MCHS newsletter
December 10, 2023
CITIZENSHIP
Christmas Bags
Our wonderful students are at it again! In the last couple of weeks, MCHS students have been decorating Christmas bags for the imprisoned, including the homeless. As you can see from the video below, students worked hard to create bags that display their thought and care for their imprisoned brothers and sisters. A big thank you to the students and teachers who participated for making a difference in the lives of others.
Check out the video below, it was created by one of MCHS's very own!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BcDVL2wE9irBkV8OQICP0IHM4Zdz-3jU/view?usp=sharing
Working Together Towards Reconciliation
On Monday, December 18 the grade 9 block 2 and grade 10 block 4 physical education classes will have a guest presenter, Kenton Alook, who will teach them the following dances:
- the Red River Jig,
- Orange Blossom Special and,
- the Butterfly Dance.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Christmas Hamper Project - Knights Of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus, are pleased to announce that they will be coordinating
the “Christmas Hamper Project” for Morinville and district. Last year over 100
hampers were distributed to needy families in our community. The success of
this project relies on the generosity and co-operation of the churches, service
groups, businesses, and countless individuals in our communities.
Donations of new (unwrapped) children’s toys and gifts can be dropped off at the
following locations: Napa Auto Parts, Home Hardware, and local banks. Financial
contributions may be directed to the office at the St. Jean Baptiste Parish or Napa
Auto Parts. Cheques are to be made to St. Jean Baptiste Parish (tax receipts will
be issued) and the funds will be used to purchase food items for the hampers,
any surplus funds will be distributed to local schools for their lunch programs.
Persons who are eligible to receive hampers are contacted by Social Services.
Anyone who requires assistance should phone 939-3953 (Mid-Stream Thrift
Store) or 939-4361 (Town of Morinville).
Those who are eligible to receive Christmas Hampers and/or gifts should phone one of the numbers listed above NO LATER THAN Friday December 15th. The distribution of the hampers is planned for Wednesday, December 20th, 2023 at the Rendezvous Centre between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
French Immersion Parent Survey 2023-24
Dear GSACRD families,
We seek feedback from families who attended our French Immersion schools or programs and are no longer enrolled. French Immersion has been an integral part of Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools for over 40 years, and we take great pride in the quality of this program.
To continue providing quality French Immersion programming, we would like to understand better the needs and priorities of our parents and students and the reasons that led families to decide to leave the program.
Please follow the link below and take a few minutes to answer several questions. Your feedback will be compiled and considered as we continually work to update and improve our French Immersion program. Please note that surveys are anonymous.
Click here for the survey.
This survey closes on January 1, 2024.
We thank you in advance for your input and look forward to learning from your experience in our GSACRD French Immersion program.
God Bless,
Cathy Giesbrecht
Assistant Superintendent - Learning Services
SAFE AND CARING SCHOOLS
GSACRD Voice
With the lack of sunlight in the winter, it can be more difficult to keep a positive mood. Some people even experience seasonal depression, where symptoms like appetite changes, losing sleep or sleeping too much, losing interest in hobbies, and having an ever-present low, sad mood, especially during the winter months. Researchers agree that the change in light is what can trigger this (Centre for Addictions and Mental Health). Even if you don’t experience Seasonal Affective Disorder–or SAD for short–it can be helpful to know some tips on ways we can keep our minds healthy as winter persists. Check out the graphic below for some ways to combat SAD!
Counseling Corner
We'd like to take the time to mention that we offer a range of counselling services at MCHS. Whether it be for academic or personal reasons, students can get help. See the contact information below for details.
COUNSELLING DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Learning support facilitator: Susanne Christensen
Counsellor: Courtney MacDonald
Addictions counsellor: Lucy Oster
GSACRD Voice (Wellness coach): Marina Casavant
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Get Away To The U of A!
It’s time to get away to the U of A!
Join us in Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton - Canada’s largest, northernmost metropolis. Here you’ll discover our breathtaking North Campus, nestled atop Edmonton’s lush river valley and just steps away from the iconic Whyte Avenue district.
Your adventure will include transportation reimbursement (up to a maximum based on location), accommodations, meals and a jam-packed schedule of events. You’ll stay in residence, explore state-of-the-art facilities, uncover hidden gems on campus and experience U of A student life first-hand. We’ll also show you around our beautiful city!
EVENT DETAILS
Who: Grade 11 Students Across Canada (20 top applicants will be selected)
When: May 24 - 26, 2024
Where: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
Students can learn more and apply at uab.ca/getaway. The application deadline is January 31, 2024.
Indigenous Student Art Contest 2023
Contest Details:
We are calling on all Indigenous students in Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools. The Division is seeking submissions of Indigenous-themed art from our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. As Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools continues on its journey toward meaningful reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters, we want to provide an opportunity for our Indigenous students to use their talents and give us a hand. Artwork will be reviewed and selected by our Division First Nations, Métis and Inuit Leadership Committee, which includes representatives from our First Nations and Métis partners.
The theme is “Celebrating Indigenous Culture: Telling Our Stories Through Art,” and we are seeking both black and white (vivid black (marker, paint, or pencil crayon) and full-colour art submissions in each age/grade category. Another option available this year is a 10” x 10” canvas paint format (either full colour or black and white), which will be provided for interested students. If you wish to paint on a 10” x 10” canvas, please contact the Division Services Centre at 780-459-7711. Let them know you are calling regarding the Indigenous Student Art Contest and requesting a canvas for your artwork. Leave your name and phone number, and we will arrange a time.
Be creative! Feel free to seek inspiration from Indigenous art, dance, and culture. Inspiration might include the Medicine Wheel, 7 Grandfather Teachings, or #EveryChildMatters. The Division may use submitted artwork in creating items to support our reconciliation journey (t-shirts, greeting cards, posters, social media posts, etc.).
DEADLINE: January 15th, 2024
Click here for full details and application form.
2024 Classy Grads
Rock Your Diplomas
Rock the Diploma, which is a diploma prep course, is opening registration for January diploma exams! $119 early bird pricing if you register before Dec 1st and $99 for each additional course! After Dec 1st each course is $129.
Register at www.rockthediploma.com
For information about grad 2024, see the following Parent Letter.
Athletics
Sn Boys Basketball
Please congratulate the Sr Boys as they played very well this weekend.
They boys lost a tough game to Spruce Grove Comp 69-65 in game 1.
They then beat Camrose 83-61 before losing a hard fought game to Dr. Anne Anderson 73-68. In both losses the Wolves had the chance for a game tying 3 and unfortunately neither 3 would fall for the boys. Overall, the Wolves competed very well!
Wish them luck at next weekend's Louis St-Laurent tournament!
MCHS en français
Musique française
- L’album de Noël - Roch Voisine
- Manuel de Noël - 3 Gars Su’l Sofa
- Mon Pull de Noël - Sébastien Rambaud, Adrien Besse, Mathieu Delage
D'où vient la tradition des pulls moches de Noël? - Culture G Studio Biloba
Français pour l’avenir
Concours national de rédaction (Le concours permet aux élèves de la 10e, 11e et 12e année d’obtenir une bourse pour continuer leurs études postsecondaires complètement ou partiellement en français.) Le Campus Saint-Jean, Université de l’Alberta est une des institutions sur la liste.
* Scholarship for students who are looking to pursue post-secondary studies in French.
FAITH AT MCHS
Beautiful Bits Of The Bible
Psalm 16:1–2, NIV
Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.
Bread - Second Sunday of Advent 2023
Upcoming Events
December 12
Band parents meeting
December 13
Band concert - MCCC @ 6:30 pm
December 15
Grad activity
Reconciliation @ 2 pm
December 22
Early dismissal
Christmas Celebration
Gr 12 Student/Teacher hockey game
ADDRESS:
Morinville Community High School
9506 - 100 ave Morinville, AB, Canada
T8R1P6
(757) 259-3600
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mchs.wolves/
WEBSITE: https://www.mchs.gsacrd.ab.ca/
INSTAGRAM: mchs.gsacrd