
Hawks Weekly
St. Theresa - March 17 - 21, 2025
Prayer
Lenten Prayer
Loving Father, the love that Jesus has for each of us was evident in his life and in the sacrifice of himself. Help each of us in our struggles to accept our suffering as Jesus did, and to work toward healing with knowledge of the love that Jesus has for us. May we be a source of comfort and strength for each other as we help each other carry our crosses. Amen.
Upcoming School Events
Mark Your Calendars:
- St. Patrick's Day - Wear Green
- Lost and Found Items out in the front atrium
- Performing Arts 5/6 - Newsies Jr. Matinee Performance - Doors open @ 10:20am
- Hawks Nest Lunchtime Concession Open
- Performing Arts 5/6 - Newsies Jr. Performance - Doors open @ 6:30pm
- Lost and Found Items out in the front atrium
- Performing Arts 5/6 - Newsies Jr. Matinee Performance - Doors open @ 10:20am
- Performing Arts 5/6 - Newsies Jr. Performance - Doors open @ 6:30pm
- Lost and Found Items out in the front atrium
- Performing Arts 7/8 @ Citadel Theatre
- Linking Generations @ 11:45am
- Rock Your Socks - World Down Syndrome Day
- Grade 6 - Swimming at Kinsmen
- Grade 7/8 SFL - Ski Trip @ Rabbit Hill
- Spring Break - No School
- Classes Resume
- Hawks Nest Lunchtime Concession open
Performing Arts & Sports for Life Registration - Now Open until April 22nd
Performing Arts
Does your Son or Daughter like Performing Arts? Are they interested in Drama, Music, Movement and Dance Supplemental classes in; Media and Set Design.
The Performing Arts have the power to engage students in a dynamic educational experience, where they can uncover and explore their God-given talents. The arts allow for students to develop creativity, ingenuity, empathy and innovation, which are the keys to success in today’s complex, changing world.
With registration right around the corner, we asked parents of our Performing Arts students a few questions: How do you think the program has impacted your child? How has your child grown? What do you like about the program as a parent? Here are a couple of the perspectives from our very own Performing Arts Parents!
“My son with school, especially reading and feeling that he fits in with his classmates. In grade 7 he took musical theater as an option as his desired options were full. Unbeknownst to us it was an amazing growing opportunity for him.
When they did the play last year he volunteered for the worker bees after school and on the weekends, he was excited about learning the songs, learning the lines, building the sets and had so much fun doing the play. After the show his reading improved, his grades improved, his confidence improved and he wanted to try new things. It was amazing to us as parents.
In grade 8 he begged us to allow him to do performing arts program and we 100% agreed. The growth and confidence has helped him become a better student because he knows he has to keep grades up to participate. He’s become more confident to speak for himself, he is enjoying music and is interested in learning different forms of the arts now. He’s absolutely blossomed.
So while we were late to the game joining performing arts, I would highly suggest it. I know that my son has ambitions to continue his performance opportunity in high school.”
~ K.C & R.C
“Watching my child thrive in St. Theresa’s Performing Arts Program has been truly remarkable. It has not only about the excitement leading towards her final performance on stage, but the journey she has taken to get there. The program fosters incredible creativity, problem solving skills and highlights the value of teamwork and collaboration... I’ve seen my daughter’s self confidence grow and resiliency shine as she realizes that she is capable of stepping outside of her comfort zone and to try new things - and be successful at them! She has also enjoyed the in-class workshops with guest presenters, the opportunities to see the technical aspects of set design at Festival Place theatre and was inspired by the trip to the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton to see Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical. Without any hesitation, I would recommend the Performing Arts Program at St. Theresa Catholic School.”
~ M. G.
Sports for Life
Is your Son or Daughter interested in Sports? Are they interested in gaining exposure to a range of physical activities and sports, so they can begin to discover sports they enjoy and build confidence in basic skills?
The mission of the Sport for Life Program is to provide students exposure to a variety of sport and recreation activities in a Catholic environment with the focus on creating life-long active and healthy lifestyles. Students will have the benefit of building athletic skill, along with leadership qualities in a faith-filled setting.
The program is based on the Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) model, which is a movement to improve the quality of sport and physical activity in Canada through improved athlete training and better integration between all stakeholders in the sport system, including sport organizations, education, recreation and health.
Sports for Life Testimonials:
" I went to St. Teresa for two years and participated in the Sport for Life program. I truly believe that the Sport for Life program helped improve on my leadership and teamwork skills that got me where I am today as a post-secondary athlete, playing volleyball for the Nait Ooks. I really enjoyed trying new sports and activities while creating lasting friendships and memories that got me through high school and that we still talk about today. If you're thinking about doing the Sport for Life program, I really recommend it. "
- Emma Buyar
Both of our kids have taken part in the Sports for Life program, and it has been an incredible experience. It kept them active while teaching valuable lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and resilience. The variety of activities helped them grow as individuals and as part of a team. They learned to communicate effectively and support their teammates. Setting goals taught them responsibility and leadership. The challenges built resilience, showing them how to overcome setbacks. They especially enjoyed bonding with peers and meeting students from other classes. It created a strong sense of community and belonging. Sports for Life helped them grow in character and confidence. We are grateful for this amazing program.
- E.N
EICS Lenten Campaign
To donate, please click on this link: https://www.canadahelps.org/s/6UFmBf
Parent Information
Lost and Found Items
Monday March 17 - Wednesday March 19 - All lost and found items will be out on display in the front atrium. Please remind all students to come and have a look.
Handball Volunteer Coaches Needed
We are still looking for handball coaches, and unfortunately, if we do not have coaches by March 20 there won’t be handball teams this school year. Interested individuals should contact Jamie Dziwenko by email: jamie.dziwenko@eics.ab.ca
Performing Arts 5/6 - Newsies Jr. Performance
Congratulations to the Performing Arts 5/6 Students on their sold out evening performances!!!
We do still have tickets available for our 2 matinee shows on Monday March 17th Cast A and Tuesday March 18th Cast B. Tickets for the matinee performance are $3.00 each. Doors open at 10:20am and the show starts at 10:30am.
Tickets for the Matinee performances can be purchased through our STT office at (780) 464 - 4001.
Organization of the Hawks Weekly
The newsletter is organized based on our four school assurance priorities for this year.
- Faith Integration
- Learners and Learning
- Systemic Wellness
- Community Engagement
Ash Wednesday at St. Theresa
Our school community gathered in prayer for our Ash Wednesday Mass, marking the beginning of Lent—a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal.
Grade 8 Ukrainian Language Arts
On Monday, the grade 8 Ukrainian Bilingual students celebrated Taras Shevchenko Day by reciting two of his poems, “Ой гляну я, подивлюсь” (“If only I could see my fields and steppes again”) and “Сонце заходить, гори чорніють” (“As the sun sets and hills grow dark”). Shevchenko was a Ukrainian poet, writer, artist, and political figure. Born into serfdom in 1814, Shevchenko wrote about Ukraine’s struggle under imperial rule. His work remains a source of inspiration for the Ukrainian community and beyond, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Grade 5 and 6 Ukrainian Language Arts
The grade 5 and 6 Ukrainian Bilingual students celebrated Taras Shevchenko Day by creating bookmarks to accompany Shevchenko's poem "За сонцем хмаронька пливе" ("Beside the setting sun drifts a little cloud").
Lunch Club
On Wednesday during Lunch Club grade 5 and 6 students had a lot of fun playing games which were graciously purchased using funds from the parent council. Games play a vital role in learning, wellness, and regulation by fostering engagement, promoting mental and emotional balance, and enhancing cognitive skills through interactive and enjoyable experiences.
Linking Generations
Hawks Athletics
Basketball
Congratulations to the basketball teams for their success this year! The girls defeated Cloverbar to end the season as bronze medalists, while the boys also defeated Cloverbar to be crowned league champions for the third consecutive year! Great job by all of our student athletes and coaches for their hard work, commitment, and dedication throughout the season.
Badminton
Thank you to all students who tried out for the badminton team. The team has been selected and students can expect their permission letter before Spring Break.
Handball
We are still looking for handball coaches, and unfortunately, if we do not have coaches by March 20 there won’t be handball teams this school year. Interested individuals should contact Jamie Dziwenko by email: jamie.dziwenko@eics.ab.ca
St. Theresa March
Running Room Indoor Games
Grade 6 SFL - Underwater Hockey at Kinsmen Pool
5O - Fort Precinct
Grade 6 SFL - Monster Mini Golf
Parent Societies
Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
The St. Theresa Parent Advisory Council performs many vital functions for our school community, by helping to facilitate school wide student functions and providing valuable funding to our school via fundraising. Parents involved in the PAC learn about planning and development within the school and are part of the planning process. These roles make their involvement very important to the families, administration and teachers.
Next Parent Council Meeting - Tuesday May 27, 2025 - St. Theresa Library @ 6:30pm
https://stt.eics.ab.ca/parents/parent-societies
2024/2025 PAC Meeting Dates:
September 24, 2024
October 22, 2024
November 26, 2024
January 21, 2025
March 10, 2025
May 27, 2025
2024 - 2025 Executive PAC Members:
Chair: Kara Gettings
Secretary: Rosie Conrad
Treasurer: Kim Pennock
Fundraising Coordinator: Tana Currie
Bilingual Ukrainian Catholic Parents Society (BUCPS)
Bitaemo! Sherwood Park's Ukrainian Bilingual Program began in 1980 and has seen decades of success in academic achievement, global learning, and celebration of the rich Ukrainian heritage. From Preschool/Sadochok to Grade 12, the Ukrainian Bilingual Program offers a community-minded cultural environment along with an enhanced academic curriculum. BUCPS Mission is to promote, advocate, support and foster cultural and educations opportunities for students in the Ukrainian Bilingual Program.
Next BUCPS Meeting - TBA
https://stt.eics.ab.ca/parents/parent-societies
2024-2025 Executive BUCPS Members:
President : Andrea Chmilar
Vice-President: Kelsey Whattam
Treasurer: Laurie Leeder
Secretary: Paula Harasymiw
Parish News
Grade 6 and Up Confirmation
Please see the below links to register for the Grade 6 and Up Confirmation sessions starting in February 2025:
OLPH Parish
We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP PARISH
13 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park AB. T8H 1Y7
Phone : 780 467 5470 Fax : 780 467 0530
E-mail: info@olph.ca Website: www.olph.ca
Dear Parents:
Welcome to a new year of Catholic education and faith formation for your child!
Each year, in a Catholic school, your child will learn about many aspects of their Catholic faith— including learning about the seven sacraments. In our Archdiocese, preparing children for the celebration of their own sacraments always occurs in the parish, with the support of the school: • preparing for First Reconciliation, and then First Eucharist, can begin when a child is 7 years of age and in Grade 2 or older
• preparing for Confirmation can begin when a child is about 12 years of age and in Grade 6 or older • special preparation is also available for children of any age who are not yet baptized
Most children attending Catholic schools are ready to receive at the ages shown above, but there is no such thing as too late. Are you seeking for your child to celebrate a sacrament, such as Baptism, First Communion or Confirmation? Are you ready to help them live out their Baptismal promises? Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and Elk Island Catholic Schools are each involved in preparing your child for a Catholic sacrament along with you. It is a group effort, and everyone has a role:
• As a parent, the Church has always held that you are the primary teacher of the faith for your child. You teach them about God; set the example; talk about your own faith; and you bring them to Mass. • The place where the sacraments are celebrated and lived is the Catholic parish. We the people of God in the Church are each part of the Body of Christ. Being in relationship with the parish community (with all its challenges and blessings) is essential for your life of faith and that of your child. The preparation for, and celebration of, the sacraments happens in the parish church. • You must sign your child up for preparation at the parish. The school doesn’t do this part of the process for you. Catholic schools are a special place for children to learn more about Jesus Christ, to practice living in a community of faith, and to develop and deepen a relationship with Christ. We (Catholic parish and Catholic school) are eager to walk beside you and your children during this very special time.
Please call OLPH parish office 780-467-5470, send an email to sacraments@olph.ca or visit www.olph.ca/sacraments to get started or learn more.
As you prepare your child for their sacraments may this also be a special time for you - of deepening your own understanding and of growing in faith for the whole family!
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jim Corrigan, Pastor
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish
A Roman Catholic Christian community.
We come together at our Lord’s invitation to worship God, celebrate the sacraments, and deepen our faith. We strive to be thankful, generous and welcoming, and are sent forth to help advance God’s Kingdom on earth by proclaiming the Gospel and serving others.
Helpful Links
St. Theresa Catholic School
Email: stt@eics.ab.ca
Website: https://stt.eics.ab.ca/
Location: 2021 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-464-4001
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/St.TheresaCatholicMiddleSchool/