The Good News
Saint John XXIII April 25, 2021
4th Sunday of Easter - Good Shepherd Sunday John 10:11-18
In John 10:11-18, Jesus revealed himself as a good shepherd who knows his own flock and is a sacrifice for them. Saint Teresa of Calcutta and her work with the Missionaries of Charity is a wonderful example of being a good shepherd. She founded this order to serve people who are struggling with their lives and suffer from various diseases. During her lifetime, Saint Teresa ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying, and she did not discriminate against anyone because of their religious backgrounds. There were certainly moments when she struggled. She too turned to her own shepherd for guidance and help.
We are all called to serve, just like Saint Teresa of Calcutta, just like Jesus. It is normal for others to turn to you for help and for you to feel overwhelmed, but never forget that you always have a good shepherd that you can turn to when you feel lost.
Leadership Message
This past week at St. John we had the wonderful opportunity to grow in our understanding of the past, present and future of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. There is a wealth of information and diversity of stories and voices on the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Giant Floor Map. The Royal Canadian Geographical Society worked collaboratively with a number of Indigenous and ally educators and organizations from across Canada to create this resource.
The map does not contain provincial boundaries, names of provinces, or many of the current names of cities and towns. Instead, it outlines the different Indigenous communities found across the country, the languages spoken, and the treaties signed with the Crown.The giant map measures 11 metres by 8 metres (35 feet by 26 feet). It has been purchased by the schools of EICS and is available for each school to use.
Playground use during school hours
April 22 was Earth Day!
Message from our SJXXIII Young Citizen Leadership Squad: Earth Day/Week
Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! That’s why each year on April 22, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day is a time to come together and support our environment’s protection from things like pollution and deforestation. By taking part in activities like picking up litter, making our lunches litter-less and using less power we are making our world a happier, healthier place to live.
Our environment has a large impact on our health and well being. Let's all pitch in and do our part in taking care of the environment.
Please ensure your child has a water bottle every day. Our water fountains are only open for refilling bottles.
Alberta K-6 Draft Curriculum update
Alberta Education released draft curricula for seven courses for Kindergarten to Grade 6 on March 29. These drafts are accessible at new.learnalberta.ca
Please read the following EICS Statement on Alberta Education Draft Curriculum April 22, 2021 Sherwood Park…. Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS) Board Chair Ted Paszek provided the following statement after the April 21st EICS Board of Trustees public meeting regarding Alberta Education’s draft Kindergarten-Grade 6 curriculum.
“Elk Island Catholic Schools will not be piloting Alberta’s draft K-6 curriculum but will continue to work with our administration, teachers and parent community in reviewing the curriculum and providing suggested revisions to the Ministry of Education,” stated EICS Board Chair Ted Paszek. “As a Division, our key priority remains the continuity of student learning during the COVID-19 world pandemic. Piloting a new curriculum places more pressure on teachers and schools while we work through recovering from the impacts of the pandemic.”
EICS consultants and teaching staff from each school reviewed the seven curriculum documents providing valuable input. The Division engaged the parent community, school council chairs and other stakeholders through a survey seeking community input.
Moving forward, EICS will continue to provide professional development opportunities, and support all staff in their roles.
EICS is committed to seeking continued feedback from our parents, stakeholders and staff.
Please take some time to provide your feedback on the draft curricula here:
http://bit.ly/EICSDraftCurriculumParentSurvey
If you have specific concerns or questions, you can contact Trustee Stewart al.stewart@eics.ab.ca
There is JOY in the Journey: Celebration of Learning! Congratulations!
Spring Photos have arrived!
Grade 4 families, Your voice is important - 2021 Alberta Education Assurance Survey window extension
The deadline for the completion of the Alberta Education Assurance (AEA) survey has been extended to Wednesday, April 28, 2021. This extension applies to students, teachers and parents. Please check your mail for your survey package. No further extension will be provided past this date.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact System Assurance Branch at 780- 643-9193 [toll free using 310-0000] or by email at EDC.SystemAssurance@gov.ab.ca.
It's that time of year: Transitions for next year. If your family is moving, please kindly let the office know as we make plans for next year
Spring means new life, growth, and time for new adventures around the corner. While this year's staff and students work diligently to honour the current year we are in, administrators are also in the planning stages for our next school year. At our School Council meeting on Tuesday, Mrs. Boehm & Ms. Astalosch will share some of the many ways in which we plan for and support student transitions from grade to grade and school to school. Please consider attending so you can be informed of the many ways we help provide support for transitions.
Looking ahead: Mark your calendars
April 26: Monday Faith Assembly- Grade 3
April 27: Lifetouch Photo Orders Due
May 3: Monday Faith Assembly- Grade 2
May 4: School Council Meeting 7 pm Google Meet link will be shared that day
May 5: Early Dismissal 2:23 pm Spirit day-Hats On for Mental Health Awareness
May 7: PD day, no school for students
May 10: Monday Faith Assembly- Grade 1
May 17: Monday Faith Assembly- K
May 21: No school
May 24: Victoria Day- no school
Growing Brains & Sharing Smiles! It's a Great Day to be a Saint John Kid!
A very special recognition and congratulations to the students who received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion recently
Saint John XXIII School Council News
Next School Council meeting is Tuesday, May 4 @ 7 pm via Google Meet. Google Meet link will be shared that day via School messenger.
To connect with school council executive, email st.johnxxiii.psc@gmail.com
Click below to order your St. John XXIII Spirit 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