September 25, 2026 Principal Message

Good afternoon, Robina Families,

As we wrap up another vibrant week of learning, I wanted to share some exciting updates from our recent School Council meeting. Three years ago, we celebrated the completion of "Phase 1" of our playground revitalization. The other evening, our School Council reaffirmed our focus to "Phase 2," targeting the replacement of our oldest playground structure, located on the east side of the school.

This structure was built in 2000 and has been documented as reaching the end of its functional life. Our School Council held a concentrated discussion focused on directing their efforts toward fundraising to replace this aging park.

Our vision for Phase 2 is to build a modern, inclusive space that exists within the same footprint, but is tailored specifically towards our youngest learners in the school community (Grades K-3). A new park is a significant investment, with estimated costs ranging from $200,000 to $300,000.

While we are optimistic about securing grants to fulfill this vision, having funds already in our account is vital to our success. In Alberta, major grant program funding—including matching grants—requires the requesting organization to have significant 'seed money' or a percentage of the total project cost already secured before applications are considered. Community fundraising is therefore the key that unlocks this essential grant funding.

We are asking our parent community to keep this project in mind and consider supporting upcoming fundraisers if you are able. These efforts are not just about new equipment; they are investments in the play, development, and wellbeing of our children.

A special thank you to our School Council and Fundraising Group for their continued dedication to our school community. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Have a great weekend!

Mr. Coffin

Thank You Robina Baker!

Thank you to everyone who filled out their verification forms! Thanks to you, all of our students were able to take part in the Terry Fox Walk. Plus, having updated contact details ensures we can quickly reach the right people in case of an emergency. Look out for photos on our blogs and social media soon!

A big thank you to everyone who read last week’s Principal’s Corner and entered our contest. As shown in the draw video, our winner is Alanna! Thank you to the Fundraising Committee for donating the Old Dutch variety box. Be sure to keep an eye out for more Easter eggs in upcoming newsletters!

Bear Tracks Ice Melter

Order Deadline: November 12th

Delivery Date: TBA once order is placed

Pickup location: Devon TBD

We are selling 16 kg pails of Bear Tracks Ice-Melt for $31.50 each.

How to order:

- Fill out the order form.

- e-Transfer your total to rbesfundraising@gmail.com.

- You will be contacted once the pickup date and times are confirmed.

Ordering Hot Lunch

Orders are made on the Hot Lunches Website

Important Note on Hot Lunch Dates

Thank you for your hot lunch orders! Before finalizing your selections, please double-check your order dates against your child's class calendar to ensure they will be in school and not away on a field trip.

If your child is absent or away on a hot lunch day, you are welcome to pick up their meal after 12:30 PM (please notify the school before 10:00 AM). Otherwise, the lunch will be donated, as refunds cannot be provided.

https://rbes.hotlunches.net/

Club Moo Milk Program

Our Club Moo Milk Program is back! Our Moo Crew - made up of our Grade 4 Leadership students—will be helping by fulfilling and delivering milk orders to each class (Kindergarten to Grade 4) at lunchtime each day.

Parents can purchase milk tickets through PowerSchool: 20 tickets (white or chocolate) for $20.

How to use your tickets:

• Send them all at once – Cut the tickets apart and return them in a baggie or envelope. They will be kept in your child’s reading bag, and your child can decide when to use them.
• Send them as needed – Place one ticket in your child’s reading bag on the days you’d like them to have milk.

Milk delivery will start soon!

Less Screen Time - Without the Guilt

Reducing screen time is hard…really hard. I’m not sure anyone says that enough.

Screens can be a lifesaver some days. They give kids a chance to decompress after school, can be calming and predictable (especially for neurodivergent kids), are an important part of a modern household, and sometimes give parents enough time to make dinner, answer an email, or just have a minute.

So, this is definitely not a “screens are bad” message.

But if you’ve been thinking your family could use a little more balance, you also don’t have to completely change your routine overnight. A few small shifts can be a good place to start.

A few things to try:

Give lots of warning.
Turning off a screen can be a tough transition, especially for younger or neurodivergent kids. Try a visual timer or a few countdowns — “10 more minutes… 5 more minutes… 2 more minutes.” Knowing what’s coming can make a big difference for kids.

Replace instead of just remove.
It’s much easier to put the tablet down when there is actually something else to do. Have another option ready -  a snack, LEGO, colouring, a sensory activity, a book, or whatever your kiddo might like to do.

Start with one screen-free time or place.
It doesn’t have to be the whole evening. Maybe screens stay away from the dinner table, or you try a little screen-free time before bed. Start somewhere that actually feels manageable for your family.

Count the small wins.
Ten minutes less? Great. Your child turned off the tablet after the third reminder instead of the tenth? Also great. It doesn’t have to be perfect to count.

When You Need Something Else to Do...

And preferably something that doesn’t require a trip to the store, 14 supplies, or a ton of energy from you.

The Sink Spa
Pull a chair up to the kitchen sink, add some warm water, bubbles, plastic cups, spoons or washable toys and let them go for it. Bonus: you can make dinner nearby.

Floor Picnic
Lay a blanket on the living room floor. Serve their normal snack or even dinner there. The simple change of environment feels like a novel activity but takes no extra effort from you. You could even ask them to get the picnic area ready - make some space on the floor (aka pick up your toys), spread the blanket out nice and smooth, where will you sit on the blanket? Where should I sit?…etc

Flashlight Search
Dim the lights, hand over a flashlight and have your child search for five things around the room. Or just let them explore with it.

Blanket Fort
A few blankets over the couch or table, some pillows and a book. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy.

The Box Challenge
Before you recycle that delivery box, hand it over with some crayons or markers. Spaceship? Car? House? Giant robot? Their problem now.

Audio Stories
Screens can go off without the house having to become silent. Try an audiobook or kids' storytelling podcast while they build, colour, play or relax.

Most importantly...

You don’t need to overhaul your whole household routine tonight.

Try one thing. See how it goes. If it works, great. If it completely falls apart, you can try again another day.

A little more balance is the goal - not perfection.

I am always happy to chat and brainstorm more ideas for your family!

Warmly,

Your Family School Liaison, Chantel Handfield

P.S. One important thing…

If a small change around screens gets a really big reaction, pay attention to that. It might actually be a clue that some support and consistency around screens is especially needed. Go slowly, expect some bumps, and keep at it.

Have Bus Questions?

Wondering if your child can take the bus, how much it costs, or how to get a bus pass? Check out the Black Gold Transportation Frequently Asked Questions page! You’ll find answers to these and many more transportation-related questions all in one place.

Student Accident Insurance

Did you know that Black Gold School Division's insurance partner offers optionalVoluntary Student Accident Insurance?

Coverage is completely voluntary, paid for by parents, and separate from the blanket accident insurance plan held by the Division. For details on available coverage and to compare plans, please visit StudyInsured Website.