St. Mary's Catholic School
School Newsletter - Sept 18, 2022
OPENING SCHOOL MASS @ ST. MARTIN'S OF TOURS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
School in Session on September 19, 2022 Provincial Day of Mourning.
We all share deep sorrow in the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her longstanding commitment to public service and dignified leadership in uncertain times was an example to us all. Albertans join fellow members of the Commonwealth in mourning her death and extend heartfelt condolences to all members of the Royal Family.
In solemn recognition of Her late Majesty, the Government of Alberta has announced that September 19, 2022 will be a provincial day of mourning. Despite this being a day of mourning, there will still be school on Monday September 19th.
Our school is encouraged to offer opportunities for students to take part in the day of mourning. The ceremony will be live-streamed for students at https://www.alberta.ca/queen-elizabeth-memorial-services.aspx. We at STMY will recognize this day in the following ways: STMY will have our flag at half mast and we are going to take a moment of silence after our Lord's Prayer during announcements. Staff will be preparing lessons for periods 3-4 (Blk 2) to be more independent work for students,in order to discuss Her late Majesty in the classroom, her life, public service and her connection to Canada, and then play the link above in their classrooms during period 3-4 (block 2).
We hope this will give staff and students an opportunity to personally participate in this time of mourning.
DEMOGRAPHIC CONFIRMATION and Yearly Consent FORMS
The “EICS Demographic Confirmation Form” for the 2022-2023 school year, is now available for you to complete and submit, for each of your children attending an Elk Island Catholic School. The form is found online in your PowerSchool Parent Portal and you may have received an email regarding updating this info.
This form is a mandatory document and is required to be updated for every student each year, as it could greatly impact you with respect to the Canada Revenue Agency information and Immigration when they request validation of your information.
Please take a few minutes to complete your child's Demographic Confirmation Forms, Medical Forms and all Yearly consents (FOIPP, tech use, field trips) on PowerSchool. Having the most up-to-date information about our students ensures that we receive all available funding to support your child's learning - and that we have current information to reach you during the day if necessary.
Please contact our school secretary, Margaret Michaelchuk at 780-632-3934, if you have any questions or require assistance.
Meet the Staff Evening Sept. 21st
Feel free to join us after Meet the Staff Evening for our Parent Council Meeting @ 6:30pm. Here you will have a chance to hear an update on what is happening at the school and have a chance to see where you can get involved and have your voice heard.
LIFE FRAMEWORK - QSA club requested at STMY.
Catholic Schools share a foundational belief that all children are loved by God, are individually unique and that the school has a mission to help each student to fulfill their God-given potential in all aspects of their person: physically, academically, socially, morally and spiritually. Alberta’s Catholic school districts are responsible for creating a Catholic faith community, which provides education for all students within the Catholic tradition.
This LIFE Framework group has been requested by students who are suggesting the name of the group be titled QSA. This group will support a faithful vision of an inclusive Catholic school supporting peers and speaking about issues that result in discrimination and bullying such as:
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Gender
• Body image
• Race, culture or language
• Performance in school
• Social rejection, peer acceptance
For more information please see the attached LIFE FRAMEWORK put out by the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta that oversees this club request.
Please be aware that it is the parent's responsibility for discussing with their child the purpose and nature of this club, whether their child wishes to become a member, and their child’s obligation to contribute to a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. Parents are invited to discuss with the school administration all aspects of student groups, clubs, and activities excepting that the names of student members will not be provided.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
- Sept. 15-17: EIAA Jr. High Volleyball Tournament
- Sept. 21: Meet the Staff Evening @ 4:30-6:30pm
- Sept. 21: Parent Council @ 6:30-7:30pm
- Sept. 23: Professional Development Day - School Closed for Students
- Sept. 27: School Picture Day
- Sept. 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - School Closed for Students
STMY Volleyball in Action
Our SAINTS are off to a great start for this volleyball season with Jr. and Sr. Teams all competing in their first games of the year. The Sr. Girls had an amazing first tournament for our placing 7th out of 32 teams! The Sr. Boys team took home second place in the first tournament of the 2022 season!
Jr. Boys and Girls competed at the EIAA three day tournament, results will follow in next week's SMORE or on our social media accounts.
Follow a lot of the action on INSTAGRAM @st.marys_athleticclub
St. Mary's to Host 2022 1A Boys Volleyball Provincials in Vegreville
Our main teacher committee met to go over the needs to make this tournament in November a success and we identified a few areas that we are hoping parents can join us:
- Hospitality
- Gate/Concession
- Finding local sponsors
- Banquet/Host Decorations
- the general spreading of the word about the event etc.
For any parents of our student-athletes that would like to be involved, please contact Mr. Murphy at darby.murphy@eics.ab.ca