

February Newsletter
School of Hope and Hope Home Schooling
Principal's Message
February 5th, 2024
Welcome to Semester 2!
February has arrived and according to most groundhogs, it looks like it might be an early spring! Or maybe not!
With semester one wrapped up, progress reports were sent out last week for grades 7-12. Many students worked hard this semester, and deserve a well earned congratulations! Effort, along with perseverance are two of the most important qualities in a student! We are currently working on our honour role recognitions which will be sent out in the upcoming weeks.
We will be having a Parent Council Meeting on February 27th at 2:30. Please feel free to join us to hear what is happening at School of Hope and Hope Homeschooling. If you are interested in attending the parent council, please contact your child's teacher or the office for more information.
It is approaching registration time for next year. With many brick and mortar school registration deadlines coming soon, parents may be wondering about registering for next year. With our school surpassing capacity in some grades, it is a good idea to contact us early to avoid waiting lists. Registering for the first time is quite time consuming, so we have a quicker process for our returning families. We will be emailing you in the coming weeks with instructions on how to re-register with us for next year.
With Valentine’s Day and Family day both occurring in this month, we wish to encourage you to share love and joy with your loved ones. We will be having a Lent Kick Off assembly on Tuesday, February 13th. There will also be a Pink Shirt Day assembly on February 28th. The link will be posted in Canvas for the both assemblies when we get closer to the dates.
For Your Information
School of Hope will have asynchronous (recorded) lessons on February 14th because teachers will be having an extra day of Professional Collaboration prior to Teachers’ Convention on February 15th and 16th. This is a valuable opportunity for our teachers to come together in person to collaborate on next practices to meet the needs of our students.
Some activities coming up in February include:
Comic Fan Assemble (Grades 7-9) Wednesday, Feb 7, 2pm
School of Hope & Hope Homeschooling Talent Show (Lethbridge) Friday, Feb 9, 1-3pm
Lego Club (Grades 1-3) Wednesday, Feb 21, 2pm
SOH The Circle Club (Grades 4-6) Thursday, Feb 22, 2pm
Walt Quizney Club (Grades 7-9) Feb 28, 2pm
Art Club (Grade 4-6) Tuesday, Feb 27, 1pm
Some field trips coming up in February include:
Medicine Hat Police Station Tour Thursday, Feb 8, 1pm
Hockey Hooky (Edmonton) Wednesday, Feb 21. Spaces limited. $20.00/ticket.
Code Ninjas (Edmonton) Friday, Feb 23, 11am
Martial Arts Intro Class (Vermilion) Wednesday, Feb 28, 1pm
Edmonton Waste Management Centre Tour - Friday, March 1, 9:30 - 11:30am
Monthly Student Virtual in person Meetings
Semester 2 has begun and we will continue with our virtual in person meetings. Relationships are vital to learning and a leading factor in student success. In order for teachers to get to know their students, and to be able to more accurately assess their progress, we are continuing monthly check-ins (meetings) for students who are not interacting regularly with their teachers in online lessons.
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9
God Bless,
Scott MacDonald, Michel Despins and Alicia Rudkowsky
School of Hope Admin Team
Parent Council
What is parent council?
Parent council is a group of parents representing all grade levels that provide advice and guidance to School of Hope's administration. This is a great place to hear about the great things that are happening at our school as well as providing parents with an opportunity to offer suggestions on how to make us even better. Together, we ensure that students have the best educational experience, teacher interactions and learning outcomes.
If you are interested in learning more about the parent council, please contact SOH principal Scott MacDonald. He can be reached at 1-780-853-2188 Ext 3108 or email your child's teacher.
The next parent council meeting is on at 2:30 PM.
Survey Time
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. 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.
School Clothing
Welcome to the official online shopping portal for the School of Hope. Enjoy browsing a wide selection of products from a variety of brands. You can customize them with the approved logo and graphics available. You can choose approved merchandise to fit your needs 24/7 with no minimum order quantities. (You can also order your grad clothing here)
Grad Planning Meeting
Please join us for a Graduation Planning Meeting Wednesday, February 7 , 2024 2:00 PM. This is a chance for students to be involved in the planning of the Grad Ceremony.
School of Hope and Hope Homeschooling Talent Shows
School of Hope & Hope Homeschooling Talent Show - Lethbridge
Come and share your talents or any projects you have been working on. Friday, February 9, 2024 1:00 – 3:00 PM at the College Drive Community Church (2710 College Dr. S. Lethbridge AB. Please RSVP to Melody Friesen at melody.friesen@ecacs16.ab.ca by Feb. 2.
Talent Show Homeschool Style - Edmonton
Do you have a talent you would like to share? Join us Friday, April 12, 1:00 PM, for an afternoon of entertainment provided by the students of SOH and HHS. Kirk Centre: 13535-122 Ave Edmonton. Please contact Joanne if you have any questions at joanne.henderson@ecacs16.ab.ca
Upcoming School of Hope and Hope Home Schooling Activities
Comic Fan Assemble
Are you in Grades 7-9 and a fan if all things DC and Marvel? Join Miss Ward and show off your knowledge with fun games, trivia and debates. Wednesday, February 7, 2024 2:00PM
Lego Club Grades 1-3
Do you enjoy playing with Lego? Join Mrs. Bast once a month to create some cool and amazing Lego creations in our Lego Club. Our next club meeting will be Wednesday, February 21, 2:30 PM.
SOH The Circle Club
Attention Grades 4-6
Join Mrs. Hanf and Mrs. Cassibo for a fun afternoon of games and conversation. Thursday, February 22, 2:00 PM
Art Club - Grade 4-6
Join Mrs. Williams for a fun afternoon at the Art Club. You can have a great time working on some awesome art projects. We hope to see you there. Tuesday, February 27, 1:00 PM.
Walt Quizney Club
Attention Grades 7-9 students:
Join Miss Ward and Miss Campbell and show your knowledge of all things Disney with fun games, trivia and debates. February 28, 2024 2:00 PM.
January's Lego Club Winner
Congratulations to January's Lego Club Winner. Great job on your project.
Upcoming School of Hope and Hope Home Schooling Field Trips
Medicine Hat Police Station Tour
Tour the Medicine Hat Police station with us on Thursday, February 8, 2024 1:00 PM. Please meet at 12:45. Limited spots are available.
Contact Melody at melody.friesen@ecacs16.ab.ca if you would like to attend.
There is no charge for this event.
Hockey Hooky - Edmonton
It's Hockey Hooky Time!
Join us for an afternoon of great hockey with the Edmonton Oil Kings, Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Students, parents and siblings are welcome. Spaces limited. $20.00/ticket.
Code Ninjas - Edmonton
Do you want to learn about coding? Join us at the Code Ninja Friday, February 23, 11:00 AM.
Using Microsoft MakeCode, a block based coding application, students will learn valuable coding and computer science skills in a fun, interactive and engaging way. For more information contact Ashly at ashly.bensmiller@ecacs16.ab.ca
Martial Arts Intro Class - Vermilion
Have you ever wanted to try Martial Arts? Now's your chance!
Join us at the School of Hope in Vermilion for a FREE introduction to Martial Arts. Wednesday, February 28, 1:00 PM at the School of Hope Office.
Edmonton Waste Management Centre Tour
Join us on a “trashy” adventure at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre Friday, March 1, 2024 9:30 - 11:30 AM. Discover how waste is managed once it's thrown away and learn tips on how to minimize your waste.
Only 14 spots are available!
Gull Lake Honey Co. - Lacombe
**DATE CHANGE**
Are you interested in learning all about honey? Join us Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 1:00 PM at Gull Lake Honey. We will be enjoying an educational tour of the bees, tour the facility, and taste-testing some honey.
Snow Valley Ski/Snowboard Trip - Edmonton
Hit the slopes with the SOH and HHS group Thursday, March 7, 2024, 9:30 AM. 13204 Rainbow Valley Rd NW, Edmonton
Contact Ashley for more information at ashly.bensmiller @ecacs16.ab.ca
Deadline to register is Feb. 20 Limited spaces available.
Edmonton Waste Management Centre Tour #2
Join us on a “trashy” adventure at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre Friday, March 8, 2024, 9:30 - 11:30 AM. Learn about the journey of waste, from the moment it's thrown away to the time its recycled. Gain valuable tips on how to reduce waste in your day to day life.
Only 14 spots are available!
Canadian Energy Museum - Leduc County
Come explore oil - how it is made, used, and extracted. Wednesday, March 14, 2024, 1:00 PM. Experiment with oil and natural substances to see how oil can impact the environment. Tour the museum to learn about Canada’s energy production in the past and how we are moving towards the future.
Alberta Legislature Field Trip - Edmonton
Grade 4-12 Please join us for a fun day at the Alberta Legislature! Along with a tour, students will have the opportunity to participate in a mock legislature and also sit in on a live session of the legislative assembly in action! We hope to see you there! Space is limited. Tuesday, March 26, 9:30-2:30. This is a free activity
February 2024
Feb 1 Thursday - Organization Day - No School for Students
Feb 7 Wednesday - Grad Planning Meeting
Feb 8 Thursday - Medicine Hat Police Station Tour
Feb 9 Friday - Talent Show - Lethbridge
Feb 14 Wednesday - Valentines Day
Feb 14 Wednesday - School of Hope Collaboration Day
Feb 15-16 - Teachers Convention (No School for Students)
Feb 19 Monday - Family Day - (No School)
Feb 21 Wednesday - Hockey Hooky - Edmonton
Feb 21 Wednesday - Lego Club
Feb 23 Friday - Code Ninja - Edmonton
Feb 27 Tuesday - Art Club Grade 4-6
Feb 28 Wednesday - Martial Arts Intro Class - Vermilion
Feb 28 Wednesday - Pink Shirt Day
March 2024
Mar 6, Wednesday - Gull Lake Honey Co. - Lacombe
Mar 7, Thursday - Snow Valley Ski/Snowboard Trip - Edmonton
Mar 8, Friday - Edmonton Waste Management Centre Tour #2
Mar 14 Wednesday - Canadian Energy Museum - Leduc County
Mar 15, Friday - Non-Instruction Day - PD day (No School)
Mar 26, Tuesday - Alberta Legislature Trip - Edmonton
Mar 29, Friday - Good Friday - (No School)
April
April 1-7 Easter Break
Apr 12 Friday - Talent Show Homeschool Style - Edmonton
Podcasts and Virtual Tours
Greeking Out
If your student interested in Greek mythology, check out this Nat Geo Kids Greeking Out! It's a podcast that the whole family can enjoy about Ancient Greece and beyond.
Kids love Greece
Would you like the opportunity to travel to Greece from the comfort our your home? Check out this Website for virtual tours and resources from Greece.
Addiction & Mental Health News
Please see attached the February edition of the AHS Addiction & Mental Health Parent Newsletter that focuses on Kindness.
The themes include:
- What is kindness?
- How does kindness benefit you?
- Ways to be kind to yourself
- Ways to be kind to others
Rania Page, RSW
Health Promotion Facilitator & Team Lead
Community Addiction & Mental Health, Alberta Health Services