SAINT'S SCOOP
St. Martin's Catholic Elementary School November 27th, 2023
Advent Season is Upon Us - December 3
Advent is a four-week period that marks the beginning of the Christmas season. It is a time of spiritual preparation before the celebration of the birth of Christ. The period of Advent involves reflection about what it meant for the world before Christ came and preparing the church and hearts for the true meaning of Christmas. Through the season of Advent, our staff and students will gather as community every Monday Prayer Liturgy Assembly in the gym for prayer/reflection. Parents are welcome.
Upcoming Events
- Wednesday December 6 - Early Dismissal for students at 1:55 pm
- Tuesday December 19 - ECS 6 pm & Grade 1 to 3 Christmas Concert - 7 pm
- Thursday December 21 - Grade 4 to 6 Christmas Concert - 7 pm
- Saturday December 23 to Jan. 7 - Christmas & New Year Break - No School and Closed
- Monday January 8 - School Resumes 8:35 am
- January 10 - Early Dismissal - students out at 1:55 pm
EICS Advent Initiative “Baskets of Blessings”
This Advent EICS is continuing to partner with Catholic Social Services to support women and children in Lurana Shelter. Please donate directly online through this link then just click on St. Martin's Catholic School
Lurana is a 21 day domestic abuse emergency shelter. The women and children who stay there have nowhere else to go. Their home is unsafe. They may have left their home with only the clothes on their back. When they arrive at Lurana, CSS staff will give them a bedroom to stay in. Staff will also provide them with a Basket of Blessings purchased by the students, teachers and parents of Elk Island Catholic School Division. With your donations staff will purchase an adult basket and/or a children’s basket. A typical adult basket may include soap, toothbrushes and other toiletries, feminine hygiene products, make-up, hair brushes/combs and other basics. A typical children’s basket may include necessities like soothers, a rattle or other small toy, a book, a small blanket. All adult and children’s Baskets of Blessings also include a teddy bear. Clients of Lurana often report that they keep this teddy bear their whole lives.
Christmas Service Projects
Everywhere we look, we see signs that the Christmas season is quickly approaching. We have started planning our yearly Advent service projects. The first week, please talk with your children the importance of sharing with others. We invite our students to bring unwrapped gifts such as toys, books crayons, stuffed animals and school supplies to be dropped into the boxes by the office for the Christmas Bureau. Thank you for your generosity.
Face to Face Student Retreat
Parents Make A Difference!
Parent involvement plays a vital role in our school, and as our school grows, so too does the need for volunteers.
We hope you take the time to consider volunteering at St. Martin's for our Free Hot Dog Lunch Fridays.
There are opportunities to volunteer even 60 minutes per/week/every 2nd week/per month (Friday at 11-12), but those minutes can make a big difference. Other opportunities require a larger time commitment.
Whatever your commitment, your time and willingness to reach out is valued! Please reach out to the school 780-632-2266 and help with the Free Hot Dog Lunches.