Inferno News - August 2024

August 2024

Principal's Report

Hello Greystone families,

I would like to introduce myself as I am the incoming principal for Greystone Centennial Middle School. I have spent the past 10 years in Parkland School Division as a teacher, high school department head, and assistant principal. My latest role was assistant principal of Woodhaven Middle School. As a classroom teacher, I taught high school chemistry and mathematics. 

Starting my first year as Principal of Greystone Centennial Middle School, I am thrilled to start the new school year with our students and staff! I hope that all our families and staff had a fantastic summer break.

Our office is now open, but the teaching staff do not officially return until next week. We are so excited to welcome Greystone students back to school next Wednesday, and I personally look forward to connecting and establishing relationships with the Inferno School Community!

In the remainder of this welcome back newsletter, you will find key details for the start of the 2024-2025 school year for both returning and new families. Most of the information is also found on our school website. Going forward, please check our website for our 

Inferno News, which is updated every 1-2 weeks, rather than a monthly newsletter.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school office at greystone@psd.ca or 780-962-0357.

Sincerely,

Scott Jaspers-Fayer

First Day Details

We are so excited to welcome Greystone students back at school. Our PowerSchool software has just rolled over to the 2024-2025 school year, and our office staff is now busy working on the back end to place students for this school year. Your child's teacher will be posted on PowerSchool parent portal on Monday, August 26 at noon. They will reach out to you via email before the first day of school about specific first day details. 

On the first day, Wednesday, August 28, student's can use their designated entrance doors to enter the school. Doors will open at 8:50 AM. If you are unsure of which door to use, or if you are unsure who your child's teacher is, please enter through the front doors and staff will be able to assist you.

Helpful Website Links

• Office Opening Details
• 2024-2025 Staff List
• Weekly Announcements (for students)
• Student Code of Conduct
• Inferno News - Updated every 1-2 weeks (for families)
• Parkland School Division 2024-2025 calendar
• Greystone Calendar of Events
• School Map
• School fees and school supply lists
• School Supplies from Write-On-Stationery

August/September Important Dates

August 20 Office Opens

August 28     First day of instruction/school

September 2 Labor Day (Holiday, - No School)

September 4 Welcome Pancake Breakfast

September 5 Greystone Open House/Meet the Teacher (6:00-7:00 pm)

September 9 Picture Day

September 10/11 Language/Fine Arts & CTF Term 1 Begins

September 12-14 Sr. Volleyball Tournament

September 13 Terry Fox Run (11:45-12:45) - tentative

September 20 PD Day (No School)

September 25 School Council and FOGs meeting          (6:30 - 7:30 pm)

September 27 GCMS Observes National Day of TRC        (Orange Shirt Day)

September 30 Truth and Reconciliation Day (No School)

Important 2024-2025 School Changes

Regardless if you are a new or returning family to Greystone this year, there are a few important changes that you should be aware of. 

Mobile Devices: During June of last school year, after feedback and working with school stakeholders, Greystone implemented a no-cell phone policy during the school day, which includes recess and eating times. Students are required to keep their cell-phones in their lockers. Student's will be given a 2-3 minute window to check their devices at the beginning of each break.

The Alberta Government, shortly after Greystone's policy implementation, announced that mobile devices and social media are also to be restricted starting in the 2024-2025 school year. You can read the full ministerial order here. Here are the general restrictions:

A school authority is required to limit the use of personal mobile devices and restrict access to social media as follows:

1. Children and students may not use personal mobile devices during instructional time.
2. Children and students may not access social media on school networks or on school devices.

Please note that students that require their device for health/medical circumstances will be able to use their device for these reasons.

Your child is always reachable through the office. Please call 780-962-0357.

As this ministerial order is new, further changes to school codes of conduct or divisional administrative procedures will be communicated as needed.