Online Learning Pathway Newsletter
December 10, 2021 - January 3, 2022
Principal's Message
Dear Online Learning Pathway families,
It's hard to believe that we only have 1 week left until Christmas vacation (for GSACRD staff and students)! This season always gives us time to reflect on our year and the many things that we have to be grateful for. It's a "count your blessings" time of year! I know I feel very blessed to have joined the Online Learning Pathway family. It's such a great school with amazing staff, students and families. I love knowing that I get to spend my days with this wonderful community.
Reflecting on our year, we have raised money for the Terry Fox foundation, we supported the Lac St. Anne Catholic Parish and the Indigenous communities that it serves with our food drive. We are currently supporting Chalice, a Catholic organization that supports families and communities in need internationally. We've done a lot to support our faith theme of, "Arise! Get going, go with God!". Through our actions we can serve those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
I want to wish you all the happiest of Christmas seasons and I pray that you all stay healthy throughout the entire holiday. I look forward to seeing you all on January 3, 2022!
Many Blessings to you all,
Renee Trottier,
principal
Calendar Events
December 13 - Christmas Activity - Shine Bright like a light
December 14 - Christmas Activity - Christmas Vacation clothing
December 15 - Christmas Activity - Santa's Ho-Ho-Hoedown
December 16 - Christmas Activity - Mad about Plaid
December 17:
- Christmas Activity - Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Activity afternoon
- Last day of school for GSACRD students
December 23 - Last day of school for Evergreen students
January 3 - First day of school for GSACRD students
January 10 - First day of school for Evergreen students
January 14 - Early dismissal at 12:00 for GSACRD students and it's National Wear a Hat day
January 31 - No School for Evergreen and GSACRD students
Survey for EVERGREEN Parents ONLY regarding Christmas Vacation
Evergreen parents, please fill out this form to indicate your intention for your child's attendance for Christmas vacation. It's only 2 short questions!
Let's have some fun for the last week before Christmas Vacation!
Advent Service Project
During Advent, our Online Learning Pathway will ARISE to help families in need through Chalice, a Catholic International Aid organization. We encourage families to view the Chalice catalogue and purchase items that will support families in need this holiday season. Click on the link below to view the catalogue.
We also ask that you fill out this form once you've donated so that we can keep track of donations for our class and individual prizes. The class that donates the most will win a movie afternoon in January. The individual student who donates the most will win a $20.00 Chapters gift card mailed to his/her house.
Catholic Corner
ARISE! Get Up, Get Going and Go with God!
"Arise! I have appointed you as a witness
of what you have seen!"(Acts 26:16)
Our GSACRD Faith theme is in its second year of, "Arise! Get Up, Get Going and Go with God!"
This year, we are focusing on the "Get Going!" part of our theme. How do students, staff and parents know, model and witness Jesus Christ?
Season of Advent and Christmas
Advent began on November 28 and goes until December 24. After that, we enter into the Christmas season (or Christmastide) until January 9, which is the feast of the baptism of the Lord. The 12 days of Christmas actually falls after December 24, not before (as big box stores would have us believe).
The Advent season is a waiting period - a period of preparation and excitement as we await the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. After Advent, we are finally done waiting and we start our celebrations of the birth of the Lord. We're so excited about Jesus Christ coming into our lives, that we actually circle around again to Christmas 40 days later on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. At the time that Mary and Joseph were living, the law required that they bring their first born son (Jesus) to the Temple to be dedicated. This is known as Candlemas. Back in the day, people used to light candles and walk to the Temple in a procession, hence the name.
So, even though the stores are putting Christmas decorations on sale and loading up the shelves with Valentine's Day displays, we are actually still celebrating the birth of Jesus for a really long time! It's a massive month long birthday party for the King!
Mental Health and Wellness
What can we do when someone we knows feel anxious? If someone is having a hard time, we naturally want to help fix things for them or problem solve. Sometimes, this is not the best thing for that person. They may be looking for safety, calmness, quiet, connection, or more. Next time someone you know is feeling anxious, listen first and then try saying these phrases (see picture below) instead of looking to fix their problem.
Anxious thoughts and feelings can make you feel like you're in real danger. Having the courage to work through those thoughts and feelings is the first step. You can be afraid (or anxious) and still have the courage to do it anyways.
Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868
AHS Mental Health Helpline - 1-877-303-2642
Follow GSACRD Voice on Instagram for more mental health information and resources.
Counselling Services
Marks on PowerSchool
Please continue to check your child's marks on PowerSchool. You can set it up to send you an automatic email once per week, or every time a mark is entered which helps us parents remember to check our children's marks!
If you are unable to see your child's marks in PowerSchool, please email Renee Trottier.
Attendance
- For Evergreen students - please contact Brandy Livingstone at blivingstone@ecsrd.ca
- For GSACRD students: please contact Val Franklin (vfranklin@gsacrd.ab.ca) and she will enter them into the system.
Please note - your child will be entered with an unexcused absence if we have not been informed that they will be absent.
Digital Citizenship
Did you change your contact information?
Online Learning Pathway School
Email: rtrottier@gsacrd.ab.ca
Website: https://onlinelearningpathway.schoolsites.ca/
Location: 6 St Vital Ave, St. Albert, AB, Canada