Saving God, we know that it is in and through Jesus' death that we have the promise of eternal life. It is in is words and works that your love and the love of your Son for us is made known. It is a love so great that we want to respond by saying yes to Jesus. It is a love so great that it affects who we are, and how we live. It is a love so great that we recognize the gift of eternal life as a gift beyond measure. May each of us live by saying yes to your love for us in the hope of one day being united with you. Amen.

• Spring Scholastic Bookfair

• 5O Fort Heritage Precinct
• Hawks Nest Lunchtime Concession Open
• PAC Meeting - St. Theresa Library @ 6:30pm

• Linking Generations @ 11:45am
• SFL Hockey Hooky Oil Kings
• Parent Teacher Interviews - 3:30pm - 7:00pm

• Parent Teacher Interviews - 3:30pm - 7:00pm

• St. Patrick's Day
• 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

• Performing Arts 5/6 - Newsies Jr. Matinee Performance - Doors open @ 10:20am
• Performing Arts 5/6 - Newsies Jr. Performance - Doors open @ 6:30pm

• 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

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.

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

We are currently seeking volunteer coaches for the upcoming handball season! The season runs from April-May.

If you or someone you know would be interested in coaching the girls or boys team this year, please reach out to either of the Athletic Directors (tiffany.kadey@eics.ab.ca or Jamie.dziwenko@eics.ab.ca).

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.

Our Spring Scholastic Bookfair is quickly approaching. It will run the week of March 10th. The hours are as follows:

Monday March 10 - 10:30am to 3:30pm

Tuesday March 11 - 9:00am to 3:30pm

Wednesday March 12 - 9:00am to 3:30pm & 4:00pm to 7:00pm

Thursday March 13 - 9:00am to 3:30pm & 4:00pm to 7:00pm

Friday March 14 - 9:00am to 12:30pm

We accept cash, debit, and MYDOH.

If you are interested in MYDOH please check out this link:

https://www.mydoh.ca/mydoh-scholastic/

If you are interested in helping with the Bookfair, please email Mrs. Wagner at susanw@eics.ab.ca

The newsletter is organized based on our four school assurance priorities for this year.

1. Faith Integration
2. Learners and Learning
3. Systemic Wellness
4. Community Engagement

This Lent, we are excited to announce Secret Mission Mondays at St. Theresa Catholic School!

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to secretly complete acts of kindness for staff, friends, and classmates. Whether it’s leaving a kind note, helping someone with a task, or just sharing a smile, every small act of love makes a BIG difference.

Each Monday during Lent, pop by the Chapel at lunch to collect a new mission. You'll have the week to complete it—remember, the more secretive, the better!

The goal? Spread positivity and light up the world around you.

As we reflect on the Gospel from Ash Wednesday (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18), we’re reminded that acts of kindness should be done quietly, without seeking praise. Jesus teaches us that the true reward comes from doing good for the right reasons, not for recognition.

So, let’s embrace this mission with a humble heart, knowing that our actions, big or small, make the world a brighter, kinder place.

Are you ready to be an Agent of Kindness? Your first mission awaits this Monday!

Our Grade 6 classes had the opportunity to visit the Alberta Legislature. Class photos were taken with our school's MLA Mr. Kyle Kasawski. The students participated in our Mock Legislature and learned to write their names in Ukrainian while viewing the gallery exhibit "Destroyed Temples of Ukraine".

Wednesday at lunchtime during Grow with the Flow we made cloud dough as a hands-on way to promote regulation, connection, and emotional well-being. The soft, moldable texture of the dough provided a calming sensory experience, helping to reduce stress and encourage mindfulness. As we mixed and shaped the dough together, we fostered connection through shared creativity and conversation. This simple yet powerful activity supported psychological wellness by giving us a moment to slow down, engage our senses, and reset for the rest of the day.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us to experience the energy, creativity, and community spirit that make St. Theresa Catholic Middle School such a special place to learn and grow.

A special shout-out to our talented Ukrainian Bilingual students who filled the halls with beautiful music as they played their banduras for our visiting families — your performance truly set the tone for a welcoming evening.

Thank you to our Performing Arts students for delighting everyone with a lively and entertaining performance that highlighted the incredible talent and passion within our school.

Our Sport For Life students were outstanding ambassadors, proudly sharing their experiences and showcasing the benefits of our Sport For Life program — your enthusiasm was contagious!

And finally, a huge thank you to our amazing staff who proudly showcased our diverse courses and programs, answering questions, leading tours, and demonstrating why St. Theresa is a place where every student can thrive.

Basketball

- Congratulations to the boys basketball team for playing extremely well in the Southpointe Sr. tournament last weekend; they played some tough grade 9 teams and came away as Bronze medalists! A special shoutout to Mason B. for winning the 3 point competition at the tournament.

- Good luck to the girls basketball team this weekend as they will be participating in the Southpointe Sr. Tournament.

- Playoffs began this Thursday with our girls teams playing against OLPH and the boys playing against SCA (results not determined at the time of posting); a win by the teams sends them to the semi-finals on Monday then either the Bronze or Gold medal games on Wednesday.

Badminton

- The next round of badminton tryouts will be next week: Thursday, March 13 from 3:15-5:30 for the boys and Friday, March 14 from 3:15-5:30 for the girls. Players are asked to be sure they are prepared with athletic attire and footwear.

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 - Monday March 10, 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

2024 - 2025 Executive PAC Members:

Chair: Kara Gettings

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

Please see the below links to register for the Grade 6 and Up Confirmation sessions starting in February 2025:

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.

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/