Patriot Post
Dec. 3rd - Dec. 7th, 2018
This Week at St. JPII
Monday Dec. 3rd
Girls Basketball Practice 7:00-8:00am
Boys Basketball Practice 3:00-4:15pm
Tuesday Dec. 4th
Wednesday Dec. 5th
Early Dismissal @ 2:00pm
Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
Thursday Dec. 6th
Girls Basketball Practice 3:00-4:30pm
Boys Basketball Patrice 3:00-4:15pm
Friday Dec. 7th
Welcome to Advent
For many Christians, Advent wreaths are a favorite way to celebrate the month of December leading up to Christmas Day. Although Advent Wreaths are popular among Christians, many are not aware of the rich meaning and symbolism embedded in the tradition. If we learn this meaning, we can appreciate it all the more!
The Advent candles readily demonstrate the strong contrast between darkness and light. In the Bible, Christ is referred to as the “Light of the World” contrasted with the darkness of sin. Human history spanned long ages before our prophesied Savior would finally make his appearance, and God’s promise to make all things new through him.
As his Advent, or “coming,” draws nearer another candle is lit, with each candle dispelling the darkness a little more. Thus, the Advent wreath helps us to spiritually contemplate the great drama of salvation history that surrounds the birth of God Incarnate who comes to redeem the human race.
The 1st Sunday of Advent symbolizes Hope with the “Prophet’s Candle” reminding us that Jesus is coming.
COLOR: Violet is a liturgical color that is used to signify a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice and is used during Advent and Lent. Advent, also called “little Lent,” is the season where we spiritually wait in our “darkness” with hopeful expectation for our promised redemption, just as the whole world did before Christ’s birth, and just as the whole world does now as we eagerly await his promised return.
Chaplain's Corner
HAPPY NEW YEAR to everybody! Perhaps you think I am getting confused. This is not January 1 nor is it the lunar new year or the beginning of the Muslim year. Yet it is the beginning of a new year, the beginning of another Church year.
Last week we celebrated the Feast of Christ the King and the last Sunday of the outgoing Church year. Today is the First Sunday in Advent and the beginning of a new Church year.
Our life in this world is a kind of journey or pilgrimage. In the Scripture and in life generally the beginnings and the past in one sense are not so important. These are happenings which have already taken place and there is nothing we can do to change them now. However, they have an importance in that they deeply influence what we are now – in both good and less good ways. What is more important is that we should know where we are going and where our destination is.
The readings of today’s Mass urge us to face the realities of life. What is our greatest enemy? Is it not having enough money? Is it people we see threatening our livelihood, rivals in work or business? Basically, our greatest enemies are fear and anxiety, especially about the future. Many of our choices and decisions are because of these fears and anxiety. And yet, the Gospel says the reaction of the Christian disciple should not be one of fear. “When these things [the signs of the end times] begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.” It all depends on one’s priorities and attachments.
In the journey of life, today’s Mass suggests our approach should be similar. If we want to celebrate the First Coming of Jesus and prepare for his Second Coming, then the way to do it is to be aware of his coming into every moment of every day.
Click on the link above to read the complete commentary of today's readings.
Upcoming and In the Works Faith Events
- Gr. 7 & 8 Days of Service
- School Reconciliation: December 13, 2018
- Advent Mass: Thursday, December 20 @ 10:15 am (School)
- Parish priest visits to St. JP II: Thursdays from 12:05 - 1:30 pm
Crosswalk Safety
I have since contacted the City of Fort Saskatchewan Planning and Public Works department and requested that they install the solar-powered crosswalk marker beacons that you might have seen being installed around the city recently. They have added us to the list for next year's construction season and we are hopeful we will be selected as a chosen site.
Musical Theater Performance "Carol and the Belles"
St. JPII LEADERSHIP CLUB
December Leadership Events
December 5- Ugly Christmas Sweater/Hat Day
December 12- Winter Walk
December 6-21- St. JPII’s Leadership 12 Days of Giveaways
Canned Vegetables (Peas, corn, beans, tomatoes)
Canned Meat (Tuna, ham, chicken)
Peanut Butter
Cereal
Crackers
Canned or Dried Soup
Rice
Pasta
Pasta Sauce
Canned Fruit (Pineapples, peaches, pears, oranges)
Granola Bars
Coffee or Tea
St. JPII Leadership will be organizing the 12 Days of Giveaways for the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank this Christmas. The event will take place from December 6 to December 21 inclusive. All students and staff are asked to participate by choosing at least one item off of the 12 Days of Giveaways List to donate this holiday season. All items can be brought in during the 12 days. Donation boxes will be set up outside of St. JPII’s school chapel.
Thank you for sharing the gift of giving this Christmas!
Fort Saskatchewan Integrated Community Hub Parent Survey
PATRIOT WEAR!
Shout out to Enhance It Embroidering for making this possible. All orders are processed directly through the store and Enhance It Embroidery will call to arrange pickup within the allotted shipping time.
http://www.enhanceitembroidery.ca/store/c2/St._John_Paul_II_Spirit_Wear_.html
HAPPY SHOPPING!
INTERNET SAFETY PRESENTATION
SCHOOL COUNCIL INFORMATION
Thank you to those that were able to join us for our School Council meeting Nov. 19. There was a lot to discuss regarding what has been happening in the school and upcoming plans. We encourage you to join us for our next meeting which is scheduled for Monday, January 14 @ 6:30pm in the school library.
Approved meeting minutes can be found on the School Council page within the St JPII website.
Our School Council is currently in the process of reviewing and revising our existing Constitution and Bylaws to reflect changes in our school name and to ensure it is in alignment with current legislation, regulations and recommendations from the Alberta School Council Association. On the School Council page on the St JPII website, resource documentation, as well as the existing and proposed documents have been added for all parents to access. We are asking and encouraging you to take the time to review these and provide feedback during the next School Council meeting where these changes will be discussed and determined.
Volunteer Needed - Hot Lunch – School Council is currently looking for a parent volunteer who would be willing and able work alongside our currently coordinator – Sheri McCoy. Tasks would include familiarity with the online ordering system, and working together to determine menu options with local vendors, submitting the order with the vendors, coordinating pick up/delivery of food from the vendors, monitoring payment for orders placed. If you are interested, please contact Stacey at polwalker@shaw.ca.
School Council Executive
YEARBOOK COMMITTEE
Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education
FSMA HOMEWORK CLUB
Demographic Confirmation & Yearly Consent Forms
The annual consent forms allow your child full participation in all activities, field trips and events for optimal learning at St. JPII. Thank you for completing these forms so your child experiences the full learning benefits at St. JPII.
EICS Family Wellness Program
Program Overview
The Elk Island Catholic Schools Family Wellness Program provides short-term supportive assistance to students and their parents and guardians. Services are provided free of charge and may take place at school and/or in home and community settings.
Service Delivery
Each school is staffed with a Family Wellness Worker (FWW), who works under the direction of their School Principal and the Assistant Superintendent of Faith & Wellness. FWW's receive clinical guidance from a Registered Psychologist.
The primary function of the Family Wellness team is to provide social and emotional support to students and families. Family Wellness Workers meet with students and parents to assess needs, set goals, identify required supports, and plan appropriate interventions.
They collaborate with school system staff and community resources to build a “village” of support around students/families who are struggling.
Referrals
Parental consent is required for FWW services.
Referrals to the Family Wellness Program may be made by students, parents/guardians, school administration, teachers, or other school staff (e.g. school counsellor or collaborative response coordinator).
Parents and guardians can access these services by speaking with the Principal or contacting the school's Family Wellness Worker directly.
Family Wellness Contact Information
Amanda Davidson RSW, BSW
St. John Paul ll
St. Andre Bessette
(p) 780-860-4621
Upcoming Community Supports for Parents
Co Parenting Workshop
Helping Families Thrive not Just Survive
The presenters will help you find new ways to:
• Make your child a priority
• Understand the impact of separation conflict on children’s brain development
• Understand the impact of separation on your child
• Choose a better way to communicate with each other
• Learn skills to deal with resentment, anger and conflict
Registration is required
laurie@irelate.ca - 780 235 8212
Fee: $40.00 per person
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Park Centre & Hotel, Sherwood Park
Parents Empowering Parents
Do you have a child using or abusing drugs and/or alcohol?
Do you feel embarrassed, exhausted, hopeless, or alone?
Parents Empowering Parents Society
2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7
or online at www.CanadaHelps.org
Administration:
#200, 501 Festival Avenue, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 4X3
(2nd Floor, Community Centre, in Centre in the Park, next to County Hall)
Support Line 780.293.0737
Ph: 780.410.8516 • Fax: 780.449.1220
Connect Parent Group
Primary Care Network
An Attachment- Based Program to Support Parents and Caregivers
Connect is a free 9 week program to support parents of pre-teens ages (10-14).
Wednesdays starting January 30th until April 3, 2019
6pm-7:30pm
Land Room at City Hall, 10005 102 st, Fort Saskatchewan
Call Jennifer at 780-997-4164 to register.
Onsite child care will be provided.
CAFETERIA
Cafeteria in St. John Paul II Catholic School
Meals available daily: Chicken strips, Pizza-bun (ham or extra cheese), Salad (cheeseburger, chicken caesar, or egg salad), and Sub (chicken salad, egg salad, or ham).
Daily specials: Monday- Spaghetti, Tuesday- Chicken Alfredo, Wednesday- Pancakes, Thursday- Sweet&Sour Meatballs, and Friday- Chicken Fried Rice
Sides: Apples & Grapes, Apple Sauce, Carrots & Sweet Peas, Cheese Strips, Chocolate Energy Bites, Fresh Fruit Mix, Fresh Veggie Mix, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Pretzels, Rice Cereal Square, Vanilla Yogurt, Wowbutter Cookies, 237 mL white milk/chocolate milk, 200 mL juice (apple or orange)
*Menu changes three times per year* All food is prepared to meet school guidelines.
A regular meal with two sides is $6,
you can order a larger portion for $1 more,
and you can add an additional side for $1.
Pre-order online or cash purchases
Online orders- how to get started:
· Visit www.fortsasklunchbox.com
· Click the order tab
· Create an account (use the email that is best for receiving receipts and create your own password)
· Choose St John Paul II as your school- lunches can be picked up at the school cafeteria
Visitors To Our School
St. John Paul II Catholic School
Email: stjp@eics.ab.ca
Website: https://stjp.eics.ab.ca
Location: 9975 93 Avenue, Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-992-0889
Twitter: @stjp2cs