The Good News
Saint John XXIII May 18, 2020
Leadership Message
Catholic Education Week 2020
In the midst of everything going on in our world these days, I was moved to re-read a work by C.S Lewis, entitled “Learning in War time.” At the dawn of WWII, there was a discussion as to the value of education continuing during the upcoming time of crisis. Lewis points to three enemies of learning at this time, excitement, frustration and fear. He challenges the reader to rise above them all, to respond courageously to the needs of others in the time of crisis.
In our own way this year, we are “learning in war time” and it is appropriate for us to take some time to celebrate and be grateful for the gift of Catholic Education. In Alberta, we have the great privilege of being able to celebrate our faith openly and engage with our students on every aspect of what it is to truly be a human, we pray with our students and for our students as well as our communities. We are able to say in our Catholic Schools that each and every child is of infinite dignity, not because of what they have done, but because of who they are, made in the image and likeness of God, the Creator of all. We are able to teach our students not only to be good citizens, but to love each other as God first loved us. We promote academic excellence, not just for students to have a great career, but to be formed, virtuous human beings. We have our students look for Goodness, Truth and Beauty in all creation, and especially in each other. We are fed by our Sacraments and connected to our parishes and pastors. We are empowered to discuss with our students the small questions and the big ones, to celebrate who they are and what they can become.
Alberta’s education system, public and Catholic, is second to none in the world, but I am proud of and love our Catholic Schools.
Paul Corrigan
Assistant Superintendent,
Faith formation and Wellness
Elk Island Catholic Schools
Celebrating Catholic Education Week: May 18-22
Here are some special events and opportunities for you to take part in celebrating the gift of Catholic Education this week:
Tuesday, May 19: Join us for our Virtual Assembly on our School Youtube channel (link will be sent from your child's teacher as well).
Thursday, May 21: Wear blue for Catholic Education!
Archbishop Smith will celebrate a livestreamed Mass for World Catholic Education Day at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 21. This mass will also be broadcast on Telus Optik TV Channel 876 and on YouTube at youtu.be/BFPSj3Jfz4U
Mrs. Boehm's Weekly Challenge: Wear Blue for Catholic Education
This week's challenge: Wear Blue for Catholic Education Education on Thursday, May, 21
On Thursday celebrate our Catholic Education by wearing blue, take a picture and send it in!
Please send your weekly challenge picture to Mrs. Boehm bonnie-lynneb@eics.ab.ca We will post these on our various school sites (Twitter, Facebook, and Weekly Smore).
Last week's challenge: What can you build? Our SJ Kids are so creative!
Library Books: Returning Library Books Tuesdays and Wednesdays in May
We have added some information below about accessing public libraries and online reading resources. If your child needs books, let us know, we will find a way.
Fort Saskatchewan Public Library - visit your local public library online to gain access to digital books, information resources and more. Fort Saskatchewan Public Library offers new library or renewal of library cards online. Many families will already have memberships, but for those who do not , the information required to obtain membership privileges is included in the following document: Ft. Saskatchewan Public Library
Some recommended e-book resources under Ft. Saskatchewan E-Library include:
TumbleBook Library - has nearly 1000 titles and is best for those in grades K-6.
It includes animated talking picture books, chapter books, videos, non-fiction titles, playlists, books in languages other than English, graphic novels and math stories.
NEW: until August 31 enjoy FREE UNLIMITED access to the TumbleMath database.
Tumble Math K-6 - a comprehensive collection of math picture books.
TumbleBooks’ databases are easy to use, and feature unlimited access from home!
You can read as many books as you want, when you want, and on any device. There are no check-outs, holds or bulky downloads. Books are available instantly.
Overdrive - Borrow Audiobooks and eBooks for all ages. Categories under the catalogue Guide:Kids includes Picture Books, Read-Alongs, I Can Read, Great Canadian Reads.
Check out the help guide or the how-to video on Downloading Overdrive eBooks onto your Tablet or Smartphone using the Libby app: Libby by Overdrive
Solaro - Alberta curriculum homework help! SOLARO features 100% Alberta curriculum-aligned, age-appropriate lessons, activities, exercises, and quizzes with detailed solutions. Content, in the form of text, graphics, and multimedia is available.
Author Readings/Book Readings (some real time scheduled readings offered)
Big List of Children’s Authors Doing On-line Read-Alouds & Activities
CBC Books - Canadian children's writers & illustrators are sharing readings of their books online
Circle Round podcast - folktales adapted for young children (includes advertising at beginning of each podcast)
Forest of Reading Fridays and Mercre-LIT - virtual author visits from the 2020 Forest of Reading title authors in English and French
KidLitTV - Read alouds
List of Children’s Authors Doing Online Read-Alouds & Activities
Read Together Be Together - Penguin Random House & Parents magazine team up to provide online readings of children’s books
Great links below for learning at home; resources for parents
Don't forget to check our "Connections Corner" in students' Google Classrooms. Our Connections Team have added Mindful Moments and Regulation tools
OLA Parish Connection
Coping & Connection for Children & Families During COVID-19 links and resources below: Take care of you
EICS Resources: Linked below
LOOKING AHEAD...A week at a glance
Tuesday, May 19: Weekly Challenge: Wear blue for Catholic Ed
Tuesday, May 19:
Tuesday Virtual Assembly via SJXXIII Youtube Channel (also will be linked in your child's Google classroom or communication from their teacher)
Remote learning classes continue-please make sure you are connected to your child's classroom
Wednesday, May 20:
Remote learning classes continue
Thursday, May 21: Wear Blue for Catholic education
Remote learning classes continue
9 am Archbishop Smith will celebrate a livestreamed Mass for World Catholic Education Day. This mass will also be broadcast on Telus Optik TV Channel 876 and on YouTube at youtu.be/BFPSj3Jfz4U
Friday, May 22:
Remote learning classes continue
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