September 12, 2025 Principal Message

Good afternoon, Robina Families,

If you ask your kiddos, many of them might tell you that I pop into their classrooms throughout the day. This is one of my favourite parts of my job - seeing all the wonderful things that are going on in the school and the learning that is taking place. I get to see so many moments of joy and discovery. It’s also a great time for some good laughs! When visiting Mrs. Dupont’s kindergarten classroom this week, I joined a table activity. I engaged in some fun conversation with the kids as we were rolling our dice, talking about our favourite numbers. One of the kiddos squared his focus on my hair and said, “Mr. Coffin, what’s wrong with your hair?”. I giggled, unsure if he was talking about the grey coming in or perhaps my obviously not-so-great style, and simply replied “I’m not sure!”. Priceless moments like these make my day! 

There are lots of updates to share this week! Please take a minute to read.

Labour Action: We understand there might be some unease regarding the announcement of potential labour action. We are hopeful for a peaceful resolution before October 6th. Please understand that all our certificated staff (both teachers and administration) are members of the association. Communication regarding labour disruptions will continue to come directly from Black Gold School Division.

Mathletics and Reading Eggs: Mathletics and Reading Eggs are subscriptions for Grades 1-4 that teachers use in the classroom. Students in Grades 1-4 have access to Mathletics, and students in Grades 1-2 have access to Reading Eggs. In class, students occasionally access different lessons, learning materials, and games to extend their learning. Did you know you can also access these at home? Students can use the same login information. Please reach out to your child's teacher if you can't find their login details. We are grateful to our SCHOOL COUNCIL, which has supported our school for years by paying for these subscriptions.

Agendas: Another area that our SCHOOL COUNCIL has supported us with is paying for student agendas. This year, student agendas look different for each grade level, varying from visual journals to regular agendas. Many of our Grade 3 and 4 students have created a “Weekly Binder” that will come home with updates from the classroom.

Also new, our students in Grades 1–3 are now using Kanga Pouches! These sturdy, reusable bags were generously provided by our School Council. Each student’s pouch will stay with them throughout their time at Robina Baker and will be part of their journey right up until their Grade 4 celebration.

Speaking of SCHOOL COUNCIL... We have a great group, and our first meeting is this coming Monday evening at 6:00. All parents with students in the school are welcome. At the meeting, you can expect to hear about our school start-up in the Principal's Report, hear from our local trustee, and learn how to get involved in some great upcoming events.

Verification Forms: Please keep doing these! We are at about 40% completed and would like to be at 100% by the end of next week. Remember, this covers everything from our technology agreements to allowing your child to go on a walking field trip, such as the Terry Fox walk. Our staff will begin making phone calls after next Friday to ensure these are done in time. Please take a few minutes to complete the form!

Finally, the expression "It takes a village" is one you often hear! Our teachers, secretaries, librarians, custodians, and administration have all been pouring their hearts into making sure our school start-up has been as smooth as possible for our families. I can also appreciate that adjusting to new routines is challenging at times! I have a kiddo in Grade 1 at home who is quite tired at the end of his days. I appreciate that some after-school and evenings can be tricky as we adjust back into our routines, and I want to thank our caregiver community—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and anyone else I might have missed—who are part of the village outside of the home as well!

Have a wonderful weekend ahead—enjoy this beautiful weather!

Mr. Coffin & Mrs. Kirton

Verification Forms

Student Enrollment Verification Forms for 2025–2026 are now available on the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Please complete your form by Friday, September 26.

The form includes important permissions (like walking field trips, including the Terry Fox Walk) and ensures we have up-to-date emergency contact information. Completing it helps us keep your child safe and able to participate fully in school activities.

Terry Fox Walk

Join us as we help Terry “Finish It” on Friday, September 26 at 1:00 p.m.

• Kindergarten students will participate with activities on the school grounds.
• Grades 1–4 will walk the same community route as last year. (The map is on our website here.)

We are grateful to the Lion’s Club for providing a healthy snack for all students once they complete the walk.

Parents and guardians are welcome to join! If you would like to walk with a Grade 1–4 class, please complete the Volunteer Registration Form on PowerSchool and let your child’s teacher know you’re interested.

If you’d like to support cancer research, donations can be made directly to the RBES Terry Fox Fundraising Page or students may bring a “Toonie for Terry” on September 26.

Please complete your verification form on PowerSchool so your child can participate.

Shout-outs

First School Council Meeting

What is School Council?

School Council is your voice. It is your best opportunity for advocacy and to offer your perspective on what goes on in your child’s school.

Although we often group together RBES School Council and the Robina Baker Parent Fundraising Committee, these are actually two different groups. The groups work closely together but there is no obligation to participate in the Fundraising Committee when you attend School Council.

What happens at a School Council Meeting?

• School Council meetings usually last 30-60 minutes and are held before the fundraising meeting. You do not have to attend both!
• The principal will present a report that generally includes:
• • Highlights since the last meeting (Field trips, Guest speakers, etc.),
  • Shout-outs to students/teachers/support staff/parents,
  • Upcoming events and things to watch for,
  • Requests for feedback on a variety of topics,
  • Budget and wish list items.
• Our Black Gold School Board Trustee gives a report. This report includes information about a number of topics, such as:
• • Updates on labour actions,
  • Capital planning (plans for new and renovated schools in the district),
  • Education budgets,
  • Advocacy events.

Any one present can bring up a topic they would like to discuss – if we run out of time, we will gladly add it to the agenda for the next meeting. These meetings are informal and questions are welcomed.

What is the time commitment?

There is no time commitment outside of the meeting times. Meetings take place every 4-6 weeks; you can come to as many or as few as you want. Childcare is provided at the school during meetings.

Robina Baker Parent Fundraising Committee meetings take place immediately after School Council meeting ends. You are welcome to attend one or both.

Where do I sign up?

You don’t have to! Any parent or guardian who has a child enrolled in RBES is automatically a member of School Council.

New Fundraiser!

The Parent Council and Fundraising Group have started the year with a new fundraiser!

Old Dutch Chips! The price is right and with orders to be received by October 17th, they’ll make great Halloween treats, or hide them and eat ‘em when the kids go to bed! We don’t judge!

Just follow the link https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSesJ.../viewform and fill out the form!

Library Corner: 

• I would like to thank the Parent Council for funding new shelving, tables, and stools for the library!  It’s going to be beautiful once it’s all done!  

Come check it out at the Scholastic Book Fair in October! 

• Book Fair Dates: October 21-23 Hours to follow.
• Book limits for students are as follows:

            Grades PK, K and 1 - 1 book

            Grades 2 and 3 - 2 books

            Grade 4 - 3 books

• Please email me, not your teacher, if you have any questions or concerns about library items.  [email protected]   

•  Amazon Wishlist. We have a wishlist for the library!  If you would like to buy one of these books for the library, please don’t forget to have Amazon send us a gift note with your name on it.  I like to acknowledge the person who purchased the book.  Thanks!
• Happy Reading!

Field Trips & PowerSchool

Please take a moment to check your PowerSchool account for upcoming field trips.

• If you have any questions about your PowerSchool account, please contact Mrs. Horrocks.
• If you have financial concerns or need assistance with field trip fees, please reach out to Mrs. March.
• If your child’s teacher requires volunteers, please remember to complete the Volunteer Registration Form on PowerSchool.

These field trip forms are on PowerSchool now

• Kindergarten Nature School
• RBES Coss Country Team