The Good News
Saint John XXIII November 1 , 2020
All Saints Day-November 1
Thank you, God, for the tremendous sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. Bless the memories of your Saints, Father. May we learn how to walk wisely from their examples of faith, dedication, worship, and love. For this we pray, Amen.
Leadership Message
Leaders Among Us: Parents and Priests-Partners
In this edition of our weekly newsletter, we celebrate the partnerships of our parents and parish priests. We continue to be so grateful for the many blessings they bestow on our school community and the support given every day.
Each and every parent who supports in their own way, we are grateful, especially this year. The notes of gratitude, the curious questions that assist us in the teaching and learning of all students, and the commitment to working together are just some of the many ways our SJ parents make a difference every day. No matter how you support the faith and learning of Saint John XXIII, one way everyone can be a partner is to continue to hold our community in prayer.
Our parish priests, Father Kris and Father Danial, continue to lead our community of St. John XXIII in faith and spiritual guidance. There are so many ways they foster the faith journeys of our staff, students and families and we are very blessed for their presence every day.
Today, we will highlight our School Council Executive and our parish priests so you can get to know them even more.
Blessings,
Mrs. Bonnie-Lynne Boehm, Principal
Rev. Kristopher Schmidt-Parish Pastor, OLA Parish
Hello, friends! I am Fr. Kris and I am starting my third year as pastor in Fort Saskatchewan and seventh as a priest. I’m originally from a land far away called St. Albert ;) One of my favourite things to do as a priest is visit schools (my backup plan if God didn’t make me a priest was to be a teacher).
Things that bring me joy: all sports, spending time with family and brother priests, celebrating the Sacraments
Link to Fr. Kris homily: https://soundcloud.com/frkrisschmidt
Rev. Danieal Dsouza-Associate Pastor, OLA Parish
Hi Friends, I am Fr. Danieal (Dan), an Associate Pastor from Our Lady of Angels Parish. This my 11th year of priesthood and 2nd year in this parish.
I am proud to be in Canada; I love the culture and environment. My native place is India, a land of diversity in culture , tradition and worship.
What brings me joy is: YOU-the students of Saint john XXIII, the children are the joy of our Fort Saskatchewan community. I choose JOY, by being with you and serving you all, as children of God.
Thank you, God bless and don't forget that GOD loves you!
Cell phone: 780-710-3128
Email: danial.dsouzasac@caedm.ca
Meet our School Council Executive Members 2020-2021
Alana Seymour-Chair
Shawnene Wallgren-Co- Chair
My name is Shawnene Wallgren, and I am the new co-chair of the Parent Council here at St. John XXIII. I absolutely love the supportive and cohesive group of staff and family that we have to lead us through the school year.
Growing up in a rural community, and bringing my children up in a similar situation, faith and family are our core principles. I look forward to finding new ways to lean into the families, children and community. By sharing new experiences and helping to bring our children a joyful season.
Cheers!
Sherry Charron-Vice-Chair
Our family moved to Fort Saskatchewan in 2015, and have been a part of the St. John XXIII family since. In our spare time we enjoy spending time in the mountains and hanging out together as a family.
I am excited to help create new and fun ways to bring all the students JOY this year at St. John's.
Leslie-Anne Oshust-Treasurer
Shannon Dahlseide-Secretary
Hi! I'm Shannon Dahlseide and I am this year's Parent School Council Secretary. I am a mom of five, a teacher, and a wife. Three of my children currently attend St. John XXIII in grade 2 and kindergarten.
I am especially blessed to have experienced our school as a student, a teacher, and a parent. What I love most about St. John is the incredible sense of community and knowing that my children are truly loved when they are at school.
Some things that bring me joy are hot coffee, dark chocolate, watching my children play, road trips, baby snuggles, and sunshine.
Thank you School Council & Fort Saskatchewan Eyecare for your genorsity in providing every student with a Halloween prize
*NEW*AHS Screening for Students
Effective Nov. 2, Alberta is removing runny nose and sore throat from the list of core symptoms requiring mandatory isolation for those under the age of 18. This includes the daily checklist used for school and child care settings.
This change is only for those with no known exposure. If a child is a close contact or known to have been exposed in the previous 14 days and develops symptoms, testing is recommended and the child would still need to isolate.
Also effective Nov. 2:
If a child has only one of the non-core symptoms on the checklist, they should stay home and monitor for 24 hours. If their symptom is improving, testing is not necessary and they can return to normal activities when they feel well.
Upcoming Conferences: Nov. 4th & 5th
On Wednesday, November 4th from 3:30-6:30 pm and Thursday, November 5th from 4:00-7:00 pm your SJXXIII teachers will be hosting Parent-Teacher Conferences via Google Meets where they will celebrate your child’s growth and learning since September. Kindergarten will also have additional times available on Friday, November 6th from 9:00-11:30 am. Our Pathways and PUF Pathways Programs will be conducting their Parent-Teacher Google Meet Conferences November 23-25th.
Parents, please use the School Interviews program to book a time convenient for your family. School Interviews will send you a confirmation email upon booking, and your teacher will send you a link for a Google meet early next week.
Please click here to book: https://www.schoolinterviews.ca/code?code=kcwyz
Parents wishing to change their conference times after the closing date should contact our school secretary, Barbara Potter at 780-998-7777. The website to book the conferences will go live on Friday October 30th at 9:00 am. Please note that all conferences will be booked on a first come first serve basis. The website will be closed for bookings on Tuesday, November 3rd at 12 noon.
We are looking forward to sharing important Evidence of Learning with you and celebrating the amazing growth and learning so far!
Scholastic Book Fair This Week
Book Fair is here!
It is so exciting to have book fair back at SJXXIII - new stories to explore, new characters to meet!
We are, unfortunately, unable to welcome parents into the library to browse this year - but Scholastic has made browsing easy at our very own SJXXIII Virtual Book Fair. We invite you to go to our virtual book shop and enjoy the great selection available. Shipping costs will apply on orders under $35 . . . unless you do your shopping on our Virtual Family Night Wednesday, November 4th from 6-8 pm when shipping is free!
Scholastic has worked very hard to make this experience as engaging as possible.
- Please visit this link to peruse the great books available this year at our Book Fair.
- And, please check out the book trailers and book commercials Scholastic has shared
Traditionally during our Book Fair we have dedicated a space to our Classroom Wish Lists where families could select books to share with their child's classroom (sometimes these books were wrapped and used as a Christmas gift). If this is something your family has enjoyed in the past you are welcome to make a selection on their behalf this year.
Our SJXXIII Scholastic Book Fair has been fundamental in the past to maintaining our library collection. We appreciate you celebrating this literacy event with us and sincerely thank you for your support.
On-Line Learners Returning November 16th: Please update important Power School Forms
It is very important that you also please log into your PowerSchool student account and update the B.2) Medical Status Update/Request for Medical Treatment form as well as the Yearly Consent Forms
Grade 3 Monday Faith Assembly
Number Talks: "Math was better than recess today!"-Grade 3B Student
Looking ahead:
November 2 - 6: Scholastic Book Fair
November 2: Monday Faith Assembly (Grade twos)
November 3: School Council Meeting 7:00 pm Google Meet link: http://meet.google.com/tip-nkpm-bgj
November 4: Early Out Dismissal 2:23 pm School Spirit Day: Jersey Day
November 4: Three Way Conferences 3:30-6:30 pm
November 5: Three Way Conferences 4-7 pm
November 6: Kindergarten additional conferences
November 6: 11: 00 am Remembrance Day Celebration Grade ones leading
November 9-13: No School Fall Break
November 16: First day back after Fall Break, Assembly-Grade ones
November 19: PSC Poinsettia Order Due Date
November 23: Picture Retakes
November 23,24,25: Pathways/PUF Pathways Parent-Teacher Interviews (details coming soon)
December 2: Early Out Dismissal 2:23 pm: Sparkle and Shine (Show off your best Holiday Spirit)
December 3: PSC Poinsettia Order Pickup day
Parent Playground Society needs your help: Bottle Drive November 8
The playground society is $10,000-$15,000 from our final goal to get a playground at JP2 for current and upcoming students but we need your help!!
Please keep all your recyclables for our bottle drive fundraiser.
November 8th 11-3 pm
If you can volunteer to pick up bottles or hand out flyers ahead of the day please let me know
WHEN: SUNDAY, November 8th 11:00-3
WHERE: JP2 bus loop (9975-93 ave)
WHO: Everyone! Please share with your friends and family on social media.
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I ARRIVE?: Because of Covid-19 we will be asking that drivers pull up to the side of the trailer and stay in the vehicle we will take the bottles out of your truck or trunk. Once we are done we will step away and wave :) If you would rather take it out of your vehicle please exit your vehicle and let us know and we will remain 6 feet away for your protection.
HOW CAN I HELP: Besides sharing your bottles with us, we are looking for drivers to do collections starting at 10am
People will place their bottles at the edge of their driveways for a fast and easy pick up. Once you have a full load we would unload from the truck or van at the school.
CAN'T MAKE IT BUT HAVE BOTTLES TO DONATE?: If you can't make it during that time but have bottles you can do one of two things:
1. Anytime Sunday before 3 drop off your bottles on the sidewalk of the bus loop.
2. Anytime before Sunday email samledrew1@gmail.com or text 780-722-4442 with your address and let us know you have bottles you need picked up!
Thank-you,
Your FSCSPS Chairs
Virtual Halloween Parade
Growing Brains & Sharing Smiles! It's a Great Day to be a Saint John Kid!
Congratulations and Blessings to our students who received their Sacraments. Send your pictures to Mrs. Boehm bonnie-lynneb@eics.ab.ca
Happy Halloween!
OLA Parish News
If you would like your child to receive their First Communion this year and they have not yet celebrated their First Reconciliation, please contact the OLA Parish office at 780-998-3288 to make an appointment to meet with Father Kris.
First Eucharist Registration Form & First Eucharist Brochure
Saint John XXIII School Council News
Next meeting: Tuesday, November 3 7:00 pm via Google Meet link
Saint John XXIII Catholic School
Email: stj@eics.ab.ca
Website: https://stj.eics.ab.ca/
Location: 9526 89 Street, Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-998-7777
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/St.JohnXXIII
Twitter: @St_JohnXXIII