St. Mary School News
March 2019
ASH WEDNESDAY MARKS THE BEGINNING OF LENT
Once again, we step into the Lenten season by celebrating Ash Wednesday opening a season of fasting and prayer. It is observed in 46 days. Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to one’s forehead with the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Ashes made from blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year’s Palm Sunday Mass symbolize grief caused and made us separated from God by our sins. On Ash Wednesday, we are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. The mark of ashes on our forehead reminds us that life passes away on Earth. In this way, it also helps us help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.
The Lenten season is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption. Let’s get into this holy Lent with a humble spirit through God’s grace.
Fr. Cuong Luong
Principal's Message
Welcome back after the February break. It is hard to believe that we almost into the month of March. I would like to take the opportunity to thank our families and the members of the school community council, for all the treats they provided the staff during teacher/staff appreciation week. We definitely felt appreciated.
On March 20th and 21st you will have the opportunity, for your son/daughter to share with you what they have learnt through the school year at student led conferences. Please note that all conferences will be student led, and therefore we require that you bring your child with you. By coming together, we are showing our children that education is important and that we are working as a team to help them grow and learn.
As with last semester, we will not be sending home report cards. Students in grades 2 – 7 will be able to access marks on our parent portal. If you have not signed up for your account, please stop by the library during student led conferences and we will be happy to assist you.
Last of all we are excited to announce that we have planned a Ski Trip to Table Mountain on April 2nd for grades 5-7. There will be no charge to families for the bus or the activity, but we do ask that you send money or a lunch for that day. All students are required to attend as this is part of the Physical Education Curriculum. More information will be released later in March!
I look forward to seeing you at the school this month.
God Bless and keep you safe.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Book Fair is coming to St. Mary School - March 20th and 21st.
Please watch your son/daughter’s backpack for dates and times for classroom shopping. We also invite families to stop by during student led conferences. On March 21 & 22 the book fair will be open from 4:30 – 7:30pm.
We want to thank you for your support, every purchase you make; a percentage goes towards new books and resources for your child's library. THANK YOU!!
Field Trip Information
Field trips are opportunities for our children to experience learning outside the classroom. During February, we hosted a community garage sale in an effort to fund raise for these wonderful opportunities. We would like to thank all those individuals, businesses and families who supported the event and made it such a success. Some of you have asked what is involved with a field trip and the need for fundraising. Unfortunately, the cost of transportation is our biggest obstacle. In order for one bus to go to and from the swimming pool one time, we are charged $89.25. Just imagine the cost that is involved for a trip to Saskatoon.
Grade 8 Open House
On March 12th grade 7 students and their parents/guardians are invited to John Paul II for their open house. This is great opportunity to come and meet Shalen Fox, the graduation coach at John Paul.
Tuesday, Mar 12, 2019, 07:00 PM
John Paul II Collegiate, 97 Street, North Battleford, SK, Canada
Student Led Conferences
There will be student led conferences held:
March 20th – evening from 4:30pm to 7:30pm
March 21st – evening from 4:30pm to 7:30pm
Return the bottom portion of the note by Thursday, March 14th indicating when you would preference for student lead conference date and time. Please note that students are to attend the conference with his/her parent.
Your student led conference time will be sent home with your son/daughter on Tuesday, March 19th . This information will also be posted to the school webpage and facebook page.
MOO Week
Thank you to SaskMilk for their generous donation of prizes with a milk/cow theme. During the week of March 11th students who purchase milk from the school will have their name entered to win. Prizes will also be awarded for participation in the daily events.
Monday – Holstein Day – dress in black/white
Tuesday – Lazy Cow Day – dress in pjs
Wednesday – Weird Wednesday – Wear your clothes backwards or inside out.
Thursday – Cool MOOVe Day – dress in something representing your favourite sport
Friday – Farmer Friday – come dressed as a farmer or the color red (the color of a barn)
Student Absences
Please call the school if your child will be absent from school. Although it is important that we have information as to why your child is absent; it is more important that we know that your child is safe. If you forgot to call the school to report your child's absence you may receive a phone call from school personnel. Please understand we just need to know that your son or daughter is safe.
It is very important that you keep the office updated on any changes to your address and more importantly your phone number. This is the only way we can reach you in the event your child is sick or case of an emergency.
Kindergarten Registrations
St. Mary School is accepting registrations for the 2019 – 2020 Kindergarten year. If you have a child that will be five on or before December 31, 2019 please contact St. Mary School at 306-445-5152 for registration details. If you know of anyone who has a child that is eligible for this Kindergarten year, please inform them of the registration.
Lunch Cards
Lunch card fees are due by February 28th. If you have not paid your lunch card for March, please ensure you send a lunch or the $10 with your son/daughter by March 1st or they may be asked to walk home for lunch.
Early Dismissal
March 27th is early dismissal. All students are dismissed at 1:55pm. Buses will be running.
Immunization & Baby Clinics
We are pleased to announce that Public Health will be at the school two half days per month offering immunization and baby clinics. If you are interested booking an appointment for
March 6th from 9:00 – 11:30 am or March 20th from 1:00 – 3:30pm, please call the school at 306-445-5152. If your child has received immunizations on the reserve, please call the public health office at 306- 446-6400 and notify them of the immunizations so that your child’s file can be updated. (a minimum of 3 days prior to our clinics please).
Parking
Reminder To Our Parents: as much as parking across the street in front of the neighbors driveway makes your walking path shorter it does not allow our neighbor's the opportunity to enter and leave their property as they wish. Please refrain from parking in front of their driveway.
Thank You for your cooperation.
Sports
Leadership
Dream Brokers
What is Dream Broker all about? . . .
The Dream Broker connects you and your family with a sport,
recreational or cultural activity. She can support participation in
various sport, culture or recreation activities by helping with
registration costs, transportation, equipment or just by being a
cheerleader on the sidelines when a family member is unable to
attend.
Some programs with open or upcoming registrations: Contact Antje, District Dream Broker, at 306-
480-9875 at anytime for more information.
1. Registration for 2018 Outdoor Soccer season is OPEN. Visit www.bysi.ca to register your child.
2. March 11 th & 12 th Gymnastics Resgitration @ The Gymnastics Club. Antje will be there to help
families with KidSport applications.
3. Free Summer Music Camp is returning to St. Mary’s School in July 2019. Let Antje know if you’re
interested.
Other programs available in the community:
North Battleford Taekwondo
Academy
Sakewew Dancers
Minor Football
Minor Softball & Baseball
Four Corner Boxing
Battlefords Gymnastics Club
First Shift Hockey Program &
Battlefords Minor Hockey
Association
Battlefords Volleyball Club
Battle River Archers
Gutters Bowling
Cheer Legacy Athletics
Annette’s School of Dance
Dance Connection