Willow Park School Families  

We are so excited to welcome students back to school for the 2025-2026 year. We look forward to the year with optimism and anticipate rich learning opportunities for all. 

Homeroom teachers will be connecting with you via School Messenger on Friday afternoon. 

Office and School Hours 

Our office is open starting tomorrow from 8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. Fridays 

Our Bell Schedule has changed slightly due to transportation changes. NO STUDENTS will be permitted inside the school before 8:15 a.m. The doors will remain locked until adequate supervision is in place starting at 8:15 a.m.  We also ask that students are picked up at the end of the day by 4:15 p.m. for the same reason

Bell Schedule

  • Our first bell rings at 9:10 a.m. with classes starting at 9:15 a.m. 
  • Our lunch is from 12:07 p.m. - 12:46 p.m. 
  • Our end of day bell rings at 3:40 p.m. Monday- Thursdays and 1:22 p.m. Fridays
  • Bus pull-away is 3:50 p.m. and 1:32 p.m. respectively (10 minutes after the bell) 

Start to the Year 

Student timetables will be available via MyCBE on Tuesday, September 2.  Regular bussing begins on Tuesday (for NEW students only). Regular bussing for all students commences on Wednesday, September 3.  

A great deal of time and thoughtfulness was put into creating classroom homeroom lists, including student voice and choice. A range of factors were considered to ensure the best possible learning environment for our students. Changes to homeroom class lists will not be considered unless extenuating circumstances arise AND if we have an opportunity to move. Not being with your best friend is not a reason, nor is friendship changes over the summer a valid reason.

We have almost 605 students and cannot accommodate these types of changes because our classes are FULL. 

Adjustments to Grade 7-9 options will only be considered starting Wednesday, September 10 through an option change form that parents/guardians will be asked to approve beforehand. 

New Student Orientation - Tuesday September 2, 2025 

We have a very special day built around art and community for our new students joining us at Willow Park. All staff will be out front to greet our newest WILD students starting at 8:45 a.m. 

Grades 5 and 6 will enter on the west side and will head directly to their classroom so parents/guardians can "kiss them goodbye at the doors."

Grades 7-9 will enter through the main entrance and head directly to the gymnasium. Staff and student volunteers will be there to greet you. 

A reminder that September 2 is a day for new students only and a pizza lunch will be provided. If your student has a dietary restriction, please email our Administrative Secretary, Mrs. James, at cmjames@cbe.ab.ca  by this Thursday at 4 p.m.   

All students return to school Wednesday, September 3 for a full day of classes. Regular bussing is in place.  

WPS Community Expectations 

To support a focused and distraction-free learning environment, our school follows an “Away for the Day” approach based on Alberta Education guidelines. This means that once students enter the school building, cell phones and electronic devices are to be put away, including before and after school. During instructional hours, devices should remain in lockers, with the exception of lunch for Grade 7–9 students who leave have the option to leave school grounds. 

With our classrooms being full, backpacks should also stay in lockers. Students are welcome to carry their essential learning materials (such as a binder, pencil case, etc.) and may use a small pouch or fanny pack for personal or hygiene items if needed. 

We kindly ask that toys and stuffed animals be left at home to help prevent loss and minimize distractions. Lastly, we ask that students come dressed in a way that supports active participation in daily learning activities without creating distractions for others. 

Snack Shack

Our snack shack will be available starting Wednesday, September 3. Daily features usually cost $3. Drinks and snacks also available. CASH ONLY.

Welcome Back BBQ 

A welcome back BBQ for students, sponsored by our School Council, will be hosted during the school day on Friday, September 5. If your student has a dietary restriction, please email our Administrative Secretary, Mrs. James, at cmjames@cbe.ab.ca prior to Wednesday, September 3.    

School Council 

Our first School Council meeting will be held in person on Tuesday, September 16 at 6:30 p.m. at WPS in the Learning Commons, we encourage all parents to join us.   

School Photos 

School Fall photos will take place on September 23, with the opportunity for retakes on October 22.    

Meet the Teacher 

We look forward to hosting in-person Meet the Teacher conferences on September 29. Parents/Guardians will be able to book these appointments through their MyCBE.  Information will be forthcoming regarding dates and times to start booking.   

School Website 

Please keep up to date by checking out our school website regularly throughout the year. School supply lists are online. We do send a “What’s UP Willow” newsletter on a bimonthly basis. Links will be sent out via School Messenger. 

Thank you for helping us create a positive and focused space for all students to learn and grow. We look forward to working with you and your family this school year.  

Dean Marklinger 

Principal