Hello Bridlewood Parents and Guardians,

Please read on for this weeks updates and information.

Words Matter: Fostering Respect and Belonging  

At Bridlewood School, we are committed to creating a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe environment for all students and staff. We value diversity and strive to foster a strong sense of belonging for every member of our school community. Central to this commitment is the expectation that respectful language is used at all times. 

Recently, staff have observed the use of discriminatory language among students. This includes slurs and inappropriate comments related to gender and sexual orientation, race, and body image. Often, these words are used casually—sometimes brushed off as jokes or “roasts.” We are concerned that many students may not fully understand the meaning behind this language or the harm it can cause. 

This type of casual discrimination—sometimes referred to as “casual racism” or “everyday bias”—can be especially damaging when it becomes normalized. As a school, we are actively working with students to build awareness, promote empathy, and reinforce the importance of respectful communication. 

We ask for your support at home in helping students understand why this matters. Please take time to talk with your children about the power of words and the impact they can have on others. We also encourage you to monitor your child’s online activity, as harmful terms and attitudes are often picked up through gaming, social media, and other online platforms. 

By working together—at school and at home—we can help ensure that Bridlewood remains a safe, respectful, and inclusive place for everyone. 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. 

Learning Opportunities for Parents and Guardians 

The CBE Well-being team frequently shares information on presentations and workshops that are open to the public. Two such offerings that might be of interest to parents/guardians are listed here: 

Building Resiliency in Today’s Youth | Community Education Services & Recovery Alberta Live Presentation 

Date: Thursday, April 17 
Time:  11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Before High School graduation, one-third of adolescent girls will experience depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm or an eating disorder. However, there is an incredible power in caregivers who can support our youth, both young women and men, before they seek therapy. At Juno House®, we believe in the extraordinary healing power of parents, caregivers, coaches, and teachers. In our 1.5 hour workshop presentation, we will share steps and strategies from the Juno House Therapeutic Model® that will provide effective emotional coaching tools for today’s youth as they develop through adolescence and into young adulthood. 

Presenters include Andrea Halwas Larsen, PhD, CT, REACE Counselling Therapist Associate Therapist and Education Coordinator at Juno House.  

Link: Registration Link 

Navigating Social Media and Teens | Community Education Services & Recovery Alberta Live Presentation 

Understanding Social Media Use in Teens 
Date: Wednesday, April 16 
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 

The world of social media is constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up. This session will look at some of the most popular platforms among Canadian youth and how to protect privacy and keep everyone safe. We will also discuss the effects of social media use on teen mental health and how to promote healthy social media habits in a digital world. 

Presenters include: Ashley Meagher, Certified Child & Youth Care Counsellor, Success Coach & Jo Burley BCST, NPML, Success Coach, Rockyview School Division, MHCB Stepping. 

Link: Registration Link

This Week at Bridlewood 

  • Monday April 14 – Orff the Wall field trip  
  • Tuesday April 15 - Round 2 Grade 6 Vaccinations 
  • Wednesday April 16 – Ms. Jenn’s Grade 3 Field Trip 
  • Wednesday April 16 - 6:30-8:00PM - Bridlewood School Council and Society in person AGM 
  • Thursday April 17 – Fun Snack COBS
  • Friday April 18 – Good Friday (School Closed)
  • Monday April 21 - Professional Learning Day (No classes for students) 

Please continue to check our calendar for upcoming events. 

Have an amazing week ahead!

Chris, Joanne, and the team at Bridlewood School.