Sister Alphonse Academy Newsflash!
12/February/2021
Dear Sister Alphonse Academy Families!
Happy Friday! Thank you to all of the parents/guardians who took time yesterday evening to connect with us through our virtual open house. Our staff was excited to see some of our families in addition to meeting other new families that are interested in having their children attend Sister Alphonse Academy. We hope that you have had a great week and that you have a great family long weekend.
Blessings,
Christine Samson, Principal
Lisa Kleparchuk, Vice Principal
Gospel Message for today:
Jesus Cures a Deaf Man (Mark 7: 31 - 37)
31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. 34 Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
Lord, we experience life and renewal in you. And with you Lord we know that all things are possible. We are able to “Arise” each day with the healing and support you provide to us each day in serving our GSACRD community. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Shrove Tuesday
Thank you.
Ash Wednesday Celebration
We gather together virtually to reflect upon the start of the 40 days of Lent.
Lenten Campaigns for youth - Catholic Social Services
New Beginnings Baskets for Youth Information:
GSACRD students, staff and families are invited to help raise money for Catholic Social Services staff to purchase the items for the New Beginnings Baskets.
For $150, each New Beginnings Basket will include a number of necessary items for youth in their first homes, including blankets, sheets, pillows, and pillowcases, a phone charger, grocery or Easter dinner card, towels and face cloths, dish towels and dish rags, a toaster, and cutlery.
SAA Upcoming events:
Upcoming events: Month of February, 2021
Feb. 12 - Early Dismissal 11:45 am NO Kindergarten classes
Valentine Activities
Feb. 15 - No School Family Day
Feb. 15 - 26 Time Machine Book Fair!!
Feb. 16 - Shrove Tuesday (Muffin, Juice & Fruit snack to be provided from the school activity fee). Mardi Gras MASK cohort parade 10 am
Feb. 17 - Ash Wednesday Liturgy 9 am
Feb. 17 - Lenten Project begins - Virtual Auction for Vulnerable Youth CSS! More information to be shared in our February newsflash
Feb. 22 - 26 - Virtual Career Symposium Week
Feb. 23 & 25 - Parent/Teacher Virtual Interviews: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. (Sign up and Google links will be provided shortly)
Feb. 24 - Pink Shirt Day - Watch our Facebook page information on how to order a special Knights Pink Shirt!
Blessings,
Christine Samson,
Principal
Lisa Kleparchuk,
Vice Principal
Our GSACRD Superintendent's Message
February 12, 2021
Superintendent’s Update: Students, Parents/Legal Guardians, and Staff
I am hopeful that you are all finding moments of warmth and hope during these chilly days. I would like to thank our families, specifically parents and guardians, for your patience, support and understanding with our need to suspend transportation services for a few days this week. Please know that we understand that this can place extra pressure on families during those busy morning drop-offs and after school pick-ups. However, student health and safety is a top priority and decisions regarding transportation services during extremely cold weather are made with due diligence and in accordance with our Division administrative procedures. When temperatures are -40C or below including wind chill, rural transportation services are suspended and a determination is made regarding urban transportation depending on what is deemed prudent. Often, urban transportation services will operate even when rural service is suspended. However, the difference this year is due to the pandemic. Typically, should there be a problem with a bus in an urban area in extreme weather, there is an opportunity to quickly get students to shelter indoors at a nearby school or community facility. Such a safeguard is not possible at this time due to the restrictions around gatherings and the closure of many public facilities. Thanks again for your patience and understanding.
As we continue to enjoy time with our loved ones this Family Day long weekend, we are looking forward to the beginning of Lent on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 (Ash Wednesday). Ash Wednesday marks a period of prayer, penance, repentance, and almsgiving. Our students will be taking part in Ash Wednesday safely and in compliance with all current Alberta Health Services and Chief Medical Officer guidelines.
Many of you will have heard Premier Kenney’s announcement on January 28, 2021 that was further detailed by Dr. Deena Hinshaw on Saturday, February 6, 2021:
Indoor and outdoor children’s sport and performance: K-12 schools and post-secondary children’s sport and performance activities, such as physical education classes, can now use off-site facilities to support curriculum-related educational activities.
Further to such messages, Deputy Minister Tremblay provided guidance to interpret this with respect to school programming. Based on all of this information, our school division has collaborated with surrounding jurisdictions, and we will be taking a stepped approach to implementing these new parameters:
Extra-curricular athletics: Being non-curricular in nature, and therefore not central to our mandate of providing education, all extra-curricular activities are to remain on hold for the month of February, at least. This means no practicing, training or activity, whether grouped 10 or less, or individual, whatsoever.
Physical Education and Academy Instruction: Being curricular in nature, these opportunities will continue in already established cohorts in activities outside the footprint of the school with the following conditions:
- Where possible, walking distance to facility/venue is preferred.
- Only venues/facilities currently allowed by Provincial mandate may be accessed.
- We continue to work with our municipalities and we will access recreational facilities as they are available. That process has yet to be clarified. More information will be provided as it is made available. Only activities deemed COVID-appropriate under current guidance may be undertaken.
- All guidance for activities remains with respect to physical distancing, mask use, etc. for physical activity.
Performances: Music and drama students will continue to practice within the parameters already outlined. There will not be a focus on preparing for live performances with face-to-face audiences. At this time, we are assuming virtual audiences until such time that guidelines change.
Field trips: will only be permitted when necessary to carry out curricular outcomes that cannot otherwise be met through in school, in class activities.
Please continue to check the Alberta Health website for updates from the Minister of Education about changes to such measures as they relate to school jurisdictions. We continue to update our Parent Guidebook for School Re-Entry: 2020-2021 accordingly, with any relevant changes. Our website and official social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) are also reliable sources of Division news and announcements.
Consider taking part in the remaining virtual information session regarding the benefits of French Immersion Kindergarten in Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools. Please join us to hear from some of our families, who will share their personal experiences with French Immersion in our schools. Time will also be allotted in these one-hour sessions for questions and answers. Questions can either be submitted in advance, using the online registration form, or asked during the live events. All sessions will start at 6:30 p.m.
Date Host School
Tuesday, Feb. 9 École Father Jan
Tuesday, Feb. 23 École Notre Dame
Please register by Friday, February 19 if you would like to attend the final session. After you submit your online registration, you will receive a confirmation with details on how to access this virtual sessions.
Thank you in advance for taking part in our Division Assurance Survey. You will be receiving a link to provide your input between February 12-26 on how we are doing with respect to progress on key strategies of our Division 2020-2023 Education Assurance Plan.
Foundational to our Division’s 2020-2023 Assurance Education Plan, our Faith Priority is at the core of who we are and emphasized in all facets of our work. To that end, yesterday, February 11, 2021, was The World Day of the Sick, which is an awareness day, or observance, in the Catholic Church intended for "prayer and sharing, of offering one's suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding everyone to see in his sick brother or sister the face of Christ." Given the pandemic, it is especially fitting to recall together that we collectively pray for and share in the offering of our service to comfort and care for the sick and suffering. The day was instituted on May 13, 1992 by Pope John Paul II and is celebrated annually on February 11, which is also the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. In parallel to this special day, we honor Black History Month in February and emphasize that beyond this month, we value the dignity and worth of all children of God.
Wishing you all warmth during these cold days, health during this time of pandemic, and many blessings as we continue to journey through this school year together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Clint Moroziuk
Superintendent of Schools
Covid - Health & Safety Updates: Important message
Parents/Guardians:
To answer a few questions I have recently received regarding how notifications work if health officials confirm a case of Covid-19 in a school community, please see the procedure below. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact the school.
This information is also found found in our GSACRD Parent Handbook:
COVID-19 Protocols
If health officials confirm a case of COVID-19 in a school community, Alberta Health Services will take the following steps:
1. The zone medical officer of health will work with school authorities to quickly:
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○ identify cases
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○ identify close contacts
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○ create isolation measures when needed
- ○ provide follow-up recommendations
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A COVID-19 case will not automatically lead to school closure—it could be that only the group of students and staff who came in close contact will be required to stay home for 14 days.
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Parents will be notified if a case of COVID-19 is confirmed at school and the individuals who tested positive, the school, and/or public health officials will contact those who were in close contact with the person.
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Each school authority will support students and staff to learn or work at home if they are required to self-isolate.
https://www.gsacrd.ab.ca/schoolreentry/parentguidebook
The Alberta Government has established stronger mandatory province-wide public health measures to help slow down the spread of the COVID-19.
Please open the link below to see an important change in the symptoms and isolating:
Alberta Health Daily Checklist - Please continue to screen your children for any symptoms BEFORE choosing to send them to school.
Covid-19 - How long to stay home from school
Thank you so much for your support!
Parent/Teacher Interviews are coming!
Our Parent/Teacher Interview evenings are being held on February 23 and February 25th, from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. The links to the interview scheduling will be shared on Tuesday with families. Reports cards are scheduled for the week of March 22, 2021. Thank you!
Grade 7 Science in Action!
Mrs. Rayner's Grade 2 class learning to love like Jesus!
Thank you to the St. Albert Lion's Club!
Thank you for attending our SAA Elementary/Junior High Open House!
Our new "Exploring Sister Alphonse Academy" Website!
Please check out our "Exploring SAA" Website which has been created by Mrs. Kleparchuk and the Open House committee at our school. This website is an opportunity to showcase our programs and information about SAA. Please note that this website is being developed and added to on a daily basis.
Build your Classroom Library!
Do you want to show your teacher your appreciation for all they do? Then why not participate in our Classroom Wish List program?
It is a great way to support our scholastic book fair and help build your classroom library. Here is how you can help:
- Keep an eye out for your teacher's wish list. They will be sending them out at the beginning of next week.
- Pick and buy a book from your teacher’s list.
- Delete that book from the list to prevent others from buying the same book.
- Let Miss Gamache know what you have purchased (lgamache@gscrd.ab.ca).
- Once you receive the book, you can send it in with your child. There will be a bin by the library for children to drop them off in, so they can go into quarantine before being given to the teachers.
Thank you for all your support for our teachers and for our learning commons.
SAA Career Symposium is coming up!
SAA VIRTUAL CAREER SYMPOSIUM
Exploring Different Careers Feb. 22 - 26
How did you choose to serve the world?
Students and staff at SAA would like to invite you to participate in our first ever Career Symposium. We are in need of parents who would be willing to join a class google meet or create their own video describing their career! We want to guide our students to the exciting possibilities in their futures. We know that being able to connect with real people actively working in various careers will make this meaningful and wonder driven for everyone! Please read this parent letter for more information and contact Mrs. Nadine Trenchard at natrenchard@gsacrd.ab.ca if you would like to participate by February 12th! Thank you!
Sister Alphonse Academy volunteers are needed
Our Sister Alphonse Academy Friends society is holding a number of fund raising events and are calling on parents/guardians some of their time and assistance! There are some exciting events to participate in which include the staff appreciation project and a confetti cookie fundraiser. If you are interested in assisting us with this, please email Mrs. Samson at csamson@gsacrd.ab.ca. We thank you in advance for your time and help!
A special thank you to Mrs. Kristi Rouse and Mrs. Christine Hoskins for all of the time and effort they have donated with all of the fundraising they have done so far in supporting the future purchase of equipment/needs of the school.
Ecole Secondaire St. Albert Catholic High School!
Valentine's Day School Fundraiser!
Purchase your Valentine-themed creations now! Bags remain $10, and bowl cozies (great for soup, chili, etc.) are also $10 with 100% proceeds to Friends of SAA.
Please contact Meghan at meghanwagner5@gmail.com to arrange purchase/payment.
Thank you to everyone for your support! Funds raised are allocated to student needed technology or equipment. Blessings.
Purchase your SAA Yearbook today!
Mrs. Kleparchuk and our staff are working hard on our 2020/2021 yearbook! A big thank you to one of our parents Mrs. Kosik-Lowen who is spending time again helping us build our yearbook. Your time and expertise is greatly appreciated! Purchase your yearbook through school cash using the link below.
If you experience any problems with the system, please let our office know at 780-809-2996.
SAA Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!
Sister Alphonse Academy Virtual Book Fair
Let reading take you anywhere at our Time Machine Book Fair!! From February 15-26, you are invited to shop our Scholastic Book Fair online.
Come explore the latest books and enjoy these special online shopping features:
All orders ship direct to home
FREE shipping on book-only orders over $40
FREE shipping for orders made on Wednesday from 6pm-8pm
All purchases support our school and earn 20% in rewards
Our goal is to get 180 books into students’ hands, so please help us make this the best fair yet! Click here to explore our online fair when it goes live on the 15th. Until then, you can use the link to preview the upcoming books. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!
Happy Reading!
Ms. L. Gamache
Phone: 780-809-2996.
Email: lgamache@gsacrd.ab.ca
SAFETY PROTOCOL STUDENT RE-ENTRY REMINDERS
Before coming to school each day, all staff and students must complete the Alberta government’s COVID-19 Information Screening Questionnaire, which is available in multiple languages, to determine whether they can attend or must stay home. The form does not need to be submitted to the office. If your child has any symptoms, contact your school office to let your child’s school know. Everyone who enters a school will see a sign that reminds them to complete the daily COVID-19 Information Screening Questionnaire before entering the building.
Please remember to bring with you all of your books and supplies that are needed for school on Monday morning. Monday is a regular, full day of classes.
Please remember that we have four entrances for students. When you arrive at school please report to the same school door that you were using before the Christmas break.
On August 4, grades 4-12 students and all staff have been asked to wear masks and mask use will be mandatory in common areas and when physical distancing of 2m is not possible. K-3 students are not required to wear masks, but mask use is encouraged as much as possible. Masks are to be worn while riding the bus as well.
Students with pre-existing health conditions that cause symptoms of illness should be tested for COVID-19 at least once before returning to school. A negative test will help show that symptoms are related to their pre-existing conditions, and not to COVID-19. This will establish what their baseline for being healthy looks like. Families should notify their school about any pre-existing condition and the symptoms it causes. As long as these symptoms remain the same, the student can attend school.
Additional hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed in every school and division office and additional hand sanitizer has been provided to schools to enable individuals to practice good hand hygiene.
It is recommended that individual-sized hand sanitizer bottles be purchased for your children so that they have this with them throughout the day. If you need to purchase another one for Monday please do so. Thank you.
Students please bring your own water bottle to school and do not share them. Water fountains will remain open and be cleaned regularly.
All students are asked to wear a mask to wear upon entry at school and when riding a school bus. Teachers will provide mask breaks. Prior to the break, students needed more reminders of continuing to do this so let’s have a new start again.
Grades 4 - 9 students: Please remember to wear your mask at all times when walking in the classroom and/or hallway and continue to maintain physical distance between one another.
Approved cleaning protocols have been put in place in all Division buildings. Custodial staff have been trained to identify high touch areas and to know how to clean, sanitize, and disinfect them.
If your child becomes ill at school, your child will be placed in a safe space until you or your emergency designate picks up your child.
Lunch Hour: All students in the elementary and junior high school need to eat their lunch in their own classrooms. We have always had this guideline in place, but students needed a few reminders to adhere to this prior to the break. Students in Junior High who are leaving the building for lunch please follow all safety protocols with masks use, physical distancing and sanitization upon exit and entry.
Junior High - Nutrition break: You are to eat your snack at your desk in your classroom. If you would like to go for a short walk in the school, wear your mask and continue to maintain a physical distance of two metres while walking.
Gym use - Students will have grade cohort assigned time to use the gym. Please listen for the announcements for your day of use.
Sacramental Preparation - Holy Family Parish
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
If your child is in Grade 2, and is preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist, please contact Marieta by email: marieta@holyfamilyparish.ca to register for preparation class.
If your child is in Grade 6, and is preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, please contact Marieta at marieta@holyfamilyparish.ca to register for preparation class.
St. Albert Parish News!
SIGIS Childcare available
Please note that we have SIGIS Childcare within our building at SAA! If you are in need of before school or after school childcare, please read some information below. This may be a convenient service you may be interested in. Thank you.
Friends of Sister Alphonse Academy
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO ENHANCE SAA BY SUPPORTING FUNDRAISERS AND VOLUNTEERING
ONGOING FUNDRAISERS:
1. Campbell Park Bottle Depot - Ask for the receipt from the return of your bottles and cans to go towards 'Friends of Sister Alphonse Academy" envelope.2. FlipGive - Go to flipgive.com or get the FlipGive app. Enter code QYXC53 to earn a portion of proceeds for the school by purchasing gift cards and shopping online!
3. COBS DoughRaiser - Mention Friends of Sister Alphonse Academy at St. Albert location, and 5% of your purchase will go to Friends of SAA.
4. Oliver's Labels - http://www.oliverslabels.com/FriendsofSAA
5. Mabel's Labels - mabelslabels.ca - Click on 'Support a Fundraiser' and search for Friends of Sister Alphonse Academy (St. Albert)
Sister Alphonse Academy!
Email: info@sisteralphonseacademy.com
Website: https://www.saa.gsacrd.ab.ca/
Location: 1 Joyal Way, Sturgeon County, AB, Canada
Phone: 7808092296
Facebook: facebook.com/sisteralphonseacademy
Twitter: @sisteralphonseacademy