St. Nicholas News

Our students have been working diligently to prepare for this beautiful evening of prayer, song and celebration, as they “Sing for the King!” This joyful event will serve as a powerful reminder of the true meaning of this sacred season, inviting us to be Rooted in Christ as we prepare for the coming of our Savior.

As the Holy Mass is the heart of our Catholic faith, we warmly encourage families to join together, as a school community, for the 6:15 pm mass. Dress code: Sunday best for students in the English classes and Ukrainian blouses/shirts for the Ukrainian Bilingual students.

Please take note of the following important details for the evening:

• At 7:15pm, we kindly ask that all students proceed to the basement of the church to meet their teacher and peers. Parents, please KEEP your child’s coat, mittens, and toques WITH YOU upstairs in the church pew.

• Please see the seating map of the church so that you can plan your seats accordingly. The pews for students will be reserved after the mass has ended.

• A reminder that the church is a sacred space so all food, drink and hats are not permitted.

• The Parent School Council members will be in the foyer of the church selling tickets to the amazing raffle baskets. $2.00 per ticket so don’t forget to bring your cash! Winning ticket numbers will be announced after the concert.

All students will remain in their pew with their teacher until after the concert. We ask that parents pick up their child/children from the pew and let the teacher know they are now in your care.

• Sunday December 15 - Third Week of Advent
• Wednesday December 18 - School Christmas Mass 6:15pm & School Christmas Concert 7:30 pm at OLPH Church
• Thursday December 19 - Student, Faith and Wellness Day for students at school
• Saturday December 21 - First Day of Winter
• Sunday December 22 - Fourth Week of Advent
• Monday December 23 to January 5 - Christmas and New Year Break - School is closed
• Monday January 6 - School open at 8:35 am, Faith Assembly / Spin to Win 8:45 am
• Wednesday January 8 - Early Dismissal at 2:10 pm - Staff meeting day
• Monday January 13 - Parent Council - In-Person & Virtual - 6 pm
• Wednesday January 29 - Semester 1 ends and PD day - No school for students
• Thursday January 30 - Semester 2 begins
• Friday January 31 - Report Cards go Online
• Thursday February 6 & Friday February 7 - Teacher's Convention - No School

Solemn Holy Communion & First Confession Registration

Age: Grade 2 and up

Date and Times: Friday evenings from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. beginning January 10, 2025.

First confession will be on March 15 and First Solemn Holy Communion on March 16.

Contact: Andrea Haston at st.sophiafirstcommunion@gmail.com or 780-239-2121

Registration deadline: December 21, 2024

Exciting New Full-Day Programs for 4- and 5-Year-Olds Starting in 2025!

St. Nicholas Catholic School is thrilled to offer two new full-day programs to enhance Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten learning:

1. Pre-Kindergarten Full-Day Program

• A full curriculum designed specifically for 4-year-old learners.
• Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, full days from 8:35 AM to 3:10 PM.
• Fee: $150 per month.

2. Enrichment Program (4- and 5-Year-Olds)

• Extends learning with a nature-based curriculum and second language opportunities.
• Eligibility: Open to PreK and Kindergarten students registered at St. Nicholas School.
• Schedule: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Fridays, full days from 8:35 AM to 3:10 PM.
• Fee: $175 per month.

About the Enrichment Program

This optional program enhances your child’s PreK or Kindergarten experience by extending their learning from part-time to full-time.

Key features:

• Focus on outdoor, nature-based learning to build physical literacy, problem-solving skills, and emotional well-being.
• Includes opportunities for second language learning.
• Promotes independent, confident, and resilient learners while fostering lifelong health and wellness.
• Children spend most of their day exploring and learning outdoors.

How It Works

• Pre-Kindergarten Students: Attend regular PreK classes on Mondays and Wednesdays. On alternate days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Fridays), they participate in the Enrichment Program.
• Kindergarten Students: Attend regular Kindergarten classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and alternate Fridays. On alternate days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Fridays), they join the Enrichment Program.

Important Details

• Eligibility: Your child must be registered at St. Nicholas School to apply.
• Priority: EICS Division students have priority. Out-of-division applicants may be considered if space allows.
• Registration: Families may register for PreK or Regular Kindergarten (ECS) and/or the Enrichment Program. Separate applications are required for each.

Next Steps

1. Review program details on the St. Nicholas School Website.
2. Complete the Enrichment Program Application Form (linked below).
3. Submit your application.

Please Note: Completing the form does not guarantee a spot. Families will be notified if their application is approved.

If you have questions, please contact us at 780-467-3633 or visit our website for more details about the PreK or Enrichment Programs.

We can’t wait to welcome your child to these exciting programs! If you are interested, please link on the following link, as we plan this NEW program:

https://forms.gle/SbVP2GdLjXGTEe8o7

St. Nicholas 50/50

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Fall 50/50 Draw! PAC drew the winning ticket on Friday, December 6th for a total of $315! The winner has been notified via email!

Licence #705672

Licence #718759

Thank you to everyone that donated to our Christmas Basket Raffle! With your generous donations, PAC was able to put together amazing baskets!

This year we are excited to announce that the Christmas baskets will be on display in the school library, and on the St. Nicholas social media accounts starting Friday, December 6th to Tuesday, December 17th.

There will be 2 ways to purchase tickets this year:

1. Ticket sales will go live on our hot lunch website, https://stnicholas.hotlunches.net. Tickets are $2 each and each ticket will be worth one entry into the basket of your choice. Multiple entries can be purchased per basket. Your total entries and purchase amount will be tabulated directly on the site and you will then send an E-transfer to st.nicholaspac@gmail.com. Online ticket sales will be available for purchase from Monday, December 9th to Tuesday, December 17th. Physical tickets will be sent home with your student on Wednesday, December 18th to take to the concert with you. Tickets can only be sold within Alberta.

1. Tickets will be available for sale at the church prior to the start of the Advent Concert on Wednesday, December 18th! This will be your last opportunity to purchase tickets. Again, each ticket is $2.00 and ONLY cash will be accepted.

Basket winners will be drawn at the church immediately following the Advent Concert on Wednesday, December 18th!

Merry Christmas,

St. Nicholas Parent Advisory Council

Baskets this year include!!

Assorted Gift Card Basket - worth $500+

Kids Stationery Basket

Craft/Coloring Basket

Games and Movie Night Basket

Moms Basket

Girls Basket

Dads Basket

Boys Basket

Chocolate Lovers Basket

Sherwood Park Mall Gift Card - $100 - Donation from the Sherwood Park Mall

2 Tickets to Oilers Game - Donation from the Leonard Family

Mr. Kucy's Chair for a Day!!!

Code Ninja's Winter Camp special! Use code STNICHOLAS to receive $5 off!!

"Our Catholic School Family, embracing both English and Ukrainian Bilingual programs is dedicated to providing the best opportunities for learning while nurturing in our students' continuous personal growth.” Office #780-467-3633