Patriot Post
Feb. 3rd - Feb. 7th, 2019
This Week at St. JPII
Monday Feb. 3rd
Girls Basketball Practice - 7:00am - 8:00am
Father Michael Mireau Day for all grade 8 students
Hands on Science In-School field trip - Grade 5
Choir Practice - 11:57am
Boys Basketball Practice - 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Jasper Ski Trip - Bus leaves at 4:00 - 4:30pm
Tuesday Feb. 4th
Jasper Ski Trip con't.
Hands on Science In-School field trip - Grade 5
Wednesday Feb. 5th
Early Dismissal - Students are dismissed at 2:00pm
Boys Basketball game vs. St. Theresa - 4:00pm - 5:30pm
REPORT CARDS Released online at 3:00pm
Jasper Ski Trip arrive home at 9:00pm
Thursday Feb. 6th
No School - Teacher's Convention
Friday Feb. 7th
No School - Teacher's Convention
Chaplain's Corner
Presentation of the Lord
Today we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This feast is known as the feast of Encounter in the Eastern Church where it began.
Of course, here in the North America, when one hears February 2, Groundhog Day comes to mind. The day when a prediction is made about how many more weeks of winter are left depending on whether the groundhog sees his shadow or not. But unlike the uncertainty of the weather, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord has a sense of certainty associated with it. In this feast, we celebrate the certainty of the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel that is fulfilled in Jesus but that is extended to the entire world. And, we celebrate the continuation of God’s love in our own world, of God continually reaching out towards us and inviting us into a relationship or encounter.
By reflecting on the reading from Luke, we are struck by two aspects. The first involves Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the temple. In a way, they make Jesus present. The second aspect is of Simeon and Anna recognizing Jesus as the promised one.
As disciples of Jesus, each one of us is called to embrace both these aspects. To be the presence of Jesus in the world around us and to be able to recognize Jesus as revealed or made present by others.
To be the presence of Jesus in the world, it might help to recite the beautiful prayer of Saint Teresa of Avila:
God of love, help us to remember
That Christ has no body now on earth but ours
No hands but ours, No feet but ours
Ours are the eyes to see the needs of the world.
Ours are the hands with which to bless everyone now.
Ours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good.
And, to recognize Jesus made present by others, we perhaps need to, as Simeon and Anna did, rely on God’s grace.
God bless each of you and your family this week.
Vernon
Father Mike Mireau Faith Day
Our Grade 8 classes are blessed to have been invited to attend a faith day specifically for grade 8's created in memory of Fr. Mike (Catfish) Mireau who was a district chaplain for Edmonton Catholic Schools before he passed away resulting from his battle with cancer. Fr. Catfish was a vibrant young man/priest who felt that Gr. 8's needed a day especially for them focused on "Serving like a Superhero" which challenged them to reflect how they act and treat others and become the Hands and Feet of Jesus here and now. Edmonton Catholic Schools invites their sister boards from around Edmonton to join in community to hear speakers empower and challenge them to be a superhero. This year's speaker is Steve Angrisano who will have the kids moving and shaking to his music as he calls them to embody the Good News of Jesus and act on it as they go forth to embrace the calling to "Serve like a Superhero".
ACCOUNTABILITY PILLAR SURVEY
Dear Elk Island Catholic School Families,
Alberta Education has begun conducting the annual Accountability Pillar Survey. Parents of students in grade 4, 7 and 10 should have already receive a mailed survey from Alberta Education as well as an emailed version of the same survey.
As an annual check-up on the education system, the Accountability Pillar provides an opportunity for Alberta Education to ensure that we are equipping students for success.
Please take the opportunity to complete the survey as the data collected helps set the future direction of our school. We currently only have a 10% completion rate. Thanks for your attention to this matter.
A MESSAGE FROM THE EDMONTON OILERS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
As a thank you for participating in Hockey Hooky this season, we would like send an exclusive offer to the students, family, friends, and staff of St. John Paul II School. The offer allows the school to access special group rate tickets to the Edmonton Oilers game on
Sunday, March 29 at 6:00 PM.WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE
This January give
THE GIFT OF WARMTH
to those in need!
St. JPII will be doing a winter clothing drive for the month of January. All donations can be dropped off in the boxes outside the chapel. All items will be donated to the Hope Mission for men, women and children in need.
Donate some warm winter clothing today.
2019/2020 YEARBOOK NEWS
EICS Transportation
Elk Island Catholic School (EICS) Transportation is pleased to share with the EICS community that there is now increased awareness for parents and guardians regarding EICS bus arrivals and possible delays through our transportation software program BusPlanner. This new app will allow parents and caregivers to see the details of current routes, stops and transfers relating to their children on EICS transportation.
With this new system parents gain access to the following:
- The BusPlanner Parent Portal, located here: https://eics.mybusplanner.ca/Default.aspx which allows parents to view details of the routes, stops and transfers for their children.
- The BusPlanner Notification System for email alerts to parents for issues which impact transportation on a route by route or school by school basis.
- The BusPlanner Delays app which both parents and students can install on a mobile (hand-held) device and allows them to subscribe to and receive BusPlanner notifications through push notifications.
Parents, please take the time to create an account for the BusPlanner Parent Portal and subscription to receive notifications of transportation delays or school closures through email. Please click here for further instructions - thank you.
Please know, it will be through this portal that all notifications will be vetted. There will no longer be emails or phone calls directly from EICS transportation regarding route cancellations or late buses.
Notifications will come to you through Bus Planner, so please subscribe.
In faith,
Your EICS Transportation Department
EICS Demographic and Consent Forms
EICS Demographic Confirmation and Consent Forms are available now on your PowerSchool ParentPortal. Please take a moment to visit your PowerSchool ParentPortal account and complete these forms; one for each child you have attending school with EICS.
Alberta Education requires that we obtain a detailed update of student demographics on an annual basis. School funding from Alberta Education is conditional on us receiving these updates and including them in your student’s record. More importantly, these forms ensure that we have the most current contact information if we need to reach you in event of an emergency.
We certainly appreciate you taking the time to complete these forms. Should you have any questions, or require assistance, please contact Carrie-Lynn in the office at 780-992-0889 and she will be happy to help.
VISITORS IN OUR SCHOOL
School and Field Trip Fees
A reminder, we encourage these fees to be paid online through your Powerschool Parent Portal, or you are welcome to send cash or a cheque made payable to Elk Island Catholic Schools to the office as convenient. If you require assistance logging in to the ParentPortal please call the school and we will be happy to help.
SCHOOL COUNCIL INFORMATION
Please join us for our next School Council meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 19th @ 6:30pm in the school library. This is an excellent opportunity to receive the latest school and grade level updates from our Administration and Teacher Representatives, as well as, upcoming School Council supported activities and events!
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunity!
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!
EICS FAMILY WELLNESS WORKER
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
Hello St. JPII School Community! My name is Lee Dube and I am so excited to be a part of your Fort Saskatchewan school community. I am here to support families and students to be successful. I am someone that parents and students can talk to and can offer connections to various resources in the community. Please do not hesitate to give me a call at the school or send me an email at lee.dube@eics.ab.ca to set up a meeting. I will be at St. JPII on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday afternoons.
It has been such a pleasure meeting some of the students and parents. Thank you for being so welcoming. Please feel free to come and stop in at my office upstairs in room #214. I am at the school all day on Tuesday and Thursday as well as Friday afternoons.
The Boys & Girls Club of Fort Saskatchewan has a new youth drop in program. This is for young people ages 11-14 and 15-18. There will be a weekly coffeehouse starting September 14th between 3-5 please feel free to stop in and learn more about it.
We are starting up the Breakfast Club at Lunchtime. This is open to all students and is a great place to come and meet some new friends and have fun. The club is held on Thursday during lunch break. Come hang with us, we meet at the opportunity room upstairs.
The Breakfast Club.....at Lunchtime
CAFETERIA
February Cafeteria News
February Menu
Feb 11&12- strawberry shortcake $2
Feb 19&28- free drink day (with any meal purchase)
Changes to the menu: potato wedges available as an everyday side and poutine as a Wednesday special.
Every day- chicken strips, salad, wrap, cheesy macaroni, and pizza.
Monday special- chili and bun, Tuesday- chicken poutine, Wednesday- grilled cheese and tomato soup, Thursday- chicken burger, and Friday- sweet & sour meatballs on rice.
SJP2 families:
Did you know we offer month passes? You could gift yourself a month of no lunch making? Lunch pass $96 includes a meal and two sides, meal pass $64 includes a meal choice.
Email admin@fortsasklunchbox.com for info.
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