The Good News-Dec. 5th
Saint John XXIII Catholic School 2021-2022
Leadership Message
Second Sunday of Advent-Our Gift of Peace
Where can we find peace?
How amongst the chaos of our world right now, do find peace? Which opinion do we listen to? Which path do we take? This question often swirls around our minds and can unsettle our hearts right now as we scroll the daily newsfeed, listen to the myriad of opinions, and wonder when we can, "return to normal". As we collectively try to makes sense of the chaos, there can be a weight that comes from trying to find our way.
Peace is our gift
So many of us are intentionally trying to find peace by adding layers of comfort and care to our days. Peace is one of our deepest desires and we constantly search for it, hoping to simply find a sense of well-being or balance.
While physical and mental practices of balance can lift some of the weight and ease the burdens of the chaos, let us not forget the gift of peace that our Christian faith gives us. Peace which the world cannot give, but it is the gift God gave to each one of us, the one whom He sent to restore peace to people everywhere-Jesus- the Prince of Peace. When He was here on Earth as one of us, Jesus taught us how to love, how to live, how to pray. He taught us how to forgive and be peacemakers. Jesus told his disciples to greet people with peace when they entered homes. He said, “My peace I give you… Let not your heart be troubled.”
Peace is God’s perfect, indescribable gift to each of us. As we continue to prepare the way to Christ, this second week of Advent, may our hearts and homes be filled with this gift of peace.
Blessings,
Mrs. Bonnie-Lynne Boehm, Principal
Grade 3 Advent Project: Called to the Manger- Bring Hope Campaign. Bring in your Spare change this week
Called to the Manger: 2021 St. John Advent Celebration & Concert
Our students and staff are in the midst of preparing for this year’s Advent Concert and Celebration video. We are not yet able to have our concert in person but we are once again doing all we can to make this a memorable and joyous occasion for our St. John village.
Recording will take place the week of Dec. 13-17th. Your child’s teacher will communicate which day your child will be recording their songs for the video. Your child is invited to dress in their Christmas best on that day. This helps to create an exciting experience for your child.
Our Advent Concert & Celebration: Called to the Manger, will be released on Tuesday, December 21st. We encourage you to make a special occasion of it! Perhaps a dress up dinner or a Christmas pajama night with popcorn in front of the TV. What a great way to celebrate your child’s hard work! We had so much feedback last year of how wonderful it was to share this with grandparents and families in other places.
School Fees
If your require assistance in paying fees you may fill out a fee waiver form and submit it to the school. Fee Waiver deadline is December 13, 2021. Please call the office at 780-998-7777 if you have any questions.
Under the principle that finances should not be a barrier to a child's education, Elk Island Catholic Schools will waive fees for independent students or parents/guardians if they meet certain income guidelines, are on social services or are facing exceptional circumstances. If you qualify, you may apply using the attached application form for a waiver for the following fees:
- Eligible Transportation Fees
- Instructional Material Fees
- Basic Course Fees
- Noon-Hour Supervision Fees
- Instructional Activity Fees
It Takes a Village: We are here to help
We recognize that this season can be a difficult time for some of our families within our community. If you or your family are struggling with finances, emotional or mental health, medical or physical needs, please reach out to someone within our school or parish community and we can respond. Everyone needs help sometimes, we are not meant to journey this life alone. There are many resources, agencies and people who have offered assistance and we can confidentially arrange for support, especially through this Advent season.
Bonnie-Lynne Boehm, Principal bonnie-lynneb@eics.ab.ca 780-998-7777
Eleanor Heesings, Family Wellness Worker eleanor.heesing @eics.ab.ca 780-995-9352
Hot Lunch Orders Close Dec. 7th : We need volunteers to make this happen
If you would like to order, check your inbox for information.
Thank you St John for your generosity with our Winter Plant Sale Fundraiser! Sincere appreciation to coordinator, Shannon Dahlseide, and our parent pick up volunteers!
Warm Gloves and Mittens Request
EICS Engagement on the 2022-2026 Division Education Assurance Plan: Your Voice Matters
The Elk Island Catholic Schools Board (EICS) of Trustees is seeking stakeholder input to develop our 2022-2026 Division Education Assurance Plan.
In Alberta, school boards are responsible for providing assurance to their stakeholders that they are fulfilling their responsibilities, meeting the needs of students and enabling their success. The key to building public assurance is engaging with our education partners in the Division’s planning and reporting cycle. The parent, student and EICS community voice is integral to building this plan and helps create a culture of continuous improvement.
EICS will be engaging with our communities beginning December 1, 2021 through the ThoughtExchange online engagement process. It is a very easy and open thought process with only two questions to prompt discussion, collect input and a starring process to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. We will be emailing the ThoughtExchange link to all EICS community members on December 1st and the exchange will stay open until December 15, 2021. It will also be available on all EICS websites and school websites.
This engagement process is the beginning of creating the four year education assurance plan which the EICS Board of Trustees will approve in the Spring of 2022.
To participate in the ThoughtExchange, please click on the following link:
Looking ahead: December
December 6: Monday Faith Assembly 9:00 am Grades K-2, Pathways.
December 7: Hot Lunch Order Deadline, midnight.
December 10: Bring any spare change earned. Dress in Advent colours: pink, purple or white
December 13-17: Recording of our Advent Celebration & Concert: Called to the Manger. Wear your Christmas best. Homeroom teachers will communicate which day each class records.
December 14: Priest Visit
December 17: Bring any spare change and dress in a Fun Christmas Sweater day!
December 21: Advent Concert and Celebration: Called to the Manger shared. Last day of classes before Christmas Break. Students can come in their cozy clothes today. (PJs included)
January 5: First day back from Christmas Vacation, Early Out Dismissal 2:23 pm : Comfy Cozy Day(pjs)
Growing Brains & Sharing Smiles! It's a GREAT Day to be a St. John Kid!
We sure did Sparkle and Shine! Thanks for the spirit St. John!
Faith Team delivers our Prayer Pals
Bring Hope Campaign: Dress like a Christmas Story Biblical Person
Inviting all St. John Parents and Guardians to our School Council meeting on Monday, December 6th 7:00 pm, please join us for our virtual meet. Googlemeet link here: http://meet.google.com/zhv-gdhy-ian
Hear about upcoming events, share ideas, and connect with other parents.
Be involved, share your voice, stay connected!
Click Below to order your St. John School Wear
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