Madonna Catholic School News

Dear Madonna Catholic School Community,

Even though Valentine’s Day was last week, the spirit of love, kindness, and friendship continues to be important every single day. As we celebrate 2025 as a Jubilee Year, a time for renewal and reflection as declared by Pope Francis, we are reminded of the foundation of love, compassion, and peace that has always been at the heart of our education. Catholic schools in Alberta have long blended faith and learning, ensuring that Christ’s presence is at the center of both the spiritual and academic growth of students. Jesus taught us to love one another, to be kind even when it’s difficult, and to forgive as He forgives us.

As we look at our school community, let’s remember that love is not just something we celebrate on special days like Valentine’s—it’s something we practice every day. Whether it’s through a smile, helping a classmate, or showing kindness to those who may feel left out, we are all called to spread the love that Jesus taught us. This Jubilee year is the perfect time to renew our commitment to following His example, making our school a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and loved.

Let’s carry the love and kindness of Valentine’s Day and the meaning of Pink Shirt day on Wednesday throughout the entire year, as we continue to grow in faith and love together, following the path Jesus set for us.

We are looking forward to seeing many of you at the Dance tonight at 6:00 in support of the Grade 4 Field Trip to Drumheller.

Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend,

Mrs. Cathy Hinger, Principal

Mrs. Fiona Wimmer, Assistant Principal

Friday, February 21

• Madonna Family Dance 6:00-8:00pm

Monday, February 24

• Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL for students

Tuesday, February 25

• Reckie Lloyd will be here to teach students dancing

Wednesday, February 26

• Pink Shirt Day

Thursday, February 27

• St. Theresa here to meet with Grade 4 students

Friday, February 28

• 2L and 2M TPET Ride the Wave
• Kindergarten - Puppet Tree

The EICS Board of Trustees approved the 2025-2026 school year calendars at their Feb. 19 public meeting. Fort Saskatchewan, Sherwood Park, Strathcona County, and Vegreville Schools

Each year, the goal is to develop a calendar that meets required instruction hours, supports a quality learning environment, and provides for teacher and staff professional development.

In addition, EICS takes into consideration the calendars for Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) and Battle River School Division (BRSD). While our division provides student transportation in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County, we have cooperative bussing agreements in place with our public board counterparts in Vegreville, Camrose and Fort Saskatchewan.

Please take a moment to complete your next year intentions form available in the colored box when you first sign into your portal (as shown above). This provides important information to the school for next year's enrollment numbers. The link to the form is shown below.

Did you know that you can support EICS by directing your property taxes to Catholic education? Please read this letter from EICS Board of Trustees Chair Le-Ann Ewaskiw to learn about this meaningful opportunity to strengthen Catholic education for our students.

This week several classrooms celebrated being in school for 100 Days!

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Let’s show our support for kindness, inclusion, and standing up against bullying with a pink shirt day at school!

Wear your brightest pink shirt and join us in spreading love, positivity, and respect for everyone. It’s not just about the color – it’s about creating a community where every student feels valued and safe.

Students will be selling buttons that say "I Stand Up Against Bullying" They can be purchased for $2.00 at lunch recess on Tuesday and Wednesday while supplies last. Proceeds from this button sale will go to the Lurana Shelter.

To see more photos of all the exciting events join our Madonna Facebook page to stay up to date!

With the Family Game Night fast approaching, Madonna Fundraising Society would like to reach out in regards to this event scheduled for April 25th, 2025.

With this fundraiser coming up quickly, there are some roles that need to be filled to make this event happen. The purpose of this meeting is to find a parent to step up as bingo chair (this person would have to do the AGLC application, and manage volunteers to run the concession/sale of bingo tickets), we also need to have some volunteers for working the bingo, volunteers for working the concession, and just need to know how many volunteers we will have in general. If we do not get enough volunteers or a parent to chair this bingo, unfortunately the event cannot happen.

I have also invited the grade 4 parents to this meeting as they are taking on the responsibility of the raffle portion of the evening. This event in the past has not only been a fun night but has been a great fundraiser for the school, and for the grade 4 Drumheller Field Trip. We would really like this event to happen, but cannot if we do not have enough volunteers or leaders for this event.

The meeting is going to be a virtual meeting next Wednesday, February 26

at 7:00 PM. https://meet.google.com/bob-qacj-bmt

Thank-you, and we look forward to seeing you virtually next week

-Madonna Fundraising Society

Dear Madonna Families.

As you have a child registered with Madonna Catholic School you are automatically a part of our school council. We are presently in need of some volunteers to sit on the Executive Council to help run the school council.

We are looking to fill 3 positions. Our Chair of the past three years, Kerstin Adamson has stepped down, Vice-Chair, Sheana Aronyk, and Nicole Howes our Secretary are stepping down, and we urgently need replacements to keep our School Council running. The roles are not challenging and Kerstin will provide support for a smooth transition. ASCA (Alberta School Councils’ Association) also offers courses to help you succeed.

School Council Chair Roles and Responsibilities:

- Chair all meetings of the school council, and create the agenda for meetings

- Be the official spokesperson of the school council

- Help plan fundraisers

- Comply with the School Councils Regulation by providing the school board with an annual report

that summarizes the school council's activities for the previous school year, including a financial

statement relating to money (Financial Statement done by our Treasurer).

School Councils are mandated under the Education Act, and without these roles filled, many important events and funding could be at risk such as Hot Lunch, Hot Dog Day, Family Games Night, Teacher Appreciation and funding for school activities.

Our AGM (Annual General Meeting) is in April where we would encourage you all to attend as we will be voting in these positions. If you're interested or have questions, please contact us at Madonnasces@gmail.com. Please consider stepping up to help us continue supporting our school community!

We need your help to keep Madonna Catholic School a special place for our students and staff!

Thank you and God Bless,

Madonna Catholic School Council

OLPH (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish)

Masses at OLPH will be livestreamed. Please join using this link. https://www.facebook.com/olphsherwoodpark/videos/

Visit OLPH Website for more information about the parish and in regards to sacramental preparation.

Visit www.facebook.com/olphsherwoodpark