St. Luke Weekly Memo
November 9-23, 2017
School News
WE Day
This year, some of the Gr. 6-8 students were fortunate enough to attend WE Day. For those who don’t know, WE Day is a celebration of youths, women, and men who are committed to making a difference. This year, there were some absolutely amazing speakers and performers at WE Day such as Spencer West, Rick Hanson, Lindsay Ell, and Alexandre Trudeau, and several others. For many, WE Day is incredibly inspirational and life-changing. WE Day was an amazing experience, so we would like to thank everyone who contributed to all of our recent fundraising efforts. ~St. Luke WE Team
Below are two student reviews of the event:
This year I had the great opportunity to go to WE day for my second consecutive year. For any of you who don't know WE is a foundation that gives people the tools to change the world, making good doable. WE day is an annual event that brings in thousands of youth that are passionate about changing the world. This year our hosts were the celebrity marauders. There were also multiple acts by music artists such as Lindsay Ell, Shawn Hook and the Kenyan Boys Choir. Along with that there was multiple inspirational speakers such as George Takei, Rick Hansen and Spencer West. ~ Coen Winter, grade 7
WE day was truly an inspirational experience. It was full of people who thrived against all odds, who worked hard and helped change the world. I ( and the rest of the team, I hope) left the event inspired, bursting with ideas for different fundraisers. The energy in the room alone could inspire you. Tens of thousands of people, all who worked so hard to get to where they were, to get to WE day. ~ Natalia Hatko, grade 7
Silent Auction Baskets
Every grade is collecting items for baskets that will be put in a silent auction as part of Christmas in the Country on December 2 to raise money for Valeda House. Thank you to those who have already donated items. If you have not had an opportunity to donate an item or money please send them in after the break and before November 24.
Catholic School Review
During the third week of October, a School Improvement Process was conducted in our school community. The purpose of the process is to assist in the creation of a strategic plan to help improve our school in the area of Catholicity.
Thank you to all the students, families, and staff that participated in the surveys. We received many positive comments and some valuable feedback. Students expressed loudly the positives that St. Luke has being a small school. They shared that they are known by name and that they know almost everyone in the school. The work of the 'WE Club' is to be recognized, the students spoke of the charity and social justice focus that the group brings to the school. A strength of the school was best exemplified by one staff member's comment, "Our ability to connect with our students, parents, and community and share the joys of faith with each other."
They gave two recommendations for developing a mission and vision and the new religion program from grades 1-4. In the past five years, St. Luke has experienced a significant amount of change and the school has also had a recent influx of new students and families. With a new climate of consistency, a recommendation to begin a mission and vision process was recommended. It was recommended that teachers use the religion program to help them permeate our faith into other subjects. Although it was a thorough and intense process we received valuable feedback to guide our school community in our faith development.
Bookfair
Our book fair was a huge success which raised $2511.93. Thank you to the many families that supported this event. We are excited to have many new books added to our library with the money collected.
School Fees
School fees have now been posted on PowerSchool Parent Portal. This year Elk Island Catholic Schools made an effort to reduce the cost of basic education for all students. The fees you will see are for student field trips, swimming, enhanced options and school based activities.
School fees can be paid online with Interac, VISA or Mastercard. You have the option to pay your school fees in installments through Create Payment Plan. If you require assistance with the online payment, please contact our school at 780-922-5920.
School fees can be paid online with Interac, VISA or Mastercard. You have the option to pay your school fees in installments through Create Payment Plan. If you have other questions or require assistance with the online payment, please contact our school at 780-922-5920.
This year you have the opportunity to help a family in need by donating a nominal amount when paying your school fees. At the bottom of your child's fees you will see a button to donate. Any donations over $25 will receive a tax receipt. Thank you in advance for any money donated.
If you are experiencing financial hardship please review the fee waiver here or contact the principal, Mrs. Aoife Cahill, to discuss support.
Birthday Book
As a strategy to support our healthy school focus and help us avoid 'choose least often' foods being sent in for birthday celebrations we ask you to consider donating a book if you would like to mark your child's birthday. You can choose a book, request a suggestion from Mrs. Hill (our librarian) or send $10 to cover the cost of a book provided by the school. We will put a birthday label inside the front cover of the book and your child will be the first to check out the new library book.
Parent Council
Christmas in the Country
Christmas in the Country is coming to St Luke School! Join us on December 2nd, from 10am - 4pm at St Luke Catholic School for a Christmas market, kids crafts, carol caroling from St. Luke students.
There are still a few vendor tables ($25 per table) available, please contact Denise Hoag at denisehoag@hotmail.com for more information on becoming a vendor at this great event.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!
Please complete the form here to sign up to volunteer for Christmas in the Country. Please RSVP by November 24.
Church News
Catholic Education Sunday
Thank you to all the families that joined us at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Sunday, November 5. We received some wonderful feedback from the parish as they enjoyed the energy the students and families brought to the church. They were thankful for our involvement with the music, ministries, and treats after mass.
Looking Ahead...
November 10-19 - November Break
November 20 - Grade 5 & 6 Volleyball 3-4:30 pm
November 21 & 23 - Boys Basketball 3-4:45 pm
November 23 - Hot Lunch - Quesadilla
November 24 - Praise & Worship 8:30 am
Email: Stl@eics.ab.ca
Website: Stl.eics.ab.ca
Location: 22139 S Cooking Lake Rd, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Phone: 7809225920
Facebook: facebook.com/StLukeCatholicSchool
Twitter: @stlcs_EICS