Duchess School -

The Parent Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed. Please join them for their next scheduled meeting March 17th.

Going to school regularly helps children build the social, emotional, and academic skills that lay the foundation for success. Research shows that students who are chronically absent in preschool and kindergarten are much less likely to read and count proficiently by the end of Grade 3 and are more likely to continue missing school in later grades.

Showing up early builds strong habits that last!

There are a number of mental health supports available for students, youth, and families in our community.

You can access the resources here:

-Kids Help Phone: 24/7 confidential support for youth and parents
Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 / https://kidshelpphone.ca/

-Kickstand:Free mental health, substance use, and peer support for young people ages 11 to 25, available through in-person hubs and virtual services (Kickstand Connect). No referral or fees required https://mykickstand.ca/

-Alberta Health Services – Help in Tough Times: Crisis support, 24-hour helplines, and mental health information for individuals and families https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/page16759.aspx

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school if you need support or have questions.

Our phones are down for the moment.

The poster includes a QR code that connects students directly with a MAPS Post-Secondary Advisor who can provide one-on-one support with navigating post-secondary planning and funding. Advisors are available to assist Métis students with applications, understanding available financial supports, exploring career and education pathways, and preparing for a successful transition to college, university, or trades programs.

Calendar Mistake. Please note Hot Lunch days are Wednesday Feb 11th (tomorrow) and Wed Feb 25th. The calendar in the newsletter has them listed as Thursday's. Please see updated calendar.

Good afternoon,
Thank you for your patience. Here is the February Newsletter.

Chronic absence means missing 10% or more of school days, for any reason. That includes excused, unexcused, and suspended absences. While it may not feel like a lot, research shows that missing this much school can make it harder for students to learn to read by Grade 3, succeed in middle school, and graduate from high school.

At Grasslands, we care deeply about every child’s learning journey. Over time, the odd absences can add up, especially in the early years, and we want families to have the information they need to support success.

#AttendanceMatters #Grasslands #GPS #BrooksAlberta

Upcoming MRU virtual info sessions
We will be hosting program-specific information sessions for anyone interested. We have Faculty, current students, and an Admission and Recruitment Specialist, ready and willing to answer any questions you or your students may have. These events will take place on Feb 5 and 12, virtually, at 6 pm MST.

If you have any students interested in Computer Science, Programming, Journalism, Podcasting, Broadcasting, or anything in between, please send them this link to register, https://www.mtroyal.ca/Admission/events.htm.

Thank you!

Upcoming info sessions

School of Communication Studies:

Virtual Info Session + Q&A

Date: Thursday, Feb. 5
Format: Online

Join us to learn more about MRU, admissions, student life and career options. You’ll hear from four faculty members from the School of Communication Studies, who will share insights into the programs and answer your questions during a live Q&A.

Programs include:

Bachelor of Communication — Broadcast Media Studies
Bachelor of Communication — Information Design
Bachelor of Communication — Journalism and Digital Media
Bachelor of Communication — Public Relations
Have questions?

Email our Office of Admissions and Recruitment: aro@mtroyal.ca

REGISTER FOR THE INFO SESSION - https://events.mtroyal.ca/FutureStudentEvents/event/3434-school-of-communication-studies-info-session-qa


Computing Programs: Virtual Info Session + Q&A

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 12

Format: Online

Interested in technology, software or data? This session introduces three computing programs at MRU. You’ll hear from the faculty chair and a current student, who will discuss what you’ll learn, what student life is like and answer your questions during a live Q&A.

Programs include:

Bachelor of Science — Computer Science
Bachelor of Science — Data Science
Bachelor of Computer Information Systems
Have questions?

Email our Office of Admissions and Recruitment: aro@mtroyal.ca

REGISTER FOR THE INFO SESSION - https://events.mtroyal.ca/FutureStudentEvents/event/3466-computing-programs-information-sessions-qampa

The grade 12 class is holding a fundraiser selling coffee from Drumheller. Parents that have had it are saying it’s really good and some of them that’s all they’ll buy now. The graph shows the flavour profiles. They are $24 a bag, if you’re interested please reach out to a grade 12 student. Thank you! Here’s a list of the flavour profiles: Light & Medium Roasts • Ethiopian (Light): Floral, Lemon, Berry • Colombian (Medium): Citrus, Black Tea • Costa Rica (Medium): Cocoa, Caramel, Orange • Guatemala (Medium): Plum, Stone Fruit • Mike’s Blend (Medium): Black Tea, Cocoa, Citrus • Spinosaurus (Medium): Cane Sugar, Caramel, Hickory • Triceratops (Medium): Apricot, Berry, Citrus Medium-Dark & Dark Roasts • Raptor (Med-Dark): Dark Chocolate, Floral, Nutty • Albertasaurus (Dark): Almond, Chocolate, Lime • Decaf (Dark): Milk Chocolate

The Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) is excited to invite your students to the upcoming How Do I Get There? session for the 2025/2026 school year. RhPAP hosts this FREE webinar series targeted to rural high school students and others who are contemplating a healthcare career in rural Alberta. Guests can include representatives from post-secondary institutions that offer healthcare programs, current students in those programs and healthcare professionals in that particular health profession. How Do I Get There? – Dental Assistant will be hosted via ZOOM on Monday, February 23 at 6:30 PM. Inspiring professionals will share their unique journeys and insights into the world of dental assisting. To Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/how-do-i-get-there-dental-assistant-registration-1978635609371?aff=oddtdtcreator

FUNDRAISING BAKE SALE LOOKING FOR DONATIONS!
The leadership class at Duchess School is hosting a bake sale on January 27th, and we are looking for donations! These donations are limited to cookies, cupcakes, brownies, squares, donuts, and pie. Please fill out the google form attached to this post! Forms must be filled out and sent in by Friday, January 23rd. Baked goods must be brought in and dropped off by Monday, January 26th sometime throughout the day, or January 27th,Tuesday morning (8:20 AM - 9:00 AM).
https://forms.gle/ZSfdk6NXfmnFymSn7

⏰ Reminder! Applications close February 1, 2026 Don’t miss your chance to apply for the Rural Healthcare Student Awards! 🎓 Ten post-secondary medical and healthcare students will each receive $5,000 to help cover tuition costs. Preference given to students who have lived in a rural Alberta community for 5+ consecutive years and demonstrate a commitment to or interest in rural healthcare practice. 👉 Learn more and apply online: RhPAP.ca/RHSA

Join us on Tuesday January 20th at 7:00pm