Choose Joy!
Week of January 24, 2021
January Sacred Teaching: Wisdom
Masking Helps
Every child at school has received two from the Alberta Government. While masks are mandatory for grade 4 students and all staff, they are highly recommended for K-3 children, especially in certain contexts.
Masks must be worn to sing in our music program and singing in a large portion of the Alberta Fine Arts curriculum. Masks are also required for small group and one-on-one work with the teacher to help facilitate your child's successful learning.
Thank you for supporting your child in wearing their mask.
Begins February 1, 2021
KINDERGARTEN IN EICS
Independence, initiative, decision making, creativity, the ability to learn, relationships and feelings of self-worth - all have their beginnings in early childhood. We believe that each child is unique and, together with parents as our partners, we build upon children's natural curiosity and spontaneity, encouraging and supporting them as they take their first step into school.
Please note that Kindergarten registration for the 2021-2022 school year will be available online on Monday, February 1st, 2021.
Eligibility Starting Date for Kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year:
To register for Kindergarten in the 2021-2022 school year, your child must be five years old on or before December 31, 2021.
Thank you for sharing this newsletter with any families interested in joining the OLA family; in Kindergarten, Grades 1-4 or in our PUF/Flexible Pathways Programs.
It's a great way to share who we are as a community. :-)
PUF Pathways Information
It is housed at St. John XXIII and is called PUF Pathways. In our program, children learn and develop their skills in a play and faith-based environment led by a certified teacher and supported by Educational Assistants. Children in the program benefit from a team of consultants such as Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant, Physiotherapist, and Inclusive Learning Consultants.
Criteria for Eligibility
To be eligible for our Flexible Pathways (PUF) programs, children need to be 3 or 4 years old and meet the following criteria:
- Maximum age of 4 years and 8 months by Sept. 1, 2021
- Severe developmental delay (i.e. CP, Autism, Down Syndrome)
- Severe delay in speech and language
This year we will be holding screening clinics in the spring to determine eligibility. Please contact Andrea Boyle at andrea.boyle@eics.ab.ca for more information or to book an appointment.
To help you see how your child is doing compared with other children the same age please visit the following websites:
Talk Box Newsletter: Three Year Old
Talk Box Newsletter: Four Year Old
Alberta Health Information, Growth and Development Milestones
Break the Rules - January 18 - 22, 2021
Thank you to our entire OLA community for your generosity!!!
Thank you!
Thanks to you, we have raised over $3400!!
We will have some exciting news for you coming up...and you made it possible!
Be Part of OLA's Career Day!
Thank you to Gibbon's Fire Chief who sent in the first video!!!
How are we preparing OLA children for their futures? Every day we prepare children for their next stages of learning, to set them up for bright futures. This year we are also preparing them by introducing them to possible future careers with Career Day! And we are calling for your help!
We are engaging our community to be part of OLA's Career Day!
In a normal year we would open wide our doors and welcome moms, dads and extended family to come and chat with children about their careers...As we continue to focus on what we can do, we invite you to share your career with our OLA students through video!
We are inviting family and friends to send us videos of you and your career for all OLA children to watch, discuss, research, explore and expand their knowledge of possible future careers choices. This Career Day project engages our community and brings our amazing OLA family together in new ways!
What’s in the video?
Here are ideas for your video…Thank you for including some of the following
2 - 3 minutes long
Your job title and name
Where you work and/or your workspace
Why you chose this job/career
Show uniform if you wear one / safety equipment needed
What do you do all day/responsibilities
If working from home sharing how you are working from work
What are the cool things you get to do or see
Something special or unique about your job
How long did it take you go to school for or train to do your job
Here’s a quick sample video created by Mme Gravelle:
Ready...Set...Action!!
How to get your videos to us:
IOS/Iphone Users: Please use Mail Drop to olamedia@eics.ab.ca.
Android Users: Please share by creating a link and sending it to ola@eics.ab.ca
If you have any questions or troubles, please give us a call at 780-998-3716.
Thank you in advance for your videos!
Thank you for sending us your videos by January 27th.
What else is happening for Career Day?
February 1 - 3 classes will watch the videos and explore different activities connected to future careers. On Wednesday February 3, OLA’s School Spirit Day and early dismissal, students are encouraged to “Dress for Success”, and dress for a future career of their choice!
This week @ OLA
January 25-29, 2021
- Parents Pick up Sacramental Preparation resource at OLA Parish this week
- EICS Assurance Survey Begins - Please check your email inbox or junk mail
- Week 3 of Power Options
- Adoration Postponed
- Lost & Found displayed for children - Thank you for looking at the pictures and encouraging your child to collect their items.
January 25, 2021
- It's a GREAT day to Choose Joy!
- OLA Student Support Team Meets
January 26, 2021
- T/Th Kindergarten Saffron Presentation
- Let's Choose Joy together!
January 27, 2021
- Career Day Videos due to OLA - Thank you for your participation!
- Virtual Morning Announcements and every Wednesday
January 28, 2021
- Parent Saffron Presentation Exclusively for OLA families - Internet Safety via Zoom 7:00pm (Zoom link and details have been emailed to each family)
A great day to be in community together!
January 29, 2021
- Staff Learning Day connected to our Assurance Plan - No School
- Friyay! Where will you Choose Joy today?
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To see what is up and coming even further ahead, please visit our website calendar.
You can view our Kindergarten Calendar here.
Lost and Found
When it's -25 Degrees Celsius...
We will be playing indoors, and to do so we are asking for any donations of:
- Scrabble letter squares
- Magnetic letters
- Chalk board erasers
- Complete Board Game sets
- Decks of Cards
- Puzzles
Thank you to the families who have already donated items! They are and will be well used!
Polar Bear Recess - It May Be Time!
Polar Bear Recesses are completely optional, and children love them after being inside all day!
No matter if your child participates in Polar Bear Recess or is outside for recess up to -25 degrees, please take time this weekend to ensure your child is coming to school properly dressed for the weather:
- toque
- mitts
- scarf/neck warmer
- winter jacket
- snow pants
- winter boots
Last week we had several students without proper winter gear and we were able to help them out. While we have some winter clothing for those who truly need it, thank you again for ensuring your children have the necessary clothing to be outside.
Hello from our Amazing OLA Team
Saffron Parent Presentation
CYBERWORLD: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUTH PRESS SEND?
January 28, 2021 @ 7:00pm exclusively for OLA families. Zoom link details have been emailed to each OLA family. Please connect with Susan at ola@eics.ab.ca or Eleanor Heesing at eleanor.heesing@eics.ab.ca if you have questions.
In this presentation, parents and caregivers are provided with information on the popular websites, games, and apps that are being used by children and youth. We discuss legal consequences and the potential dangers online. We share helpful tips on starting conversations with their children and youth.
Outside Fun!
Quotes of the Week
Mme: "Fantastic. What name will you choose?"
Student: "Chicken Nuggets Lord!"
Mme: "Very interesting! Why that name?"
Student: "Because I LLLOOOVVVEEE chicken nuggets!"
Mme: "Of course you do!"
Mrs Van Engelen: “Do you need help Mr. P?
Mr Persaud: “Yes please I need a bowl for my salad. Can you reach me one so I don’t wreck my nails.”
Kinder student: "Mme Gravelle I saw you get wet in the pool! It was so funny!"
Mme: "I'm glad you laughed. I was in the pool because I lost the game of Rock, Paper, Scissors against Mrs. Weller!"
Kinder: "You should have done Rock."
Mme: "You're right. Do you think I need to practice my Rock, Paper, Scissors?"
Kinder: "Yes you do."
It's a great week when you hear a teacher saying,
"Thank you so much Queen Rainbow for lining up so fast!"
Celebrating Our Present and Guiding Our Future
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January kicks off the month when we gather your feedback in four key areas:
- Faith Formation
- Quality Teaching and Learning
- Wellness
- Engagement and Improvement
Your past feedback helped to shape our direction which is captured in our OLA Assurance Plan linked here and available on our ola.eics.ab.ca website under "About."
Where do we see an example of how these surveys and compiled data impact OLA's direction? Here are a few examples:
- 2019-2020 Student and parent feedback indicated a desire for more frequent Power Options to dig deeper in areas of interest in the curriculum and engage student learning differently. Last year Power Options were 1 hour, once per month. This year, Power Options are 1 hour, once per week! Your voice matters!
- We continually aim to grow and learn together, and have welcomed Kokum Doreen to OLA to help us learn about the Seven Sacred Teachings positively impacting the quality of our teaching and learning in Truth and Reconciliation.
- Compiling the results of standardized Numeracy Assessments have improved learning and teaching by establishing coaching and collaborative learning opportunities for high yield learning strategies in Math, namely Number Talks. This is a whole-school initiative to improve quality teaching and learning in Numeracy.
- Children's desire to come to school, to be present with each other and their teachers indicates our focus on wellness and our Faith especially relating to how we treat each other, is working well - so we continue to do our great work in these areas. Your voice matters!
Who will be completing the Surveys?
Grade 4 students will be sharing their voice at school by participating in the Provincial Accountability Survey as well as the EICS Assurance Survey.
All families are invited to share their voice in the EICS Assurance Survey which will come to your email inbox (please check your junk mail.) In addition, Grade 4 families will be invited to complete the Provincial Accountability Survey online or on paper.
Thank you in advance for your participation in these surveys and sharing your voice.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mme Gravelle at 780-998-3716.
Sacramental Preparation Registration Now Open
Relationships are powerful.
Celebrating Sacraments deepens a child's relationship with our loving God.
Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Parish is helping families to prepare their children for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. We welcome children in grade 2 and older.
Baptism is the first Sacrament children can receive, and in order to celebrate First Reconciliation or First Eucharist, children are to be baptized first. Not baptized - No problem! Please contact OLA Catholic Parish and 780-998-3288 and they will will happily help you.
Parents or guardians should register their children at the Parish Office. In preparation for their sacramental journey and to encourage relationships with Jesus and within our Parish family, each candidate is welcomed and encouraged to attend all classes on their sacramental journey.
We are now accepting registrations for sacramental preparation. Please email or drop off completed forms with fee to the parish.
Fee of $40.00 for the two sacraments (First Reconciliation and Eucharist). Please provide a copy of the baptism certificate if not baptized in one of our parishes.
E-mail forms to: olangels.ftsask@caedm.ca (We accept e-transfer of fees to the same email address.)
For those only registering for First Eucharist the fee is $20.00, Please provide date and parish of Reconciliation on the registration form.
Please click here for the Registration Form.
From our OLA Parish
If you have any questions or concerns about Sacramental Preparation, please feel free to contact Father Kris at the parish 780-998-3288 or kris.schmidt@caedm.ca.
Important Dates - Please mark your calendar:
1st Reconciliation and 1st Communion
Pick up resource at the parish: January 25-29, 2021
1st Reconciliation
(Optional)
Parent ZOOM meeting #1: February 4 @6:30pm or February 6 @11am
Parent ZOOM meeting #2: February 18 @6:30pm or February 20 @11am
(Choice)
Teaching mass: February 11 @6:30pm or February 13 @11am
(All attend)
Reconciliation retreat and celebration: March 6, 2021 10:00-12:30pm
1st Communion
(Optional)
Parent ZOOM meeting #1: March 11 @6:30pm or March 13 @11am
Parent ZOOM meeting #2: March 25 @6:30pm or March 27 @11am
(Choice)
Kids adoration: March 18 @6:30pm or March 20 @11am
(All attend)
1st Communion Retreat: April 10, 2021 11:00-12noon
1st Communion Celebration: April 11, 2021 11:30am
Resources for parents
Home guide training video:
https://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/14010/
Reconciliation home guide:
https://www.smp.org/dynamicmedia/files/3a1832cb52dabd952ca9f1712b327377/R4500RHG_Rec_HG.pdf
Eucharist home guide:
https://www.smp.org/dynamicmedia/files/6488adc35158fa59c4b7b54764fa47b0/R4500EHG_Euc_HG.pdf
Exercises for Reconciliation
Daily family prayer challenge
- if you don’t have the practice of family prayer already, pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1
Glory be, 1 thing you’re thankful for, and 1 person to pray for every night before bed.
Exercises for 1st Communion
Daily family prayer challenge
- if you don’t have the practice of family prayer already, pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1
Glory be, 1 thing you’re thankful for, and 1 person to pray for every night before bed.
See you Tuesday, March 2nd @ 11:00 am.
See you at our next meeting, on Tuesday, March 2nd @ 11:00am
Google Meet link will be shared with you that day.
Thank you for checking your email inbox or spam/junk folder.
To connect with your OLA School Council, please email schoolcouncil.ola@gmail.com.
Click below to order your OLA Spirit Wear!
Student Illness and your Child's Learning
- Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath or difficulty breathing, Runny Nose, Sore Throat, Chills Painful swallowing, Stuffy Nose, Headache, Muscle or joint aches, Feeling unwell, fatigue or severe exhaustion, Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite), Loss of sense of smell or taste, Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye.
Please email Mrs. Desaulniers, susande@eics.ab.ca and cc: your child's homeroom teacher to share what symptoms your child is experiencing as well as an approximate date for your child's return so we can plan for your child's learning and growing in Literacy and Numeracy while away.
Thank you for continuing to connect with us with your child's test results.
Alberta Health Documents
Mystery Options
Monday - Pie in the Face Mme Gravelle
Tuesday - Modified Dunk Tank
Wednesday - Mummify Mrs. Desaulniers
Thursday - Pie in the Face Mrs. Lukie
Friday - Post It Note Mrs. Buban's Desk and Toilet Paper the Library
Looking Ahead...
February 1, 2021
- Kindergarten and Grade 1-4 Registration opens for 2021-2022 School Year
- Djembes Drums arrive @ OLA!
- Career Week Begins
February 3, 2021
- School Spirit Day - Dress for Success: Career Day
- Early Dismissal - 2:19pm
- Progress Reports available on PowerSchool
February 4 - 5, 2021
- Teachers' Convention - No School
- Feb. 4 - First Optional Reconciliation Parent Zoom meeting @ 6:30pm
February 8, 2021
- Cohort Assemblies
February 11, 2021
- Teaching Mass/First Reconciliation Option 1 @ 6:30pm
February 15, 2021
- Family Day - No School
February 16, 2021
- Shrove Tuesday
February 17, 2021
- Ash Wednesday
- Lent begins
- I Read Canada Day
February 24, 2021
- Pink Shirt Day
Preschool Registraion
Socks and Snacks
Click here for the news report celebrating their efforts and the very generous donations collected!
We invite any OLA families to connect with Mrs. Desaulniers, Mrs. Heesing or Mme Gravelle if these items could help your family. :-)
Telus Internet for Good
In the current landscape of physical distancing, access to fast, reliable connectivity has never been more essential. TELUS Internet for Good helps low-income families stay connected, empowering youth to safely learn from home.
School Fees
School fees have now been added to your PowerSchool ParentPortal and are now due. Payment can be made by debit or credit card by visiting your PowerSchool account.
If you require assistance signing into your account please call Mrs. Desaulniers at 780-998-3716 or email susande@eics.ab.ca.
Field trip: to date all field trips involving bussing are cancelled. Virtual field trips and walking trips may still occur. Once these have been finalized we will share the field trip fee for payment
All unpaid fees by March 1, 2021 may be sent to a collections agency.
Our Lady of the Angels School
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
T8L 1W7
Email: ola@eics.ab.ca
Website: https://ola.eics.ab.ca/
Location: 9622 Sherridon Drive, Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada
Phone: (780)998-3716
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/OLASchoolFtSask/photos/?ref=page_internal
Twitter: @OLAFortSask