ECACS February 2024 Newsletter

February recognizes the theme of love. Valentine's day is a special day that focuses on the commercial actions of purchasing flowers, chocolates, teddy bears, and much more as a sign of love for those who are very close to us. Valentine's day, without a doubt, has become a business success for many companies. We generally see the day as a celebration of love by purchasing a unique gift or token for another person. However, St. Valentine's day is a special day highlighted by the Feast Day of St. Valentine. As early as AD 496, the Feast Day of St. Valentine has been associated with courtly love. The bible continuously reminds us of the true power of love! Love is about self-sacrifice and taking care of the needs of others. Let love stir your ambitions and dedication to sacrifice your time, gifts, and talents beyond your loved ones. Let us all serve as a disciple of Christ in knowing that He is our role model of true love. To give our lives and service to others is the greatest gift that we can provide. We not only love those who are the closest to us but also extend our love to those who are in most need. Let's encourage one another to show signs of love to those in our communities that are hurt, lonely, isolated, and lost. Let us all try to remember that love is not represented or celebrated on a single day but rather as a call to love all in our lives, and especially those brothers and sisters who need love the most. The bible quotes below articulate the true meaning and power of love given to us from God, and we should take these words to heart and place them into practice for one another.

There are many bible passages that provide us with an understanding of agape love. A clear definition of Agape love reads, "Agape love is unconcerned with the self and concerned with the greatest good. Agape isn't born just out of emotions, feelings, familiarity, or attraction, but from the will and as a choice. Agape requires faithfulness, commitment, and sacrifice without expecting anything in return." We are to treat others with love in all that we do. Through self-sacrifice and in service to the betterment of others is God's, steadfast love. Let's be sure to keep this theme within our hearts and mind throughout the year. Together in love, we can change the world and our local communities for the better!

East Central Catholic School Division greatly values the feedback from our staff, parents, and students. During February, two surveys will be completed. These surveys include an ECCS local survey and the provincial survey from Alberta Education. Alberta Education will implement a provincial survey called the Alberta Education Assurance Survey (AEA). The feedback from both surveys provides our school division with valuable information that helps shape our Educational Plans through celebrating success, recognizing challenges, and finding opportunities for further development and improvement. We are accountable to Alberta's stakeholders to ensure that the educational system is flourishing and on the right track for continuous improvement. The ECCS local survey will be available via links on our divisional and school-based websites and newsletters. The locally developed survey is for all staff and the students, guardians/parents in grades 4 through 12.

The provincial AEA survey is sent to parents or guardians of students in Grades 4, 7, and 10. In schools with fewer than 120 students in Grades 4 to 12 and most charter and private schools, surveys are sent to parents or guardians of students in Grades 4 and above. Teachers and students will complete the survey online at school.

Taking the AEA survey:

In February, parents or guardians receive the AEA survey invitation package by mail and can complete the survey on paper or online using the provided Random Access Code (RAC). Parents or guardians with more than one student in an eligible grade will receive a separate survey invitation package for each child.

Only parents or guardians of students in participating grades will receive a survey invitation package to complete the survey. Responding to the survey is voluntary, but we highly encourage you to participate in both the locally developed and provincially developed surveys to provide our school division and the province with an education plan that meets the needs of every child we serve. Thank you in advance for your participation, and we look forward to hearing your voice.

On Wednesday, February 14th the liturgical season of Lent is upon us. This day is called Ash Wednesday and it is a day of reflection, prayer, and repentance from sin. It's possible you may see some people walking around with black marks on their foreheads on this particular day, as some Catholics and other Christians who observe this day mark themselves with ashes in the shape of a cross. These marks show publicly, their remorse for their sins. During this time we humbly submit ourselves into repentance and as well, deeper reflection through prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. We seek forgiveness and look towards the hope and love of the Easter season that follows. The season of Lent is very important to Christians and Catholics around the world and some of the questions and answers about Lent help to serve in our deeper understanding of this liturgical time.

What is Lent?

Highlighted by fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, Lent is the penitential period and liturgical season that leads into the celebration of the Easter Triduum.

When did Lent start?

The observance of Lent as a 40-day time period began after the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. but periods of fasting before Easter date back even earlier.

Who celebrates Lent?

Lent has traditionally been associated with the Catholic Church, but some Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and others also observe some form of Lent.

What is the purpose of Lent? What does it represent?

Lent begins with a visible, outward sign of ashes but aims toward inner conversion, helping us repent, avoid distractions, and focus on living the Gospel.

What should I give up for Lent?

Focus on sacrificing something meaningful that will help you draw closer to God. Better yet, focus on what you can take on: What small acts can you take on to manifest the love that God calls us to share?

Why don’t Catholics eat meat on Fridays during Lent?

Abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent is a sacrifice and a small act of self-discipline that dates back to the early Church. Fish Fries are popular on Fridays during Lent.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday feature additional rules for fasting and abstinence. This is in stark contrast to the abundant feasts of Easter.

What is the color of Lent?

Violet (purple) is the color of Lent. On Gaudete Sunday, priests will wear rose (pink) as a small break from the solemn purple and a reminder that Easter is drawing near. During Palm Sunday and Good Friday, priests wear red vestments. The color of Easter is white.

Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 when a student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. It has since been recognized annually worldwide as a day to stand against bullying.

This year, we are working to raise awareness of bullying prevention and highlight where to turn if in need of help. Getting involved is easy. Wear your pink shirt, take a photo and share it on social media hashtags.

Get involved

Consider how you can take part in Pink Shirt Day. Here are a few ideas:

• share Pink Shirt Day resources on social media
• discuss your role in bullying prevention with your friends, family or coworkers
• learn where to turn for help, like Bullying – Find supports
• write a letter or email to the editor of your local newspaper or radio station about the importance of promoting healthy relationships
• host a Pink Shirt Day themed event in your community

By talking about these issues and by showing support through wearing a pink shirt we can make a positive difference in the world. Show your support and thanks for actively taking part.