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St. Gabriel Education Centre
December 2023
Principal's message
Dear St. Gabes Students and Families,
Happy December! It's hard to believe that we're already at the end of this year. We have accomplished so much and thanks to all of you, we're seeing real growth and engagement in our school.
December is always a super busy month . . . we have a lot going on and many fun new activities for our students. Check out the newsletter, social media, and our calendar (which is linked in Moodle and on our website).
From December 4-15 we are collecting new socks, and new or gently used winter coats, toques, mitts and grocery gift cards for the people that Sacred Heart Church of the First People's serves in downtown Edmonton.We have a box under the tree in our common room where you can place your donations. If you have gift cards or cash, please leave them with the front office.
Our schedule for January's final exams, review sessions and diplomas are posted below. Please click on the link and be sure you know when your review sessions and exams are scheduled. Our last day of classes is January 11 and all coursework is due January 12. After January 11, all students will need to make appointments to see their teachers.
Looking ahead to 2024, we're committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive and get the individualized attention that they need. Thank you to our teachers, parents, and exceptional students for making St. Gabes the special place it is.
Wishing you a joyful Advent Season!
Many Blessings!
Renee Trottier
principal
December Calendar
December Calendar
Dec. 3 - Advent begins
Dec. 7 - Careers presentation at 10:00. Games Club at 3:00
Dec. 14 - Advent celebration, Semester 1 awards presentation, NAIT will be here at 1:15 for a presentation, 3:00 - Knit and Crochet club
Dec. 18-22 - Christmas Theme Week - See poster below
Dec. 21 - Christmas movie and quiet colouring
Dec. 22 - Last day of school before Christmas break
Jan. 8 - Classes resume
Jan. 12 - Last day to hand in coursework.
Newsletter Draw
Newsletter Draw
Thank you for taking the time to read about what's happening at St. Gabes each month. Our newsletter is a really important way for you to keep up with what's happening at school.
Each month you can enter our draw for a gift card. I reset the draw each month so you can win more than once!
October's winner is Liz Feltham. Congratulations! Please stop by the school for your gift card
Semester One Awards!
Keep an eye on your email! Our semester 1 awards are on Dec. 14 right after our Christmas Celebration which is at 11:00 (awards will follow).
If you're receiving an awards, you will get an email ahead of time from Mrs. Trottier.
Christmas Theme Week!
Clubs! Clubs! Clubs!
NEW!!! Join us every Thursday at 3:30 for some fun and games! Your teachers will be taking turns offering games, knitting and crocheting, art, movies and many more!
December's Line Up
December 7 - Gabes Games Gang (we have the games, we just need you!)
December 14 - Knit and Crochet Club (experience not necessary)
December 21 - Christmas movie, popcorn and Christmas colouring
School Council Notes
Staff Appreciation 🥰🎄
It's time again to show our appreciation for all that the staff at St. Gabriel do for our students! We would like to provide lunch and gifts for the team on Thursday, December 14. Donations accepted via cash and etransfer. Please email stgabeschoolcouncil@gmail.com to get my personal email address for the etransfer. I can pick up donations in St. Albert or left with St. Gabriel. Questions, suggestions? Please email me!
Thank you,
Yvonne Dutton, St. Gabriel Parent Council Chair
School Council
Our next school council meeting is on January 16 at 6:30.
We are in need of a parent volunteer to be the secretary for our meetings. It's not a big job and can be done during the meeting. Most of our meetings are only an hour long. Meetings are once/month except for December and June. You can find the link to the meeting on the agendas which are posted on our website, or email Renee Trottier at rtrottier@gsacrd.ab.ca for the link. We're happy to have all parents and guardians join us, even if you can't commit to coming each month.
A school with a School Council is a strong, productive and viable school!
Final Exam and Review Sessions Schedules
Click on the link for our schedule for final exam/diploma review sessions, grade 10 and 11 final exams, and diplomas. It's important to know this schedule as teachers are not freely available after January 11. All high school students are required to make an appointment if they want to see their teacher.
School Results Review
Thanks to all of you for filling out the Alberta Assurance survey last spring. We just got our results this fall and we had a record number of students and parents participate. Our results overall are really great. Both students and parents report that they're engaged in school, they like school and their teachers, and they feel safe at school. See our full results on our website by clicking on the picture.
Rules for our New Location
1. Check in - Always check in at the office - sign in with our QR code. This is for students and guests.
2. Check out - Always check out again before you leave.
It's important that we know who is in the building for safety reasons. If there is a lock down or evacuation, we need to be able to identify who is at school so that we can help to keep you safe.
3. Do not wander into areas of the school that aren't part of St. Gabe's. Our division office employees are working in other classrooms and offices in the building and we do not want to disturb them.
4. Parking - DO NOT park in the staff parking lot to the east of the school. You will be asked to move your car. You can park in the public parking lot across the street, in front of the school on the street, at the tennis court parking lot, and on the side streets.
5. Washroom facilities - we have 2 washrooms dedicated for student use close to our common room. There are student washroom signs on the doors. Do not use the staff washrooms that are closest to the front office.
6. Bring your own reusable water bottle. We now have a water bottle filling station in the hallway.
Junior High Reminders
High School Exam Procedure Reminders
- No devices like phones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.
- No backpacks or purses
- No hoodies or jackets
- Clear bag policy - bring any supplies you may need in a clear bag
As well, remember if you are caught plagiarizing your work (this includes copying from another student or copying from AI ) you will be expected to redo the material and if you are under 18, your parents will be contacted.
Please take a few minutes to go over our student handbook so that you are aware of our procedures.
PowerSchool for students and parents
Students - You can access PowerSchool using your student email and password.
Parents - If you don't have a parent PowerSchool account, please contact Principal Renee Trottier. You will need an access ID and Password from the school in order to set up your account. You can add all of your GSACRD children on one account.
The PowerSchool App - Did you know there is an app for PowerSchool? It's super easy to use. Once you've set up your account, download the PowerSchool App from your phone's app store. When it prompts you for our district code, type in QNMM.
Note - parents, you must set up your account from a computer first. After that, you can access your account from your phone or the app.
MYPASS - HIGH SCHOOL AND ADULT STUDENTS
MyPass is an Alberta Education secure self-service website for Alberta students to:
- View and print diploma exam results
- Register to write a diploma exam
- Order high school transcripts
- View progress towards a credential (diploma or certificate)
- View and print a Detailed Academic Report (DAR)
- Order additional copies of an awarded credential
- View student personal information
Link to MyPass: https://public.education.alberta.ca/PASI/myPass
Catholic Corner
Advent - The Waiting Begins!
On Sunday, December 3, the season of Advent began. Advent is a four-week period leading up to Christmas during which we prepare ourselves to celebrate Christ’s coming into our world. Jesus’ coming was always part of God’s plan for our salvation. The Jewish people waited hundreds of years for the coming of a Savior. The coming of Jesus was foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, there was one great prophet, who was very important in preparing the people for the coming of Jesus, our Saviour. His name was John the Baptist.
The 1st Sunday of Advent symbolizes Hope with the “Prophet’s Candle” reminding us that Jesus is coming. The prophets of the Old Testament waited in hope for the Messiah's arrival
The 2nd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Faith with the “Bethlehem Candle” reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
The 3rd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Joy with the “Shepherd’s Candle” reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus. To the shepherd's great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble people like them. Pink symbolizes joy.
The 4th Sunday of Advent symbolizes Peace with the “Angel’s Candle” reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”
ADVENT CELEBRATION
Join us on Dec. 14 at 11:00 for our Advent celebration. All are welcome!
Father Mike is one cool Priest - Listen to his explanation of Advent
GSACS Education Foundation Christmas Cash Raffle
Unlock the Magic of the Holidays with the GSACRD Education Foundation Christmas Cash Raffle!
Get ready for an exciting holiday season with The Foundation's 4th Annual 50/50 Christmas Cash Raffle! Here's your chance to be a part of the festive spirit and win big. Supporters can grab their share of the final pot, with a guaranteed minimum of $4,000 and the potential to win up to $10,000 in extra Christmas Cash.
Choose from a variety of ticket options to increase your chances of winning:
- 1 ticket for just $5
- Get 3 tickets for only $10
- Grab 8 tickets for $20
- Secure 25 tickets for $50
- Or go all-in with 60 tickets for $100
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to make your holiday season even more special. Get your tickets now by clicking the link below.
Gift Bags for the Remand Centre
We invite our students to decorate a gift bag with a Christmas message and images of the season for inmates at the Remand Centre. They are due December 6. Come to the common room and get a bag to decorate. Other schools fill the bags with small gifts.
Why do we give gifts to criminals?
As followers of Christ, we are asked to respond differently. Jesus calls us to do acts of Mercy to ALL - even to the imprisoned because even they have dignity and are loved by God. When we reach out, we are sharing God's love.
Presenting a small gift to the inmates, or to others who are "imprisoned" by life challenges lets them know that, even though they have broken the law, or even though they are experiencing difficulty - they are still loved by God.
Through this act of kindness, we are the heart of Christ. This Christmas bag filled with goodies may be the only gift some of these people receive. Let us "visit the imprisoned" through our actions.
Disclaimer - if you would rather your gift bag not go to the Remand Centre, we offer them to Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples who use them for their lunch program.
Counselling at SGEC
Fall is winding down to an end and so is Semester 1. We are all busy here at St. Gabes gearing up for the holiday season and to help students achieve their semester 1 goals. As your school counsellor I am just one member of our school team that can help students achieve success. Students can come in anytime to see me for help with: their course work, planning and scheduling, catching up if they have fallen behind, help communicating their needs to their teachers, career and academic counselling, and 1-1 sessions to listen, help problem solve, or offer crisis support.
This month we have a TON of activities and sessions for students. Join us December 7 (10:00-12:00) to explore job opportunities that are available exclusively to St. Gabes students. December 14th we will have NAIT recruitment presentation (1:15-2:00), students can chat with a NAIT representative to learn about what programs they offer, how to apply, student life and much more! Parents are always welcome to join us for any events and presentations at the school.
The holidays can be a trying and stressful time. If you are in need of support, in any way: financially or emotionally, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Mrs. Webb is available on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at St. Gabes to help you with all sorts of supports: individual counselling, post-secondary and career help, our new RAP program, and 1-1 help with your coursework. Please contact her to set up a time to meet at 587-983-2541 or email at: mwebb@gsacrd.ab.ca.
Note - Counselling referrals can be made by parents or teachers. Support is provided for individual or family concerns and referrals to outside agencies can be accessed through Mrs. Webb.
Mental Health and Wellness
Don't forget to check out our "Mental Health and Wellness" section on our website for wellness ideas, tips, resources and sessions that are being offered. Click on "community supports" for information about services in St. Albert and area to support you or your family.
Christmas Hampers
If you, or someone you know, is in need of a Christmas hamper this year, please contact the St. Albert Kinette Club. They are accepting referrals up to December 11, 2023. Click the link below for the application form.
Student Spotlight
Catch Up and Pizza with a Christmas Party!
Our angel is too heavy for the tree 😕
Advent starts Sunday!
Waiting for baby Jesus
Pizza by the fire
Our tree . . . the angel is hanging on for dear life 😀
Decorating bags for the Remand Centre
Monday Morning Coffee and Donuts!
Note - If you don't want donuts, we have fruit, granola bars, and lots of other snacks that you can enjoy.
Indigenous Student Art Contest 2023
Contest Details:
We are calling on all Indigenous students in Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools. The Division is seeking submissions of Indigenous-themed art from our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. As Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools continues on its journey toward meaningful reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters, we want to provide an opportunity for our Indigenous students to use their talents and give us a hand. Artwork will be reviewed and selected by our Division First Nations, Métis and Inuit Leadership Committee, which includes representatives from our First Nations and Métis partners.
The theme is “Celebrating Indigenous Culture: Telling Our Stories Through Art,” and we are seeking both black and white (vivid black (marker, paint, or pencil crayon) and full-colour art submissions in each age/grade category. Another option available this year is a 10” x 10” canvas paint format (either full colour or black and white), which will be provided for interested students. If you wish to paint on a 10” x 10” canvas, please contact the Division Services Centre at 780-459-7711. Let them know you are calling regarding the Indigenous Student Art Contest and requesting a canvas for your artwork. Leave your name and phone number, and we will arrange a time.
Be creative! Feel free to seek inspiration from Indigenous art, dance, and culture. Inspiration might include the Medicine Wheel, 7 Grandfather Teachings, or #EveryChildMatters. The Division may use submitted artwork in creating items to support our reconciliation journey (t-shirts, greeting cards, posters, social media posts, etc.).
Click here for full details and application form.
Community Connections
Sessions offered by AHS
Click on the picture to go to the website to register.
Just for Fun!
School Supplies
Parking
- Public lot across the street
- In front of the school on the street
- Public lot by the tennis courts
- On the side streets
We kindly ask that you comply with the following:
1. Do not park in our staff parking which is located to the east of the school
2. We also ask that you do not use the handicapped parking spot for drop off and pick up as we have students who need it.
Thank you!
CONSIDER GIVING ST. GABES A REVIEW!
Newsletter Draw
Please fill out the link for our draw! (Please do not enter more than once per month)
Social Media
Please follow and share with your friends. We want everyone to know what a great place St. Gabes is!
St. Gabriel Education Centre
Email: rtrottier@gsacrd.ab.ca
Website: https://www.stgabe.gsacrd.ab.ca/.
Location: 15 Mission Avenue, St. Albert, AB, Canada
Phone: (780)459-6616
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StGabesHS
Our Hours
Teachers are available:
Monday to Wednesday
8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Thursday
8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Friday
8:30 am to Noon