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Shining Bright @ola
March 1, 2024
Together in Learning and Faith
People are always curious about what we Catholics do as a faith community especially during Lent. We commit ourselves to reclaiming that which is God’s (Matthew 22:2).
What can we do during Lent?
1. Pray the Stations of the Cross. You are welcome to join the OLA parish when they pray the Stations of the Cross. You are always welcome to join them. Also, on Thursday, March 21st we will be praying the Stations of the Cross at school. You are welcome to join us.
2. Count your blessings. Consider the blessings in your life and thank God for them. By doing so, you’ll be a light unto the world (Matthew 5:14).
3. Seek out those in need. What charity can you support? Christ told us, “You will always have poor people with you” (Matthew 26:11).
4. Be a peacemaker. Make peace with someone you think doesn’t deserve any respect, forgiveness or a moment’s worth of consideration. If not, what exactly did Christ mean when he said we were to forgive our enemies?
We will be working on this at school also. Lent is a wonderful time to reflect and make our families and communities connect. Please join us on our Lenten journey!
This Week at OLA
Tuesday, March 5
- Archbishop Smith visits
- Winter Walk Day
- Early Out Day - Wear Green for St. Patrick's Day!
- Parish Visits in the afternoon from Father Abraham
- Prayer Crew day
Thanks School Council for sponsoring the Musical Theatre production!
What a day and an enjoyable performance! The Alberta Musical Theatre came to share Cinderella with us. Where is her glass slipper or is it a leg warmer that you are looking for?
Looking Ahead...
Monday, March 11
- Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Egg) decorating evening - 6-8pm
- Evidence of Learning sent home this week
- ECS 3-Way Conferences
- Book Fair March 18th to 21st
- 3-Way Conferences
- Stations of the Cross(all day)
- Spring Break starts
- Palm Sunday - Come to OLA Church for Mass at 9am
- Family Numeracy Night - 5:30 - 7:00
Pysanky Evening
Have you ever wanted to learn to make pysanky or Ukrainian Easter eggs? Now you have no egg-scuse!
On Monday, March 11 from 6-8pm, OLA will be hosting a Ukrainian Easter egg decorating evening for families who would like to try decorating pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs). Mrs. Lukie will guide you in steps to complete one egg each. All tools for decorating will be supplied for use at the school, including one egg per person (which you get to take home).
At this event, we will be collecting donations for Beacon of Hope. These donations will be sent to Catholic Social Services in their assistance of new refugees and immigrants to Canada who have been displaced by conflict, violence, discrimination or natural disasters. Please see this link for more information on Beacon of Hope.
Will this be your first time decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs? No need to get scrambled! We will hatch a plan to get you decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs on your own.
With the supplies we have, we are able to accommodate 30 participants. Register early, as it is a first come, first serve event. Please use this form to register for the event. Grade 3T and 3-O will be decorating pysanky during school on Tuesday, March 12.
If you have any questions, please contact Donamarie Lukie at donamarie.lukie@eics.ab.ca, or contact the school at 780-998-3716.
What is happening at OLA?
School Education Assurance Highlight - Faith Integration
We are engaging students in relevant Religious education and curriculum faith integration which promotes hope and engagement in students. Father Abraham comes to OLA every Thursday afternoon and teaches the Religious curriculum to classes. This month he is teaching the students about Lent. Did you know that lent is 40 days but actually 46 days because Sundays do not count. Why is the number 40 such a special spiritual significance?
Our OLA School Education Assurance Plan is available on our website, linked here.
All Current OLA Students - Next Year Intentions
All current OLA students are required to fill out the Next Year Intentions form (and not a new registration form) in PowerSchool so that we can plan accordingly for next year. Please log into your PowerSchool account and fill out the Next Year Intentions form.
Registration
Registration for the 2024-2025 school year is open now. See our website for more details. ola.eics.ab.ca
Pre-Kindergarten
Elk Island Catholic Schools invites and welcomes families of young learners into our faith-based, inclusive Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. EICS offers a variety of Pre-Kindergarten programs to support all of our little learners. ALL early learners are welcome!
If you are interested in the program please fill out the interest form first to receive a code for your students registration.
2024-2025 Elk Island Catholic School Pre-Kindergarten inquiry form
Kindergarten
Independence, initiative, decision making, creativity, the ability to learn, relationships and feelings of self-worth - all have their beginnings in early childhood. We believe that each child is unique and, together with parents as our partners, we build upon children's natural curiosity and spontaneity, encouraging and supporting them as they take their first step into school.
COGITO Academy
The COGITO Academy is an alternative program which is based upon advanced learning. It covers the regular Alberta curriculum at a faster pace, allowing time for more complex concepts.
An advantage of the COGITO Academy, aside from the accelerated learning, is the more structured, non-distracting environment. Expectations for both achievement and behavior are clearly communicated to the students and parents. Please come to our Open House for more information!
This program will proceed in the Fall if enrollment requirements are met.
COGITO Academy Interest Form (Next Meeting for Success is March 1st at the school - Phone calls will be made)
2024-2025 Nature Programming at St. JohnXXIII
Nature Kindergarten
Our school offers a supplemental Nature Kindergarten program which operates Tuesdays/Thursdays and some Fridays. This paid program offers students the opportunity to spend a large part of their day outside engaged in meaningful ways of learning with their body, mind and spirit, while located in a natural setting. Enrolment in this program provides an option to attend kindergarten full time.
Nature Program Grade 1 and Grade 2
This program provides students with an opportunity to spend two half days outside each week. This paid program connects students to nature by fostering rich learning experiences, physical literacy and independence.
School Council
Easter 2024 Purdy’s Chocolate Fundraiser:
Get your Easter goodies with our Purdy's Chocolate fundraiser. Our ordering portal is now available to place online chocolate orders with delivery in time for Easter. A catalogue was sent home with your child on Thursday, February 15th. Place your order by Sunday, March 3rd and pick-up will be at OLA on Tuesday, March 19th.
Place your order using this online link: https://fundraising.purdys.com/1561953-116432
Any questions can be directed to schoolcouncil.ola@gmail.com
School Council supports... Mathletics, recess equipment, library/learning commons, and much more.
Joining School Council meetings allows you to work closely with parents, teachers and the school leadership team to plan and implement enhanced programming and special events for students and our school community!
To connect with your OLA School Council, please email schoolcouncil.ola@gmail.com.
The minutes from the February 26th meeting are on the OLA website.
Reporting An Absence
As we stream line our Absence and early pick up notices we are asking parents to please enter your students absence or early pickup through Powerschool, email (ola@eics.ab.ca) or calling the school.
You can view the EICS Parent Technology Handbook for further details on these items or attached PDF as well.
If you need help accessing your Powerschool please call the office @ 780-998-3716.
Please note, reporting your student(s) absent protocols have CHANGED. We no longer have the toll free number or the app logging software available.
Check out the merchandise that you can buy with the OLA logo on it. Click on the above question for information.
Shining Our Light at OLA!
Pink Shirt Day!
Rocks and Rings - the new curling teams!
Indigenous Learning
Winter Fun... one more time!
Alberta Theatre Performance
Kindergarten Days!
Nutrition Program
March 2024
Volunteer for Nutrition Program
Thank you for all those that have already offered and been will to help so far with this wonderful program.
Digital Wellbeing - For Parents and Caregivers of children ages 9 to 14 years.
Learn how to help your child with the social and technological pressures they face in the world today. Together we will go through research-based ways we can support children 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 on March 11 from 6 to 7:30 pm, with an opportunity for Q & A from 7:30 to 8 pm.
Location St Luke School
22139 S Cooking Rd,
Sherwood Park, AB T8E 1G9
Type of Event Parent education
Audience Adult, Caregivers
Cost Free, Registration Required. Click here to register: Digital Wellbeing - For Parents and Caregivers of children ages 9 to 14 years., Monday, March 11, 2024, 6 - 8pm - Family and parenting supports | Strathcona County
For more Information email; FamilyResourceNetwork@strathcona.ca
Need Help with Powerschool? Here is a guide to help you .
School Fees
The 2023-2024 school fees have been added to student accounts. Fees will be due November 30, 2023 Please log into your PowerSchool account to make a payment .
The fees for each grade is listed below:
Fee Waiver Program for 2023-2024
Under the principle that finances should not be a barrier to a child's education, Elk Island Catholic Schools will waive fees for independent students or parents/ guardians if they meet certain income guidelines, are on social services or are facing exceptional circumstances. If you qualify, you may apply using the attached application form.
Fee Waiver Program Application 2023-2024
Sign and mail the completed application form with supporting document(s) to:
Elk Island Catholic Schools
310 Broadview Road
Sherwood Park, AB. T8H1A4
Be sure to mark "CONFIDENTIAL" on the envelope.
Please contact the school office if you have any questions.
Our Lady of the Angels School
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
T8L 1W7
Email: ola@eics.ab.ca
Website: https://ola.eics.ab.ca/
Location: 9622 Sherridon Drive, Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada
Phone: (780)998-3716
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OLASchoolFtSask