The Good News
Saint John XXIII September 20, 2020
Leadership Message
Hope
For the last three years in Kindergarten, Mrs. Ekdahl asks the parents to share their hopes and dreams for their child. She then takes these important messages and places them in a creative way in her classroom. This year the messages float above the kinders on a mobile and act as a symbol of the love and hope that surrounds these littles from their parents.
I always look forward to spending some time reading the messages and I often smile with delight, at the individual dreams and the collective hope of parents for their children. The messages represent the shared partnership that parents and school staff have in embracing and inviting the gifts each child brings and celebrating their unique journeys that lie ahead of them. The most profound aspect for me is the hope, especially this year.
As we navigate our school year and our lives in the middle of a global pandemic, it can be difficult to see the hope and to dream...but when we take a step back, look up and see the mobile hanging above those children's heads, we remember. We remember where we come from, where our children come from- the inherent love of God. We remember the reason for our hope comes from the knowing that we are never alone, that God is with us-in all we do, all that we are and all that we face. We remember that together, as a community, we will use all the gifts and strengths bestowed upon us from God to love one another and to do all we can to provide a place and space for our children where they can grow and learn and be all they are meant to be.
Thank you parents for sharing your hopes and dreams with us for your children. Together with you, we embrace the journey of this year full of hope and joy!
Blessings,
Mrs. Bonnie-Lynne Boehm
Meet our Team SJXXIII-Each week we will highlight a few staff members so you can get to know our crew!
Mrs. May-Lee Buban-Librarian
Mrs. Buban is so pleased to be returning to the SJXXIII Library Learning Commons where she has spent many happy years sharing stories with kids.
Some things that bring Mrs. Buban joy are: children and books, time spent outside, sunsets at the lake, and her family.
Mrs. Melanie Doderai-Early Learning Music
Something that brings Mrs. Doderai joy are quality time with her family and playing music with others.
*photo below from @Danialasadiphotography
Ms. Astalosch made a tutorial video: How to use the AHS Screening tool for your child daily
Lunchbox Placemats-We need your help with cleanliness
As we work through the enhanced cleaning protocols of our Re-Entry plan and are working hard to keep our classrooms as clean as possible, the area where each child eats can get quite sticky and messy. As you can imagine, we are working very hard to keep areas as clean as possible so our custodial time can be targeted to enhanced sanitization and our teachers' time can be targeted to increased COVID-19 protocols and learning.
Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated.
Late Arrivals: What to do? Please ensure your child gets into school safely
COVID-19 Re-Entry Parent Questions? Will I ever be able to volunteer this year?
We are giving ourselves the space and grace for September to truly see how things are and what needs enhancing and/or adjusting. As we become familiar and comfortable with our protocols as a school community, we can then look at important aspects such as; parent volunteers, hot lunch, apple program, etc.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
First bell rings at 8:45 am and dismissal is 3:23 pm. Morning supervision begins at 8:30 am. Please do not drop off students earlier than 8:30 pm
Tutorial video from Mrs. Potter on how to using our School Messenger App for reporting absences
IMPORTANT: *Please update Student Medical Info in your PowerSchool Account*
https://powerschool.eics.ab.ca/public
Please do not use the Powerschool App. Use the powerschool website in the link above.
Data Verification Forms:
In the SchoolEngage, Student Forms section, please complete the Data Verification forms so we have current contact information for your child. We are required by Alberta Education to update this yearly. All new registrants will be required to update this form as well.
Medical Forms:
If your child has a medical alert that we should be aware of, we will require a new medical form that is available in your powerschool account. If you child requires use of an epi-pen, please make sure this is filled out asap. We like to keep a student's epi-pen on hand at the office in case of emergency. We understand with the shortage right now this may not be possible. At the very least, we need to know where a student is keeping their epi-pen. If you have questions, please contact the office.
If you require assistance, please contact Mrs. Potter 780-998-7777 or via email stj@eics.ab.ca
Mark your calendars: Picture Day-October 2
Our apologies for any confusion that occurred; Picture Day was originally booked for Sept. 18th and it was changed to give us some more time to adjust for re-entry. LifeTouch automatically generated an email based on last year's booking date to parents that subscribed to Lifetouch communication.
Thank you parents for your AMAZING cooperation with the safe use of the path and parking lot! Best ever!
Calling any carpenters...would you like to donate some items for our Outdoor Classroom?
We are in need of a few more tree stumps (see pictures below) and would love for some handy carpenter to build us a few large wooden chairs like the one below. The one in the picture is broken but the kids love to play in and on it. If there is anyone who is able and willing to donate their time, talent, and materials, we would be so grateful.
Please contact Mrs. Boehm 780-998-7777.
Looking ahead: September
September 25: Grade 4 Bible Presentation
September 30: Orange Shirt DayOctober 2: Picture Day
October 7: Early Out Dismissal 2:23 pm Spirit Day: School Colours (blue and yellow) or STJXXIII Clothing
October 9: No school for students-PD day
October 12: No school-Happy Thanksgiving
Our Terry Fox-Covid-Style Run was a success! We continue to find ways to celebrate important events and traditions at STJXXIII!
Growing Brains & Sharing Smiles! It's a Great Day to be a Saint John Kid!
OLA Parish News
Our Lady of the Angels Roman Catholic Parish
Website: www.olafortsask.caedm.ca
PASTOR:
Rev. Kristopher Schmidt
Cell phone: 780-995-3930
Email: kris.schmidt@caedm.ca
Link to Fr. Kris homily: https://soundcloud.com/frkrisschmidt
https://www.youtube.com/grandinmedia
ASSOCIATE PASTOR:
Rev. Danial Dsouza
Cell phone: 780-710-3128
Email: danial.dsouzasac@caedm.ca
Saint John XXIII School Council News
Thank-you to all parents for your commitment to our SJ school community! Did you know that as a parent of our school community, you are automatically a member of the School Council? We look forward to connecting with and hearing your voice this year. Would you like to be a class representative? Please let your child's teacher know. Interested in becoming a Parent School Council Executive member? Contact Mrs. Bonnie-Lynne Boehm bonnie-lynneb@eics.ab.ca
Meetings this year will be held via Google Meet.
Saint John XXIII Catholic School
Email: stj@eics.ab.ca
Website: https://stj.eics.ab.ca/
Location: 9526 89 Street, Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-998-7777
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/St.JohnXXIII
Twitter: @St_JohnXXIII