Welcome Back Godson Grizzlies

August 31^st, 2026

It is almost time to welcome students back to Godson! We hope the summer gave your family opportunities to relax, spend time together, and enjoy a change of pace.

The beginning of a school year is always an exciting time. Classrooms are being prepared, plans are taking shape, and our staff are looking forward to reconnecting with returning students and meeting those who are new to our school community. We cannot wait to welcome everyone on September 8^th.

Below, you will find important information to help make the start of the year as smooth as possible

September 8^th and Class Composition

The first day of school is September 8^th. Please note, this is a half day (8:35-11:35). To help Godson staff safely, warmly, and effectively greet your child, take attendance, and dismiss we ask that you are timely in dropping your child off as well as picking them up. While this is a school year expectation, there is much anxiety from students during the first day—as such, you can help lower their anxiety levels by providing ample time to arrive at school during the book ends of the day. 

As per past practice, students will not yet know who their teacher is until after the first week. As you can imagine there are several moving parts that must come together prior to creating classes. Therefore, we ask for your patience throughout the first week while we ensure that every child registered has a seat and that our due diligence has gone into creating equitable and inclusive learning environments. 

Additionally, please walk your child to the designated posted signs that align with their grade level. For example, if your child is in grade 1, please walk your child to the grade 1 group (find the sign posted outside the building) and wait with them until the teachers collect the students. If you have a child in the intermediate classes and another in the primary, please escort your child to the primary sign and wait with them. 

All staff will be present outside on the first day of school to help guide parents and students to their designated areas.

Meet the Teacher Evening—September 23^rd @ 5:30-6:30 

Please join us for our Meet the Teacher Evening on September 23 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit your child’s classroom, meet their teacher, and learn more about the year ahead. Families are also invited to connect with staff and other members of our school community while enjoying a hot dog roast in the courtyard. Hot dogs will be available by donation. We look forward to welcoming you and spending the evening together!

Field Trips

To support student safety and help field trips run smoothly, permission forms and payment must be submitted by the deadline provided. The school office will no longer accept forms or money on the day of a field trip. Last-minute submissions have created organizational challenges in the past and can make it difficult to confirm final attendance and student information. We appreciate families returning all required items on time so staff can prepare carefully and ensure every student is accounted for.

Parking

To provide safe and orderly pick-up and drop-off each day, please help us by adhering to the following reminders when driving to and from Godson elementary:

Parking in our fire lane is NOT an option.  The fire lane in on the East side of the school near the small gym.  

Staff Parking Lot:  NO Parking at any time – no excuses.  We have more staff members than we do parking spots, which means some staff have to double park in designated areas.  

Bus Lane:  Please do not park in the bus zone 

Drive Through Lane:  Please do NOT stop or park in the middle of the lane or on the left side of the lane.  Let’s be respectful to the people behind you.  

Handicap Parking:  In order to park in these spaces, the vehicles must have a visible handicap decal.

Parking in our Additional Parent Parking Lot:  Please do not park along the fence.  It makes it difficult for cars to back up from their stalls.

Brundige Avenue: Please park as per the city signs and remember not to block any driveways.

Stevenson Street: The school district widened the cul-de-sac in order to fit more cars.  Please do not block any driveways.  

Neighbouring Streets:  Please note that we have been given permission from the city of Abbotsford to park on the neighboring streets where city signs are posted “Residents only”.  The permission is during PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF TIMES ONLY. 

Please be prompt in picking up your child. We do not have supervision past 2:35pm. Additionally, please do not drop your child off prior to 8:20am as we do not have supervision prior to this time.

Bell Schedule

8:30: Welcome Bell

8:35: Instruction begins (soft start)

10:20: Nutritional break

10:35: Instruction resumes

12:20: Lunch

1:00: Instruction resumes

2:24: Dismissal

Attendance

A reminder to let the office know if your child will be absent or late. You may do this via phone call to the office, the safe arrivals app (safearrivals), and/or email. Thank you!

Closed campus

A reminder that Godson elementary is a closed campus. No unauthorized individuals should be on school grounds during the operational time of the school.

Office appointments

Please be mindful that the office is quite busy. Should you need to discuss your child’s education, start with their classroom teacher. If you have further questions or concerns after meeting with them, please set up a meeting time via email with administration (Dr. Baruta or Mrs. Neger).

Newsletters

A reminder that Godson elementary office will not be distributing newsletters throughout the year. We ask that you visit our website for additional information:

Godson elementary school

Kindergarten

A reminder that kindergarten has a gradual entry process each year. A letter was sent home in July outlining interview times, gradual entry blocks, and the schedule. First full day of kindergarten is Monday, September 21^st.

Finally, as we head into the long weekend, I wish you all the best! Stay safe and enjoy the remainder of the break! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Tyler Baruta

Principal

Godson Elementary