The Good News

Saint John XXIII October 4, 2019

Leadership Message

Valeda House: Love-First, Last and Always.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you? And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Matthew 25:35-40

So often children are the first to respond when they see someone in need; sharing, giving, and simply loving. These small acts of kindness from a child show us how simple it is to help. Helping others in need develops our sense of justice and compassion and gives students an opportunity to see that-they can and do make a difference. One of the ways we help is through our partnership with Catholic Social Services and specifically, Valeda House.

Valeda House has been a focus for our division since August 2017. As a ministry of Catholic Social Services, Valeda House serves as a home for up to six young women, who either have young children or are expecting. In addition to being a home for these women for up to six months, Valeda House offers programs and support to allow these mothers to find long term housing and to address the underlying issues that may be associated with homelessness. Our Elk Island Catholic School family has answered the challenge of supporting and engaging in this ministry, which has served women from all of our communities, including Fort Saskatchewan. It truly makes a difference and helps some of our most vulnerable children and women in our province.

We continue to support the women and children of Valeda House through prayers, love, financial support, and by donating gently used items. Each week during assembly, one of our intentions is for the women and children of Valenda House. Last year, through our, For Kids By Kids Sale, and other smaller fundraisers, we met our school goal of raising $1000 for Valeda House.We will once again take on the challenge of supporting this important ministry by raising $1000 this year, praying for, and sending our love to Valeda House. Thank you for your continued support of this important ministry. It takes a village...

Our school was highlighted in the video below-way to give and grow, Saint John XXIII! Check it out!

Blessings,

Mrs. Boehm

We Love to Read...Who was it? Who will it be?

This week, Ms. Astalosch was our Monday Assembly Mystery Reader. She chose a non-fiction book abut elephant facts to share with our students. They loved to hear about Ms. Astalosch and Mrs. Hinger's trip to Zoo School where they got see Lucy eat mini watermelons.

See if you can guess Monday's Mystery Reader...

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Visiting the School-Protocol for Keeping our SJ Students Safe

We are committed to ensuring a safe and caring school for all of our students and staff. Your cooperation is needed and appreciated. We ask all parents and visitors to please sign in at the office before walking the halls of our school. Not only does this assist with our safety for students protocol, it is also our responsibility to know who is in our building at all times in case of emergencies.

We would also like to kindly ask parents to wait outside at the doors for your children to be dismissed as our halls become quite congested if we have additional bodies in the school at the end of the day. We are working diligently with your children to learn routines and your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

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Digital Citizenship: Signing our Annual Student Responsibility Use Agreement for Technology

One of the ways we help our students learn important digital skills is through a responsible use of technology. Parents are asked to complete the Annual Responsible Use Agreement for Technology, found online in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. By signing this form, you are acknowledging and committing to the important aspects of safe and responsible use of technology for your child. We highly recommend that you go through this form with your child so they understand both at home and at school how to be a responsible digital citizenship. Teachers will also be going through this form, in student--friendly language, with your child at school.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Let's work together to keep our kids safe and responsible on-line. Let Mrs. Potter know if you need assistance finding or signing the form. Forms are also found on the EICS website under Parents, under registration: https://www.eics.ab.ca/parents-and-students/school-registration

St. John XXIII Celebrates Read-in Week: A Story for Every Child Oct. 25th

We will once again celebrate our love of reading and read-in-week with our second annual, “A Story for Every Child” on Friday, October 25, 2019 from 2:15-2:45 pm. Our hope is that we can have one reader for every student during that time. (223 people) If you are available and can come to Saint John XXIII from 2:15-2:45 pm on Friday, October 25th, please email our librarian Mrs. Wagner susanw@eics.ab.ca or call our school and let us know 780-998-7777. We will pair readers with students. Please specify in your email if you are connected to specific students and we will do our best to match you together. Please bring along your favourite children’s book or two to share that day. Please carpool, walk, or park along the street when you come. We hope you can help us share a story for every child in our school!

Learning about our School Saint-Saint John XXIII

During our Monday/Tuesday assemblies we will learn about Saint John XXIII. Each month we will focus on one of the commitments in the Daily Decalogue of Saint John XXIII and what it means for us.

This month:

Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behaviour; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.

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Celebrating and Honouring Orange Shirt Day 2019

World Teachers' Day October 5th

Show your teacher some love on October 5th during World Teachers' Day. Take a moment to send a note, a card, an email letting our teachers know how much we appreciate all they do. It matters...

Mark your calendars for our annual St. John XXIII Family Halloween Dance-Friday, Oct. 25th 6-8 pm

We Love to Be Healthy at SJXXIII!

We continue to learn about and become Health Champions at Saint John XXIII, focusing on opportunities for each of our students to develop life-long healthy habits. At Saint John XXII, we are committed to teaching, modeling, and providing opportunities for our students to learn about healthy eating, physical literacy, and mental health. Each morning during announcements, we hear our Healthy Living announcement. This month we are focusing on moving our bodies.

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OLA Parish News

OLA Parish Staff:

Fr. Kristopher Schmidt (pastor)

Kris.schmidt@caedm.ca 780-995-3930

Fr. Danial Dsouza (associate pastor)

Danial.Dsouza@caedm.ca 780-710-3128

Deacon Stan Kroetsch

Stan.Kroetsch@caedm.ca 780-720-2196

Deb Hume (Notary Public)

Deb.hume@caedm.ca 780-998-3288

Fr. Kris’s homilies + vlogs

https://soundcloud.com/frkrisschmidt

https://www.youtube.com/grandinmedia

Saint John XXIII School Council News

Halloween Family Dance: Friday, Oct. 25 6-8 pm. $20 per family. More information coming soon about how to purchase tickets and how you can help.

Please join us for our next meeting: Wednesday, October 16th @ 7:00 pm in our Collaboration room. Our grade threes will be highlighted during this meeting by Mrs. Scott & Ms. Bourassa.