March Newsletter
School of Hope and Hope Home Schooling
Principal's Message
March 6, 2024
March is here, we are in the season of Lent and spring is just around the corner. Hopefully!
The days are starting to get longer, and with the changing of the clocks on March 10 it will be lighter even later. We are a few weeks into Lent and we get to embark on our metaphorical journeys in the desert. Lent is a special time that encourages self examination. It is a time to consciously better ourselves to allow us to get closer to God by doing good works.
This month, many of our students and parents have already started the yearly surveys that get sent out. The first one that was sent out was the provincial pillar survey and that was sent from Alberta Education. The one that will be shared this month is our ECCS district survey. The results of the surveys are examined by the province, but more importantly by our own school staff to see what our areas of strength are, and where we should strive to improve. Please help us by taking the time to answer these surveys; it really helps us improve our school!
If you haven’t already, you will receive an email announcing that our school re-registration process is open. We encourage you to fill in the forms to be ready for next year. This will help us plan for next school year to make September as efficient as possible. We have done our best to make the process as simple and efficient as we can. If you have any friends thinking about possibly joining the School of Hope or Hope Home Schooling, they may be interested in one of our online Open Houses.
We will be culminating our Lenten journey with an Easter celebration as a school with an online liturgy before our Easter break on March 28th at 9:30. The date, time and link to the celebration will be shared in a Canvas announcement. Your child’s teacher or facilitator will have access to the celebration link ahead of time if contacting them would be easier.
Some activities coming up in March include:
Drama Club (Grade 6-12) Tuesday, March 65, 2pm
Comic Fan Assemble (Grades 7-9) Wednesday, March 6, 2pm
SOH The Circle Club (Grades 4-6) Thursday, March 14, 2pm
Lego Club (Grades 1-3) Wednesday, March 20, 2:30pm
Art Club (Grades 4-6) Tuesday, March 26, 1pm
Walt Quizney Club (Grades 7-9) Wednesday, March 27, 2pm
Some field trips coming up in March include:
Snow Valley Ski/Snowboard Trip - Edmonton Thursday, March 7, 9:30am
Edmonton Waste Management Centre Tour - Friday, March 8, 1-3pm
Canadian Energy Museum - Leduc County Wednesday, March 14, 1pm
Gull Lake Honey Co. - Lacombe Tuesday, March 19, 1pm
Alberta Legislature Field Trip - Edmonton (Grades 4-12) Tuesday, March 26, 9:30-2:30
Bonnyville King Pins Bowling - Wednesday, March 27, 1-2pm
ECCS - PARENT ASSURANCE SURVEY
East Central Alberta Catholic School Division asks our parents to complete this survey. Your response is vital because we want to hear your voice. Your responses help guide us in making our schools places of excellence. Surveys are conducted in the spring of each school year. The division and schools use this information to identify local goals, strategies, and performance measures as a part of the Assurance Framework.
Hope Homeschooling
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D3T375H
School of Hope Teacher Directed
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D335GRB
School of Hope Shared Program
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6DCX7P5
Virtual Open Houses
We will be conducting Virtual Open Houses for families that are interested in learning more about School of Hope and Hope Home Schooling. Current families are welcome to attend if they have any questions but these open houses will be designed more for families interested in learning if our comprehensive home schooling model is right for them. If you know of anyone who wants to learn more or if they have questions, please share the information and links with them. (The two virtual open houses this month will be from 6:30-7:30 and are on March 12 and March 27.)
Monthly Student Virtual in person Meetings
Semester 2 is well under way and we will continue with our virtual in person meetings. Relationships are vital to learning and a leading factor in student success. In order for teachers to get to know their students, and to be able to more accurately assess their progress, we are continuing monthly check-ins (meetings) for students who are not interacting regularly with their teachers in online lessons.
Our next Parent Council meeting will be 2:30 on Tuesday, March 26. If you are interested in attending our meeting, please let your child’s teacher know or contact the office.
We know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. Romans 6:9
God Bless,
Scott MacDonald, Michel Despins and Alicia Rudkowsky
School of Hope Admin Team
Parent Council
What is parent council?
Parent council is a group of parents representing all grade levels that provide advice and guidance to School of Hope's administration. This is a great place to hear about the great things that are happening at our school as well as providing parents with an opportunity to offer suggestions on how to make us even better. Together, we ensure that students have the best educational experience, teacher interactions and learning outcomes.
If you are interested in learning more about the parent council, please contact SOH principal Scott MacDonald. He can be reached at 1-780-853-2188 Ext 3108 or email your child's teacher.
The next parent council meeting is on Tuesday, March 26 at 2:30 PM.
School Clothing
Welcome to the official online shopping portal for the School of Hope. Enjoy browsing a wide selection of products from a variety of brands. You can customize them with the approved logo and graphics available. You can choose approved merchandise to fit your needs 24/7 with no minimum order quantities. (You can also order your grad clothing here)
Talent Show and Drama Club
Drama Club - Grade 6-12
Attention Grade 6-12 students
Are you interested in the Drama Club? Now is your chance to join in the fun!
Our first meeting is March 5, 2:00 PM. Reach out to Mrs. Goodspeed if you are interested in attending or have any inquiries.
Talent Show Homeschool Style
Do you have a talent you would like to share? Join us Friday, April 12, 1:00 PM, for an afternoon of entertainment provided by the students of SOH and HHS. Kirk Centre: 13535-122 Ave Edmonton. Please contact Joanne if you have any questions at joanne.henderson@ecacs16.ab.ca
High School Information Session Grade 9 Students & Parents
Are you unsure about which courses to choose for Grade 10? Attend the student and parent information session with Mrs. Goodspeed to get all your queries about high school courses answered. For any inquiries, reach out to Mrs. Goodspeed at pamela.goodspeed@ecacs16.ab.ca or 587-570-9713.
Hands of Hope 2024 Art Contest
Join the Hands of Hope to create a special art project for our tote bag and calendar fundraiser. Please send your artwork to by Friday, March 15 to Mr. Kim at wayne.kim@ecacs16.ab.ca
Upcoming School of Hope and Hope Home Schooling Activities
Comic Fan Assemble
Are you in Grades 7-9 and a fan if all things DC and Marvel? Join Miss Ward and show off your knowledge with fun games, trivia and debates. Wednesday, March 6, 2024 2:00PM
SOH The Circle Club
Attention Grades 4-6
Join Mrs. Hanf and Mrs. Cassibo for a fun afternoon of games and conversation. Thursday, March 14, 2:00 PM
Lego Club Grades 1-3
Attention Grade 1-3
Do you enjoy playing with Lego? Join Mrs. Bast once a month to create some cool and amazing Lego creations in our Lego Club. Our next club meeting will be Wednesday, March 20, 2024 2:30 PM.
Art Club - Grade 4-6
Join Mrs. Williams for a fun afternoon at the Art Club. You can have a great time working on some awesome art projects. We hope to see you there. Tuesday, March 26, 1:00 PM.
Walt Quizney Club
Attention Grades 7-9 students:
Join Miss Ward and Miss Campbell and show your knowledge of all things Disney with fun games, trivia and debates. March 27, 2024 2:00 PM.
February's Lego Club Winner
Congratulations to February's Lego Club Winner. Great job on your project.
Upcoming School of Hope and Hope Home Schooling Field Trips
Edmonton Waste Management Centre Tour
Join us on a “trashy” adventure at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre Friday, March 1, 2024 9:30 - 11:30 AM. Discover how waste is managed once it's thrown away and learn tips on how to minimize your waste.
Only 14 spots are available!
Snow Valley Ski/Snowboard Trip - Edmonton
Hit the slopes with the SOH and HHS group Thursday, March 7, 2024, 9:30 AM. 13204 Rainbow Valley Rd NW, Edmonton
Contact Ashley for more information at ashly.bensmiller @ecacs16.ab.ca
Deadline to register is Feb. 20 Limited spaces available.
Edmonton Waste Management Centre Tour #2
Join us on a “trashy” adventure at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre Friday, March 8, 2024, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Learn about the journey of waste, from the moment it's thrown away to the time its recycled. Gain valuable tips on how to reduce waste in your day to day life.
Only 14 spots are available!
Canadian Energy Museum - Leduc County
Come explore oil - how it is made, used, and extracted. Wednesday, March 14, 2024, 1:00 PM. Experiment with oil and natural substances to see how oil can impact the environment. Tour the museum to learn about Canada’s energy production in the past and how we are moving towards the future.
Gull Lake Honey Co. - Lacombe
**DATE CHANGE**
Are you interested in learning all about honey? Join us Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 1:00 PM at Gull Lake Honey. We will be enjoying an educational tour of the bees, tour the facility, and taste-testing some honey.
Alberta Legislature Field Trip - Edmonton
Grade 4-12 Please join us Tuesday, March 26, 9:30-2:30 for a fun day at the Alberta Legislature! Along with a tour, students will have the opportunity to participate in a mock legislature and also sit in on a live session of the legislative assembly in action! We hope to see you there! Space is limited. This is a free activity
Bonnyville King Pins Bowling
Join us for an exciting afternoon of bowling at the Bonnyville's King Pins Bowling & Games Room. Wednesday, March 27, 1:00-2:00 PM. Contact Mrs. Bensmiller at ashly.bensmiller@ecacs16.ab.ca for more information.
Laser Tag - The Colosseum of Lethbridge
Join us Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 12:45 PM for a exciting afternoon of Laser Tag. (Limited space available) Siblings are welcome. (Deadline to register is April 12.)The event is for ages 7-18.
Fitset Ninja Obstacle Course - Edmonton
Join us Thursday, April 18, 1:00PM at Edmonton Fitset Ninja Obstacle Course!
All students will need clean, indoor running shoes and we recommend they bring a water bottle too.
Mistahiya - North of Wainwright
Attention K-Grade 6
Join us May 31, 2024 to explore the deep connection Indigenous cultures have with the natural world. Reflect on the ongoing journey of reconciliation and the role each of us can play. (more details to come)
March 2024
Mar 1, Friday - Edmonton Waste Management Centre Tour 1
Mar 5, Tuesday - Drama Club begins
Mar 6, Wednesday - Comic Fan Assemble
Mar 7, Thursday - Snow Valley Ski/Snowboard Trip - Edmonton
Mar 7, Thursday - High School Information Session Grade 9
Mar 8, Friday - Edmonton Waste Management Centre Tour #2
Mar 10, Sunday - Daylight Saving Time - ⏲️
Mar 14 Wednesday - Canadian Energy Museum - Leduc County
Mar 14 Wednesday - High School Information Session Grade 9
Mar 14 Wednesday - SOH The Circle Club
Mar 15, Friday - Non-Instruction Day - PD day (No School)
Mar 15, Friday - 2024 Art Contest - Hands of Hope
Mar 19, Tuesday - Gull Lake Honey Co. - Lacombe
Mar 20, Wednesday - Lego Club Grade 1-3
Mar 20 Wednesday - First day of Spring
Mar 26, Tuesday - Alberta Legislature Trip - Edmonton
Mar 26, Tuesday - Art Club Grade 4-6
Mar 27, Wednesday - Bonnyville King Pins Bowling
Mar 27, Wednesday - Walt Quizney Club
Mar 29, Friday - Good Friday - (No School)
April 2024
April 1-7 Easter Break
Apr 12, Friday - Talent Show Homeschool Style - Edmonton
Apr 17, Wednesday - The Colosseum of
Lethbridge - Laser Tag
Apr 18, Thursday - Fitset Ninja Obstacle Course - Edmonton
May 2024
May 31, Friday - Mistahiya - North of Wainwright
Podcasts and Virtual Tours
Even the Royals
Are you interested in Royalty?
Being a Royal comes with expectations and consequences. The podcast "Even the Royals" explores stories of royal families worldwide, revealing the impact of wealth and status on freedom and life, shaped by human emotions like jealousy and love.
Tour Windsor Castle
Tour the amazing Windsor Castle from the convenience of your home. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 40 monarchs.
Welcome! Registration for our Summer 2024 as well as our High School Winter Retreat February 23-25 is currently open. Your registration information will go directly to Our Lady of Victory Camp. You will be sent a confirmation email once payment is received. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the camp office by email at camps@caedm.ca or by calling 587-447-2837
The Alberta Innovates High School Youth Researcher Summer Program (HYRS) offers paid, six week summer research experiences for Grade 11 students in health and medical sciences, including priority areas in digital or data driven health research, commercialization, and health system transformation.
Mood Disorders
Addiction & Mental Health News
Please see attached the March edition of the AHS Addiction & Mental Health Parent Newsletter that
Please see attached the March edition of the AHS Addiction & Mental Health Parent Newsletter that focuses on Breathing.
The themes include:
- Managing stress through breathing
- Practice makes perfect
- Breathing exercises to try with your child (social media 3 & 4)
Have a great day.
Rania Page, RSW
Health Promotion Facilitator & Team Lead
Community Addiction & Mental Health, Alberta Health Services