SILC NEWS
February 18 2024
Gospel Reflection March 10th
Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, invites us to rejoice even amidst our Lenten sacrifices, anticipating the joy of Easter. Today's Gospel from John's Gospel reflects on Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, illustrating the necessity of being born from above to see the Kingdom of God. Jesus refers to the Old Testament story of the bronze serpent, foreshadowing his own salvific death and Resurrection.
The second part of the Gospel offers theological reflections on Jesus' words, emphasizing themes of light and darkness, belief and unbelief, and salvation. Jesus, the light of the world, exposes human sinfulness, offering forgiveness and redemption. This Good News brings rejoicing not only during Lent but throughout our lives.
News and Updates from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish
DID YOU KNOW: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Sherwood Park has MANY resources to help families in need of basic necessities. Please share this information with any families at your school who could use the help, especially newcomers to Canada.
The Clothing Nook - FREE clothing, shoes and bedding for all ages. Located in the lower level of OLPH Church and run entirely by volunteers. (Also a great place for local families to DONATE out-grown clothing or shoes that are still in excellent condition.) See hours of operation below.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Another dedicated volunteer team collects and distributes donations of furniture, mattresses and other household items. Please share their phone number with any families your know who are in need. Donations always welcome. Contact SSVP for pick up/drop off appointments.
This Month's Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education Newsletter
Dear GrACE Apostles,
Whether we are Trustees; Educators; Parents; Students; members of the Clergy or Parishioners, we are all called, as Catholics, to come together in a spirit of unity and shared purpose, acknowledging the importance of Catholic education and the impact of Catholic Schools in the lives of Students and wider society.
We all have a role to play and a contribution to make rooted in our Catholic beliefs and safe and secure in God’s love and the Catholic Faith.
Every effort counts in supporting and promoting our Catholic education system and Schools, not just as places of learning, but also places where our young people can grow in their faith and understanding of Catholic values.
As Catholics, we are invited to ensure that our faith-based education aligns with the values of the Catholic Church even in face of society’s challenges and changes.
We are not alone in our journey to press forward in our Catholic values and beliefs since we have our Catholic faith; confidence and the backing of God Himself.
Our hope and reassurance comes from the enduring strength that our faith provides in the face of life's challenges and from God Himself who provides us all with inner strength to persevere in His love.
As Catholics, we summon our courage, as a community of faithful, assured that God is with us wherever we go.
Registrations are now OPEN for 2024-2025 School Year
St. Isidore Learning Centre (SILC) is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Register early - as we are a "School of Choice" space fills up fast! When you head to our website to "Register", https://silc.eics.ab.ca/register-now you will see a few options. Please choose the correct program:
- Online Education - Primarily learning online from home using our Canvas Online LMS - Teacher Directed. Grades Kindergarten-Grade 9 have Teacher directed Google Meets. Teachers are available for one-on-one support. Grade 10-12 classes are asynchronous with Teacher support.
- Outreach Education - Students who require an "in person" connection with teachers and are required to have weekly check-ins in the SILC Centre (Grades 9-12)
- Classical Education (Grades 7-8) - Classical education for grades 7 and 8 online focuses on a comprehensive approach emphasizing critical thinking, classical languages, literature, history, mathematics, and science while aligning with the Alberta Program of Studies. The curriculum aims to cultivate analytical skills, effective communication, and a love for learning through an online platform guided by certificated teachers
- Chesterton Academy - Fully Synchronous "Joyfully Catholic Classical High School Cohort" Grade 9-12 ONLY. For more Contact Mr. Starko. Check out the website: https://chesterton.eics.ab.ca/
- Instruction is provided through a variety of methods, including:
online instruction
in-person sessions (optional)
All students, even those already attending, must fill out a new registration form.
News and Links for Kindergarten to Grade 6 Students
😁Hello from Mrs. Oikonen!Hello from Mrs.Oikonen!
We have one regular class meeting this week on Monday. We will also do Literacy Groups on Monday as well to finish up our lesson from last week. I will be finishing off the individual meets on Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Thursday we have our "Here Comes the Sun Retreat Day. More information on this day will be coming this week.
Please sign up for a Parent/Teacher Interview, if you haven't already. I needed to adjust the times on the schedule, so please check your updated time.
Here is what we will be doing this week.
Chesterton Times- Student Newspaper
Check out the Chesterton Times! Great artwork, pictures, reflections, and the Saints of the month. https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:ed8b010f-c00c-40ec-b1e6-981cb630b976
Digital Wellbeing - For Parents and Caregivers of children ages 9 to 14 years.
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
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.
Location: St Luke School 22139 S Cooking Rd, Sherwood Park, AB T8E 1G9
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
❗Parent Teacher Interviews
Our Parent Teacher Interviews are scheduled for March 19th 3:30-6:30 and March 20th 3:30-6:30 . You will have the option of:
- In-Person at the SILC Centre (Sherwood Park)
- Phone call
- Google Meet
To book visit our School Interviews Website https://schoolinterviews.ca/code/zxqyr or scan the QR Code
Booking will be closed March 19th at Noon. If you require a time to meet with your child's teacher outside of those times please contact them directly.
| 2024 Elk Island Catholic Schools Refugees and Newcomers Lenten Challenge
As was done last year, EICS will have a Lent initiative to raise money for refugees and newcomers through Catholic Social Services. They have created a webpage where your school can create a team and donations can be made directly online.
The SILC Centre Hours
The SILC Classroom (Centre) is open to student drop-in:
Monday- Friday 8:30-3:30 pm
Acting Principal: Melissa Damur
Assistant Principal/Chesterton Lead Administrator: Chad Starko