St. Michael's News
December 8th, 2023
Second Sunday of Advent
Advent is a time of preparation. We eagerly await the coming of Christ at Christmas. During this time, we use the Advent wreath as a centerpiece for classroom prayer, and devote extra time in the classroom to worship and praise. We hope that you can continue to prepare as a family for Christmas by attending Sunday Mass together. Our school Mass this month is on Sunday, December 10th at 8:30 AM. We hope to see you there.
We appreciate that parking at the school is limited and we are placed in a difficult area by a very busy road. It is, therefore, imperative that we follow the measures put in place by the school community in collaboration with the RCMP.
Please take careful note of the following:
The area on Holmes Street outside the library door is for pick up and drop off only. Parents should not leave their cars in this area.
There is a “no stopping” section at the intersection of Holmes and 10th near the crosswalks. Cars may not stop at any time in this section as it impedes the view of pedestrians and makes turning at the intersection dangerous.
Park only in designated spots within our parking lot.
Never block the fire lane (marked with yellow lines) in our parking lot.
Take care to walk children to and from the playground and school using designated crossing areas (cross walks on Holmes and the yellow crosswalk by the swings in our parking lot).
Follow the directions of our supervisors and show kindness and consideration when they ask you to follow the above rules. Remember we are a community and by working together, we can ensure the safety of our children and families.
This Christmas Crazy Day (Thursday, December 14th), the student leadership team is asking for 3 things.
1) A donation of $5 for the non-uniform day (wear your craziest Christmas outfit!).
2) An item for our Parish Food Bank.
3) An item for the Good Shepherd Christmas Hampers (listed below):
- Gr.6/7: Feminine products/underwear
- Gr.5: Socks / Hats / Gloves ( New)
- Gr.4: Soap + Bodywash
- Gr.3: Shampoo
- Gr.2: Deodorant
- Gr.1: Comb / Brush
- Kindergarten: Tooth Brush + toothpaste
Thank you for your generosity.
Upcoming Events and Activities
Family Mass - Breakfast with St. Nicholas
Our December family Mass will take place the Second Sunday of Advent - Sunday, December 10th at 8:30 AM. Choir members are encouraged to come and lead us in song and all families of the school are invited. Mass will be followed by a special pancake breakfast with St. Nicholas.
Save the Date
The school choir will also be singing Christmas morning Mass at 8:30 AM.
School Choir - Lougheed Mall
The school choir from grades 3-7 will be singing at Lougheed Town Centre for their annual ‘Christmas In Song’ event. The students will be performing on Friday, December 15 from 2-3 pm in front of London Drugs.
Library Book Return
A reminder that all library books need to be returned next week before Christmas break. We will resume our book exchange in January.
Skating Party
The Parent Association Skating Party will be happening Tuesday, December 19th at Bill Copeland Sports Complex from 1- 2:30 pm. Permission forms were sent home on Tuesday. We ask that these be returned to the school no later than Monday, December 11th.
Christmas Concert and 'Away in a Mango' T-shirts
Practices are well underway for our Christmas Concert “Away in a Mango”. We will have 2 performances on Thursday December 21st at 1:30pm and 7pm.
Thank you to those students and families who have purchased Christmas Concert t-shirts and raffle tickets. The funds raised help support the fine arts department here at St. Michael's School.
A reminder that these 'Away In A Mango', Christmas Concert t-shirts can be worn in replacement of the white school polo shirt or red school PE shirt. Other than the t-shirt students should be in full school winter uniform. We ask that these shirts NOT be worn on Fridays for Mass, and students wear their full school uniform as normal.
All students will be performing a musical number for the concert, and we are asking that they come in a tropical-style costume for the performance. The easiest option is for your child to wear an 'Hawaiian' shirt, with jeans and tropical accessories. If you do not have a 'Hawaiian' shirt, another option is for your child to wear his/her 'Away In A Mango' t-shirt, with jeans and tropical accessories. Remember, the key is to accessorize!
Last Day of Term
Our last day of term before the break will be Friday, December 22nd. Dismissal will be at 12 pm.
PEC News
Parent Participation Opportunities
We need help in the following areas and would encourage you to contact the school office or our Parent Participation Coordinator at your earliest convenience if you can help.
Auction Committee
Parish Groups
Maintenance Team
Stage Set up / Christmas musical costume and make up team
Auction - Early Bird Draw
The Early Bird Draw deadline is coming up soon:
Friday, Dec. 15 2023 (just a few days away!).
Make a donation worth $100 or more before the deadline and you’ll be entered into a draw to win one of these great prizes:
● 2 front row seats to the Christmas Concert matinee show on Dec. 21, 2023
● 2 front row seats to the Christmas Concert evening show on Dec. 21, 2023
Each donation value of $100 receives 1 entry into the draw. The draw will be held on Dec. 15 and winners will be contacted. You can drop off donations in the box at the main school entrance.
Donation Ideas
Not sure what to donate? Here are some items that are always welcome:
● Gift cards: Worth $25 $50 $100 or more
● Alcohol: Pick up an extra bottle to donate while shopping for yourself
● Electronics: Great deals are still available
● Cash and cheques
The auction committee is having a meeting on December 14th at 7pm. Anyone that would like to join could email rupa.marcus@gmail.com for details.
Auction Committee Meeting
Thursday, Dec 14, 2023, 07:00 PM
Community News
Flowers of the Holy Knight - Poinsettia sale CLOSED
Reminder that the pick-up day is Sunday, December 10th, at the St. Nicholas Pancake Breakfast following the morning masses.
Thank you for supporting the activities in our parish sponsored by our Knights of Columbus!
École Cariboo Hill Secondary School Open House
OPEN HOUSE
COURSE INFORMATION EVENING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23rd, 2024
Location – LARGE GYM
Time – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Please join staff members from École Cariboo Hill Secondary School for an informational evening about programs and courses offered at the school. This will also be an opportunity to have a tour of the school, meet school staff and ask any questions you may have about the opportunities and experiences available.
Dec 10th: Sunday School Mass 8:30 am; St. Nicholas Pancake Breakfast and Poinsettia pick up
Dec 12th: Confession for Gr. 4 and Food Bank
Dec 14th: Non-Uniform Day
Dec 15th: School Mass 9 am; Choir at Lougheed Mall 2-3pm
Dec 19th: PA Skating Party
Dec 20th: Dress Rehearsal
Dec 21st: Christmas Concert 1:30 pm and 7 pm
Dec 22nd: School Mass 9 am; Christmas Carolling Assembly 10:45 am; Dismissal at 12 noon
Jan 8th: Return to school
Jan 9th: Confession for Grade 7
Jan 12th: 9 am School Mass; 2:30 pm Used Uniform Store
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thine only-begotten Son, that through His coming we may be worthy to serve Thee with purified minds. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.