We’re looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday, September 2, and are busy getting ready to welcome students on campus and into our classrooms! We ask for your grace and patience as we establish a welcoming school community that is safe and that supports our students in their learning.

Our school-wide theme for 2025-2026 is “Rejoice” and we hope it’s an invitation to live with an open heart, ready to discover joy in the everyday and that throughout every season of the school year we find every reason to praise the Lord. Our song to accompany this theme is Rejoice by Keith & Kristin Getty & Rend Collective.

REJOICE

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name
may rejoice in you.

 PSALM 5:11

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE FIRST DAY

  • The first day is a full day with regular school hours (8:25 am – 2:50 pm).
  • When students arrive on Tuesday, September 2, teachers, the principal, the vice principal, and educational assistants will be walking around outside, greeting students and families, and directing them to their entrance doors.
  • Exterior doors will be clearly labeled to help students find their entrance.
  • Classroom doors will open at 8:20 am and students can come inside. At 8:30 am school begins. After the first day, when students arrive after 8:30 am they will need to check in at the office before going to class.
  • Parents, you are welcome to walk your child to their classroom entrance, however as these areas are congested, we encourage you to say good-bye to your child(ren) outside classroom doors, in the parking lot, or in the drop-off zone, whenever possible. Teachers and other staff members will help your child get settled in.
  • At the end of the day, please be patient as you wait for your child(ren) to come to you. It will be a really busy time and again we ask you to respect the dismissal routines teachers are establishing with the students.
  • With parking at a premium and the roads busy, please be courteous to our community members. Try to leave our school parking lot as soon as you have your children so there is space for another car to pull in.
  • Our first day chapel will be held in the gym at 9:45 am. Parents are welcome.
  • We love our teachers at ACS! We want this to be a school community where they want to teach for many years. Please help us give our teachers a healthy work/home balance by respecting their time at home. Avoid emailing and communicating after 8:00 pm, on the weekends, and especially on Sundays. Thanks for your understanding.

CLASS LISTS 2025-2026

WHO IS MY TEACHER & DID I GET ALL MY FRIENDS?

At the end of the school year, teachers of each grade level meet to make a careful, initial division of classes. The teachers look for combinations of students who work well together, considering the best academic, social, and emotional needs of each child. The first drafts of the class lists are then shared with the learning support services team and the principal. This second level of discussion often produces some changes. The lists were then emailed home in early July. When the teachers return in late August, the lists are carefully reviewed once again. When everyone is satisfied that the wisest possible decisions have been made, the lists are finalized, emailed out to families a second time. In cases when students or parents are disappointed, it will help to know how carefully these decisions have been made. The teachers and principals appreciate the support that parents show us in this area.

Updated class lists will be sent out by email on Wednesday afternoon and linked in Edsby.

ELEMENTARY DAILY SCHEDULE

View the elementary bell schedule.

Students may not be dropped off before supervision starts or picked up after supervision ends. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, students who regularly arrive before 7:55 am need to enrol in the Seamless Day Childcare program.

On Thursdays (late start), childcare is available in the elementary library starting at 7:45 am. Parents are required to sign students in. On regular school days, students who are regularly waiting to be picked up by 3:15 pm or later, need to enrol in the Seamless Day Childcare program.

ELEMENTARY CAMPUS MAP

Not sure where you are going? View the elementary campus map. 

PICK-UP & DROP-OFF

There is a yellow NO STOPPING zone is at the entrance to the elementary campus. This area allows the buses to make the turn without having to wait on Old Clayburn Road, which will make traffic flow more smoothly. Please respect this zone, whether you approach the school from the north or the south.
Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the pick-up and drop-off lane; this lane is intended as a drive through lane between 8:00-8:35 am and 2:45-3:10 pm.

We simply expect courteous and law-abiding behaviour from all drivers. Remember when you park off campus, you still represent our school with your driving/parking decisions. Thank you!

NUT SAFETY

REMINDER: Several of our community members in the preschool, elementary classes have a serious nut allergy so for everyone’s safety, ALL nuts and products with nut ingredients must be kept at home. Please keep this in mind as you plan your child’s lunches and snacks.

SHUTTLE BUS SIGN UP

As you may or may not be aware, as a school we offer our regular school buses to be used as a “shuttle bus” between our campuses. This service is free, however your child MUST be signed up to use this service. Each family will need to sign up each child, as your child will be assigned a seat on a specific bus to use throughout the year. Sign up for the shuttle >>

SEAMLESS DAY CHILDCARE

Our before-and after-school care program, Seamless Day Childcare, still has a few spots available and is excited to welcome kindergarten to grade 4 students to the program this fall. If you are interested in what the program has to offer or have questions, please contact Denise Konynenbelt or Jessica Schuurman.

SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST

Download a copy of the elementary school supply list. 

CHAPEL

Parents are always welcome to join us for chapel this year. Our first day chapel is on Tuesday, September 2 at 9:45 am.

WELCOME NEW STAFF

We welcome these new staff to ACS Elementary:

  • Mikiah Binnendyk: Seamless Day teacher
  • Laura de Weerdt: Grade 2 teacher
  • Kieren Lamboo: Kindergarten teacher
  • Alexandra Naayer: Grade 4 teacher
  • Ashlie Veenendaal: Kindergarten teacher

We also have several new educational assistants:

  • Keira Choi
  • Kathy Corbin
  • Heather Friesen
  • Ethan Larsen
  • Kathleen McLeod
  • Anna Schulz

UPCOMING EVENTS

Early Dismissal, Friday September 5: All students will be dismissed at 12:00 pm.
Welcome to School BBQ: Please join us in celebrating the start of a new school year as a community on Friday, September 5 at the middle/secondary campus. Bring the family and enjoy the evening as we celebrate God’s faithfulness. The event is from 4:00-7:00 pm. More details will be shared in the e-Messenger.

Meet, Greet, and Enjoy A Treat: Elementary students and parents – welcome to a new year! On Thursday, September 11, 5:30-7:00 pm join us at the elementary campus to connect with your classroom teachers, elementary staff, and fellow ACS families. Stop by the classroom first to meet and greet your teachers, then head outside to the playground to enjoy a treat and play on the playground. Weather permitting.

Individual Photo Day: Tuesday, September 16 for all students except KA and any student who missed school on Tuesday. Those photos will be taken on Wednesday, September 17. 

KARIN RIEMER
Elementary Principal