NOTRE DAME COLLEGIATE NEWS

During this time of year, let us lift our hearts in gratitude to God for His abundant blessings. In the spirit of faith, we give thanks for the gift of life, family, and friends. As we gather around the table, let us remember those in need and offer prayers for peace, unity, and love. May this inspire us to live with grateful hearts, trusting in God's goodness and sharing His love with everyone we meet. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Catholic Social Teaching of the common good means creating a society where everyone can live well and have what they need to grow and succeed. It’s about making sure that all people are treated fairly, have access to things like education and healthcare, and can live with dignity. We work together and help each other so that everyone, not just a few, can have a good life.

In reflecting on Catholic Social Teaching, we are reminded of the call to work for the common good. This principle is not only about shared well-being but also about recognizing the inherent dignity of every person. As Pope Francis teaches, "We achieve fulfillment when we work for the good of all, not just our own interests." Through this lens, we are called to greatness, not in worldly success, but in service to others. You were made for greatness—by lifting others, we rise together.

Action: Community Service Hours: We are called to love and serve

Each NDC student needs to complete 10 hours for each year they attend NDC. By participating in volunteering in our community we reflect our Catholic Social Teaching and we help to make our High River community a better place to be each and every day. Anytime we help others, expecting nothing in return, we are full filling our mission of being 'called to love and serve'. Some examples of community service hours are: shoveling the snow for others, helping our neighbor in anyway, mowing lawns, volunteering at community events, helping at school with sports (scorekeeping etc)/fine arts (band/drama etc)/helping a teacher, tutoring...the list is endless. Students will be shown this month in their class how to record their community service hours on google.

On October 4, we are blessed to welcome Access 52 and Michael Chiasson to NDC!

Who is Michael Chiasson and Access 52? Their website contains so much information https://access52.com

"We exist to help students see the significance of who they are!

Access52 is a Canadian charity working to bridge the gap between students, their parents, and teachers. We believe that if we could motivate, challenge, and inspire people and help them see the significance of who they are, we would see a positive change in our communities."

Senior High: 9:00am

Junior High: 10:00am

On October 3, there is a parent presentation as well at Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks. Please see the poster for how to register (Free Event).

October 3 - Grade 7s at Mass

October 3 - Parent Presentation at Holy Trinity Okotoks - Access 52 and Michael Chiasson

October 4 - Faith Presentation: Access 52 and Michael Chiasson

October 7 - Liturgy: Thanksgiving and the Catholic Social Teaching of the Common Good

October 9 - Parent Council Meeting at 6:45pm

October 14 - No School Thanksgiving

October 15 - No School - Professional Development Day for staff

October 19/20 - Catholic Education Sunday (celebrated at both Saturday and Sunday masses)

Week of October 21 - Adoration

October 23 - School Photo Retakes

October 23 - Grad Parent Information Night at 6:30-7:30pm (more details will be emailed to the grad families)

October 31 - Halloween - please be sure costumes are school appropriate

*All sports tryouts, practices etc. can be found on our Daily announcements and/or social media throughout the year.

*Please see the weekly events updates on our Social Media for more activities throughout the month

For the 2024 – 2025 school year, CTR Catholic is reemphasizing the significance of daily attendance, which is crucial for student success. Homework, Google Classroom, and making up for missed class time do not replace the interactive and engaging teaching and learning experiences that take place during class. Students must be in class daily. Please see a LETTER from CTR Catholic’s Attendance Officer.

If your child is unable to attend school, please be sure to report their absence using one of the following:

- use our website under quicklinks "attendance"

- Call the school at 403 652-2231

- email: NDC-Attendance@redeemer.ab.ca

Canadian Dental Care Plan – applications now open for children under 18: Did you know poor oral health leads to over two million missed school days annually in Canada? The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers essential services like exams, cleanings, and fillings. Applications for the CDCP are now open for children under 18, apply today at Canada.ca/dental.

The Rosary is a prayer deeply rooted in the Catholic Christian tradition, offering a simple yet profound way to strengthen spiritual life for people of all ages. Praying the Rosary together teaches not only how to pray but also the importance of turning to God in all aspects of life. This powerful prayer can be a source of strength, guidance, and peace for everyone in the family.

Learn how to say the rosary here

Did You Know?

For those facing stressful times, the Rosary can serve as a source of comfort. Carrying a small, single-decade Rosary in a pocket, or wearing a Rosary ring, can be a reminder that prayer is always available, anytime, anywhere.

There are a few different places to find information/forms etc.

1. Powerschool Parent portal:

- Student schedules, achievement/grades, report cards, view attendance etc.

2. School Cash Online

- permission forms and fee payments for fieldtrips, extracurricular sports/clubs, band etc.

-*please note that ALL permission forms must be completed on School Cash online before your child can participate. We cannot take verbal or written permission.

3. School Engage

- signing of ISPs

-Student update forms, bus changes, bus requests etc

Need help with these? Please contact Deanna Hartung at dhartung@redeemer.ab.ca or call the school to speak to her at 403 652-2231. She is our expert with these programs.

Please help support the Class of 2025. When you drop off your bottles at the Bottle Depot, please ask to put the proceeds into the NDC Grads of 2025.

Wanting to learning more about how High School works?

We have created a Senior High Course Selection Guide to help you! This includes information related to graduation requirements, off campus programming, course streams, and so much more. You can find this on our Website under Student Futures

Looking for information on options that may be available at NDC?

You can find this on our Website under Learning.

Programs such as work experience, RAP (Registered Apprenticeship Program), Green Program etc. provide work related skills to students. They also provide an opportunity for students to receive credits in High School doing outside of the school programming.

You can contact our school Off Campus Coordinator Mrs. Pittman at jpittman@redeemer.ab.ca

alis.alberta.ca profiles over 500 occupations including responsibilities, average wage, and education required. Students can type in a search term and see related occupations.

tradesecrets.alberta.ca provides profiles of the skilled trades, videos, apprenticeship and certification pathways.

We have several programs at NDC to support student wellness.

FSLW/Connections Program: These programs help to support student mental wellness.

Please contact the front office for referral. Mrs. Rivera at rrivera@redeemer.ab.ca

Learning Support/Strategies: Ms. Shewchuk has different programs to help provide academic and movement supports for students. jshewchuk@redeemer.ab.ca

Post Secondary and career support: Jason Sekura jsekura@redeemer.ab.ca

Work experience/RAP/Green Certificate: Jenelle Pittman jpittman@redeemer.ab.ca

English as an additional Language: if you have questions related to English as an additional Language, please contact Mrs. McCallum. smccallum@redeemer.ab.ca

Athletics: if you have questions or would like to volunteer to help, please contact Mr. Reid at jreid@redeemer.ab.ca

Administration: If you have any questions or don't know who to contact, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Jodi deKlerk jdeklerk@redeemer.ab.ca, Rebecca Enright renright@redeemer.ab.ca

NDC offers several opportunities for students to get involved in school clubs. These clubs offer students something to do at lunch, find a passion or just enjoy the day. If any students are interested in starting a club, please see administration for how to start a club/lunch activity at NDC. Please check the Daily Announcements on our website for any clubs that are currently started. Some of the clubs we have at NDC are: Movie group, Culture Club, Leadership club, Yearbook club, chess club, Knitting/Crochet club, Math club, Games club, music ministry, GSA, E-games club. Board games

You can find daily information on our announcements slide show located on our website. This may include:

- post secondary/scholarship information

- school events

- sports: tryouts etc.

- clubs

- and so much more.

Their mission: "Celebrating Catholic Education, GrACE’s mission is to inspire, invigorate, and embolden the spirit of Catholic Education in Alberta. By uniting, engaging, educating, and communicating with one voice, GrACE creates a cohesive and impactful advocacy effort for Catholic education." You can find more information on this organization here.

Lunch - We have an open campus policy. Students can stay on site or leave the school to have their lunch. If leaving, please arrive back on time for your afternoon classes. As well, please be respectful of our community. It is important that we are picking up our garbage, walking on pubic sidewalks etc. Please note that Prairie Sound development is a private community.

The new Every Kid Can Play program is designed to enable children to access sports, physical activity and recreation. The program will provide up to $350 for program registration costs to Alberta families that struggle financially. Parents can apply for funding in June through the Alberta chapter of KidSport, linked above.

1. Daily announcements can be found on our website - contain happenings around the school, clubs, sports etc.

2. Student Absences: if your child is absent, please remember to contact our front office. This information can be found here 403 652-2231 or sditzler@redeemer.ab.ca

3. Post Secondary updates including links to post secondary institutions, scholarships and more can be found here. You can also contact Jason Sekura if you have any questions at jsekura@redeemer.ab.ca

4. Allergy Alert: Nuts, Peanuts, Fish - please do not bring these to school.

5. Pick up/Drop off - please be sure to sign students in/out

6. You can find the Provincial GrACE Newsletter on CTR’s website using this link: LINK

7. Our school website contains a lot of information for both students and families.

8. Bell Schedule can be found on our website

9. Board highlights

Please find more information about our local parish on their website.

Weekend Mass times:

Saturday: 5pm

Sunday: 11am

Weekday Mass times:

Monday 9am

Tuesday 7pm

Wednesday 6pm

Thursday 9:15am

Friday 9:15am

Saturday 9am

Email: jdeklerk@redeemer.ab.ca
Website: http://www.notredamecollegiate.ca/
Location: 1500 High Country Drive Northwest, High River, AB, Canada
Phone: 403 652-2231
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notredame.ctr