Eagle's Eye

I was listening to a sermon the other day where the pastor started off by saying, “I want you to close your eyes and ask God who He says you are”.

Now I’ll be honest here… Words didn’t come to my mind very quickly. I first thought about who I am to others. I’m a friend, a pastor, a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, an uncle to my nieces and nephew, and a brother to my siblings… That’s who I am to a lot of the people around me… I then thought about some of the negative things that I define myself by… I started thinking about my failures, my weaknesses, and the things about myself that I don’t always like.

But then the pastor reasked that question… Who does God say you are?

And this question has really stuck with me for the past few weeks.

I think that so often we define ourselves by the wrong things. We define ourselves by who we are to others, by the things that others say about us, and even by the ways that we view ourselves. We define ourselves by our weaknesses, by the things that we don’t like about ourselves, by our failures, and by the negative things that we may sometimes hear from those around us. I’m sure I’m not the only one who relates to this.

And we see this in The Bible. In the story Gideon, in Judges 6, God calls Gideon to be a mighty leader… but Gideon doesn’t see himself as a leader or as a warrior at all. In fact, he calls himself the least in [his] family. He labels himself as weak… But God sees more in Gideon. God calls Gideon a “mighty warrior”, and He gives him the strength to lead in the ways that he was called. Through God’s power and truth, Gideon’s identity is transformed from fearful to courageous… From weak to strong.

God reminds us that HIS view on us is so much greater than our own. Where we see weakness, God sees potential. Where we see failure, God sees redemption. Who we are in God’s eyes is not defined by our past or by our mistakes, but by His love and by his calling.

And as we go into our day today, I want us to start by closing our eyes and asking God that same question… God, who do you say I am? Think about the labels that you have been defining yourself by and ask God what He has to say about you.

If you don’t know where to start, allow these truths from scripture to sit with you. God says that you are: created in His image, loved & chosen, His child, redeemed & forgiven, and bought with a price.

Pastor Luke

If circumstances exist where you’re unable to pay school or transportation fees, you can apply to have fees waived by submitting an Application for a Waiver of Fees. The application deadline is Dec. 16, 2024. If you’re new to the Division, the deadline is the latter of Dec. 16, 2024, or 45 days after registration. To access your fee information, simply log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal and go to “Student Fees.” There you can view your fees and pay them online using Visa or MasterCard. All fees are due within 30 days of being posted.

Don’t forget to also log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal regularly throughout the year. Fees are often added to your child’s account to cover the cost of various school activities such as field trips, class projects, extracurricular activities and more.

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

Do you know someone who may be interested in part-time, flexible work as a substitute educational assistant or substitute teacher in the specialty areas of French Immersion or CTS/CTF? Elk Island Public Schools is hiring. Spread the word!

Substitute teaching and non-teaching staff are critical to filling planning and unexpected vacancies when Division staff are away. Substitutes are needed to fill various positions at all school locations until the end of the school year. Upcoming application deadlines are December 12 and 13. If you know someone who’d be great in this role, encourage them to apply today.

Appropriate use of the Bathroom
Administration would like to remind all everyone that the student code of conduct extends to all corners of the school, including the bathroom! Here are some things to be mindful of as they will lead to student consequences:

• Congregating - The bathroom is a place that should be used individually. Congregating in the main space or individual stalls as a group is prohibited

• Vandalism- Intentional acts of damage to the bathroom including the flushing of non-paper products

• Privacy - Cell phones are not to be used in the bathroom for recording, videoing, or taking photos. Further, privacy must be maintained for all users and as such, individuals shall not be bothered in any way while using the facilities.

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!

Opportunity: 2024-25 Student Advisory Committee

WHAT: The SCA Student Advisory Committee is designed to bring students the opportunity to engage in conversation with school leadership in order to provide feedback, vision, and voice around topics that are meaningful to our school community.

WHO: These meetings are open to all students (grade 7-12).

WHEN: Meetings will be held during lunch hour every 2 months throughout the school year beginning on Tuesday December 3, 2024.

WHERE: Boardroom inside the school office. If it is a larger group, it will be moved to a classroom.

HOW: Students who wish to attend should provide an expression of interest via email to Mr. Johnson (sandy.johnson@eips.ca) by December 1st. Once a group of students is curated, an email will be sent to all committee members with more specific details.

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 Novmeber 28, 2024
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

TAVO and Missions Local have partnered together to help bless women in our local shelter, A Safe Place, by gifting them with shoeboxes filled with beautiful items. Each shoebox costs at least $50 and must contain items that you might gift to your mom or a friend. It also includes an encouraging note.

The list of items that are recommended to be included can be found here.

With this cost, we are encouraging families to work together to build a box or students to get together with their friends and make it a group effort. If you don’t have a shoebox of your own, boxes can be acquired from Mrs. Glubish or Mrs. Christensen. Filled boxes can be given to the office to await delivery and must be brought in by December 13th.

Cash donations are also welcome and can be dropped off at the office. These donations will be used to buy items to create additional boxes for A Safe Place.

Thank you for considering being part of this school endeavour!

1. Bike Maintenance room: we are needing some evening help with:

i. Planning, ordering and executing the plumbing in of air manifold, filters and lines to our new air compressor (3 evenings)

ii. Building one more work station and plan/create tool boards for three work stations. (2 evenings)

1. Race Car track: we are needing electronic help with:

i. Replacing LED sensors in the start and finish line system. We installed industrial grade launch switches a couple of years ago and now would like to beef up the sensor system which cuts in and out.

1. House wiring wall: we are needing electrical help with:

i. Design and build a 4’ high X 6/8’ long wall that is sheeted up on one side and open to the other with a variety of electrical boxes, switches, outlets, etc., to give students practice reading a wiring diagram and wiring a variety of household circuits using common electrician tools. A means of safely testing circuit would also need to be designed.

Please reach out to Mr. Rempel at fred.rempel@eips.ca if you have some availability on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evening in the next few weeks. These projects are listed in order of importance.

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

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)

With the winter season here, we have a few reminders for families:

· Ensure students have clothing appropriate for expected weather conditions.

· If weather conditions are bad enough to impact student transportation, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) advises families directly, as well as posting on social media and eips.ca as early as possible. · Decisions regarding bus cancellations are guided by an EIPS administrative procedure that states, “school bus service may be suspended…when there is a forecast or current temperature of -40 C, including wind chill factor, in one or more regions.”

· Other reasons for suspending or delaying school bus services include adverse weather and poor road conditions.

· When school bus services are suspended, schools remain open to students.

For more information, contact EIPS Student Transportation at 780-417-8151.

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!

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

• 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, November 25 (Day 2)

  • Eggs Benedict wrap with Fruit Plate

  Tuesday, November 26 (Day 1)

  • Chicken Club or Meatball Sub

  Wednesday, November 26 (Day 2)

  • Grilled Cheese or BLT Sandwich with soup

  Thursday, November 27 (Day 1)

  • Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl or Butter Chicken w Naan Bread

  Friday, November 29 (Day 2)

  • Bacon Beast Burger and Smoothies

• November 25 - Band Concert- South Gym
• November 25- School Council Meeting
• December 2- Jr High Film Festival
• December 4- Staff Meeting Early Dismissal
• December 5-7th- Eagles Invitational Basketball Tournament
• December 9th- Missions Gala
• December 12- Highschool Film Festival
• December 13- Chapel
• December 20- Last day of school before Christmas Break
• December 21- January 5- Christmas Break
• January 6- School Resumes

Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute is having an open house on Saturday, December 7th at their campus in Camrose, AB.

Mrs. Dion Matheson
School Counsellor

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.

From January 3-5th 2025, we will be heading to Camp Nakamun for their Winter Youth Retreat. This overnight retreat is open to all youth in grade 7 & 8. We believe the impact of retreats can be significant. God can capture our attention in a unique way when we leave our everyday ordinary routine and retreat away without cell phones and distractions. Imagine what Jesus might do in the life of your teen as they worship, pray and learn for an entire weekend. If your teen is interested in attending, we recommend that you register soon as spots are limited.

For more information, or to register your teen(s), CLICK HERE!

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.