is by celebrating the rich cultural identities that make RTA such a unique and vibrant place of learning.

·         We’re excited to introduce the RTA Cultural Artifact Wall—a dedicated space in the school foyer where we will proudly showcase photos and meaningful cultural artifacts shared by students and staff. This display, housed in a secure glass case, aims to foster a deeper sense of belonging and appreciation for the diverse backgrounds within our school.

·         We warmly invite all students and staff to contribute to this initiative. If you’d like to participate, please bring a cultural artifact along with a brief description (if possible) to Mr. Lee (please include a label of your name and homeroom number). Mr. Lee will ensure your item is displayed respectfully and with care.

·         Let’s work together to make RTA an even more inclusive and welcoming community! Warm regards, the RTA S.W.A.T. Team

Monday:

Bus Driver Appreciation Day

Rotation 6,5,4,3,2,1

HR 901 & 902 Leighton Art Centre

Grade 9 Off Campus Day

Dungeons and Dragons Club

Grade 8 & 9 Weightlifting Club

Rock band Club

 SR Badminton 3:40 – 4:45 PM

Tuesday:

HR 903 & 904 Leighton Art Centre

HR 603 & 604 CPAWS Wild Wellness at Nose Hill

Grade 9-Off Campus Day

Chess Club at Lunch in the Library

JR Badminton 3:40 – 4:45 PM

Wednesday:

Hats on for Mental Health

Grade 5 & 6 Healthy Hunger

Grade 8 Off-Campus Day

GSA Club at Lunch

SR Badminton 3:40 – 4:45 PM

Thursday:

Grade 5 & 6 Fit Set Ninja

Grade 7- 9 Healthy Hunger

Grade 7 Off-Campus Day

Eco Club

Grade 9 Leadership Club

JR Badminton 3:40 – 4:45 PM 

Friday:

Rotation 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B

RTA School STEM Challenge – “The Clean Water Challenge”

Grade 7 Band Clinic 1-2 PM

Upcoming Events

Monday, May 12 – JR Badminton Tournament at Henry Wise Wood School PM

Tuesday, May 13 – HR 605 CPAWS Wild Wellness at Nose Hill

Tuesday, May 13 – Grade 5s Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra AM

Tuesday, May 13 – SR Badminton Tournament at Henry Wise Wood School PM

Wednesday, May 14 – RTA School Council 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Friday, May 16 – CBE Non-Instructional Day (NO SCHOOL)

Wednesday, May 21 – Friday, May 23 – Grade 7 Camp Caroline Band Trip

Friday, May 23 – Grade 8 Calaway Park Junior Mechanics Day 9:00 – 3:00 PM

Monday, May 26 – Grade 8 National Geographic Live AM

Wednesday, May 28 – Grade 6 English Language Arts: Part A PAT AM

Thursday, May 29 – Grade 9 English Language Arts: Part A PAT AM

Kind regards

Brenda Lewis