Eagle's Eye
October 28-November 01
Weekly Devotional
I’m the kind of person who always wants to be doing something. I often find myself in a constant state of busyness, and it can be so hard for me to slow down and actually just be still.
And maybe some of you can relate that. A lot of you have really busy lives… Between the busyness of school, homework, practices, rehearsals, jobs and social lives, finding time to be still can seem nearly impossible… and even when you do find those moments to slow down, it seems like there’s always something that you could be doing or something that you could be filling your time with.
In Luke 10:38-42, we read about two sisters, Mary and Martha, who are hosting Jesus and His disciples at their house. With all of the tasks of hosting Jesus and His disciples, Martha found herself very busy as she focused on making sure that everything was in order. Mary, on the other hand, chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, rather than helping her sister with the preparations.
Martha, understandably frustrated, approaches Jesus and says, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” It’s easy to sympathize with Martha here—she’s doing all the work, and it seems unfair that her sister isn’t helping.
But instead of agreeing with Martha, Jesus responds gently, saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Or in other words, Mary made the most important decision—to stop and spend time with Jesus.
Jesus isn’t saying that Martha’s work is unimportant.. but in this moment, Jesus is emphasizing that being present with Him is what’s important. Mary’s decision to sit at His feet symbolizes a deeper truth: our relationship with Jesus is more important than the busyness of life.
This story is about priorities. Martha was focused on tasks, while Mary chose to focus on Jesus. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach that while there is a time for tasks, we must also make time to be still and listen to Him. In the midst of life's busyness, we can sometimes be so caught up in doing things, that we forget to simply spend time with God.
Do you find yourself to be more like a Martha - constantly busy, distracted and anxious? Or more like Mary - making time to be still and sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him and growing in relationship with Him?
While school, sports, jobs, friends, and activities are important, our relationship with Jesus should always come first.
As we spend time in prayer this morning, I encourage you to take the posture of Mary - setting aside the distractions and busyness of the day ahead of you, and simply sitting at the feet and in the love of the God who created you and knows you. Spend time with Him this morning.
Pastor Luke
FROM THE OFFICE
Locker Use
Please remind students that belongings should not be left unattended in any spaces, especially the gym change rooms. Each student has been offered a full size locker where they should keep their belongings while in gym or otherwise unattended, however we have found that many students choose not to use them. If students need assistance accessing their lockers, or a reminder of their combination, please have them stop by the office and we would be happy to help!
Student Services
Did you know that students at SCS have access to spiritual, academic and social-emotional support every day at school? Student Services is located on the second floor of the school in room 203. Mrs. Matheson, the school counsellor, and Campus Pastors Kiara, Jamie and Luke are available, and students are encouraged to pop in to see them. However, sometimes students may not feel comfortable popping by and would prefer to book an appointment. In order to make this process easier, SCS Student Services is launching their new Student Support Form. Students can scan this QR code or use the URL to open up a google form where they can request an appointment with someone from student services. It is important to note that the form is screened by the entire student services team (including Mrs. Meints) and the form is NOT a place to report an emergency as it does not get screened 24/7. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to anyone from student services!
Staff Meal for Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher Interviews are rapidly approaching and we are so grateful for all the volunteers that are looking to bless our teachers with a hearty meal.
Date of Meal: Monday, November 4th (PLEASE HAVE YOUR DISH AT THE SCHOOL BY 3:30PM)
Volunteers: We would also appreciate 2-3 volunteers to help set up before and clean up after the meal (Times are indicated below)
Please click the link below to access the sign up form!. We are so appreciative of all your help!
Fall Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent teacher interview booking will be available starting next week on Monday October 21 at 12:00 P.M.
Our school interview code is: yjcpu
Please note, you can book only one timeslot per teacher per family. If you require additional discussion time with any teachers, please reach out to them via email to set up a meeting time.
Punctuality
We are working hard to support our students in being on time for class. When students are late it can affect their learning, as well as the learning for other students. When students have 2 or more lates in a week, they are required to attend Study Hall during the lunch break. With the implementation of this procedure, we have already seen improvement in the number or student lates. This change has a positive impact on student learning. Thank you for your support in encouraging your child to be on time!
Emergency Preparedness with EIPS
Please view and understand the contents contained in this link regarding emergency preparedness and procedures at EIPS schools:
https://www.eips.ca/parents/emergency-preparedness
Thank you.
Please Check for New School Fees!
SCHOOL FEES ARE NOW UPLOADED. This includes course fees, volleyball, cross country, and flag football.
Pay school fees online! All fees are due within 30 days of being posted. NOTE: Additional fees may be added throughout the year—for example, at the beginning of each semester, as your child takes part in various activities, or they may be adjusted by changes in selected optional courses in junior and senior high school. If you’re unable to pay your school fees, you can apply to have certain fees waived. The application deadline is Dec. 16, 2024.
For more information, contact Jennifer Gibson at 780-464-7127
Fee Waiver Applications
For the 2024-25 year, the deadline for receiving fee waiver applications is Dec. 16, 2024. Contact families and independent students who may need the help and remind them to apply for a waiver of fees. Information for staff about fee waivers is available on the EIPS Intranet. The application form can be found on the public EIPS website. The only applications that will be accepted after the deadline will be from families new to EIPS.
SCA Wear
SCA Wear
Our SCA Wear Store is NOW LIVE! Deadline to order is Monday, November 4th. All orders received by November 4th will arrive at our school before Christmas break! Please contact our office directly should you want to make arrangements to keep your purchase a secret for a great Christmas gift!
www.scasecondary.ca
Help Requested for SCA Shop
- Bike Maintenance room: we are needing some evening help with:
i. Planning, ordering and executing the plumbing in of air manifold, filters and lines to our new air compressor (3 evenings)
ii. Building one more work station and plan/create tool boards for three work stations. (2 evenings)
- Race Car track: we are needing electronic help with:
i. Replacing LED sensors in the start and finish line system. We installed industrial grade launch switches a couple of years ago and now would like to beef up the sensor system which cuts in and out.
- House wiring wall: we are needing electrical help with:
i. Design and build a 4’ high X 6/8’ long wall that is sheeted up on one side and open to the other with a variety of electrical boxes, switches, outlets, etc., to give students practice reading a wiring diagram and wiring a variety of household circuits using common electrician tools. A means of safely testing circuit would also need to be designed.
Please reach out to Mr. Rempel at fred.rempel@eips.ca if you have some availability on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evening in the next few weeks. These projects are listed in order of importance.
Stawnichy's Mundare Sausage Fundraiser for SCA Bands and Choir MusicFest Trip 2025!
Help support the SCA Secondary Concert & Jazz Band and Choir's trip to MusicFest in Toronto, March 2025 by joining our Stawnichy's Mundare Sausage Fundraiser! Choose from delicious sausage coils, pepperoni sticks, cabbage rolls, perogies, and cheese crepes – perfect for friends, family, and neighbors.
All proceeds help fund our students' journey to showcase their musical talents on a national stage. You can drop your order form and cash payment to Mr. Lietz or the office for Mrs. Gibson. Orders close on November 4, 2024, with pickup on December 5, 2024.
Thank you for your support!
Student Life Handbook
Access the SCS student life handbook: https://www.scasecondary.ca/students/scs-student-life-handbook
Diploma Exam prep registration opens on Monday, October 28th and is run by Next Step/Outreach. You can register at https://www.eipsnextstep.ca/diploma-prep . Should you have any further questions including payment inquiries, please contact them directly at eipsnextstep@eips.ca or call 780-464-1899.
EIPS Dual Credit
Through Dual Credit opportunities, students can earn college/university credits from a Post-Secondary institution and high school credits in select programs. These opportunities are in partnership with Elk Island Public Schools Division, Lakeland College, Portage College, Norquest College, Olds College, and Alberta Education.
Dual credit helps students to:
- get started on a Post-Secondary education while still in high school
- save money on Post-Secondary tuition costs (through the Dual Credit Framework, high school students do not pay post-secondary tuition fees (other than the cost of textbooks)
- potentially earn credits in high school and a Post-Secondary Institution at the same time
gain experience to succeed academically in a Post-Secondary environment
Students will be responsible for purchasing all textbooks and required resources materials (ie: robotics kit). These costs are set by the Post-Secondary Institution and indicated in the course descriptions. Information about purchasing the required materials will be provided to students once they have been accepted into the course.
Note: due to the independent nature of dual credit programming, students should be self-directed learners.
For more information about dual credit, reach out to Mrs. Matheson (dion.matheson@eips.ca)
Apply Alberta Information
Grade 12 student applications for most Alberta post-secondary institutions open on October 1 through Apply Alberta (www.applyalberta.ca). Students apply by making a BASIC alberta.ca account (do not choose the verified option) and proceed through the steps indicated on the website. Students should report all their grade 11 courses and marks, as well as their projected marks in their grade 12 courses. Be sure to follow all the steps, including any external sites they are directed to (like the U of A website, Casper testing site, etc.). Note: many institutions follow a ‘rolling admission’ model and offer students on a first qualified, first admitted basis. As a result, students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
For questions about the Apply Alberta system or how to apply, check out the Apply Alberta FAQ section: https://www.applyalberta.ca/help/frequently-asked-questions/
If you are still having difficulty, feel free to contact Mrs. Matheson (dion.matheson@eips.ca).
Field Trip Procedure
Field Trip Procedure:
Students are expected to have Permission Click field trip forms completed and signed in a timely manner, prior to the day of a field trip. Students who arrive at school on the day of a field trip without consent to attend that field trip will not be permitted to attend. Permission Click forms and reminders are emailed to parents and guardians in advance of field trips. Please ensure your email address with the school is correct.
Medication Administration at School
Hello parents and guardians. Requests for the administration of medication at school must follow the administrative procedure set out by Elk Island Public Schools;
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The school will not provide over the counter medications (pain relief medication, cold remedies etc.). If there is a medication that needs to be administered to a student, the required forms will need to be completed by the parent or guardian and can be found in the administrative procedure. AP 316
Travelling Internationally?
Please let your teacher(s) or the office know if you are traveling outside of Canada and require access to your Brightspace. Regularly, Brightspace isn't accessible when you are outside of Canada, so we need to request access from EIPS for the duration of your travels.
Did you know?
Video surveillance at schools and on buses
Did you know each EIPS bus is equipped with video surveillance, and many school sites have video monitoring equipment?
Video surveillance and equipment help:
· ensure the safety of all students, staff, drivers and property; and
· discourage destructive acts.
As needed, EIPS school administration and Student Transportation staff review video recordings, in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act. The recordings assist schools and the Division with monitoring student and driver conduct and may be used as evidence in a disciplinary matter.
For more information about the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, contact the EIPS FOIP Co-ordinator at 780-464-3477
SCS SOARS - Staff Recognition
On behalf of the Strathcona Christian Academy Secondary School Council, thank you for helping us recognize our amazing staff for the wonderful work they do.
If there is staff member you'd like to recognize, please fill out this Google form.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Celebrate Each Other - Nominate a 10/10
Do you know a person at school that is great and deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for a 10/10! We want to hear all the good things that are happening around our school.
All these awesome stories will be shared on The Board and some may win a free meal at the Eagle's Nest!
Eagles Nest
New From the Nest
We are super excited to launch our partnership with the new Community Kitchen high school course! Over the next year we are looking to support two ministries (to begin with), We Care and Youth Unlimited drop-in centers. Our goal is to provide meals and snacks for over 200 youth/adults each week in the hopes that by meeting the physical need for food, each individual will experience the love of Jesus. Our students will have an opportunity to serve selflessly and express compassion in a tangible way.
The proceeds from the Eagle's nest will go directly to this ministry and every meal you purchase will actually feed double-fold! Thank you in advance for all your support and please continue to pray that God will open even more doors of opportunity for us to serve!
- The Eagle's Nest is open! Each day, Miss Higgs will have a delicious meal ready for purchase. Meals are $6 each or you can purchase a 5-meal punch pass for $25. Cash or cards are accepted.
Monday, October 28 (Day 1)
- Taco in a Bag
Tuesday, October 29 (Day 2)
- French Toast Feast
Wednesday, October 30 (Day 1)
- Grilled Cheese or Philly Cheesesteak w soup
Thursday, October 31 (Day 2)
- Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl or Butter Chicken w Naan Bread
Friday, November 1 (Day 1)
- Bacon Beast Burger and Smoothie
Upcoming Key Dates
- October 30 - Parent Teacher Interviews 4-8 pm South Gym
- November 4 - Parent Teacher Interviews 4-8 pm South Gym
- November 6 - Early Dismissal
- November 8 - Remembrance Day Chapel Auditorium, all are welcome!
- November 11-15 - Fall Break No School
- November 19 - Picture retake Day
- November 25 - Band Concert- South Gym
ATHLETICS
Grad News
Student Grad Committee Meeting
Monday, November 4th is our next Student Grad Committee meeting at lunch in The Commons. Bring your lunch and be ready to plan 🙂
IN THE COMMUNITY
A note from Sherwood Park Alliance Church
SPAC Youth has weekly gatherings, and we would love to have you join:
Senior High (Grade 9-12)
Tuesday | 7pm
Junior High (Grade 7-8)
Wednesday | 7pm
We’d love to have you join
Follow us on Instagram - @spacyth for more details.
We hope to see you there.
Invite to Baptism - Saturday, October 26 @ 6pm & Sunday, October 27 @ 10am
Join us as we celebrate many of our students making the most important decision of their lives; to follow Jesus!
Saturday, October 26 @6pm
Sunday, October 27th @10am
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Building Hours
Please remember that our building does not open for students before 8:20AM. Students who arrive earlier will need to wait outside until the doors open.
In the afternoon, we kindly ask that parents pick up their children before 3:35PM. After 3:35PM, students are kindly asked to wait outside for their transportation.