Eagle's Eye

I’m a fairly competitive guy, and I love setting goals for my life. But, I’ve also been known for setting some pretty unrealistic goals… For instance, my very ambitious goals for 2024 were to climb Mt. Everest and dunk a basketball (in case you’re wondering, I didn’t achieve either of those goals last year). Because obviously those two goals aren’t things that I can just go and simply do. I can’t just show up at Mt. Everest and start climbing, and I can’t just pick up a basketball and be able to dunk… I would need to train for these moments… I would need to become disciplined with the way that I spend my time… And these goals would require me to form a lot of significant habits.

In life, habits are so valuable. A study showed that over 40% of the things that you do every single day are not the result of active decisions, but are simply the result of habits. Habits largely shape our lives.

And not only do habits shape our physical life, but they also shape our spiritual life. As a follower of God, Spiritual habits are so important… And a guy named Daniel in The Bible illustrates this for us so well.

In the book of Daniel, we read that there was a decree issued that prohibited anyone from praying to any god or human other than the king. But, Daniel 6:10 tells us that “When Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”

That phrase, “just as he had done before,” shows us something powerful. Prayer wasn’t something Daniel turned to only when he was in trouble. It wasn’t an emergency button he pushed when he was in need. It was a habit—a part of his life woven into his day-to-day routine. And because Daniel made prayer a habit, he didn’t have to think twice about whether or not he would pray when things got tough. He had already decided. His relationship with God was solid because he nurtured it daily.

If we want spiritual practices—like prayer, worship, or time in God’s Word—to be a part of who we are, we have to make them a habit. It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency. It’s about giving God your time and your commitment. Because over time, these small habits will grow into a deeper and richer relationship with God.

So, just like Daniel, let’s decide today to make time for God, no matter what. Let’s make 2025 the year to build those habits that draw us closer to Him.

As you spend time in prayer this morning, ask God to reveal to you what areas of your life and your faith you could be growing in this year, and then respond to that. Spend some time with God this morning…

Pastor Luke

Access the SCS student life handbook: https://www.scasecondary.ca/students/scs-student-life-handbook

Dear SCA Secondary school families,

Under Alberta Education’s School Fee Regulation, schools must consult with parents prior to setting school fees for the upcoming school year.

Our next school council meeting will be taking place on January 20, 2025, at 7:00p.m. During that time, I’ll be sharing information about our current fee structure, posing specific questions about priorities, and asking you to provide your feedback as we plan for the 2025-26 school year. While many of these activities and services enhance students’ educational experience, we want to ensure these fees aren’t cost prohibitive for families.

Specifically, we will be asking for input on the following:

· Optional courses and associated fees

· Field trips and associated fees

· Extracurricular activities

· Non-curricular travel (for example, Leadership 9 and band trips)

· Non-curricular goods and services (for example, student union and yearbooks)

I understand not all families will be available to attend the meeting but it’s still important we get as much input from the school community as possible. Following the meeting, materials will be shared on the SCA Secondary website for your review, and a survey form provided so you can submit a written response.

School administration will use feedback provided to help determine fees for 2025-26, which will then be shared at the March school council meeting, posted to our website and shared via link through email.

I look forward to hearing from you on January 20.

Sincerely,

Matthew Spronk,

Principal

The January exam schedule has been posted to the school calendar! If there are any questions please call the office 780-464-7127 or email general.scs@eips.ca

*Please note that specific exam start times have been posted to our school calendar.

This Microsoft Form is intended for any parent that wishes to excuse any absences for their child during exam week. If you plan on having your child attend school regularly through exam week and for the remainder of the semester, ignore this form. Exam days work as follows: exam sittings for Jr. High students begin at 8:45 am (like every other school day) and proceed until 12:30 p.m. at the latest. Jr High Students are required to stay in their exam rooms until 11:45 for all exams are dismissed for lunch if they are done their exam.

Students cannot be excused from school until that time (except for emergencies). During the exam period, regular classes continue for Jr. High in the afternoons and these times can be used for studying or other learning opportunities. If you would like to excuse your child(ren) from any afternoons during the exam period January 15th-January 27th, please use this form to inform the office. Kindly indicate the dates and times when prompted. We ask that you DO NOT use this form to report regular absences, please call the school at 780-464-7127 or email at general.scs@eips.ca for regular absences.

Let's bless our students with muffins during exam week! If you are able to help by contributing 2 - 4 dozen NUT FREE muffins (homemade or bought), please sign up below. To help with the distribution of muffins, if possible, please package each muffin in a clear bag or clear packaging - thank you!

PLEASE BRING MUFFINS TO THE OFFICE BY , thank you!

We are also looking for VOLUNTEERS to help on to organize muffins as well as any parents available to cheer our students on and serve muffins as they arrive at school the morning of June 18th! Parents in Prayer is also an opportunity for you to come and pray for our students throughout the day as they write their exams - your prayers go a long way. Please be sure to check in with the office when you arrive at the school to serve in any or all of the above serving opportunities.

Your blessing the students in this way goes a long way, THANK YOU!

January 30th is the first day of Semester 2!

Deadline to submit requests for Semester 2 schedule changes is Monday, January 20th, 2025 (4pm).

Junior High: All Gr. 7-9 option change requests must be requested via email by parents to Mr. Winkel.

Senior High: All Gr. 10-12 course change requests must be made using the Semester 2 course change request form.

Semester 2 Timetable

Thank you kindly!

EIPS’ Annual Education Results Report 2023-24 is now available online. The report details how EIPS is doing relative to Alberta Education’s performance measures; how it’s supporting students to achieve the best possible outcomes; and its successes, challenges and priority strategies moving forward. A brief overview of the report is also available.

The Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) returning student registration process for 2025-26 takes place Feb. 10-24, 2025. Through the online form, all families will confirm the school and program their child will attend next year or advise the Division if they aren’t returning. For students who want to attend a non-designated school next year, these requests must be submitted through the returning student registration process—acceptance is based on available space.

On February 10, the parent/guardian on file in PowerSchool identified as the Permission Click contact for each pre-kindergarten to Grade 11 student will receive an email through Permission Click with a link to the form. If your family hasn’t received any Permission Click forms this school year, contact the school office so we can investigate any technical issues before registration season.

Registration questions? Contact Mrs. Khajavi

Discover the high school CASA Classroom and the individualized mental health treatment it provides for students in grades 10-12 who experience persistent mental health symptoms affecting their home, school and social life. What you'll discover: • Tailored treatment plans and education for managing mental health conditions • Individual and group therapy sessions • Support for caregivers and guardians • Referrals to community and social supports • Assistance transitioning students back to their community school and care teams Who are CASA Classrooms for? CASA Classrooms are for students who are: • Currently under the care of a physician or mental health professional, • Have not responded to prior therapy, and • Are ready to participate in individual and group therapy with their family. Interested students and their caregivers are welcome to join in person or online to learn how CASA Classrooms can support senior high student’s well-being and academic success. Tuesday, January 14 6 to 7 p.m. Bev Facey Community High, 99 Colwill Blvd., Sherwood Park (theatre)

Join online

RSVP to secure your spot in person or online

For more information, contact Corey Kropp.

If your child misses just two days a month for any reason for ten of their school years, they’ll have missed the equivalent of one entire year of school. Students who frequently miss school, even as early as kindergarten, are also more likely to have di­fficulty in school, at post-secondary and in their career. As every family has unique circumstances, EIPS uses a multi-tiered approach to re-engage students with chronic absenteeism. In addition, the Division promotes strategies to support and encourage regular attendance for all students. If you’re concerned about consistent student attendance for your child or youth, contact the school for support. An informative video is also available.

Has your contact information recently changed?

Have you recently moved or has your contact information changed since the start of the year? Strathcona Christian Secondary School encourages families to review the information the Division has on file to ensure it’s up to date. Using the Student Information Update available through the PowerSchool Parent Portal, families can review the current information on file for each student—including addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, parent and guardian information, emergency contacts, medical details and other related information—and submit any updates needed.

Reviewing and updating the form ensures the school and Division have the most up-to-date information regarding your child. Updates completed by December 10 are especially helpful as the Division prepares for 2025-26 registration processes beginning in the new year.

NOTE: Only submit updates for the changes that have already taken place. If you’re moving later this school year, you’ll submit the necessary updates to your information through the Student Information Update after you’ve moved.

If you have questions about the form or any trouble with your Parent Portal account, contact the school office at 780-464-7127

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!

These classes are wide open to anyone who is interested in attending, and are affordable. There is room for up to 12 people per class, with three available classes. It’s an opportunity where you can learn how to make simple, nutritious meals with student instructors and in the end take home meal kits and recipe cards. There will also be a small store set up where you can purchase healthy + quality food at a discount, and a give away with a variety of kitchen utensils at the end of each class.

The goal is to guide and teach those how to cook, to increase dependability on cost effective nutritious meals and reduce the reliability on cheaper, less nutritious food.

1011 Clover Bar Road, Sherwood Park, AB
(SCA Secondary, In the Church Kitchen)

Thursday January 9, 2025
Friday January 17, 2025
(2:00pm - 3:10pm)

If interested, please sign up at http://bit.ly/3Z4e53c

For any questions, please email matthias.cheung@eips.ca

NAIT Program Preview registration is now open! Get a deeper dive into their schools and programs, entrance requirements and student supports. Plus, discover how NAIT grads are prepared with real skills and relevant knowledge to hit the ground running in their careers.

To register, check out their website.

Wes Hosford will be hosting a workshop on Digital Wellness on January 30th with the Strathcona Family Resource Network. Learn how to help your teen with the social and technological pressures they face in the world today. Together we will go through research-based ways we can support teens when they are feeling the pressure of their digital lives. Issues addressed include interacting with strangers online, understanding their digital identity, and healthy relationships.

The content of this workshop is geared for parents and caregivers with children between 9-14 years of age.

The presentation is from 6 to 7:30 pm at Wes Hosford, with an opportunity for Q & A from 7:30 to 8 pm.

For more Information email; FamilyResourceNetwork@strathcona.ca

1. Contact Mr. Rempel for a Monday or Thursday Lunch meeting

2. We encourage all RAP Prep students to sign up for the Youth Skills Network with AIT https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/engagement-events/youth/

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

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!

Wednesday January 16th at lunch!

Lead 9 will be hosting a 3 point competition fundraiser in partnership with Shoot360 Sherwood Park. The grand prize is a month's free membership at Shoot360’s high tech gym! The entry cost is $3, anyone can enter. All proceeds go toward SCA Lead 9 class!

Please come support your school!

Shoot360 Sherwood Park’s website:

Sherwood Park — Shoot 360

Join us every Wednesday from 11:45-12:25 in the SPAC Legato (coffee shop) for a men’s Bible study led by grade 12 students and supported by our campus pastor team. This group is open to all guys, grades 10-12. Our hope and prayer with this group is that everyone, no matter where they are at on their faith journey, knows that they belong here, as we challenge, encourage, and pray with one another.

If you have any questions or want more information, reach out to Pastor Luke.

For this year's graduation ceremony, due to the size of the graduating class and seating available in the sanctuary, each graduate is entitled to a minimum of 8 guest tickets. Please fill out this form to indicate how many of these 8 tickets your graduate will be using (graduates do not need to count themselves in this amount). Depending on the number of guest tickets claimed, there is the possibility that grads will have access to more than the 8 minimum, so please indicate in the form how many additional tickets you would require if they become available. There is no cost for the tickets for the graduation ceremony.

Parents of 2025 Grads - If you haven’t already, please follow the 2025 Parent Grad Committee on one of our social media channels:

Facebook: SCA 2025 After Grad Party

Instagram: scagradparents2025

The Parent Grad Committee is getting ready to send out an information letter by email to 2025 grad parents.

Please help the committee connect with you, by sending your preferred email address to:

scagradparents2025@gmail.com

1. 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, January 13 (Day 1)

  • Jumbo Hot Dog and Poutine

  Tuesday, January 14 (Day 2)

  • Chicken Club Wrap or Meatball Sub

  Wednesday, January 15 (Day 1)

  • Grilled Cheese or BLT Sandwich with Soup

  Thursday, January 16 (Day 2)

  • Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl or Butter Chicken w Naan Bread

  Friday, January 17 (Day 1)

  • Lead 9 Pizza Fundraiser 2 Slices of Pizza and a Pop $5!!

• January 16- Last Day of classes for HIGHSCHOOL ONLY
• January 20- Deadline for course change submission 4:00 PM
• January 20- Open House 6:00 PM
• January 20- School Council Meeting 6:00 PM
• January 29- PD Day no school
• January 30- Semester 2 Begins

The student session is designed towards high school students interested in both the skilled trades/ technology and engineering. It will take place ON January 30th from 12:00-2:30

The public presentation is aimed towards adults, however if students are unable to attend the student session, parents could consider taking their student to this session.

Night to Shine is a global initiative founded by Tim Tebow, led by churches, that shares the love of Jesus and celebrates the worth and value of people with special needs. The evening consists of a meal, fun activities, "walking the red carpet", a short inspirational program and a dance. Each guest dresses up in their finest for this special evening.

To ensure the success of this community-building event approximately 150 volunteers will be needed! Lots of different times and roles to choose from.

Each person attending the event must:

1. Attend one volunteer training session

2. Sign a "volunteer expectations" document

3. Submit a criminal record check, (adults only)

4. Must be at least 14 years old

More information available from,

Lisa Mol - Night to Shine coordinator

lisa.mol@bethelchurch.com

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.

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.