District Update
December 1, 2023
Dear Parents/Guardians,
In today's world, teachers are faced with many challenges such as increased student complexities, new curriculum implementation and changing technologies. As a result of these increased demands and stresses, we are seeing a greater number of teachers going on leave or leaving the profession altogether. The problem is finding time to professionally develop teachers so that they can learn effective teaching practices, while also finding time for students and their wellness. Students are also living in a complex world with many pressures and stresses. When it comes to wellness, we are seeing an increase in students reporting that they have difficulties sleeping.
đź“Ł Share Your Feedback
To address this challenge, we will be moving forward with a Late Entry Pilot for the 2024-2025 school year. In implementing this change, we are engaging with stakeholders through a ThoughtExchange and are asking: What should the district consider as it moves forward with the Late Entry Pilot for the 2024-2025 school year?
Your feedback matters. Please click here for more information and to participate in the ThoughtExchange. The engagement closes December 11, 2023.
December Important Dates 🗓️
- December 1–11 Late Entry Pilot ThoughtExchange
- December 3 First Sunday of Advent; International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- December 5 Hear the Angels Sing at 7 p.m.
- December 12 Mission Mexico Day
- December 20 Last day of classes before Christmas Break
- December 21 Professional Growth Day (no classes, K–12)
Did You Know? đź’ˇ
This December, we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the nativity scene first created by St. Francis in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. Taking place in a cave, the celebration allowed participants to “contemplate the realness of the Incarnation, namely, the simplicity, poverty and humility of the Son of God “who gave himself for us with supreme and indescribable love.” (File photo from 2019 / Vatican Media)
We are sharing the following information on behalf of Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre:
Christmas at The Mount
"St. Francis of Assisi began the popular tradition of re-enacting the Christmas story in Greccio, Italy. Mount St. Francis Centre has held the Greccio Christmas pageant since 2006. We are excited to welcome you back for this in-person outdoor pageant. Please dress for the weather. There will be sleigh rides (weather permitting), hot chocolate and snacks. We will be accepting non-perishable food and cash donations for the Cochrane Food Bank."
- When: December 10, 2023, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- Where: 41160 Retreat Road, Cochrane (access from Highway 1A)
Prayer of the Month 🙏
An Advent Prayer
O God, in this season of expectant hope, you call us to prepare a way for your coming. Help us to hear your voice with renewed hope and give us eyes to see what is yet to be. Set our feet upon the path which leads to you and make us a holy and faith filled people. May our conduct be blameless and may the good work you have begun in us be brought to perfection as we prepare for the coming feasts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Catholic Education Prayers of the Faithful
December
†For Catholic education: That during this season of Advent we may prepare our heart, minds and lives to welcome the Baby Jesus.
†For Catholic teachers: That their witness to hope in the Lord will be manifest daily, we pray to the Lord.
†For Catholic education: That each one of our Catholic school districts will seek to build Bethlehem in our Schools and our hearts, we pray to the Lord.
†For Catholic education: That joy may be manifest in our every word, action and thought, we pray to the Lord.
Source: GrACE (Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education)
God's Word of Hope
The Holy Spirit says that God is the "author of beauty." Let's give all to Him today since He has given us all that is beautiful and wonderful.
▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel to discover and watch more videos about living a purposeful life.
AI in Education
Keynote Recap
Dr. Kirk Linton, a Teaching & Learning supervisor at CCSD, discussed the potential benefits and risks of using AI in education and the importance of building students' actual intelligence and being responsible digital citizens. Explore Common Sense Media's AI considerations and guidance for parents, or listen to Dr. Linton's conversation with Loren McGinnis from CBC Calgary's Eyeopener to learn more.
The Results Are In
Our 2022-2023 Annual Education Results Report (AERR) is now posted at cssd.ab.ca/reports. The AERR reflects feedback from district stakeholders, the district and board priorities, and provides assurance as outlined in Alberta Education’s Funding Manual for School Authorities.
We are very proud of our strong results. We are making significant gains in the areas of sacramental preparation, Provincial Achievement Test (PAT) and diploma performance, reassessment, wellness—students feeling accepted at school, Indigenous PAT and diploma performance, and graduation rates. We continue to outperform the province in most areas.
However, we are still seeing parents and guardians respond with “I don’t know” regarding program access for at-risk students. In addition, students are reporting higher levels of anxiety and sleep troubles. We want to emphasize that we have many resources available to our students from guidance counsellors to mental health professionals to diverse learning support and more. The best starting point is to first inquire with your student’s teacher or principal. We also maintain a list of community resources for further support at cssd.ab.ca/community-resources.
Hear the Angels Sing | Advent and Christmas High School Choral Festival
Join nearly 400 talented students from eight high school choirs for the first in-person performance since December 2019. Each choir will perform individually, as well as three songs en masse.
Tuesday, Dec 5, 2023, 07:00 PM
St. Michael Catholic Community (800 85 St SW, Calgary)
​You Are Called. You Matter. You Belong.
We are sharing the following information on behalf of the Diocese of Calgary:
Welcome Home: How to Make our Parishes More Inviting
"You are the parish! There are not enough programs or resources in the world that will make your church more welcoming. No mission and vision statements can ever convey the actual experience of being cared for. It takes the whole parish to welcome others home.
Join this exciting webinar with Fr. Troy Nguyen, Dr. Lance Dixon and Dr. Bonnie Annicchiarico as we explore ways to truly welcome others home this Christmas and throughout the year."
- When: December 7, 2023, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Zoom webinar. Register here or call Monica at 403-218-5521.
The Living Nativity
We are sharing the following information on behalf of St. James Parish, Okotoks:
"As we prepare for Christmas this year, St. James Parish in Okotoks invites you to come and walk through the Town of Bethlehem and meet the Holy Family in this live replica of the Christmas Nativity.
The Living Nativity will take place on December 9, 2023, in the field next to the parish parking lot. Admission is free. Donations will gratefully be accepted and given to charity. There will be warm refreshments available in the parish hall for a small fee. We hope to see you there!"
- When: December 9, 2023, from 4 to 8 p.m.
- Where: 338060 32 Street East, Okotoks
Ascension Catholic Parish Fundraiser
We are sharing the following information behalf of Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary:
"Join our 50/50 raffle where you could win big while helping us reduce our building debt. Purchase your tickets now for a chance to win 50% of the total pot and the other 50% goes directly towards the debt for our cherished building.
🎟️ How to Enter: Buy your tickets online. Each ticket offers a chance to win big and make a significant impact.
🗓️ Important Date: The raffle closes December 3, 2023.
đź’– Why Support? Your participation helps us reduce our building debt, creating a warm, welcoming space for our community to come together, grow and celebrate. Every ticket purchased brings us one step closer to our goal. Thank you for your generosity and support!"