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The Alberta government is updating its laws on tobacco and vaping, and they want to hear from you! You can help make these laws stronger to keep young people safe.

What is YouthDecide2026? YouthDecide2026 is a quick online vote for Alberta students in Grades 8 to 12 (ages 13 to 18). It gives you a chance to share your thoughts on vaping and smoking rules.

• When:  Voting occurs on December 1-4 (new dates!)

• How long it takes: About two minutes

• Where to vote: Online using a phone, tablet, or computer

• Why it matters: The results will be sent directly to the government so decision-makers know what students think.

Why Is This Important? Vaping is a big health issue in Alberta schools. In 2024, around 30,000 students in grades 7 through 12 reported vaping in the past month. Many companies use sweet flavors, bright colors, hidden designs, and social media ads to target young people. Because schools are heavily affected, students need to speak up and push the government to take stronger action.

Students are welcome to vote as they feel comfortable, the choice is yours.

https://www.youthdecide2026.ca/

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September 30th – Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Why Do We Wear an Orange Shirt?

Phyllis (Jack) Webstad had her bright orange shirt taken from her by teachers on the first day at St. Joseph Mission Residential School. The orange colour reminds Phyllis of feelings of worthlessness, to this day, it is a symbol of recognition of the abuses suffered in residential schools and the harm they did to children’s self-esteem and well being.

Phyliss speaks to her story in this video: https://youtu.be/c3q7byZhbaI?si=ZSh3cyB2Rjvio0MY

If you would like to learn more, please follow the link below:
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

How Can We Help?
In addition to wearing your orange shirt, the Government of Alberta website suggests people can:
A) organize an online or in-person event following public health guidelines
B) read about the legacy of residential schools
C) read the summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
D) find and watch films online about people’s experiences at residential schools
E) learn about Indigenous cultures.

Need an orange shirt? Please consider purchasing one from an Orange Shirt Society partner or Indigenous Marketing Solutions

NCTR Daily Youth Webinars & Lunch & Learns (Grades 7–12 / Ages 12–17)

Reflection and Education (Smoky Lake):

Visit Métis Crossing for reflection and programs honoring residential school Survivors on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

Edmonton Events

Legislature Public Observance: Gather at the Kihciy Maskikiy / Aakaakmotaani Reconciliation Garden (southeast lawn of the Alberta Legislature grounds) for teachings and reflections from Elders.

Date & Time: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Cost: Free.

Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk: Take part in the 6th Annual event organized by Indigenous Runner to build community and show support.

Date & Time: Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Venue: Kinsmen Park (9100 Walterdale Hill NW).

Honouring the Walk of Healing: Attend a community event hosted by the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society featuring a breakfast, smudge and prayer, keynote speakers, and storytelling breakout sessions.

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.

Venue: Bent Arrow’s Gymnasium (11648 85 Street).

Cost: Free.

Indigenous Peoples Experience: Visit Fort Edmonton Park to explore the truths of Indigenous life before and after Canada became a country.

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Cost: Reduced ticket admission ($5 for ages 12 and up).

Calgary Events

Pokaiks ‘The Children’ Commemorative Walk & Gathering: Join the annual reconciliation walk and community gathering hosted by the Pokaiks Reconciliation Society.

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

Venue: Eau Claire Park (South end of the Peace Bridge, 701 11 St. S.W.)

Cost: Free.

Every Child Matters Pow Wow: Take part in the 6th annual indoor festival focused on education and reconciliation.

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, starting at 11:30 AM.

Venue: Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre (4812 14 Avenue SE).

Jeremy Dutcher Concert: Attend a powerful live musical performance by JUNO Award-winning Indigenous tenor and composer Jeremy Dutcher.

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

Venue: Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre (850 4 Street SE).

Fort McMurray Events

Annual Community Gathering and Walk: Join community members, local organizations, and the Athabasca Tribal Council for an official walk. The event opens with a prayer and remarks, followed by a communal walk to honor survivors and remember the children who never returned home.

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM.

Venue: Starts at Jubilee Plaza (9909 Franklin Ave) and finishes at SMS Equipment Place on MacDonald Island for light refreshments.

Cost: Free.

Wear Orange Initiative: The local community and groups like the Mikisew Group encourage everyone to wear orange on September 30 to show visible support and spark meaningful conversations about reconciliation. https://mikisewgroup.com/events/orange-shirt-day-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-2026/

Lethbridge Events

Orange Shirt Day Walk: Join the 4th annual community walk to show support and solidarity.

Date & Time: Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Venue: Meets in the main branch parking lot of the Lethbridge Public Library and walks to Galt Gardens and back.

Cost: Free.

Community Jingle Dress Project: Participate in a hands-on, collaborative art piece honoring the spirit of Orange Shirt Day. Local Indigenous artist and designer Serene Weasletraveler will guide the project to ensure it is culturally meaningful.

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Venue: Outdoor event at Casa and Rotary Square.

Cost: Free.

University of Lethbridge (Iniskim) Events: The campus is hosting dedicated Truth and Reconciliation Days featuring learning activities open to the public.

Date: September 28 to September 30, 2026.

Venue: University of Lethbridge Campus

Red Deer Events

Red Deer Polytechnic Campus Gatherings: Participate in campus events open to the community to reflect on the legacy of residential schools.

Date & Time: Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Flag Raising: 9:00 AM at the main campus flagpoles.

Presentations: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Arts Centre Mainstage.

Lunch: Soup and bannock from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in the Arts Centre Foyer.

Venue: Red Deer Polytechnic.

Red Deer Native Friendship Society Gathering: Join community leaders, Elders, and families for a day of sharing, learning, and mutual support.

Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Venue: Hosted by the Red Deer Native Friendship Society.

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Find a run near you – Terry Fox Run

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Staff Preparation Days: Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28

Faculty and staff are currently preparing for the upcoming academic year. Replies to phone messages and email inquiries may be delayed. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

First Student Day: Monday, August 31

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On behalf of the Vista Virtual School community, we extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.

As our flag flies at half-mast over the August long weekend, we stand alongside our community in remembering Parker and holding everyone impacted by this tragedy in our thoughts.

The post In Memory of Parker appeared first on Vista Virtual School.

1. Log in to your existing SchoolEngage parent account.
2. Find and select this registration form: VVS 26-27 RETURNING Elementary and Junior High Student Registration Form (Grades 1-9)
3. Complete the registration form to secure your student’s spot.

We are excited to continue supporting your student’s learning journey!

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Pembina Hills School Division is hosting a Career Fair that is open to the public!

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We are excited to introduce Vivi, our new chatbot on the VVS website! 

Vivi is here to help families and students find information quickly and get answers to common questions, especially during our busy periods. Please note that Vivi is designed specifically to answer questions about our school, programs and process. It will not be able to respond to general or unrelated questions. 

Vivi is still learning, so we encourage students and families to give it a try and help it get smarter. The more questions about VVS that Vivi receives, the better it becomes at helping everyone navigate the website and find what they need faster. 

Since this is a new tool, a little polishing may still be needed. If you notice anything that could be improved, please let us know how it is working!

As a reminder, questions submitted through Vivi may be reviewed by school support staff, and all use should follow our Technology Acceptable Use Policy (AP 80-05) on the Pembina Hills School Division website. Please make sure your messages are appropriate and respectful. 

We hope Vivi will make it easier for families to access information and get the answers they need, right when they need them. Give it a try next time you visit the home page of our website!

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How to stay safe from measles: The best way to keep yourself and your family safe is the measles vaccine. The measles vaccine works very well, is safe and free of charge.

What is Measles? Measles is a very contagious illness. It spreads through the air when someone with measles breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. Measles can make people very sick and, in some cases, it can be deadly.

If you or your children have not had the measles vaccine, or if you are not sure about what vaccines you have had, please call Health Link at 811 or your local health unit.

Signs of Measles:

• A fever of 38.3° C or higher
• Cough, runny nose, red eyes, white spots inside your mouth
• A rash that appears 3 to 7 days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs. The rash can be very red, brownish-red or purple depending on your skin colour.

If you have any questions, please call Health Link at 811. For the full AHS message to various communities, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/public-health-advisories

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