The Bison Bugle
Oct. 2 - 6
Mission Statement
At St. Kateri Tekakwitha Academy, we are a spiritual, Christ - centred community that nurtures resilient, responsible, lifelong learners through love and service.
Connect - Inspire - Achieve
Calendar
Sept. 30 - National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
Oct 1 - Last day to order SKTA Spirit Wear (see our webpage)
Oct. 2 - Recognition of National Day for Truth & Reconciliation - Schools Closed
Oct. 3 - Lifetouch Picture Day!
Oct. 3 - Continuing to collect Food Bank items all week
Oct. 3 - Reading-In-Week Begins (Special guest readers all week)
Oct. 5 - World teacher day! (Thank a special teacher)
Oct. 6 - 1:15pm Thanksgiving Celebration with Father Trini (ALL PARENTS WELCOME)
Oct. 6 - Gr 4 BIBLE blessing and distribution during our celebration
Oct. 9 - Thanksgiving - School Closed
Oct. 10 - Parent Teacher Interview portal opens for bookings (Info to come)
Oct. 10 - Reading Intervention Groups begin (Grades 1-3)
Oct. 12 - School Council 6:30pm (ALL PARENTS WELCOME)
Oct. 13 - No Kinder Day
Oct. 13 - Living Rosary - 1:30pm
Oct. 17 - Scholastic Book Fair BEGINS
Oct. 18 - PTI’s - 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Oct. 18 - Scholastic Book Fair Continues
Oct. 19 - Healthy Hunger (Subway) Don't forget to order online!
Oct. 19 - PTI’s - 3:30pm - 6:30pm
Oct. 19 - Scholastic Book Fair ENDS 6:00pm
Oct. 20 - PD/Staff Meeting - No School for Students
Faith
October is dedicated as the month of the Rosary. Praying the Rosary allows us to encounter Mary and to enter the mysteries of Jesus Christ. From his Incarnation, to the Cross, to the Resurrection, we come to understand that God has revealed himself and saved us. Through the intercession of Mary we bring our prayers forward to her Son Jesus Christ.
Throughout the month of October, we will be engaging our students in lessons and learnings about the rosary. We will be praying the rosary throughout the month in our daily morning announcements, as well as, taking the time to pray a 'Living Rosary' as a whole school community, led by Fr. Trini on OCt. 13.
Mary Mother of God, pray for us.
St. Jean Baptiste Parish
As partners in faith with our local St. Jean Baptiste Parish, please see the link below to find out mass times and locations, upcoming parish events and more.
Please note, if you are interested in learning more about having your child participate in Sacramental Preparation, please see the following link: https://www.sjbp.ca/sacraments.htm
Orange Shirt Day
On Sept. 29th, we honoured 'Orange Shirt Day' as a school community. To make this day both impactful and meaningful for our school community we had many activities for students to participate in that sought to honour and showcase some amazing aspects of Indigenous culture. We will welcomed Zachary Moostoos Willier, to share both elements of Metis culture and music with our community. Students were engaged in various lessons focused on learning about and respecting Indigenous culture, including making bannock, going on a nature based scavenger hunt and sharing in a 'harvest soup and bannock' at lunch time. We concluded the day as a whole school community, welcoming Elders Rita and Armand Arcand from the Alexander First Nation to lead us in a Blessing, Smudge and Round Dance.
This was an amazing opportunity for our students to learn about and connect with Indigenous cultures as well as honour all residential school survivors and families.
PICTURE DAY - Tuesday Oct. 3
Thanksgiving
'If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness' - Isaiah 58, 10 - 11.
As we seek to embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving, we encourage students to bring in a non perishable donation to the school that will be shared with the Morinville Food Bank.
We will be gathering as a school community of faith on Friday, Oct. 6th at 1:15pm, to celebrate our Thanksgiving Liturgy. Fr. Trini will lead our school community in a Liturgy of the Word, as we gather together to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives.
Traditionally, our Thanksgiving Liturgy is also the occasion we 'gift' all grade 4 students and 'new' grade 5 students with their own personal Bible. We thank the Morinville Knights of Columbus who generously donate Bibles to our students.
Please note, SKTA families are welcome to join us for our Thanksgiving Liturgy, we ask that all guests sign at the office prior to joining us in the gym. Thank you.
School Fees
Schools fees are now open to be paid. Please see the following link to make payment. Should any families have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the office. Thank you.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Our first round of Parent Teacher Interviews are coming up! We will be welcoming families on Oct. 18th from 4:00 - 7:00pm & Oct. 19th from 3:30 - 6:30pm. We will be sharing the 'sign up' link with families next week to book interview times. We encourage all parents/gaurdians to sign up for a PTI meeting to celebrate the learning of our students to date!
SKTA 'Fall Ball'
Thank you to our amazing parent council volunteers who organized SKTA's inaugural Fall Ball Family Dance! It was an awesome night of fun, music and dancing. The evening was full of smiles, laughter and joy and it was a testament to the incredible family community here at SKTA!
Parent Council
Thank you to all parents and guardians who joined us for our first Parent Council meeting, it was wonderful to meet so many engaged families!
Parent Council is a wonderful way for parents & guardians to get involved and support our school. All parents & guardians with children registered at SKTA are welcome to join! Participating in Parent Council will allow individuals to share their voice and their talents with the school community and serve our students.
Our first Parent Council meeting will be held on Thursday, October 12 at 6:30PM in person at the school, a virtual link will also be made available for individuals to participate in the meeting remotely.
GSACRD Voice
Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 1-7, 2023
In Canada, mental illness impacts 1.2 million of our children and youth. By the time they reach age 25, that number increases to around 1 in 5 Canadians. Mental Illness Awareness Week encourages public education and brings awareness to mental illnesses while supporting Canadians to share their experiences. Spreading awareness, education, and support is crucial in supporting children, youth, and families affected by mental illness (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2021).
We can create impactful change by having open conversations, reducing stigma, and normalizing accessing help for mental health. Here are some resources on how to support a loved one with their mental health:
Mental Health Resources - GSACRD
Mental Health First Aid Canada
If you have any questions about mental health and mental illness you can reach out to our Wellness Coaches:
Kara Meloche: kmeloche@gsacrd.ab.ca (END & GHP)
Caitlin Josey: cjosey@gsacrd.ab.ca (SKT & Legal)
Marina Casavant: mcasavant@gsacrd.ab.ca (MCHS & Communications)
Methods for Recording Student Attendance
Dear Parents,
Ensuring your child's attendance is accurately recorded is essential for us to provide the best educational experience. To make this process convenient for you, we offer three user-friendly options:
1. School Messenger App (Most Popular): Download the School Messenger app, the preferred choice of many parents. It offers a hassle-free way to report attendance and stay connected with school updates.
2. Parent Portal: Accessible through our website, the Parent Portal provides a secure platform to submit attendance information.
3. Safe Arrival Phone Number: Alternatively, you can call our school phone line to report your child's attendance.
Choose the method that suits you best!
Supports for Families
We at SKTA are a community school and as such very family oriented. We would like our family community to know we are here to support you beyond the classroom. As a Division, we have access to many resources that may support families, from financial assistance to navigating community supports, we are happy to help. Please know that all families can reach out in confidence to our admin and we will work with you in a non-judgmental, compassionate manner to help all through challenging times.
Information for families Families
As we enter a new school year, we would like to remind families of a few items to help ensure a successful year.
Pick Up & Drop Off
- For those families driving to school we ask that the drop - off lane be for 'quick' drop off's and pick ups.
- If you are choosing to walk your child(ren) to their specific doors, please park in the parking lot and NOT park in the drop off lane.
- Parents/Guardians are asked to remain outside of the school when dropping off and picking up students.
- Parents/Guardians who require assistance at the office are to 'ring' the door bell at the front and come directly to the school office for assistance.
- Parents/Guardians wishing to volunteer with the school are required to fill out annually our 'Volunteer Form' which can be obtained from the office.
- Parents/Guardians who need to contact their child(ren) are to call the school office and we will notify the student(s).
- Parents/Guardians wishing to meet with administration or staff may reach out via email or call to make an appointment during office hours.
- Regular communication is key for all school stakeholders.
- If you require information or clarification please reach out to your child(ren)'s teachers via email or you may call and leave a message for them at the office.
- If you require assistance from the administration please feel free to communicate via email or call the school office directly.
- Please remember our children are always watching us and we expect our parents and guardians to be co-teachers with us, teaching them appropriate community relations by treating everyone with respect, compassion and kindness.
SKTA Spirit Wear
Show your school spirit with SKTA spirit wear!
Order your SKTA spirit wear HERE
WEBSTORE CLOSES OCTOBER 1st.
Students receive orders by the end of October!