Today we remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives fighting for the freedom of others. We pause and take a moment of silence to remember the fallen who chose to protect, knowing it may cost their lives. Many soldiers in war were young men, many of the nurses were young women, and they left everything familiar and comfortable to fight for freedom for others.

Their sacrifice reflects the deep love that Jesus speaks of in John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

As you remember the fallen today, I invite you to also reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for you. Jesus loves you so much He gave up His life for you that you might live a full, abundant one (John 10:10), free from the consequences of sin and death. He came that we may experience peace - not simply peace that comes from the absence of conflict, but a deep assurance of His presence which transcends your circumstances. A peace that guards your hearts and minds and comes from the assurance of His deep love.

In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

As followers of Jesus we are called to be peacemakers - loving as Jesus did and ushering in peace through movements of forgiveness and reconciliation. The conflict in the world, our relationships, and our hearts doesn’t escape us… what are you doing to bring peace into those spaces? What’re you sacrificing, who’re you forgiving, and who might you serve that you may live at peace with others and with God?

This Remembrance Day, as we remember those who sacrificed their lives, may we also commit to being instruments of God’s peace, refelcting the sacrifical love of Jesus to the world around us.

This week is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week and our desire is that every student, but particularly those being bullied, would hear this message loud and clear: YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

We hope that this message comes through loud and clear in our devotional videos that teachers will play for classes each day this week, as well as information sessions provided by the Saffron Centre throughout the week. We also want to draw your attention to the posters all over the school with a QR code inviting you to book a time with someone in the Students Services office to talk. Mrs. Matheson, and Pastors Jamie, Kiara, and Luke would love to talk with you about whatever it is you’re going through - but this week we want to emphasize that includes conversations around matters of bullying.

We know that one week of information and support won’t bring bullying to a halt in our school, but we believe that education and encouragement to intervene and care for those being bullied has the power to shape and redeem at least one person's experience.

If we are being honest, whether we’ve been bullied, have bullied, or are bystanders, the realities of bullying don’t escape us. We see it unfolding in the halls, on the screens of our phones, and even within our own friend groups at times. People are repeatedly unkind - whether to you, or those around you. And the enemy, who comes to lie, steal and destory (John 10:10) wants you, the victim, the bullied, to believe that you are all alone. He leads you to believe that no one will ever understand what it is you’re going through so you have to go through it all alone. We want you to know that YOU are not alone. We, your campus pastor team, but also caring classmates, teachers, administration, parents and beyond are here for you. We see in Scripture that Jesus has come that we may have fullness of life (John 10:10) - a full life is an abundant life, one overflowing with love. Our prayer for you is that regardless of your experience with bullying, you’d not just know about, but KNOW through lived experience the deep love that God has for you. We want to invite you, students who feel alone in the midst of bullying, to join us (your campus pastor team) for lunch Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week. We will meet outside the school office and head to a space we will meet together and provide space for you to eat in community, share your story with safe people, and receive the care and support you need.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. - John 10:10

For parents or non students reading this devotional, our invitation to you is to pray. Pray that students in need of care would receive said care this week. Pray that the Holy Spirit would speak and guide our student body to love one another in kindness. Pray that God would redeem students' experiences that have been marked with bullying, to now be positive experiences of community because of the care and intervention of others. Would the hope of Jesus, even in the

Thank you for your patience surrounding this year's school photos. Your child will be receiving a take home proof sheet in the next few days that will have ordering instructions included!

A reminder that retake day will take place on November 19th during the school day.

Please see a Sample of the order form your child will bring home.

For any questions regarding photos, please contact Edge Imaging Directly at

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!

We are working hard to support our students in being on time for class. When students are late it can affect their learning, as well as the learning for other students. When students have 2 or more lates in a week, they are required to attend Study Hall during the lunch break. With the implementation of this procedure, we have already seen improvement in the number or student lates. This change has a positive impact on student learning. Thank you for your support in encouraging your child to be on time!

Please view and understand the contents contained in this link regarding emergency preparedness and procedures at EIPS schools:

https://www.eips.ca/parents/emergency-preparedness

Thank you.

For the 2024-25 year, the deadline for receiving fee waiver applications is Dec. 16, 2024. Contact families and independent students who may need the help and remind them to apply for a waiver of fees. Information for staff about fee waivers is available on the EIPS Intranet. The application form can be found on the public EIPS website. The only applications that will be accepted after the deadline will be from families new to EIPS.

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 almost 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

We are super excited to launch our partnership with the new Community Kitchen high school course! Over the next year we are looking to support two ministries (to begin with), We Care and Youth Unlimited drop-in centers. Our goal is to provide meals and snacks for over 200 youth/adults each week in the hopes that by meeting the physical need for food, each individual will experience the love of Jesus. Our students will have an opportunity to serve selflessly and express compassion in a tangible way.

The proceeds from the Eagle's nest will go directly to this ministry and every meal you purchase will actually feed double-fold! Thank you in advance for all your support and please continue to pray that God will open even more doors of opportunity for us to serve!

• 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 18 (Day 1)

  • Taco in a Bag

  Tuesday, November 19 (Day 2)

  • French Toast Feast

  Wednesday, November 20 (Day 1)

  • Grilled Cheese or Philly cheesesteak with soup

  Thursday, November 21 (Day 2)

  • Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl or Butter Chicken w Naan Bread

  Friday, November 22 (Day 1)

  • Pasta Plate, Ceasar Salad and Garlic Bread

• November 11-15 - Fall Break No School
• November 10-16: Metis Week
• November 13: World Kindness Day
• November 18-22 Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
• November 19 - Picture retake Day
• 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

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.

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.