St. Mary's Catholic School
School Newsletter : April 5, 2024
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES THIS WEEK!
Parent-Teacher Conferences can be booked through the SCHOOL INTERVIEWS Website. Simply use the QR Code below OR click on the website above and use the event code: ejsab in order to book a timeslot with the teacher(s) that you would like to meet with during the following times:
- Tuesday, April 9. from 3:30-7:30
- Wednesday, April 10, from 3:30-5:30
All interviews will be IN-PERSON. We are looking forward to connecting with our families of STMY! Report Card comments and assessments are on PowerSchool and they should be visible. Our teachers look forward to meeting with you and your child.
Yours in Christ,
St. Mary’s Staff
We're Preparing for the Partial Solar Eclipse
Elk Island Catholic Schools is preparing for a partial solar eclipse that will occur during the lunch hour on Monday, April 8. It will occur between approximately from 11:40 AM and 1:40 PM, depending on individual schools.
While it is never safe to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, there is an increased likelihood of people looking at the sun in an attempt to view the partial solar eclipse. As a result, we are adjusting schedules to prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff.
Lunch, Recess, and Outdoor Activities
Students will be kept indoors for the duration of the partial solar eclipse, including recess. Families of students who go home for lunch are encouraged to have their child bring a lunch and remain at school on Monday.
School Field Trips
Previously scheduled school and academy field trips will proceed as scheduled, except for activities where students will be outdoors for extended periods of time during the partial solar eclipse. Students will be reminded about the dangers of looking directly at the sun without proper protection.
PUF bussing Strahcona County
EIPS will not be running the noon time busing service for our PUF or their PALS program on Monday due to safety concerns surrounding the eclipse. EIPS will be sending out messaging to all families and administration that are affected.
To learn more about solar eclipses, visit the following websites:
- Canadian Space Agency: How to safely watch a solar eclipse
- Next eclipses visible from Canada
- TELUS World of Science: partial solar eclipse
The health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. If you have any further questions, please contact your school directly.
Happy April, MHCB is in full gear planning for summer. We will open up oursummer registration in May so stay tuned to our social media. We have lots of cool new summer programs we are planning. MHCB is also part of the Vegreville Cares Coalition and in April they are hosting a community training about “Anti- Oppression,” which is free to all adult community members to register in.
St Mary’s:
In March, the Grade 9 class completed the Building Mental Wellness program. The Grade 7s completed the Second Step program before spring break and will begin Building Mental Wellness. The Grade 8 classes are still working through Second Step and learning how to manage stress and anxiety. We have been doing various mindfulness activities during Flex Day. We have also started a Lego Social Skills group, working on skills such as communication and teamwork.
Minister’s Youth Council Recruitment
Dear Parents,
As Alberta's Minister of Education, I have been inspired by the enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and passion for education exhibited by 2023/24 Minister's Youth Council members. These 39 young people, chosen from applicants from across the province, are exemplary young leaders and passionate advocates. They are invested in and want to make meaningful changes in the education system for themselves and their fellow students.
I am pleased to announce that recruitment for the 2024/25 Minister’s Youth Council will officially begin on March 25, 2024. We are seeking approximately 40 junior and senior high school students from across Alberta, between the ages of 14 and 19, representing diverse interests, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives, to join next year’s council.
Council members will learn about topics related to government and the inner workings of Alberta’s education system. They will have an opportunity to speak directly with me and senior leaders in my ministry and provide their thoughts and ideas on how to strengthen education for all Alberta students.
Of the 40 council members, we will accept up to eight returning members and at least 32 new members. Participation on the council will provide students the opportunity to make a tangible impact on Alberta’s education system, strengthen their leadership skills, and leave a legacy for future generations.
The deadline for submitting student applications is April 30, 2024. For more information, please visit alberta.ca/student-engagement.aspx.
If you have questions, please contact Holly Strang, Engagement Consultant, Strategic Engagement Branch, at edc.studentengagement@gov.ab.ca or 587-385-7043 (toll free by first dialing 310‑0000).
I look forward to working with Alberta’s students to continue strengthening our education system.
Best,
Demetrios Nicolaides ECA PhD
Minister of Education
Inclusion Alberta Family Conference
Inclusion Alberta Family Conference Registration is now open for the 2024 Family Conference, happening April 12-13 at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton, AB!
Discounted Early Bird tickets are available until February 29th.
This year's Conference features two full-day workshops on Friday: Toby Karten’s ‘Designing instruction in inclusive classrooms from K-12‘ and Doug Crandell‘s ‘Customized employment using evidence–based practices‘ and a variety of morning and afternoon sessions to choose from on Saturday.
Spring Initiation Camp a Success!
St. Martins Spring camp was a great opportunity for our Junior and Senior High athletes and coaches to help lend a hand and inspire young athletes. We are so proud of them for being involved in such a great program. A huge shout out to Neila N. and Ms. Stuart for helping organize the entire camp.
Mark Your Calendar
- Apr. 5: Semester 2 Midterm Report Cards Available
- Apr 9-10: Parent Teacher Interviews
- Apr. 13: Jr. High Badminton in Fultonvale
- Apr. 16: Sr. High Badminton Districts (Singles)
- Apr. 17: Sr. High Badminton Districts (Doubles)
- Apr. 20: Sr. High Badminton - Vermillion, Jr. High Badminton - Fultonvale
- Apr. 23: Jr. High Badminton - EIAA
- Apr. 24: Sr. High Badminton Zones - Fort Mac
Registration is Open! Marked by God Catholic Leadership Conference
Registration is now open for the Marked by God, Formed in Faith Catholic leadership conference. The conference is on September 19-20, 2024. Registration will close on June 30, 2024.
To register, please click the direct hyperlink to the registration webpage here. The registration webpage also contains a conference description, a conference schedule, session descriptions and speakers, and hotel booking information. Thanks to the ERLC for hosting our registration process!