SILC News

Gaudete Sunday

The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today's Mass taken from Philippians 4:4,5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” Some people mark this Sunday on their Advent wreath with a pink candle instead of a purple candle. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that our salvation is near.

This week's Gospel Reading continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of John the Baptist. Last week we heard John speak about his relationship to the coming Messiah, Jesus. This week, we hear Jesus' message to John the Baptist, now in prison, about the signs of the kingdom found in Jesus' ministry and Jesus' assessment of John's role in the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of John's arrest in chapter 14:3-12. In today's Gospel, John sends word to Jesus from prison, asking if Jesus is the Messiah for whom he has been waiting. Jesus responds by pointing to the miracles that he has worked and invites John and the other hearers to make their own determination. In his next breath, however, Jesus praises John for his role in preparing the way for Jesus. Then Jesus says that all of those who work for the Kingdom of God will be as great as John and even greater.

Jesus' message to John about the signs of the kingdom being performed recalls the salvation described by the prophet Isaiah. This passage is a reminder that the beginning of salvation is already mysteriously present to us, but also yet to be fulfilled. Salvation is already in our midst as manifest in the miraculous deeds of Jesus and in the Church. But salvation is also to be fulfilled in the coming reign of God. Even as we observe our world today, we can find glimpses of God's work among us. Even more, we help to prepare the way for God's kingdom by our words and our deeds. This message is indeed a cause for rejoicing.

Prayer for the Third Sunday's Advent Wreath Lighting

On Sunday, please take a special moment as a family to light the third candle in your Advent wreath. This is a special and holy time for your family. You may use the prayer below by Saint John Paul II, or another prayer of your choosing:

An Advent Prayer
by Pope St. John Paul II

"And so, after patient waiting, he obtained the promise."
Hebrews 6:15

May the Virgin Mary help us to open the doors of our hearts to Christ, Redeemer of man and of history; may she teach us to be humble, because God looks upon the lowly; may she enable us to grow in understanding the value of prayer, of inner silence, of listening to God’s Word; may she spur us to seek God’s will deeply and sincerely, even when this upsets our plans; may she encourage us while we wait for the Lord, sharing our time and energies with those in need. Mother of God, Virgin of expectation, grant that the God-who-comes will find us ready to receive the abundance of His mercy. May Mary Most Holy, “Woman of the Eucharist” and Virgin of Advent, prepare us all to joyfully welcome Christ’s coming and to celebrate worthily His sacramental presence in the mystery of the Eucharist. Amen.

Basket of Blessings

This advent EICS is continuing to partner with Catholic Social Services to support women and children in Lurana Shelter.

Lurana is a 21 day domestic abuse emergency shelter. The women and children who stay there have nowhere else to go. Their home is unsafe. They may have left their home with only the clothes on their back. They need the staff in CSS’ Lurana shelter to help them heal.

When they arrive at Lurana CSS staff will give them a bedroom to stay in. Staff will also provide them with a Basket of Blessings purchased by the students, teachers and parents of Elk Island Catholic School Division.

With your donations staff will purchase an adult basket and/or a children’s basket(s). Each basket will be tailored to the specific needs of women and children as they enter Lurana shelter.

Our SILC Goal is $300 (3 baskets)

St. Isidore (SILC) Team link

https://www.canadahelps.org/s/naRknJ

Be on the Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee

Have your say in the world of education! SILC is seeking 3 high school (grade 10-12) students who would like to meet with our Superintendent, Mr. Paul Corrigan, to engage on a variety of issues. Meeting will begin in January!

If interested, please send an email to Mrs. Melnyk expressing your interest! Open to all SILC/Chesterton students!

Email: tracym@eics.ab.ca

SILC's 3rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest

Our St. Isidore Learning Centre (SILC) family is spread across numerous cities and towns! So we wanted to have some fun despite being far apart.

Ready for a little friendly competition? Join our 3rd Annual GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION!

TOP submission in each grade category will be recognized (Prizes to be determined!)

***PICTURES MUST BE EMAILED BY 4 PM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16TH****

JUDGING TO BE DONE BY THE SILC TEACHERS ON MONDAY DECEMBER 19TH

Category #1: Grades 1- 3

Category #2: Grades 4-6

Category #3: Grades 7- 9

Category #4: Grades 10- 12

SEND pictures to Mrs. Oikonen christyo@eics.ab.ca. Please have name and Grade in email

Check out out site for cool inspiration, recipes, and of course... the rules :)

https://sites.google.com/eics.ab.ca/silcgingerbreadhouse/home?pli=1

Young Authors' Conference - Grades 4-9 **Save the date!

Are you interested in writing? Story telling? Or love to read and write? We will be sponsoring a student from grades 4-9 to attend the Young Author's Conference (YAC) in April. We will pay for your registeration as well! If you are interested, please send an email to Mrs. Melnyk - tracym@eics.ab.ca expressing your interest. Thank you!

Conference slated for Saturday, April 15, 2023 in Sherwood Park, Alberta

SILC Junior High ENGAGEMENT DAY!!!

The SILC Junior High teachers are inviting you to the drop-in centre on December 15th! Starting at 9am, we will be offering pastries, hot chocolate, and teacher support for you to get engaged with your courses! We will also take a break for some board games before lunch. RSVP to brandon.geiger@eics.ab.ca and please remember to bring headphones if you plan to work independently.

Semester 1 Deadline Fast Approaching

Are you hoping to finish your high school course for semester one? Are you taking another course semester two? If so, these deadlines are IMPORTANT for you!

All students who are wishing to complete their course in Semester 1 so they can have the necessary prerequisite for Semester 2 MUST complete course work by January 17/23.

Again, this is ONLY for high school students who are working in Semesters.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your teachers.

Diploma Exams begin Thursday, January 12th and your Semester 1 marks are due this week!

See the calendar at the end of the newsletter and write your Diploma Exam Dates down!

Please check PowerSchool to keep tabs on your marks. Teachers will place a temporary "0%" in when your work has not been handed in and is overdue. It is so important to attend to your learning on a regular basis.

It's never too early to prepare for your Math 30 Diploma Exams in January!

Here you will find some local Math 30 Diploma Prep courses. Everything you need to know to prepare yourselves for the Diploma Exam.

Math 30-1 Online Diploma Preparation

https://mathpqjq.com/diploma-preparation-math-30-1/

Math 30-2 Online Diploma Preparation

https://mathpqjq.com/diploma-prep-math-30-2/

Elementary Classroom

Hello from Mrs.Oikonen!

Welcome to week 15 of online learning! We have an exciting week ahead of us! We have individual meets again this week- so please sign up for a spot if you haven't already.

1. On Wednesday, we will not have whole class meets but we will still have individual meets. Also on Wednesday, we will be participating in an Indigenous Art Project live streamed from SILC. We have a few students that will be joining us at the centre. This will take place between 12:30pm and 3:30pm. If you are going to be joining online, you will need to purchase the following materials for your child: tape, popsicle stick, sponge brushes, acrylic paints (assorted colours), and a canvas (11x14 is the preferred size).

2. On Thursday, we will not have whole class or individual meets as we will be attending a virtual performance from Theatre Prospero. The production is called "Enchanted Antlers" and will start at 10:00am. Please join our google meet about 5- 10 minutes before, as I will be sharing the link for the performance.

3. Please note that Friday is the deadline for our Gingerbread House Contest and your Christmas Concert submissions.

Here is what we will be doing this week!

December Calendar

Grade 1 Newsletter Grade 4 Newsletter

Grade 2 Newsletter Grade 5 Newsletter

Grade 3 Newsletter Grade 6 Newsletter