Jean Vanier Catholic School
Feb. 2, 2018
“Every child, every person needs to know that they are a source of joy; every child, every person, needs to be celebrated". -Jean Vanier
Leadership Message
Christian Unity: How has Jesus' message of love and hope changed the world?
Luke 9:18-20
Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" They answered, "John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen". He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, "The Messiah of God".
This week we began our Monday assembly with scripture from Luke where we entered into the reflection and prayer for Christian Unity. Paul tells us to, "be eager to maintain the unity of Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). We focused our prayers this week on what it means to unite as Christians at our school, in our homes, and our parishes. What does this mean for us as a community of Christ at Jean Vanier? We reminded our staff and students of the ways we come together as one community in so many different ways. As one school with two programs, we cultivate and celebrate our beautiful diversity but also remember that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. As unique people from different backgrounds, traditions, cultures, experiences, hopes, and strengths, we remember that God made each of us and has a special plan for us all. We all have a purpose, we all have a place, and we all belong to the family of God's kingdom. Every day at Jean Vanier, we teach and learn about literacy, numeracy, and build our conceptual understandings of academics, AND, we also grow in our faith and understanding of what it truly means to be a child of God and His disciple. Just like the Apostles, we want to share the Good News and embrace our unity in Christ.
This week’s challenge for students and staff was; Share one bible story with someone. Did you happen to hear a bible story from your child? Perhaps you could share one as well with them.
God Bless!
Growing Brains, Sharing Smiles at JV!
Dancing in Phys. Ed!
Searching for Simple Machines
Young Citizens prepping our Garden Towers for new growth
Comparing cultural stories of Cinderella through Googleslides
Magnet Mania in Grade 2
Working Together
Report Cards: Celebrating & Reporting the Learning Progress
Report cards went live on Powerschool on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Please take the time to review your child’s learning progress at this time. If you are having difficulty getting into the Parent Portal on Powerschool, please contact the school. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher. Communicating student learning at Jean Vanier is an ongoing process that involves all key stakeholders; students, staff, and families. Report cards are only one piece of the communication system. It is a summary document that communicates student achievement at that time. Alternate forms of communication may include: feedback on student work, Evidence of student learning: FreshGrade, Google Classroom, Writing portfolios, Portfolios, Growth as a Learner Booklets or checklists, etc. conversations, student reflections, and conferences. Our conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, March 20 and Wednesday, March 21. Please continue to celebrate the growth your child has had this year!
Celebrate the learning with some positive feedback that connects to building learning skills that last a lifetime.
“You really persevered with your goal from conferences, this shows great determination!”
“You should feel very proud of your commitment to reading (math, science, etc.)”
“It sounds like you are a valued part of your class”.
“I can tell that you are working hard in using your tools for solving problems”.
“Look how far you have come!”
Learning through Competencies
We are focusing on using the language and philosophies of learning through the competencies at Jean Vanier. Through competencies, students develop and connect key aspects of knowing, thinking and doing across a variety of learning contexts, both within and outside school. As students develop competencies through learner outcomes, they acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes that contribute to their success as lifelong learners and active citizens. Alberta’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum
promotes development of the following competencies:
o Critical Thinking
o Problem Solving
o Managing Information
o Creativity and Innovation
o Communication
o Collaboration
o Cultural and Global Citizenship
o Personal Growth and Well-being
JV teachers collectively decided that they wanted to focus on a new competency every few weeks. A new competency is placed in the staffroom as our focus and teachers incorporate the language and conceptual understandings in their teaching and learning environments. Through this collaborative practice, we build upon our own understandings, share best practices, and learn together. We will share our focus competency as we explore them as a staff so you can follow along with our learning journeys.
JV Run Club-Grade 3 and 4
Accountability Pillar Surveys: Your Voice and Feedback is Very Important
EICS Pre-K coming to Jean Vanier
We are very excited to announce that EICS will now offer English and Ukrainian Pre-Kindergarten classes at Jean Vanier Catholic School. Pre-Kindergarten at EICS offers a rich numeracy, literacy, and communication experience for children aged 4 years by December 31, 2018. As an inclusive School Division, we also offer PUF (Program Unit Funding) services for children aged 3 or 4 years by December 31, 2018.
Registration for the upcoming school Pre-K year is now open on the EICS website. Follow the link below. We will be hosting a Pre-K/ECS Open House on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 from 6:30-7:30 pm. Information to be shared from 6:30-7:00 pm, followed by an opportunity to see our school and meet some of our staff.
PSC Shrove Tuesday
On Tuesday, February 13th the PSC is hosting the Shrove Tuesday pancake hot lunch. Pancakes, sausages, with the option of water or juice will be served for ALL students at 11:36 am. Kindergarten students wishing to participate can stay late from morning class, or come early for the afternoon class. We ask that kindergarten parents accompany their child during this time.
As in past years, we ask that students bring a toonie ($2) by February 2, 2018.
Any parents willing to volunteer during this time, please email jvpac1009@gmail.com
JV Parent School Council
Kindergarten and Grade 4 Helpers Celebrate Winter Fun Day-SNOW much Fun!
EICS Kindergarten Programming 2018-2019
To register, your child must be 5 years old on or before December 31, 2018
For more information please click on the following link.
News from BUCPS
4/8/11 Celebration - Call for Volunteers
All parents with students in Grades 4, 8, and 11 – we are looking for your help!
Planning for our 4/8/11 Celebration in June is going to be starting VERY SOON and we are looking for Volunteers, as well as a Chair for this annual celebration!
Please contact Jennifer Lychak, BUCPS Secretary at bucpssecretary@gmail.com to let her know of your interest!
The first meeting will be in the next few weeks – stay tuned for the date and time once it has been finalized.
St Sophia Ukrainian Catholic Parish News
Ukrainian Community Event
Please join us for our 1st Annual Pre-Lenten Family Пущення (Pushchenia) Dinner & Dance on Saturday, February 10, 2018!
Come enjoy great Ukrainian food and live music with family & friends. All ages are welcome!
We look forward to seeing you there!
St. Sophia’s Ukrainian Catholic Knights of Columbus Council
The Week Ahead...
Feb 5 - Gr 4R Curling
Feb 5 - Young Citizens Team Assembly 8:50
Feb 7 - Early dismissal
Feb 7 - Gr 4C Curling
Feb 8 & 9 - Teachers' Convention - No classes
THE MONTH AHEAD ..... a few extra upcoming events
Feb. 16 - School/Division PD Day No School
Feb. 28 - Pre K Open House
2017-2018 Approved School Calendar
Jean Vanier Catholic School
Email: jv@eics.ab.ca
Website: www.jv.eics.ab.ca
Location: 109 Georgian Way, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-467-3633
Twitter: @jvcatholic