The Bison Bugle
December 4-8
MISSION STATEMENT
At St. Kateri Tekakwitha Academy, we are a spiritual, Christ - centred community that nurtures resilient, responsible, lifelong learners through love and service.
Connect - Inspire - Achieve
ADVENT - Preparing our Hearts for Jesus
The season of Advent has arrived, and with it a new liturgical year, begins Sunday, Dec 3rd, 2023. For Christians, the season of Advent is not simply about the "coming" of a holiday, but more precisely the coming of Jesus Christ. Advent is a season of preparation.
We prepare our hearts for Christ, who "comes" to us in three ways.
1. Historically. Christ came into our world in a time and place many years ago.
2. Presently. Christ comes into our hearts today and every day.
3. Finally. In due time Christ will come again.
Let us take time in this beautiful season to prepare our hearts for Christ, who seeks to be with us always; past, present, and future.
The Season of Giving - Christmas Toy & Food Drive
In support of our Community Christmas Hamper Campaign, we will be encouraging students and staff to bring in a non perishable food item and/or an unwrapped toy for a child ages 1 -10, gift cards for older youths will also be accepted. From Dec. 4 - Dec. 15, we will be encouraging students and staff for donations, to help spread the joy of Christmas to all members of our local community. We will be watching all donations grow under our Christmas tree and taking time to teach our children the value of giving over receiving and our call to service as christians.
Your children have been busy practicing and are so excited for our upcoming SKTA Annual Family Christmas Concert at the Morinville Community Centre for our Pre-K-Grade 5 students.
Instead of purchasing tickets, we are inviting families to bring in a NEW UNWRAPPED TOY and/or FOOD BANK ITEMS in support of the Morinville Knights of Columbus Christmas Hamper Program and our local Food Bank.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec 4 - 8:45am Mini-ADVENT LITURGY @ SKT with Father Trini (led by Gr 5's) ALL FAMILIES WELCOME
Dec 4 - Food Bank/Toy Drive Kick-off! (Supporting Knights of Columbus & Morinville Food Bank)
Dec 4 - "“Healthy, Helpful, Hopeful”- FANCY HOT CHOCOLATE FOR Uganda! Bring $1.00 (Mon/Wed)
Dec 5 - Gr 1-3 Reading Groups (Tues, Wed, Thurs)
Dec 5 - Gr 3-5 Mrs. P's Lunch Club @ lunch recess
Dec 5 - RAINBOWS Div I & Div II group with Mrs. Palidwar
Dec 6 - Gr 4 & 5 Field Trip to MCC to watch MCHS Fine Arts Production of "Matilda"
Dec 6 - 6:30pm School Council Meeting (NEW DATE) ALL PARENTS WELCOME
Dec 7 - Gr 5 Games Club @ lunch recess
Dec 7 - 7:00pm Parent GRINCH TREE WORKSHOP @ Deb's Greenhouse (for those that registered)
Dec 13 - HEALTHY HUNGER (Booster Juice) ONLINE ORDERING STILL AVAILABLE
Dec 14 - 6:30pm CHRISTMAS CONCERT @ Morinville Community Centre ALL FAMILIES WELCOME
Dec 14 - Gr 4 Games Club @ lunch recess
Dec 15 - 11:15am Gr 3-5 Reconciliation with Father Trini @ SKT
“Healthy, Helpful, Hopeful” - FANCY HOT CHOCOLATE FOR Uganda!
STARTING MONDAY we will be participating in our GSACRD Division Wide Fundraising Campaign in support of Our Lady Of Kibeho Orphanage Foundation.
At St. Kateri, EVERY MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY, Mr. O'Gorman and Mrs. Gagne we will be making "FANCY HOT CHOCOLATE" for any students in Kindergarten - Grade 5 who would like to participate. Students can bring in a loonie to their teacher and their "FANCY HOT CHOCOLATE" will be delivered to their classroom during the day.
St. Jean Baptiste Parish
As partners in faith with our local St. Jean Baptiste Parish, please see the link below to find out mass times and locations, upcoming parish events and more.
Please note, if you are interested in learning more about having your child participate in Sacramental Preparation, please see the following link: https://www.sjbp.ca/sacraments.htm
SKTA YEARBOOK!
YEARBOOKS are available to PRE-ORDER for only $20.00 on your PARENT PORTAL!
Don't miss out on your child's memories for 2023-2024 as there are only LIMITED COPIES AVAILABLE!
Parent Council
Thank you to all parents and guardians who joined us at our last Parent Council meeting, it was wonderful to so many engaged families! OUR NEXT MEETING IS WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 6th (date change). Parent Council is a wonderful way for parents & guardians to get involved and support our school. All parents & guardians with children registered at SKTA are welcome to join! Participating in Parent Council will allow individuals to share their voice and their talents with the school community and serve our students.
Any families who would like to review Parent Council Agenda's and Minutes can access them on our SKTA website or by clicking the link below!
SKTA FUNDRAISING
1. Parent Grinch Tree Workshop Night (By Deb's Greenhouse)
Thank you to those who expressed interest. We are looking forward to this fun-filled event on Thursday December 7th @ 7:00pm
2. Gift Cards-Fundscrip
Thank you to all of our families and companies who supported our Fundscrip gift card fundraiser for our school. We sincerely appreciate the support from all of our families!
3. Mabel's Labels
You can buy Mabel’s Labels for your child's items - they are waterproof, durable labels to help reduce classroom mix-ups and keep your items coming home! CLICK HERE for more information on how to order. This fundraiser is ongoing and doesn't have a deadline to order.
Thank you so much for supporting our school and Friends of SKT Association.
Friends of SKT
GSACRD Voice
How to Handle Teasing
Sometimes children tease each other playfully as a way to try and bond with others or fit in with their peers. But what happens when it goes too far? When teasing between friends occurs often, it can start to become less “funny” and more frustrating and hurtful.
If your child is being teased, make sure to take this opportunity to remind them that all forms of teasing are not OK, even if the intention behind the teasing wasn’t to hurt or offend. Also, they can be reminded to stand up for themselves by using phrases such as “I don’t like when you tease me” or “Friends don’t tease friends.” These simple, yet direct, phrases offer children a way to stand up for themselves and others!
Here is a guide from Big Life Journal on ways to help your child navigate through these difficult situations.
How to Respond to Teasing
Kara Meloche: kmeloche@gsacrd.ab.ca (END & GHP)
Caitlin Josey: cjosey@gsacrd.ab.ca (SKT & Legal)
Marina Casavant: mcasavant@gsacrd.ab.ca (MCHS & Communications)
GSACRD Voice - Sugar Cookie Shenanigans!
Sugar Cookie Shenanigans with GSACRD Voice
Join our GSACRD Voice team for some Sugar Cookie Shenanigans! This sugar cookie activity is free and can be done in the comfort of your home as it is virtual over Zoom. We hope you can join in on this family fun activity! Click the link below to register you and your child.
*Registration is limited, so hurry to get your spot!
Indigenous Art Contest
Indigenous Student Art Contest 2023
Contest Details: We are calling on all Indigenous students in Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools. The Division is seeking submissions of Indigenous-themed art from our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. As Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools continues on its journey toward meaningful reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters, we want to provide an opportunity for our Indigenous students to use their talents and give us a hand. Artwork will be reviewed and selected by our Division First Nations, Métis and Inuit Leadership Committee, which includes representatives from our First Nations and Métis partners.
The theme is “Celebrating Indigenous Culture: Telling Our Stories Through Art,” and we are seeking both black and white (vivid black (marker, paint, or pencil crayon) and full-colour art submissions in each age/grade category. Another option available this year is a 10” x 10” canvas paint format (either full colour or black and white), which will be provided for interested students. If you wish to paint on a 10” x 10” canvas, please contact the Division Services Centre at 780-459-7711. Let them know you are calling regarding the Indigenous Student Art Contest and requesting a canvas for your artwork. Leave your name and phone number, and we will arrange a time.
Be creative! Feel free to seek inspiration from Indigenous art, dance, and culture. Inspiration might include the Medicine Wheel, 7 Grandfather Teachings, or #EveryChildMatters. The Division may use submitted artwork in creating items to support our reconciliation journey (t-shirts, greeting cards, posters, social media posts, etc.).
Click here for full details and application form. (DEADLINE JANUARY 15th)
Supports for Families
We at SKTA are a community school and as such very family oriented. We would like our family community to know we are here to support you beyond the classroom. As a Division, we have access to many resources that may support families, from financial assistance to navigating community supports, we are happy to help. Please know that all families can reach out in confidence to our admin and we will work with you in a non-judgmental, compassionate manner to help all through challenging times.
Methods for Recording Student Attendance
Dear Parents,
Ensuring your child's attendance is accurately recorded is essential for us to provide the best educational experience. To make this process convenient for you, we offer three user-friendly options:
1. School Messenger App (Most Popular): Download the School Messenger app, the preferred choice of many parents. It offers a hassle-free way to report attendance and stay connected with school updates.
2. Parent Portal: Accessible through our website, the Parent Portal provides a secure platform to submit attendance information.
3. Safe Arrival Phone Number: Alternatively, you can call our school phone line to report your child's attendance.
Choose the method that suits you best!
Ongoing Reporting
As communicated with families on Sept. 25, GSACRD schools is moving to an 'ongoing reporting' model. This new model will include the following elements:
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Current grades in PowerSchool (updated frequently and regularly) which is found in the Parent Portal.
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Clear descriptions of which key learnings that were evaluated with each assessment
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Indication if the assessment is formative or summative
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Growth as a Learner* to be assessed three times per year (November, March, and June)
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Formative assessments may show a 1-2-3-4 or a M-NYM** grading scale or
SI-SM-SD***.
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Summative assessments will show a 1-2-3-4 or a M-NYM grading scale.
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One culminating report card at the end of June with comments that include:
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recommendations for further class placement (typically in grade 6)
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any accommodations that were given for the final exam (typically for the
Provincial Achievement Tests in grade 6)
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if the student is on an Individual Program Plan (IPP)
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We encourage all parents to use PowerSchool as a tool to remain informed about student progress. Questions or concerns about student assessments should be directed to the homeroom teacher. Interviews to discuss student progress will continue to be a valuable opportunity for collaboration between home and school. In addition to this, reciprocal emails and phone calls will also be essential to maintaining a solid relationship that is focused on student success.
In the near future, we will be providing a video that outlines how to navigate the Parent Portal. This will provide instructions on how to create an account, view student grades, pay school related fees and sign permission forms. In the meantime, should you have any questions please contact the school office at: 587-764-0420