Eagle's Eye

Pastor Kiara here with a word for us all post Easter:

In high school I remember having the worst day. I rushed to my car at lunch to just have a good cry alone when my sadness was disrupted by a tap on my window. My best friend stood there kindly demanding I open the passenger door so we could go get lunch. She interrupted my pity party and immediately brought joy just with her presence. Have you ever had one of those moments? Where you’ve had a no good terrible awful day - one filled with anxiety, fear or maybe tears - and a friend has shown up and disrupted your sadness?

After Jesus died most of His followers went quiet because their hope, their teacher, their friend, the one they thought was going to change everything - was gone. They weren’t out teaching, preaching, healing - they were hiding in a locked room - terrified. And who shows up, but rescurrected Jesus.

John 20:19-20, “19 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. 20 As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! 21 “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

I dont really enjoy movies or television shows that portray death - walking dead, stranger things, anything spooky - not for me. I’d rather watch living people than sit on edge watching the portrayal of the dead. So when I imagine how I’d feel if my once dead friend appeared in a room with me and said “look at the wounds in my hands and side” - I’d likely pass out. Scream in fear. Or maybe even vomit (just being real with you). But the disciples are filled with joy. JOY because their friend who was dead, has kept his promise to return (read John 16:20-22 later if you want).

The resurrection, Jesus rising from the dead, is the proof that Jesus has power over sin and death, and that His love really can reach into the darkest places and bring life. That’s what the disciples were feeling—it wasn’t just joy in seeing Jesus again, it was joy in realizing, “He really is who He said He is. He really did what He said He’d do.”

Jesus didn’t rise from the dead just to go back to heaven and leave us hanging. He’s present with us right now—ready to meet us, speak peace over us, and fill us with the same unshakeable joy. Joy, that we are meant to share. Just as the Father sent the son, the sent has sent us, filled with the Holy Spirit to share His message of hope and joy! You can’t tell me there isn’t someone in your life who could use the hope and joy of resurrected Jesus!

Jesus said, “As the Father sent me, I am sending you.” What or who do you think He might be sending you to right now? Who is someone in your life that could use some joy?

Lord Jesus, thank you for the resurrection. Thank you that you conquered sin and death, not just for me, and for us here in this school, but for the world. Thank you for the truth of John 3:16 that you loved the whole world so much you came to die that we may have eternal life, and the truth of John 10:10 that you came to give us fullness of life. Would we have the courage to share the joy, hope, and love of our resurrected King this week. Open our eyes to those who need you right in front of us. Amen.

Although many staff are present, there is no formal supervision for students after 3:45 p.m. and it is expected that students vacate the building by this time. Lingering/loitering in an unsupervised environment presents safety concerns for students, teachers, and custodial staff. Students who are waiting for a school-sanctioned event -- i.e., a sports practice, math help, etc -- can remain at the school at their parents' discretion and should leave the premises when these events are done. Students who are attending an evening event at the church or the school must leave the building as well and return to the appropriate place for the event when it begins. For any questions or concerns with this policy, please contact school administration.

Teachers schedule assessments very intentionally and students are expected to write exams in the designated exam-writing space/time. However, students are sometimes absent on exam-writing days, and there can be many reasons for this. Fortunately, SCS is rolling out a new opportunity for catching up on missed assessments without the risk of missing class time. So, in an effort to maximize instructional time, students who miss in-class assessments will be expected to write those assessments after school as soon as possible, typically the day after the absence (or, the day of, if possible). This will not impact students who utilize accommodations for exam-writing.

In short, an exam writing space is now available after school, every day of the week! This will occur each school day in Room 212 from 3:40 – 5:10. Late/missed exams will not be written during class time, unless arranged with administration. At a teacher's discretion, smaller assessments/quizzes may be written at lunch in the office or at another time deemed appropriate.

The goal of this shift is to increase student learning and achievement. The research is very clear: when a student misses class time, their achievement suffers. This can also have an impact on the learning environment at large – teachers may want to go over or reference past exams in their lessons and cannot do this when students haven’t written them. Providing after-school assessment-writing prevents students from missing valuable class time to catch up on missed tests and quizzes.

These changes will take effect on Monday, March 10, 2025.

SCA Performing Arts is proud to present Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! It is a new musical that has never been performed in our community before! A fresh version of Willy Wonka filled with classic songs from the original, PLUS fresh songs with modern references, exciting dances, vibrant sets, props and costumes! Our 57 grade 8-12 students are thrilled to present you with a world of pure imagination!

Tickets and Information Here: https://www.scasecondary.ca/sca-performing-arts/current-season

You've all (SCS and SCE students) won a golden ticket and SCA gets to go to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for free!!

On Friday, May 9th we will gather with SCE in the auditorium to watch the musical theatre group perform their 2025 musical. Please be respectful and enjoy this weird and wonderful show!

Our school resource officer Constable Ceri-Lee Smith has provided this helpful document on bike theft prevention! A great thing to refresh on with the spring weather upon us.

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

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.

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!

Every year, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) publishes an Annual Education Results Report, which outlines the Division’s Four-Year Education Plan, growth opportunities and how it supports students in achieving the best possible outcomes. Read through this year’s EIPS Annual Education Results Report 2023-24 and discover how EIPS fosters learning environments for all students to learn, grow and thrive—and why it matters.

April Spotlight: cultivating high-quality learning environments and experiences

· Raising the Bar: Evidence-based practices that are enhancing teaching and learning in EIPS

· Power of Kindness: Creating welcoming, inclusive, respectful and safe learning environments in schools

· Building Blocks: How effective planning, management and infrastructure are supporting learning

RELATED INFORMATION
EIPS Four-Year Education Plan: 2022-26
EIPS Three-Year Capital Plan: 2025-28

In 2025-26, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) will be expanding its Collegiate Pathways programming to provide more opportunities for more students across the Division. Opportunities are available for students entering or returning to Grade 12 in the fall. For students entering grades 10 or 11 next year, the available information will help with course planning throughout senior high.

Learn more about Collegiate Pathways

Planning for Grade 12

Course planning for grades 10 and 11

Mark your calendars! Registration for EIPS Summer School opens March 17. For more information, see the Summer School page on Next Step’s website

National Volunteer Week takes place April 27 to May 4. On behalf of the Board of Trustees at Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS), I want to say a giant thank you to all EIPS volunteers. This year’s theme is Volunteers Make Waves, and that’s certainly true in our Division. No matter whether you’ve chaperoned a field trip, helped out at a hot lunch day or provided support in a classroom—every time you’ve stepped in a school—you’ve made a ripple effect that washes over your community. These waves of positivity, hard work and dedication build up and make a momentous impact on a student’s experience at school.

So, thank you again for being a part of our ocean at EIPS. The waves you’ve made—and will continue to create—all contribute to our collective goals of ensuring learning and working environments sustain student learning and amplifying the importance of public education in our province. This National Volunteer Week, I encourage everyone to celebrate the hundreds of volunteers and thousands of hours put into supporting student growth and achievement at schools across the Division.

Cathy Allen
Chair, EIPS Board of Trustees

EIPS prepares a budget in the spring based on projected enrolment, funding, estimated costs and Board of Trustees budget priorities. Before the Division can finalize its budget for the next school year, we need to wait for the provincial government to provide the funding manual for school authorities and EIPS’ funding profile. This year’s funding manual is expected to be released in early April and the funding profile should be available mid-March. EIPS plans to publish its spring budget in May. Learn more

Registration for EIPS Summer School is now open. The program, organized through Next Step, offers more than 40 senior high courses. Students can earn credits, upgrade marks, lighten workloads or finish pre-requisite courses.

Courses include:
Open to EIPS students entering grades 10-12 next fall, and students in their Grade 12 year.

· Core senior high courses

· Career and Life Management (CALM)

· Physical Education

· Land-Based Learning

· Work Experience and the Registered Apprenticeship Program

· Workplace Safety

Plus, choose from a variety of complementary courses—offered online.

Learn more about EIPS Summer School 2025—including 2025 course offerings, registration, important dates and more.

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!

Help us make 500 loaves of banana bread for our sponsored non-profit organizations.🥰

We care- Now has approximately 140 clients needing care and support. Loaves would be sent downtown every Sunday.

Youth Unlimited drop-in centers- Minister to approximately 200 marginalized students every week Monday-Friday.

Strathcona Food Bank- Our goal is to bless this amazing organization with 25 loaves each week for 2 months.

You can drop off donations at the kitchen ort bring them to your home room.

The grade that brings in the most ingredients will win a free meal coupon to the Eagles Nest for each individual!!

Beginning on February 4th a Girls Bible study will be held on Tuesdays at lunch in legato. All are welcome to join! Meet in front of the school office at the beginning of lunch.

NEW BEGINNING SEMESTER 2: All guys grade 7-12 are invited to join this weekly Bible Study!

Join us every Wednesday from 11:45-12:25 in the SPAC Legato (coffee shop) for a men’s Bible study led by grade 12 students and supported by our campus pastor team. This group is open to all guys, grades 7-12. Our hope and prayer with this group is that everyone, no matter where they are at on their faith journey, knows that they belong here, as we challenge, encourage, and pray with one another.

If you have any questions or want more information, reach out to Pastor Luke.

We are now collecting form submissions for yearbook write ups that will be displayed next to your photo. Submission deadline is April 30th! Please let Mr. Johnson or Mrs. A know if you have any questions!

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, April 21

  • No School

  Tuesday, April 22 (Day 1)

  • Chicken Alfredo Lasagna with Salad

  Wednesday, April 23 (Day 2)

  • Grilled Cheese or BLT Sandwich with Soup

  Thursday, April 24 (Day 1)

  • Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl or Butter Chicken with Naan

  Friday, April 25 (Day 2)

  • Lead 9 Pizza Fundraiser- 2 slices and pop $5 CASH ONLY

• April 21: Easter Monday No School
• April 22: EIAA Badminton Sr High
• April 23: EIAA Badminton Jr High
• April 26: Eagles Badminton Tournament
• April 28-May 2: Musical Theater Tech Week
• May 2: No School
• May 5: Jr High Track Meet
• May 7: Early Dismissal
• May 6-9: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Production
• May 9: SCS and SCE Students attend show

The JFR program is an incredible summer employment opportunity for high school students in Alberta, as well as post-secondary students or graduates from across the country (and beyond). JFR is a provincially run program under the Ministry of Forestry and Parks. We have up to 9 crews stationed in the 10 different forest areas across the province. Each crew consists of a Crew Leader, Sub Leader, and 6 Crew Members. Our crews live on an Alberta Wildfire base, and every day they take part in a wide variety of hands-on work projects and educational opportunities. For a general overview of the JFR Program, check out the 6 W's of JFR

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.