Patriot Post
Mar. 23rd - Mar. 27th, 2020
*THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION REGARDING EICS AND COVID-19 CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.EICS.AB.CA*
This Week at St. JPII
Sunday Mar. 22nd
Fr. Kris will be live streaming Mass via the Parish’s Facebook page this Sunday at 10am
https://www.facebook.com/OurLadyOfTheAngelsCatholicParish/
Monday Mar. 23rd
Online classes will begin today - Please make sure your child checks in to their Google Classroom.
Tuesday Mar. 24th
On-Line Learning via Google Classroom
Wednesday Mar. 25th
On-Line Learning via Google Classroom
Thursday Mar. 26th
On-Line Learning via Google Classroom
Friday Mar. 27th
Spring Break starts - No online classes
Classes will resume on Monday, April 6
A Message From Leaderhip
Even though classes have been cancelled indefinitely and teachers have been transitioning and are now ready to deliver program continuity via online learning, in some cases from off-site, the leadership team as well as our front office secretary will still be in the building during regular school hours 8:30am-3:00pm. However, the school doors will remain locked throughout the day. The best way to contact the school is through phone at 780-992-0889 or email. We will be unable to accommodate meetings in person due to social distancing recommendations. Thank-you for your understanding.
Please be comforted knowing that staff have been working extremely hard this past week forming faith-integrated academic lessons and creative ways to keep connected to your child during this unprecedented time. We have a strong school community, and there is no doubt that communal strength will continue forward through various connections and reaching out to each other.
Slow, Flexible, and Compassionate - These are the words we have been using with staff this past week to keep at the forefront of our hearts and minds as we guide our students and families through these unprecedented times. We have been telling our staff that "Less is More" and "Go Slow to Go Fast." Online learning will roll-out strategically following the guidance set by Alberta Education (please see Alberta news release below). Please be patient with our staff and your child as they navigate this new normal together.
We look forward to officially starting to deliver online programming the week of March 23rd. Programming will be delivered throughout the day and over the course of the week. Our staff will then take a much needed Spring Break starting Friday March 27th with online classes resuming Monday April 6th.
Please feel free to reach out to our school staff, through email or Google Classroom, as needed. We would like to leave you with these powerful words from Pope Francis on keeping hope for better days ahead:
Robert Stecyk and Kalay Dumont
New to Google?
Parent's Guide to Google Classroom!
https://drive.google.com/a/eics.ab.ca/file/d/1fws681lplpxhgp4FaUAi9VCyNKEgTh0F/view?usp=sharing
We hope that you are able to navigate the classroom without trouble, but if you do run into issues, please contact your child's teacher by email.
Public Library E-Resources
Chaplain's Corner
Fourth Week of Lent
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, Thursday, March 19, was the first day of Spring. And with its arrival come warming temperatures and, more importantly, longer periods of daylight and shorter periods of darkness. And with the longer hours of daylight come the spring flowers, budding trees and green yards. The warmth of the light from the sun is rejuvenating, not only for nature but also for our personal well being.
But the light of the sun is not the only light that is available to make our days more enjoyable, for we can also choose to walk in the light of the Lord. Today’s reading in Ephesians is direct and to the point. “Brothers and sisters: You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.”
But alas, as with so many of the readings in the Bible, it is easier said than done.
Now that we are a little past the mid-point of Lent and continuing our preparation for Easter, let’s remind ourselves we are “children of the light” and also of the responsibility that comes with such a wonderful blessing, a responsibility not only to others but also to ourselves.
We know that we are created to be in community as God tells us but our present situation prevents us from being in each other's physical presence. this does not mean that we cannot connect with each other as a support during this difficult time. Take time this week to reach out to your family and friends. Not just through text but with a phone call. Help everyone know that they are not alone. We hear so many awesome stories of people reaching out to help others during this trying time. May the light of God continue to shine brightly for all to see.
For the balance of this Lenten season, let’s strive to stay in the spotlight of Christ, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. And as Matthew wrote, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
God Bless each of you during this time.
Vernon
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Updates for EICS
A question and answer sheet is posted on the EICS Divisional website located at www.eics.ab.ca.
https://www.eics.ab.ca/coronavirus-information-in-eics
We are so appreciative of your understanding and cooperation as we all work together to continue to keep our schools and staff safe during this serious public health situation.
EICS PARENT FAQ's SHEET
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA NEWS RELEASE
ALBERTA EDUCATION CONTINUITY FAQ's
1. GrACE (Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education) has been in existence since November 2018. Created by the Bishops of Alberta, the Alberta Catholic School Trustees (ACSTA) and the Council for Catholic School Superintendents (CCSSA), GrACE seeks to unite, engage, educate and communicate with one voice on behalf of Catholic education.
2. Why does GrACE exist? The gift of publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta is a true blessing. As a community we are called in gratitude, faith and action to ensure that our children and future generations continue to learn and grow in our Catholic schools.
3. GrACE invites all those committed to Catholic education, through the unity of the Holy Spirit, to be advocates and witnesses for our schools’ successes and their future. Tell your stories of Catholic education. Let your voice be heard. Every day is a celebration of Catholic education. Let us be grateful for our blessings and commit our support.
4. The mission of GrACE is to inspire, invigorate and embolden the spirit of Catholic education in order to unite, engage, educate and communicate with one voice on its behalf. GrACE is a partnership of stakeholders resolutely committed to Catholic education within the province of Alberta.
5. Did you know that more than 183,000 students attend Catholic schools in the province of Alberta?
MARCH IS NUTRITION MONTH
APPROVED 2020/2021 CALENDAR
FREE ESL SUPPORTS
2019/2020 YEARBOOK NEWS
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!
EICS FAMILY WELLNESS WORKER
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
Hello St. JPII School Community! My name is Lee Dube and I am so excited to be a part of your Fort Saskatchewan school community. I am here to support families and students to be successful. I am someone that parents and students can talk to and can offer connections to various resources in the community. Please do not hesitate to give me a call at the school or send me an email at lee.dube@eics.ab.ca to set up an online appointment.
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