St. Luke Weekly Memo
September 21-28, 2017
EICS Theme
The staff of St. Luke joined six other schools for an engaging Professional Development opportunity this past Friday. Staff listened to Dr. Jody Carrington as she shared her expertise in the area of The Power of Being Crazy about Kids in the Classroom. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Carrington shared that much of her work is not new, but it isn't easy. As parents and school staff, we need to develop a sense on all of our children that they are worthy. As a school community we will be working hard to put her ideas and inspiration to work within our school.
We'd like to share a video with you that she shared about how young people and parents are in the dualistic role of the adolescent trying to explore and learn more about the world, but also in a relationship that required closeness, comfort and support. As a home, school community we need to provide the supports needed so every child knows that they matter.
School News
Student Absence
If your child is sick or will be absent from school please let the school know via Safe Arrival. You can access Safe Arrival through the Elk Island Catholic app or on the St. Luke website under contact tab. Safe Arrival also has a number you can call if you can't access the app 1-877-246-9970. If you are calling after the school day has begun, please contact the school directly by phone, 780-922-5920, to discuss the absence.
Parking Lot Safety
As we continue to improve the safety for everyone in our parking lot please enter through the west entrance. We ask vehicles to angle park and respect the crossing outside the front doors especially when all four buses are loading and unloading students. Thank you in advance for your assistance in keeping all our students, staff, families and visitors safe.
Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) Protocol
Elk Island Catholic Schools is committed to providing a safe and caring environment for all students/clients, staff, and community members. As such, we have worked together with police and community partners to adopt a VTRA Protocol for the Elk Island area. This is a systematic and collaborative approach to threat assessment, whereby community partners work together to investigate potential threats and put supportive interventions in place. VTRA promotes a common language and understanding of threat assessment, makes use of the expertise of various community partners, and encourages a multidisciplinary approach to violence prevention.
All VTRA partners are committed to intervening when behaviour indicates that an individual is moving along a pathway toward serious violence. Please be advised that all threats of violence will be taken seriously and investigated according to the VTRA protocol. Examples include, but are not limited to the following:
● Violent behaviour with the intent to harm or kill another person
● Verbal or written threats to seriously harm others or cause significant
property damage
● Internet, text, or social media threats to seriously harm others
● Possession of weapons (including replicas)
● Bomb threats or making/detonating explosive devices
● Fire setting
● Sexual intimidation or assault
The Elk Island VTRA Protocol outlines how schools and agencies will respond immediately to threatening behaviour. The RCMP and school administration is always involved as a partner early in the process, with additional school division and community supports being brought in as needed. This may include Psychologists, Social Workers, Family-School Liaison Workers, Mental Health Clinicians, and other professionals as relevant to the situation. Parents and guardians will be notified as early as possible in the process. Personal information shared throughout the VTRA process will respect and balance each individual’s right to privacy with the need to ensure the safety of all.
A copy of the Elk Island Violence Threat Risk Assessment Protocol can be found on our website at www.eics.ab.ca/programs/inclusive-learning-services For additional information, please feel free to contact EICS Student Support Services at (780) 449-6440.
Parent Council
Halloween Dance
Get your costumes ready and come out for an evening of family fun! Dance will be held in the St. Luke school gymnasium on Friday, October 27 from 5:30-8:30 pm. Tickets on sale soon.
Church News
There will be information being sent home with all grade 2 students about First Reconciliation and First Communion.
Looking Ahead...
September 26 - Terry Fox Run/Walk
October 2 - Parent Council Meeting 6:30 pm - Childcare provided in the gymOctober 6 - Professional Development Day - no school for students
Email: Stl@eics.ab.ca
Website: Stl.eics.ab.ca
Location: 22139 S Cooking Lake Rd, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Phone: 7809225920
Facebook: facebook.com/StLukeCatholicSchool
Twitter: @stlcs_EICS