The Good News
May 14, 2017 - St. John XXIII School
Happy Mother's Day!
I love that we set aside a whole day to honor and celebrate the women who raised us. My mom was an amazing mother who dedicated her life to my brother and I. She was selfless yet strong- and the most beautiful woman I know. Mother’s Day holds a special place in my own heart because of the two little ones who made me a mom. I love waking up to them bringing me the handmade gifts they’ve poured their hearts into. These are the moments that remind me motherhood is a gift, and fostering these little people’s growth is my favorite job of all.
Every year as Mother’s Day gets close, I get a little nostalgic about my kids and how much celebrating them in the day-to-day means to me. So today I wanted to sit down and write up a little note to all moms, encouraging you to fully appreciate the season you’re in, and also, to share some of the challenges and triumphs I’ve experienced as a mom.
As a quick side note, when I started writing this, it was all about the joy of motherhood—but when I thought about all the strong moms around me, it didn’t take me long to realize the name “mom” isn’t easy to come by. There are moms I know, like me, who have fought infertility, miscarriage or even the loss of a child. So whether you’re a mom right in the middle of raising your babies, or you find yourself in the throes of immense pain—this day is for all of us.
You are enough...
I think at times all moms get this insecure feeling of “I’m not doing enough.” As a working mom, it’s the hardest when my kids grab onto me as I’m walking out the door, or dropping them off at daycare and say, “Mommy please stay home!” I don’t want to ignore how they feel, so I always explain to them that being with them is my favorite thing in the world. I explain that I have to work just like they have to go to school. I also let them know what I’m doing at work that day. I tell them what time I’ll be home and that my evening will be spent doing things with them. Taking a few seconds to let them in on this other huge part of my life has really helped them understand that moms and dads have a big job to do.
I make an effort to find creative ways to connect with my daughters during the day because I work and to let them know I am always thinking of them. I’ll send them a little note in their lunchbox or surprise them and pick them up after school for a fun date. It's the littlest things that they remember - and they make sure I know how much they love it!
Taking the time...
It may sound cliche, but you blink and they will be all grown. I see it with my 12 year old. I can't believe it - it was just like yesterday I was taking her to Kindermusic and Mom & Tots at the library. Now I spend the day wondering how she is doing at middle-school and if she is listening to her teachers and staying off her phone. It's hard work being a mom!
Did you know that you are your child's favorite person in the whole world? That's powerful stuff! I really want to savor this time for as long as I can. When I get home from work I try and leave my phone in the car and make that intentional effort to play and connect face to face with them. Even when I’m tired at the end of a long day, it’s fuel to see the look in their eyes when I ask them to read a book with me or go for a walk outside. As a mom, sometimes I have to change my mindset and remind myself what’s important. I only have so many hours a day to spend with my "littles". And they won’t be little forever. So I get up and keep moving.
I hope you feel so loved and celebrated this Mother’s Day. And no matter what season of motherhood you find yourself in, just know that you are doing enough, and you are loved and appreciated. Take a few moments today to look around and appreciate your children and the stage they’re in. I know for me, the thought of them growing up and moving off makes me want to burst into tears! So this Mother’s Day I plan to milk it for all it’s worth, and squeeze them just a little longer.
Here is a cute little video to remind you how very special you are!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv-CIKB6unA
Mother's Day blessings,
Mrs. Tracy Melnyk, Principal
Moo Spirit Week
This week we celebrate Moo Spirit Week! Every noon hour recess Mrs. Yuzda will hide 15 balls in the playground - one for each classroom. The lucky student that finds their classroom ball each day wins a prize! (Each child can only win once during the week to give their classmates a chance to win, too.) Let's hope for good weather and have a Moovellous time.
PSC Executive for 2017 - 2018
Thank you to those who supported the Parent School Council this past Thursday evening. We are pleased to congratulate our 2017/18 executive:
- Chair: DonaMarie Lukie
- Co-Chair: Michelle Stubbard
- Vice-Chair: Samantha LeDrew
- Secretary: Treena Terry
- Treasurer: Vanessa Gillis
Rosary Walk
Each class carried a bucket of rocks with them on Monday, and each rock represented a prayer. One rock did not seem like much, but one rock is the beginning of something spectacular. When we join many rocks together we can build fabulous things: bridges, churches, castles, skyscrapers, homes. A rock is like our prayer, one may seem insignificant, but when you add many something spectacular can happen. Prayers are answered and miracles can happen. This is why we pray together.
Registering for next year
2017-2018 data verification forms, as well as the yearly consents (technology, field trips, locker use) are all available on your PowerSchool parent portal. If you still have a red box on your home screen indicating there are still forms to fill out, please click on the link and follow the instructions. If you have already submitted the data verification for 2017/2018, it just may be that we require the yearly consents filled out.
We are required to have parents review demographic data yearly to ensure we have the most current contact information. Thank-you for your assistance in making sure all of your child's contact information is up to date.
If your child will not be returning to St. John XXIII next fall please take a moment to let Mrs. Wilson in the office know - it helps with our planning for next year. Thank you.
Test Drive Kindergarten
If you have registered your child for Kindergarten this fall, or are planning to do so, or you are just wanting more information about our ECS program, we encourage you to drop in with your child on Wednesday, June 7th between 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. to “Test Drive” Kindergarten. Come see the classrooms, meet and chat with our ECS teachers and staff, and learn about the programming. For more information please visit our website, or call 780-998-7777.
Pre-Kindergarten
REAL Foundation Golf Tournament
Bake Sale for the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation
Congratulations to our EICS Students
ECS Mother's Day Art Show
Grade 1 Trip to the Arabian Horse Farm
Grade 2 at the Edmonton Symphony
Looking Ahead . . .
May 15 SLS School Assembly 9:00 am
May 15 - 18 Moo Spirit Week - let the Moo hunt begin!
May 16 & 17 Bake Sale for the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation
May 18 Booster Juice Lunch
May 19 Staff Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
May 22 Victoria Day - NO SCHOOL
May 23 Lifetouch Spring Photos
May 24 "St. John XXIII's Got Talent Show" 1:00 pm
May 24 REAL Foundation Golf Tournament at the Broadmoor Golf Course, Sherwood Park
May 25 Aboriginal Awareness Day
May 26 Living Rosary 1:30 pm in the gym - everyone welcome
July 10 - 14 "Birthday Blast" Bible Camp at OLA Church - watch for details coming soon!
9526 - 89 St. Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Email: stj@eics.ab.ca
Website: stj.eics.ab.ca
Phone: 780-998-7777
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stjohnXXIII/
Twitter: @St_JohnXXIII