Patriot Post
Dec. 10th - Dec. 14th, 2018
This Week at St. JPII
Monday Dec. 10th
School Wide Assembly: Block #1
Girls Basketball Practice 7:00-8:00am
Boys Basketball Practice 3:00-4:15pm
Tuesday Dec. 11th
Wednesday Dec. 12th
Boys Basketball Practice 3:00-4:15pm
Thursday Dec. 13th
Reconciliation @ St. JPII
Girls Basketball Practice 3:00-4:30pm
Friday Dec. 14th
Gr. 5 Field Trip to St. Joseph's Basilica 9:15-11:15am
Welcome to the 2nd week of Advent
During the second week of Advent, we focus on John the Baptist’s challenge: Prepare the way of the Lord! The second candle is the candle of peace, a sign that God's promises will be fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ - Prince of Peace.
We prepare this week by stepping up the longing. We move through this week by naming deeper and more specific desires.
Each morning this week, if even for that brief moment at the side of our beds, we want to light a second inner candle. We want to let it represent “a bit more hope.” Perhaps we can pause, breathe deeply and say,
“Lord, I place my trust in you.”
Each day this week, as we encounter times that are rushed, even crazy, we can take that deep breath, and make that profound prayer. Each time we face some darkness, some experience of “parched land” or desert, some place where we feel “defeated” or “trapped,” we hear the words, “Our God will come to save us!”
The grace we desire for this week is to be able to hear the promise and to invite our God to come into those real places of our lives that dearly need God's coming. We want to be able to say:
“Lord, I place my trust in your promise. Please, Lord, rouse your power and come into this place in my life, this relationship, into this deep self-defeating pattern. Please come here and save me.”
Each night this week we can look back over the day and give thanks for the moments of deep breath, that opened a space for more trust and confidence in God's fidelity to us. No matter how difficult the challenges we are facing - from the growing realization of our personal sinfulness, to any experience of emptiness or powerlessness, even in the face of death itself - we can give thanks for the two candles that faithfully push back the darkness. And, we can give thanks for the graces given us to believe that “Our God will come to save us” because we were given the courageous faith to desire and ask boldly.
Come, Lord Jesus. Come and visit your people.
We await your coming. Come, O Lord.
Chaplain's Corner
Today’s Gospel speaks of John the Baptist. He was chosen to announce the coming of Jesus: the Messiah, the Christ, the Saviour King.
“Prepare a way for the Lord,” he calls out and his words are equally meant for us as for the people he directly spoke to.
He comes “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,” says Luke. There are three words there which are closely linked – baptism, repentance, and forgiveness.
Baptism, of course, is not here the Sacrament of Baptism by which people are incorporated into the Christian community. But it was a sacramental or symbolic action through which people expressed by their immersion in the waters of the River Jordan their desire to have their evil past totally washed away.
This washing away would not be effected automatically or magically but only by their repentance. In fact, the term Luke uses is “baptism of repentance” (baptisma metanoias). ‘Repentance’ is the common translation for the Greek word metanoia, which means not just sorrow for past sins but a total and radical change of outlook in our relationship with God and other people. It calls for a radical and genuine renewal and conversion of heart.
This metanoia or conversion in turn will bring about the forgiveness of sin. The word here for forgiveness is aphesis (’a release, a letting go, a liberation from the chains of sin and evil. Forgiveness is seen as the dropping off of heavy baggage or burdens (like the space capsule dropping off its booster tanks and soaring off on its own into space). Forgiveness, too, involves a total reconciliation with our God and with all those whom we have hurt or with whom we have come in conflict. It is a healing, a making whole.
Each year as the Advent season comes round and we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we need once more to hear the challenging call of John the Baptist to baptism, metanoia and forgiveness.
Although our own Baptism was something which may have taken place a long time go, as an infant or as an adult, what happened then has constantly to be renewed. We need to re-affirm our commitment to the Christian community, to the Body of Christ, through which we go to God and through which our God comes to us.
We need to open ourselves to further conversion, to an ever deeper change of heart, to a deeper listening to what Jesus is asking of us, “Lord, what do you want me to do, to be?”
And, thirdly, we need, because of our commitment to the Body of Christ, to find total reconciliation with God and with all those people who come into our lives.
Click on the link above to read the complete commentary of today's readings.
Upcoming and In the Works Faith Events
- Gr. 7 & 8 Days of Service
- School Reconciliation: December 13, 2018
- Advent Mass: Wednesday, December 19 @ 12:30 pm (School)
- Parish priest visits to St. JP II: Thursdays from 12:05 - 1:30 pm
Advent Preparations
In family life, we try to prepare ourselves for the future: our next vacation, our children’s education, our retirement. We are careful not to allow ourselves to be caught by surprise so that we can handle any challenges our family may face. The Scripture readings we hear in church during Advent remind us that we are called to be attentive in our spiritual lives as well. We are to wait in hope so that the coming salvation will not catch us unprepared. This means attending to our family’s spiritual life as carefully as we attend to other important family matters. As you gather as a family, talk about a time when you received surprise visitors at your house, perhaps a neighbor stopping by or a relative who arrived unannounced. Was your household prepared to receive this surprise guest? What might your family have done differently if you knew ahead of time that this visitor was going During Advent, we not only prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we also check in to see if we are doing all the things that will keep us ready to receive Jesus when he comes again. Talk to your family about how you are doing in attending to your spiritual life as a family. Recommit yourselves to praying daily, reading Scripture, and staying faithful to God’s commandments. Pray together that through this Advent season your family will be more prepared to receive Jesus when he comes again. As a concluding prayer read Paul’s words to the Corinthians found in 1 Corinthians 1:3–9, or pray the Lord’s Prayer.
to arrive? Jesus told his disciples that no one but the Father knows when the Son of Man will come in glory. Read what Jesus told his disciples about this in Mark 13:33–37.
Valeda House Fundraiser
On the left is a list of hints submitted by our staff. Students can purchase an entry form where they will try to match five staff members with their hints. If they get 3 out of 5, they will be entered into a draw for one of the prizes you see in the picture. If they get 5 out of 5, they will get two entries into the draw. Each entry is $2 or they can buy 3 entries for $5. Draw will be held after Advent mass next Wednesday, December 19th. entries will be on sale during lunch starting Monday, December 10th.
All funds raised thus far in the school year will be presented to a representative of Catholic Social Services after Advent mass on December 19th.
Valeda House Needs
Items needed:
- 12 water glasses
- 6 bath towels
- 6 face clothes
- 12 dish rags
- 12 Rubbermaid containers of various sizes
- 6 containers of baby lotion
- 3 baby monitors
- 3 bath robes
- 4 pillows
- 4 diaper bags
- 5 small space heaters.
Any items that are collected over and above these will be donated to Families First here in Fort. Saskatchewan.
Thank you for your help with this.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
St. JPII LEADERSHIP CLUB
December Leadership Events
December 5- Ugly Christmas Sweater/Hat Day
December 12- Winter Walk
December 6-21- St. JPII’s Leadership 12 Days of Giveaways
Canned Vegetables (Peas, corn, beans, tomatoes)
Canned Meat (Tuna, ham, chicken)
Peanut Butter
Cereal
Crackers
Canned or Dried Soup
Rice
Pasta
Pasta Sauce
Canned Fruit (Pineapples, peaches, pears, oranges)
Granola Bars
Coffee or Tea
St. JPII Leadership will be organizing the 12 Days of Giveaways for the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank this Christmas. The event will take place from December 6 to December 21 inclusive. All students and staff are asked to participate by choosing at least one item off of the 12 Days of Giveaways List to donate this holiday season. All items can be brought in during the 12 days. Donation boxes will be set up outside of St. JPII’s school chapel.
Thank you for sharing the gift of giving this Christmas!
School Fees/Waiver Deadline
Thank you to the many families who have already paid their child's school fees.
A reminder, these fees can 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. If you require assistance logging in to the ParentPortal please call the school and we will be happy to help.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties you may qualify for the EICS Fee Waiver Program. The deadline to apply for the 2018 - 2019 school year is Friday, December 14th.
Fort Saskatchewan Integrated Community Hub Parent Survey
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!
INTERNET SAFETY PRESENTATION
SCHOOL COUNCIL INFORMATION
Thank you to those that were able to join us for our School Council meeting Nov. 19. There was a lot to discuss regarding what has been happening in the school and upcoming plans. We encourage you to join us for our next meeting which is scheduled for Monday, January 14 @ 6:30pm in the school library.
Approved meeting minutes can be found on the School Council page within the St JPII website.
Our School Council is currently in the process of reviewing and revising our existing Constitution and Bylaws to reflect changes in our school name and to ensure it is in alignment with current legislation, regulations and recommendations from the Alberta School Council Association. On the School Council page on the St JPII website, resource documentation, as well as the existing and proposed documents have been added for all parents to access. We are asking and encouraging you to take the time to review these and provide feedback during the next School Council meeting where these changes will be discussed and determined.
Volunteer Needed - Hot Lunch – School Council is currently looking for a parent volunteer who would be willing and able work alongside our currently coordinator – Sheri McCoy. Tasks would include familiarity with the online ordering system, and working together to determine menu options with local vendors, submitting the order with the vendors, coordinating pick up/delivery of food from the vendors, monitoring payment for orders placed. If you are interested, please contact Stacey at polwalker@shaw.ca.
School Council Executive
YEARBOOK COMMITTEE
Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education
FSMA HOMEWORK CLUB
Demographic Confirmation & Yearly Consent Forms
The annual consent forms allow your child full participation in all activities, field trips and events for optimal learning at St. JPII. Thank you for completing these forms so your child experiences the full learning benefits at St. JPII.
EICS Family Wellness Program
Program Overview
The Elk Island Catholic Schools Family Wellness Program provides short-term supportive assistance to students and their parents and guardians. Services are provided free of charge and may take place at school and/or in home and community settings.
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
Amanda Davidson RSW, BSW
St. John Paul ll
St. Andre Bessette
(p) 780-860-4621
Upcoming Community Supports for Parents
Co Parenting Workshop
Helping Families Thrive not Just Survive
The presenters will help you find new ways to:
• Make your child a priority
• Understand the impact of separation conflict on children’s brain development
• Understand the impact of separation on your child
• Choose a better way to communicate with each other
• Learn skills to deal with resentment, anger and conflict
Registration is required
laurie@irelate.ca - 780 235 8212
Fee: $40.00 per person
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Park Centre & Hotel, Sherwood Park
Parents Empowering Parents
Do you have a child using or abusing drugs and/or alcohol?
Do you feel embarrassed, exhausted, hopeless, or alone?
Parents Empowering Parents Society
2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7
or online at www.CanadaHelps.org
Administration:
#200, 501 Festival Avenue, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 4X3
(2nd Floor, Community Centre, in Centre in the Park, next to County Hall)
Support Line 780.293.0737
Ph: 780.410.8516 • Fax: 780.449.1220
Connect Parent Group
Primary Care Network
An Attachment- Based Program to Support Parents and Caregivers
Connect is a free 9 week program to support parents of pre-teens ages (10-14).
Wednesdays starting January 30th until April 3, 2019
6pm-7:30pm
Land Room at City Hall, 10005 102 st, Fort Saskatchewan
Call Jennifer at 780-997-4164 to register.
Onsite child care will be provided.
CAFETERIA
Cafeteria in St. John Paul II Catholic School
Meals available daily: Chicken strips, Pizza-bun (ham or extra cheese), Salad (cheeseburger, chicken caesar, or egg salad), and Sub (chicken salad, egg salad, or ham).
Daily specials: Monday- Spaghetti, Tuesday- Chicken Alfredo, Wednesday- Pancakes, Thursday- Sweet&Sour Meatballs, and Friday- Chicken Fried Rice
Sides: Apples & Grapes, Apple Sauce, Carrots & Sweet Peas, Cheese Strips, Chocolate Energy Bites, Fresh Fruit Mix, Fresh Veggie Mix, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Pretzels, Rice Cereal Square, Vanilla Yogurt, Wowbutter Cookies, 237 mL white milk/chocolate milk, 200 mL juice (apple or orange)
*Menu changes three times per year* All food is prepared to meet school guidelines.
A regular meal with two sides is $6,
you can order a larger portion for $1 more,
and you can add an additional side for $1.
Pre-order online or cash purchases
Online orders- how to get started:
· Visit www.fortsasklunchbox.com
· Click the order tab
· Create an account (use the email that is best for receiving receipts and create your own password)
· Choose St John Paul II as your school- lunches can be picked up at the school cafeteria
Visitors To Our School
OLA Parish News
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