
May Newsletter
School of Hope and Hope Home Schooling
Principal's Message
May 2, 2024
Hello families!
There are many reasons to celebrate the month of May when spring is at its height of beauty. Spring is a season of rebirth and a time for Catholics to honour Mary who gave new life to the world when she gave birth to Jesus. Catholic Education Week is also this month, from May 5-10 and is a time to truly be thankful for. We are fortunate to be able to bring up and discuss God, Jesus and other spiritual matters as they arise within various subjects throughout the day. We should be grateful for this opportunity as other provinces do not have this option. In light of Catholic Education Week coming up, students and staff are encouraged to wear blue on May 9 which is Catholic Education Day. Alberta’s Catholic schools are beacons of hope for families across the province seeking faith-based education for their children.
Other points of note:
Please consider re-registering to save your spot for next year. Our teachers and facilitators will be happy to help you with this. If you have a new student registering or have a returning student, please go to our website to register. Registration 2024 - 2025
We have Open House online meetings happening for any friends you have who may be interested in finding out more about our school - info can be found on our School of Hope website. Families are always welcome to call our school to ask questions or find out more about what we have to offer.
We are planning a Next Year Day coming up in the next few weeks. This day is where students meet their next year's teachers online and find out a little about what to expect the following year. We are tentatively planning for Thursday, June 6th. More details will follow later this month about this day and an announcement will be posted in Canvas.
School of Hope will be offering summer school from July 2-22 for students looking to get ahead in their studies. The courses that will be offered include Physical Education 10, 20, 30, Religious Studies 15, 25, 35 as well as Career and Life Management (CALM). Check out the summer school registration page for more information. Students who are currently enrolled in grades 9-12 are eligible. This is a great opportunity for grade 9 students to get some credits before they officially start grade 10.
“Mary, our mother, sustains us in moments of darkness, difficulty, and apparent defeat.” – Pope Francis
God Bless,
Scott MacDonald, Michel Despins and Alicia Rudkowsky
School of Hope Admin Team
Summer School
School of Hope is excited to be offering Summer School for CALM (Career and Life Management), PE 10, 20, 30 (3 or 5 credits) and Religious Studies 15, 25, and 35 (3 or 5 credits) starting July 2.
This is a great opportunity for grade 9 students to get some credits before they officially start grade 10. It also allows High School students to get CALM, Religious Studies or PE finished so they can concentrate on some of the heavier core classes. Please contact the office at 1-888-350-4673 if you have any questions or register at the link below.
Student Highlight
Grade 10 student, Wiley Cumings has been selected to be on the Young Guns Team. This is a unique opportunity to develop his rodeo skills with other top rodeo athletes from all over Canada and the USA. All high school rodeo kids from all over the US and Canada have the opportunity to apply to this team. It is a bit of a process for the applicants, and in the end, only 20 are selected. It is a fantastic opportunity to hang out with the best in the world to learn more about his sport and athletics! Wiley will attend a week-long clinic put on by NFR Cowboys in Texas during the first part of May. Then, Wiley will be able to attend a variety of webinars, hosted by experts in the industry on topics like sports psychology, sports nutrition, and to hear the testimonies of NFR cowboys - what their journey was to become the best in the world.
Wiley has rodeoed for 9 years - since he was 7. He competes as a heeler in the team roping event and he also does tie-down calf roping. Wiley, we are so proud of you and your accomplishments, so far. Let it lay, make it pay!
Jaxon started Football in 2018, he quickly fell in love with the game, and earned rookie of the year that year. Since that time Jaxon has played on 3 home teams for Cold Lake, the Rams, Ravens and now the Royals, He has won MVP for 2022, and Rookie of the year for 2023. He has also played for Football Alberta on the Alberta North Wildcats team, as well as played for the University of Alberta on the Golden Bears Selects the last two winters. Along with having amazing hometown coaches, he also has got to work with some retired CFL players as they coached his position for the Golden Bear Selects. This gave Jaxon the opportunity to travel to both Texas, and Florida to compete at the sport he loves. Just before leaving to play in Florida this last February, Jaxon tried out for CFC, Canada Football Chat. This organization is created to help with recruiting of top athletes across the country. The end reward is the opportunity to play a live game on TSN. Jaxon received word that he has Made the team, the rosters having been released during the CFL 2024 combine on April 30th. The game will take place on May 31st at 11:00 am. Being chosen puts Jaxon in the top 70 football athletes across Canada, so it’s quite an honour to have been selected.
Jaxon works really hard to be his best self, both on and off the field. He prays before every game, for God to help him be his best self, and is always grateful that God helped him find football. Jaxon makes sure to seek out his team mates that are beating themselves up in the change room, either during half time or after the game, to help build them up and remind them of the unique gifts that they bring to the team. He has been described by his coaches as a quiet leader, and as a natural Athlete by both coaches along with his Gym and Sports Performance teachers.
Virtual Open House
We are holding some virtual open houses for School of Hope and Hope Home Schooling. If you are interested in learning more about what we have to offer, please register for one of our upcoming virtual open houses. If you know of someone who might be interested in home education, share the links with them and encourage them to attend one of our virtual open houses.
May 2 - 6:30-7:30 - Virtual Open House link to register for May 2
May 14 - 6:30-7:30 - Virtual Open House link to register for May 14
May 29 - 6:30-7:30 - Virtual Open House link to register for May 29
June 6 - 6:30-7:30 -Virtual Open House link to register for June 6
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 Thursday, May 23 at 2:45 PM.
REMINDER - Parent-Directed and Shared Program Families
REMINDER to parents of Hope Home School students - Parent-Directed and Shared Program: the deadline for claiming reimbursement of funding is May 31st. Purchase order requests are also allowable up to May 31st for expenses related to the current year's grade level.
Graduation - Class of 2024
Upcoming School of Hope and Hope Home Schooling Activities
The Gingerbread Girl
The School of Hope Drama Club is gearing up to dazzle the audience with their rendition of The Gingerbread Girl! More details to follow!
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, May 1, 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, May 15, 2:30 PM.
SOH The Circle Club
Join Mrs. Hanf and Mrs. Cassibo for a fun afternoon of games and conversation. Thursday, May 23, 2:00 PM
Walt Quizney Club
Join Miss Ward and Miss Campbell and show your knowledge of all things Disney with fun games, trivia and debates. Wednesday, May 29, 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. Wednesday, May 29, 1:00 PM.
Lego Club Winner
Congratulations to April's Lego Club Winner. Great job on your project.
Jump Rope for Heart
Join us on May 16, 2024, at 11:15 AM for Jump Rope for Heart. Our school will be joining together through Zoom (Jump Rope) to discover fun ways to get active and practice healthy habits.
If you would like to donate to beat heart disease and stroke, go to our fundraising page at https://jumpropeforheart.crowdchange.ca/51256
Hand of Hope
Hands of Hope is excited to offer a special Tote Bag Sale. We are showcasing the winner of the HOH Art Contest. Tote bags cost $5.00 per bag with all proceeds going to support our compassion child Marcela.You can secure your tote bag by filling out the link below. Don't miss out - pre-order before May 24th!
Upcoming School of Hope and Hope Home Schooling Field Trips
Jing Ying Martial Arts - Edmonton
Join us for an introduction to Martial Arts at Jing Ying club. Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM . Kindergarten to grade 12 welcome to attend. Wear comfy clothes and bring a water bottle.
Big Marble Go Center - Medicine Hat
Join us Thursday, May 9, 1:00-3:00 PM at the Big Marble Go Center for a afternoon filled with fun, where we can enhance our swimming skills and enjoy some quality time together. Bring your own snack if you like. HHS & SOH students only (sorry no siblings).
Register her (pay upon arrival)
Remington Carriage Museum - Cardston
Explore the history of carriages and take a tour of the Remington Carriage Museum with us on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM. All students will get to go on a carriage ride!
Don't forget to register and make your payment by clicking here.
Elk Island National Park - Bison Bootcamp
Join us for a trip to the Elk Island National Park for Bison Bootcamp Friday May 24, 2024 10:00AM - 12:00PM. Activities include: scavenger hunt, games, a tour of the Bison handling facility and investigate Bison Grasslands. Pack a lunch (connections to grade 4-9 curriculum)
Mistahiya - North of Wainwright
Attention K-Grade 6
Join us Friday, May 31, 2024 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM to explore the deep connection Indigenous cultures have with the natural world. Reflect on the ongoing journey of reconciliation and the role each of us can play.
Only Sourdough Bakehouse & Pizzeria - Kitscoty
Join us June 4, 2024 10:00 AM at Only Sourdough Bakehouse & Pizzeria Kitscoty for a fun morning tour of the facility and a lesson on how to make sourdough. Students will also get to make their very own pizza for lunch.
Beaverhill Bird Observatory - Tofield Area
Join us and the biologists from Beaverhill Bird Observatory on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 8:30 AM for an educational nature adventure. Explore the natural environment on a guided hike to the observatory. Participate in an interpretive banding demonstration, observe net checks for bird-catching methods, learn about their research, and help release the birds back into their natural habitat. "Please note that nature is unpredictable and we cannot guarantee that a bird will be captured during your visit."
Birds Of Prey - Coaldale
We are excited to invite you to join us at a special guided tour at the Bird of Prey Centre on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This exciting outing will include a flight demonstration, a chance to feed the ducks, and plenty of opportunities to see and learn about various birds. Contact Mrs. Friesen if you have any questions or plan to attend(403-892-1137).
Please meet Melody Friesen at the gates at 1:00.
Register here (Pay upon arrival)
Blue Quills Residential School Tour - St Paul Area
Join us for a guided tour of the Blue Quills Residential School near St. Paul, Alberta Wednesday, June 5, at 1:00PM. Explore crucial parts of our history, learn about the experiences of Indigenous communities, and reflect on the strength demonstrated throughout their journey.
KaRAR Production - Far, Far Away - Fort Saskatchewan
Join us for an experience of live theatre as KaRAR productions presents Far, Far Away. Come see what adventures Shrek and friends get into in this unique story. All the actors and dancers in this troupe are teenagers and very young adults. The show begins at 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 13, 2024 at the Dow Centennial Centre Theatre, 8700-84 St Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Seats are $5 per person
Register and pay here (only 24 are available).
Calgary Spark Center
Join us at the Calgary Spark Centre Friday, June 14, 2024 10:30 AM for a fun day of self exploration. Get ready for an exciting adventure into the world of science and technology! This will be a day full of discovery, learning, and fun! Please bring a bagged lunch. Please meet Mrs. Friesen at the front door.
Register here (Pay upon arrival)
School Clothing & Grad 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)
May 2024
May 1, Wednesday - Comic Fan Assemble
May 2, Thursday - Virtual Open House
May 8, Wednesday - Jing Ying Martial Arts Edmonton
May 9, Thursday - Big Marble Go Center - Medicine Hat
💐May 12, Sunday - Happy Mothers Day💐
May 13, Monday - Grade 9 ELA PAT Part A
May 14, Tuesday - Virtual Open House
May 15, Wednesday - Lego Club
May 16, Thursday - Jump Rope for Heart
May 17, Friday - PD Day - No School
May 20, Monday - Victoria Day - No School
May 23, Thursday - Remington Carriage Museum - Cardston
May 23, Thursday - SOH The Circle Club
May 24, Friday - Elk Island National Park - Bison Bootcamp
May 29, Wednesday - Walt Quizney Club
May 29, Wednesday - Art Club Grade 4-6
May 29, Wednesday - Virtual Open House
May 31, Friday - Mistahiya - North of Wainwright
June 2024
June 4, Tuesday - Only Sourdough Bakehouse & Pizzeria - Kitscoty
June 5, Wednesday - Comic Fan Assemble
June 5, Wednesday - Beaverhill Bird Observatory - Tofield Area
June 5, Wednesday - Blue Quills Residential School - St. Paul Area
June 6, Thursday - Virtual Open House
June 7, Friday - Bird of Prey - Coaldale
June 11, Tuesday - English 30-1 & 30-2 Part A Diplomas
June 12, Wednesday - Social 30-1 & 30-2 Part A Diplomas - Grade 9 ELA PAT Part B
June 13, Thursday - Math Grade 9 PAT Part A
June 13, Thursday - Far, Far Away KaRAR Production
June 14,Friday - Calgary Spark Center
June 17, Monday - Math 30-1 & 30-2 Diploma
June 18, Tuesday - English 30-1 & 30-2 Part B Diplomas - Math Grade 9 PAT Part B
June 19, Wednesday - Social 30-1 & 30-2 Part A Diplomas - Grade 6 & 9 Social PAT
June 20, Thursday - Biology 30 Diploma - Grade 6 & 9 Science PAT
June 24, Monday - Chemistry 30 Diploma
June 25, Tuesday - Physics 30 Diploma
June 26, Wednesday - Science 30 Diploma
Podcasts and Virtual Tours
Part ⚡Time Genius
Will and Mango have lots of questions. Will we ever live without sleep? How do rats keep outsmarting humans? Where are the sunniest tax havens to hide your money? Join these Part-Time Geniuses as they dive into ridiculous topics... and discover some pretty smart stuff along the way.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Be delighted by the antics of our sea otters or mellow out to the hypnotic drifting of our jellies. Experience the wonder of the ocean no matter where you are.
Watch the Spot sharks, rays and other fishes as they cruise through our rocky reef or come face to face with some deep-sea giants. So many things to see
Catholic Education Week May 5-10,2024
Youth Retreat: A Day Just for You
Addiction & Mental Health News
The May edition of the AHS Addiction & Mental Health Newsletter is a special edition in recognition of Mental Health Week!
The themes include:
- Practice mindfulness
- Move your body
- Fuel your body
- Expand your mind
- Build assets
Rania Page, RSW
Health Promotion Facilitator & Team Lead
Community Addiction & Mental Health, Alberta Health Services
Stigma
Stigma
Mental Health Stigma
One of the most significant adverse effects of stigmas surrounding mental health is that they can keep people from seeking treatment. It's estimated that almost half of the children who struggle with a mental health disorder do not receive the care and support they need.
Read more on Children's Health