The Good News
Saint John XXIII February 28, 2019
Leadership Message
Open House: Welcoming our new learners to Saint John XXIII...
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14
We had the blessing of showing and sharing our Saint John XXIII community to our newest learners and their families on Wednesday during our Early Learning Open House. It was so wonderful to see and be a part of this special time for these students. Many of them came in a little timid and unsure, and a handful left giving hugs and not wanting to leave! One little man was already singing this year’s theme song!
Some of our grade four Servant Leaders did an amazing job leading our families on a school tour. The day before we practiced important life skills-how to shake hands and introduce yourself with confidence, greet guests, and lead a tour. Our grade four leadership vision is much more than coloured t-shirts-it is about providing opportunities for our students to be empowered and gain confidence in leadership. These students have stepped up this year and we are so proud!
Many thanks to all of our staff for doing what you do every day and simply setting aside time for students and families to see and feel our Saint John XXIII Village in action! We have over 350 years of experience and over 180 years of education within our SJXXIII walls, we are ready to serve students every day!
Thank-you to all of our parents for choosing Saint John XXIII. We recognize that parents bring us their most precious gifts-they best they have and as someone shared today, children also bring us their families-the gifts they come from and we are so grateful that you are a part of our village...
Blessings,
Mrs. Boehm
Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent:Give alms...Pray to your Father...Fast without a gloomy face...' (Matthew 6:1-18)
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent and our grade twos will lead us, with Father Kris, on Wednesday at 11:00 am at our school celebration. Christians everywhere attend mass or a liturgy and receive ashes on their forehead to mark that we recognize that we sin and are willing to make changes in our lives and follow Jesus.
WE've GOT SPIRIT-Yes, we do! Thanks Gr. 4 School Spirit Team!
The Momo Challenge Update and Information
The nature of the messages usually start out innocent such as “wanna play a game?” which can then evolve into Momo encouraging the child to engage in self-harm and suicidal behaviours. The motive to follow through with the challenge is that Momo tells the child that they know where they live (the address can typically be found through reverse search of the phone number) along with their parent’s name, which is generally connected to the phone number. This can escalate to threats towards family and or loved ones if they do not follow through with the challenge or if they contact local authorities.
Recently the Momo Challenge has reappeared in multiple YouTube videos that are specifically intended for younger audiences. Typically, the Momo Challenge will be featured in videos (such as Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Minecraft gameplay) that come from new or unreliable YouTube accounts and begins 5-10 minutes into the episode, after attempting to establish as a legitimate video. Parents/Caregivers should carefully monitor what their children watch on YouTube and only allow them to watch trusted channels.
Online challenges such as the Momo Challenge unfortunately do circulate quite regularly. Parents should not overreact; however, it is important that they speak with their children regarding all aspects of their online activity and explain potential risk of using certain streaming platforms so that they can recognize dangerous online behaviour. If you have concerns about your children accessing Youtube, please be aware that you are able to block Youtube from your internet router https://www.wikihow.com/Block-Unwanted-Site-From-Your-Router.
Students should be encouraged to report concerning online behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable to a trusted adult or through the anonymous erase|Report It tool at https://erasereportit.gov.bc.ca/add/report-it
List of some Approved Youtube Channels:
· Ryan ToysReview https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGJGhZ9SOOHvBB0Y4DOO_w
· Blippi
https://www.youtube.com/user/BlippiVideos
· The Axel Show https://www.youtube.com/user/theaxelshowadventure
· CookieSwirlC
https://www.youtube.com/user/CookieSwirlC
· Toys Unlimited https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzIdYMdAtTsWucGCZyZvN6w
· Peppa Pig – Official Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/theofficialpeppa
Caution should be utilized if children have access to Youtube on their mobile devices.
Alternatively, many streaming apps such as Netflix have Kid Friendly functions that can be turned on to allow children to browse and stream videos without being exposed to inappropriate content.
Key Reminders:
1. It is essential to stay vigilant when receiving reports of any students exhibiting “worrisome behaviours” especially those students who may be struggling at this time.
2. Pay close attention to individuals who seem fixated on the Momo Challenge.
3. The role that social media plays as both a risk enhancer as well as a prominent contributing source of data has never been stronger. A comprehensive review of the individual’s online behaviour and digital footprint is where we find the most information.
4. We collectively, staff, parents/ caregivers, need to “strategically” intensify our connections with our children who may be vulnerable to engaging in the Momo Challenge. The power of positive, meaningful human connection is one of the best prevention strategies we can utilize.
J. Kevin Cameron, M.Sc., R.S.W., B.C.E.T.S., B.C.S.C.R. Board Certified Expert in Trauma Stress. Diplomate, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response
Theresa Campbell, M.A.
President, Safer Schools Together Ltd.
Growing Brains, Sharing Smiles...
OLA Parish News
March 12: OLA Parish Day of Confessions is one day a year when priests across the Archdiocese devote themselves to celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Drop by the church and experience the grace of God -- you are welcome no matter how long it's been since you have been to Confession, and no matter what you want or need to confess.
Saint John XXIII School Council News
As a parent in our school community, you are also automatically a member of the School Council and are encouraged and invited to attend our School Council meetings where your voice and input are valued and needed. The School Council is a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with peer parents, share your ideas and input, and support initiatives that benefit our students. Our next meeting is Thursday, March 14th @ 7 pm in the Collaborative Room (across from the library).
Strawberry Basket volunteers: The School Council is looking for a volunteers to help with our Strawberry Basket Fundraiser. DO you love plants? Are you good at organization? Would you love to help out at your child's school by helping set up the organization and ordering of our Spring Strawberry Baskets? Please let us know if you can help by emailing: st.johnxxiii.psc@gmail.com Thank you!
LOOKING AHEAD...
Mar. 4: Rescheduled Grade 4 Ski Trip Sunridge
Mar. 4: Assembly 9 am Faith team presenting: Lent
Mar. 5: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Lunch
Mar. 6: Ash Wednesday Celebration 11 am Early Out Dismissal 2:23 pm Spirit theme: Dress your best
Mar. 7: Grade 3 In-school presentation-Hearing & Sound
Mar. 8: PD day-No school for students
Mar. 11: Assembly 9 am
Mar. 14: Hot Lunch School Council 7 Pm Collab Room
Mar. 18: Assembly 9 am
Mar. 19: Face to Face presentation, Gr 3 Rec Swim, Three Way Conferences 4-8 pm
Mar. 20: Three Way Conferences 4-8 pm
Mar. 21: Grade 4 Rec Swim
Mar 22-Mar 31: Spring Break
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/stjohnXXIII/
Twitter: @St_JohnXXIII