Happy New Year
Newsletter January 2021
Principal's Message
January 8th update
Good afternoon families,
Happy New Year!
Can’t say it was the greatest year, but it certainly will be one we will remember. Many aspects of our lives have been placed upside down. Our school and staff take more than a little comfort in knowing that we may have helped a little by minimizing stress involved with schooling for families. As things are still bleak with high infection numbers in Alberta, I am reminded that it is darkest before the dawn. This coming year has hope with vaccines eventually rolling out. We must also remember that we are not alone!
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
In terms of new items for our school, our greater Edmonton teaching staff will be moving from their Leduc offices to the new office in Sherwood Park (location info below) on Monday Jan. 11th. Those staff affected have informed their students that online classes will be cancelled on Monday so they can get set up.
We encourage high school students to be aware of the work submission deadlines below. In some cases a concerted effort will allow students to finish the course before the end of the term, but in other cases a new schedule will be needed to complete the courses in the second semester.
Homeschooling families should be getting their mid year check up call in the coming weeks. This is always a good time to highlight and showcase student work, and an opportunity to consult regarding different resources or approaches.
Take care everyone, as we dive into the heart of winter - there is sun on the other side!
God Bless,
Michel Despins
Principal SOH/VHS
School Council
We have a school council meeting Monday February 1st at 6:30 pm.
We encourage you to come and hear in more detail what is happening at our school, and to give us your input on new ideas and directions. Simply email Michel Despins at michel.despins@ecacs16.ab.ca for a Zoom link to the meeting.
Please come support and share!
Christmas sweater / Christmas Character Look Alike day
Our lucky winners are Danayah Grade 6 and Owen Grade 1
If you would like to view our Christmas Sweater / Christmas Character Look Alike photo gallery click here
Sherwood Park Office
Our new location for the Greater Edmonton area will be at #
School Council Minutes
VIBE
Kari Thompson (VIBE Mental Health Capacity Building program wellness coach) will be continuing Building Mental Wellness classes for students in grades 8-12. Live classes occur weekly on Wednesdays from 1:30-2:10 pm. Students can attend any of the live sessions or access the recorded sessions and additional resources on Canvas. This program covers various topics, including the brain, mental health, mental illness/disorders, suicide awareness, stress management (including mindfulness, calm breathing, and others), conflict, communication, and self-compassion. Please note these classes are optional for students to attend and are not graded or accredited. For more information, feel free to contact Kari at kari.thompson@ecacs16.ab.ca.
Grade 5-7 students are invited to join Kari for a program that explores the concept of Hope. Students will explore the definition of hope, the physical and mental health benefits of hope, and ways to build hope. The live classes run on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:10 pm, with recorded classes available for viewing on Canvas. The Zoom link is available on the Canvas VIBE course and is sent out weekly to student emails.
For School of Hope VIBE updates and photos, check out School Updates at
https://vibewellnessprogram.wordpress.com/
For more information on VIBE MHCB, additional mental health information, and resources, see our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VIBEvermilion
Important Dates
January 22 - Last day to send in major assignments for 1st semester courses
January 25 - Last day to send in work for 1st semester courses
January 29 - Professional Development Day - No School for Students
February 1 - Organizational Day - No School for Students
February 2 - First Day of Second Semester
February 11-12 - Teachers' Convention - No School for Students
February 14 - Valentines Day
February 15 - Family Day - No School
January - Did you know...
January was named for the Roman god Janus, known as the protector of gates and doorways who symbolize beginnings and endings. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other with the ability to see into the future. What a fitting symbol for this first day of the year; this month is our door into the new year.
On January 2, 2021, Earth reaches this year's perihelion, which is the point in its orbit where it is closest to the Sun. At perihelion, the Earth will be 91,399,454 miles from our bright star.
Website: soh.ecacs.ca
Location: 5212 Railway Ave, Vermilion, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-853-2188