The Good News
Saint John XXIII March 7, 2021
Third Sunday of Lent
Leadership Message
A Year Ago...The Impact and Learning of COVID
We are approaching the one year anniversary of when the first lock down from COVID-19 occurred. I am certain each of you can clearly recall exactly where you were and what you were doing when the news came that schools would be closed the next day. I remember writing that first set of ‘protocols’ for the Sunday Smore and trying to wrap my head around how we were going to function as a school community in the midst of a pandemic. Since then, the journey through COVID has brought many challenges, emotions and responses for all of us.
We have learned what we can do, in the face of adversity. We have made our worlds smaller, and found ways to connect and learn, in spite of the limitations. We have accepted that, no matter what the differences and opinions are, we come together to journey with our children and provide them with a safe, caring and welcoming environment. We have continued, through it all, to place the needs of our children at the front and center of all we do and how we, as the adults, need to show up for them.
It has not been easy or simple. In fact, I would say that it has challenged every one of us in ways we did not expect. No two journeys have been the same, nor the responses. What I am most proud of is the way our St. John community has come together, time and time again, with faith, hope and love. I am so grateful to our staff, students, parents, and parish for continuing to find the joy that is ever present.
As we approach March 16th, give yourself the space and grace to acknowledge the impact of COVID-19 on your life and the lives of those you love. Many of us have found healthy coping tools and leaned heavily on our faith to navigate these waters. However, as Kevin Cameron shares below, our bodies, at the cellular level, often hold the impact. At the school level, we have noticed increased behaviours in our students within the past week. We continue to respond to each child and provide the necessary support. It was helpful for our staff to watch the video below and simply have an awareness that the anniversary may have an impact on people.
Please continue to communicate any wonderings, concerns, or changes at home with our school team. Your children continue to be our reason for showing up every day with hope, love and joy.
Mrs. Bonnie-Lynne Boehm, Principal
Catholic Social Services and EICS
On April 7th, live at 3 p.m, EICS will be hosting an online event kicking off the new direction of our ongoing partnership with Catholic Social Services supporting vulnerable women and children. Check out this video for an explanation of the event and a reminder of our Lenten call.
Our Healthy Living Team (Grade four Servant Leadership Squad) has a special project that is being proposed right now. Stay tuned to hear more next week.
There is JOY in the Journey: Celebration of Learning! Congratulations to these students!
Conferences are coming soon! March 23 and 24 we are excited to discuss the learning and growth together!
Spring is Coming! Allergy season is among us!
Indigenous Artist coming to St. John, Lance Cardinal
Ms. Bourassa, our Indigenous teacher lead, applied for a grant last year that has enabled us to commission an Indigenous artist who will be creating a special mural of the Seven Sacred Teachings for our school. We are so thrilled that artist, Lance Cardinal, will be coming on March 12 to begin this painting and share his gifts with our students.
You can share in this excitement by watching the videos linked below to find out more about the artist. Lance Cardinal was the artist who did the beautiful IKEA mural.
Please find the Approved 2021-2022 calendar here:
Operation Education Fundraiser
Many thanks to parent, Andrea Budgell, for bringing this to our school council and organizing this for us.
Looking ahead: Mark your calendars
March 8: Monday Faith Assembly-Grade 2s
March 12: Indigenous Artist Lance Cardinal begins our mural
March 14: Daylight Savings Time- Spring Ahead
March 15: Monday Faith Assembly-Grade 1s
March 22: Monday Faith Assembly-K & Pathways
March 23: Tuesday Faith Assembly-T/Th Kindergarten
March 23 & 24: Three Way Conferences & ISP/RSP Interim Reviews
March 26-April 5: Spring Break-No school
April 6: Class Pictures & Spring Photos
April 12: Monday Faith Assembly- Pathways
Growing Brains & Sharing Smiles! It's a Great Day to be a Saint John Kid!
Grade twos celebrate 'Sick of Winter' Day
Grade threes create a model of Earth
Faith & Wellness day for St. John Staff
Day of Confession: March 24th
Fridays through Lent (OLA Parish): 5 pm Stations of the Cross 5:30pm Mass (no 9am mass on Fridays).
Saint John XXIII School Council News
Next School Council meeting is Tuesday, April 6 @ 7 pm via Googlemeet This is an excellent opportunity to receive the latest school and grade level updates from our Admin. and teacher teams, as well as, share your ideas and hear about upcoming events and school council sponsored activities!
Thank you to all our School Council executive and parents who were present for our March meeting. So great to see some new faces. March minutes linked below.
Community Connections
February EICS Board Highlights
February GrACE Newsletter
Click below to order your St. John XXIII Spirit Wear:
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