ABJ Scots Week at a Glance (SWAG)
March 18 - 22, 2024
As we reflect upon the readings from the 5th Sunday in Lent, we are encouraged to seek forgiveness and renewal as we prepare for Easter.
The first reading from the book of Isaiah reminds us of God's promise to make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, symbolizing the hope and renewal God offers to those who turn to Him. In the second reading from the Letter to the Philippians, St Paul encourages us to forget what lies behind and to press forward toward the goal of heaven.
The Gospel reading tells the story of Jesus forgiving a woman caught in adultery, showing his mercy and compassion. This teaches us about the importance of forgiveness and not judging others.
Together, these readings urge Catholics to repent of their sins, seek forgiveness, and strive for spiritual growth during this Lenten season. They remind us of God's mercy and the opportunity for new beginnings through reconciliation with Him.
Important Dates
March 18
- Grade 9 and 10 Assemblies
- HS Badminton vs. Bellerose and McNally at ABJ. Games start at 5:00 pm.
March 19
- French Immersion mass. Students will be dismissed at 9:30 am.
- If you need help in Math and Science, please email Mrs. McGhan to save your place for Tuesday lunch time Math and Science tutoring. karrym@eics.ab.ca. See the updated tutor list button at the bottom of the newsletter.
March 20
- PEP Day. Choose your session at pepmar20.sched.com
- Grade 9 Girls BBall at Sherwood Heights for Bronze Medal Game starting at 4:00 pm.
- Senior Girls Handball at Ardrossan. Game starts at 5:30 pm.
- Senior Boys Handball vs. Eastglen at ABJ. Game starts at 4:45 pm.
- Senior Boys Handball vs. Beaumont at ABJ. Game starts at 6:45 pm.
March 21
- YFast
- ABJ Band performing at OLPH school
- HS Badminton at St. Albert. Games start at 4:15 pm.
March 22 - April 2
- Spring Break. No school.
- YFast
Upcoming...
April 3
- Early Dismissal
April 11
- Easter Masses
April 11
- Grade 10 Registration One-on-Ones
April 13
- Grade 10 Registration One-on-Ones
April 17
- Three Way Conferences from 3:30-6:30 pm
- Grade 11 Registration One-on-Ones
April 18
- Three Way Conferences from 3:30-6:30 pm
April 20
- Grade 11 Registration One-on-Ones
Organization of the SWAG
The newsletter is organized based on our four school assurance priorities for this year.
- Faith Integration
- Learners and Learning
- Systemic Wellness
- Community Engagement
FAITH INTEGRATION
St. Patrick's Day Video
For a short history of St. Patrick, see this video made by the broadcasting crew of St. Andre Bessette in Fort Saskatchewan.
French Immersion Mass
Students of our French Immersion program will be attending mass with other French immersion students of EICS on Tuesday, March 19 at OLPH Parish. We will also be welcoming the maple sugar shack on that day and students will receive their ticket for free taffy after Mass! Students will be dismissed at 9:30 that morning and will be back before lunch.
OLPH Weekly Bulletin and UpLIFT Prayer Requests
March Chaplains' Corner
How to Fast for Lent: A Practical Guide
Joe Melendrez at ABJ!
On Monday of last week, Joe Melendrez presented to the staff and students of ABJ. It was a high energy, dynamic, and inspiring start to our week!
Thank you to the REAL Foundation for sponsoring this guest speaker for EICS!
To learn more about Joe, check out his website here: https://www.joemelendrez.com/about or click on the photo below.
GrACE Newsletter
LEARNERS AND LEARNING
PEP: Supporting Students' Academic, Spiritual, Physical, and Emotional Wellbeing
Registrations for 2024-2025 - Save the Dates
In preparation for next school year, students currently in grades 9 and 10 will be asked to book one-on-one meetings with a counsellor, administrator, or a member of our learning support team to review course selections and ensure that students are being set up for success. Counsellors will be visiting students following spring break to share course information and distribute course selection forms. Information on how to book appointments will be sent out via email immediately following spring break.
Leadership 25/35 Birthday Bag Drive
Ukrainian Creative Arts Reminder
Ukrainian 9 Creative Arts students are getting ready for Easter! Students are reminded to bring in eggs and a container to hold them, as well as any tools (kistky, wax, candles) that they have as the class will be writing Pysanky next week. We do have some supplies at school as well.
Learning Spotlights
Aboriginal Studies 10
Students in Aboriginal Studies 10 learned about the art of finger weaving. The technique of finger weaving can be found in Haudenosaunee, Métis, Sami and other Indigenous cultures to create sashes, belts, and other decorative items.
EAL Class Goes Snowshoeing
Miss Fitzgerald's EAL class went snowshoeing with Actions for Healthy Communities on Monday, March 7th. The weather was beautiful and the kids had a really great time. Here is a picture where they stamped ABJ in the background.
Cosmetology 10 and 30
Cosmetology 10 students had their first partner day today, washing and styling one another's hair.
Check out some of the incredible work of our Cosmetology 30 (and some Cos 10) students.
#1 - Hair by: Emily Burak (model Julia Johnson)
#2 & /3 - Hair by: Kaitlyn Friesen
#4: Hair by - Martine Gaetz
#5: Hair by - Sloan Holden (Cos 10)
#6: Hair by - Jada Kazema (model Jacob Pittet)
#7: Hair by - Emily Burak
#8: Hair b -: Kaitlyn Friesen
#9: Hair by - Sophia Symons
#10: Hair by - Aeraby Zilka
#11: Hair by - Cosmetology 10
Cosmetology 30 Enhanced students are taking clients! See the list of services available.
ELA 10-1 Novel Fun
ELA 10-1 is studying Lord of the Flies with Mrs. Boake and pre-service teacher Miss Nadeau. The class is taking part in a variety of challenges to engage with novel themes, and had fun building shelters and scavenging for “fruit” on Friday.
Spring Break YouthWrite Camps
EICS Summer School
Grade 12 Post-Secondary and Diploma Supports
Scholarships
Are you a female entering EDUCATION in Post-Secondary in the fall?
If so, I have a grant opportunity for you!
Eta Chapter, Sherwood Park, of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
Eta Chapter offers a $500 grant for graduating students from Elk Island Public Schools and Elk Island Catholic Schools who are planning to enter the field of teacher education. One grant will be awarded for applicants attending post-secondary in September 2024.
Completed applications must be submitted by June 15, 2024. They can be sent by email to muthtracy@gmail.com
Application package linked here.
Looking for something to do over Spring Break?
Here is a list of over 250 Scholarships available through ScholarTree! Take a look and start applying! The trick to scholarships is the more time you put into it, the more you will get out of it!
Take a look HERE! This should keep you busy over the break!
See Mrs. Glass if you have any questions!
SYSTEMIC WELLNESS
St. Patrick's Day
Thank you to Student Council for hosting an early St. Patrick's Day treat with a Lucky Charms breakfast (and lunch) bar on Friday!
Scots Apparel Sale
If you would like to order Scots Apparel, there are many items in new and older style available to order. Information is posted on the website and orders can be submitted via the parent portal on PowerSchool. The deadline to order is Sunday, March 24!
See the flyer for ALL style available.
Student Supports
Indigenous Mentorship
ABJ Wellness Hub
Community Supports
To register, click on the following link.
Strathcona CANTEEN Youth Hub March Calendar
Youth Employment and Volunteer Opportunities
Athletics
Check out the new website for all things Athletics.
Student Highlight
Emma and Sarah Yarmuch and their curling team (Team Deschiffart) won U20 Provincials (presented by Hec Gervais Academic & Scholarship Foundation) this past weekend in Drayton Valley. They will now be heading to Fort McMurray (March 23 – April 1) to the 2024 New Holland Canadian U21 Curling Championships as Team Alberta.
Grade 9 Girls Play for Bronze
Come cheer on our Grade 9 Girls Basketball team as they play for Bronze at Sherwood Heights on Wednesday beginning at 4:00 pm!
Handball Update
Our Senior Boys Handball team is still undefeated with the record of 4–0. Our next home games are Tuesday. Hope to see you there!
Grad Update
Cafeteria Menu
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Parent Reminders and Information
Attendance Reminder
Did you know that our school has team meetings every week that review the academic and attendance issues of each grade level? As we are several weeks into the new semester it is very important that families take the time to keep us informed. Please ensure you are informing the school each time your child is absent, ill or late. We do not wish to have the auto callouts emailing and phoning your home, but if there are unverified absences this will continue to occur. Staff will email when absences start to exceed certain thresholds. If you are having trouble with your Parent PowerSchool account please call our front office at 780-467-2121 or email: abj@eics.ab.ca
Approved 2024-2025 Calendar
Please see below for the Board of Trustees approved 2024-2025 school year calendar.
EICS Board of Trustees Monthly Highlights
Communications
Newsletter Translation Feature Reminder
SWAG
The Scots Week at a Glance (SWAG) newsletter will be shared weekly on Sunday evenings or Monday evenings on long weekends. This will also be posted on our website and shared via social media. Stay informed on all things ABJ through the website, blog, and on social media.