The Good News
April 29 - St. John XXIII Catholic School
Leadership Message
It’s here... Finally after the 6 long months of winter... May, the month in which the earth springs into bloom and we start thinking about planting gardens, family picnics, and making vacation plans.
It’s also the Month of Mary.
Having gone to a Catholic school myself, my childhood memories include honoring Mary during May – a practice I’ve continued all of my life and taught my children to do as well. It’s as natural and essential to me as my morning coffee (only far, far more joy-filled if you can even imagine that).
Here are five reasons why it makes sense for us to honor Mary this month:
1. Mary is Jesus’ mother. She is the instrument of the Incarnation and her yes, or fiat, made it possible for our Lord to become the God-Man who was Crucified for our salvation.
2. She is the first and most perfect disciple. Mary was the first to hear the Good News, and the first to follow Christ. Her entire life was devoted to him and assisting him, in whatever way she could, to carry on his mission. Unaffected by Original Sin, she was able to perfectly open herself to God’s will.
3. She’s your mom, too - really! To put it simply, she’s our mother because we are all members of the Body of Christ. Since she gave birth to that Body, then she’s our mother, too. At the moment she gave her fiat, she became our mother in the order of grace. She may not have given birth to us physically, but she certainly has given birth to us spiritually. (Check out CCC #964)
4. She loves you more than you can ever imagine. If she didn’t, would she have endured the horror of seeing her Son tortured, scourged, crowned with thorns, carry the Cross to Calvary, and die a gruesome death on it? She did it for you, for all of us, because she understood that Jesus’ Passion and Crucifixion was the only way to your (our) salvation. She loves you like no human mother ever could.
5. Not only is she Mother, but she also is Advocate, Helper, Benefactress and Mediatrix (CCC #969). Her job, so to speak, began at the moment she conceived Jesus in her womb and continues until this day. What’s more, it will continue for all eternity. As the first and most perfect disciple, she is devoted to accompanying him and continuing her saving office by interceding for us so that we may receive the gifts of eternal salvation. She’s at work 24/7/365/forever, for whatever we need, whenever we need it.
For all these reasons and more, Mary deserves honor, not only during the month of May, but always.
May blessings,
Mrs. Tracy Melnyk, Principal
Adapted from Marge Fenelon's blog on: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/margefenelon/2015/04/5-reasons-to-honor-mary-this-may/
Peace in Christ,
Mrs. Tracy Melnyk, Principal
Hats ON for Mental Health - Wednesday, May 2
Important Information from the School Office
Please take a moment this week (if you haven't already) to complete this form on your child's PowerSchool account. This year this document is more essential then ever as the information will be used to determine class lists and staffing at both St. John XXIII and OLA Catholic School for the fall of 2018. Thank you for your help - we appreciate it!
Dial #1 for the office
When calling the school you now hear an automated message with instructions for reporting absences. During regular school hours you may dial #1 at any time to reach the school office.
SafeArrival is Now Closed - Please Use SchoolMessenger
When reporting a student absence you must now call 1-844-478-2613 or use SchoolMessenger on the EICS App. (Please remember, you must first download the SchoolMessenger App.) You may also contact the school office, especially after the morning deadline, to report an absence.
As always, please contact Jeannette if you have any questions and she will be happy to assist you.
Thank YOU to our "EXTRA"ordinary Volunteers!
Extraordinary Classics Spring Concert
Community News
Looking Ahead . . .
May 1 Grade 2 visit the Edmonton Symphony
May 2 NO ECS or Pre-K Classes
May 2 Grade 1 - 4 Junior Options
May 2 Early Dismissal at 2:14 pm & Dress as Your Favourite Animal Spirit Day!
May 3 Booster Juice Lunch
May 3 Grade 3 & 4 Ringette Presentation
May 7 - 11 Moo Spirit Week - details to follow soon!
May 8 - Adoration Mass in Gym 9am
May 9 - Adoration
May 10 - Adoration
May 10 - Strawberry Basket Pick-up in Gym 9am- 6pm
May 11 - ECS Mother's Day Event in Library
May 11 - Grade 1 Strathcona Wilderness Field Trip
May 11 - Adoration
May 14 - Read-A-Thon Kick Off
May 16 St. André Bessette Catholic School Open House 6:00 - 8:00 pm
"When we are open to God’s grace, even the impossible becomes possible.
Pope Francis
April 27, 2018 via Twitter
9526 - 89 Street, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
Email: stj@eics.ab.ca
Website: https://stj.eics.ab.ca/
Location: 9526 89 Street, Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada
Phone: (780)998-7777
Facebook: facebook.com/stjohnxxiii
Twitter: @St_JohnXXIII