SILC NEWS
February 18 2024
Gospel Reflection March 3rd
In the Catholic school context:
This is a time of purification and prayer, of self-reflection and sacrifice, all leading up to Easter – our most significant celebration.
As we journey through this week, we are reminded of God's commandments, challenging us to consider if we've allowed other priorities to overshadow our devotion.
Perhaps these distractions aren't obvious idols but rather subtle influences in our daily lives – our careers, social status, or even our own desires.
Lent urges us to reassess, to turn away from these distractions, and recommit ourselves to God's love and guidance.
Just as Jesus cleansed the temple, we're called to cleanse our hearts, overturning the distractions that hinder our relationship with God.
As we approach the midpoint of Lent, let's pause to reflect on our journey thus far. Are we truly embracing this season of renewal?
Let's heed the call to repentance, driving out whatever separates us from God's presence.
In essence, Lent invites us to overturn the tables in our lives, prioritizing what truly matters – our relationship with God and our journey towards holiness.
This Month's Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education Newsletter
Dear GrACE Apostles,
Whether we are Trustees; Educators; Parents; Students; members of the Clergy or Parishioners, we are all called, as Catholics, to come together in a spirit of unity and shared purpose, acknowledging the importance of Catholic education and the impact of Catholic Schools in the lives of Students and wider society.
We all have a role to play and a contribution to make rooted in our Catholic beliefs and safe and secure in God’s love and the Catholic Faith.
Every effort counts in supporting and promoting our Catholic education system and Schools, not just as places of learning, but also places where our young people can grow in their faith and understanding of Catholic values.
As Catholics, we are invited to ensure that our faith-based education aligns with the values of the Catholic Church even in face of society’s challenges and changes.
We are not alone in our journey to press forward in our Catholic values and beliefs since we have our Catholic faith; confidence and the backing of God Himself.
Our hope and reassurance comes from the enduring strength that our faith provides in the face of life's challenges and from God Himself who provides us all with inner strength to persevere in His love.
As Catholics, we summon our courage, as a community of faithful, assured that God is with us wherever we go.
Registrations are now OPEN for 2024-2025 School Year
St. Isidore Learning Centre (SILC) is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Register early - as we are a "School of Choice" space fills up fast! When you head to our website to "Register", https://silc.eics.ab.ca/register-now you will see a few options. Please choose the correct program:
- Online Education - Primarily learning online from home using our Canvas Online LMS - Teacher Directed. Grades Kindergarten-Grade 9 have Teacher directed Google Meets. Teachers are available for one-on-one support. Grade 10-12 classes are asynchronous with Teacher support.
- Outreach Education - Students who require an "in person" connection with teachers and are required to have weekly check-ins in the SILC Centre (Grades 9-12)
- Classical Education (Grades 7-8) - Classical education for grades 7 and 8 online focuses on a comprehensive approach emphasizing critical thinking, classical languages, literature, history, mathematics, and science while aligning with the Alberta Program of Studies. The curriculum aims to cultivate analytical skills, effective communication, and a love for learning through an online platform guided by certificated teachers
- Chesterton Academy - Fully Synchronous "Joyfully Catholic Classical High School Cohort" Grade 9-12 ONLY. For more Contact Mr. Starko. Check out the website: https://chesterton.eics.ab.ca/
- Instruction is provided through a variety of methods, including:
online instruction
in-person sessions (optional)
All students, even those already attending, must fill out a new registration form.
News and Links for Kindergarten to Grade 6 Students
😁Hello from Mrs. Oikonen!
Hello from Mrs. Oikonen!
We had a wonderful presentation on Pink Shirt Day. We listened to 2 stories from Monique Gray Smith. She had a lot of great messages about being kind to ourselves, those around us and to Mother Earth. She left us with one request...have you said your thank- yous?
For the next 2 weeks, we will be having individual meets for the students in grades 1-6. I will be doing a math assessment and listening to your child read, if I haven't already. Please sign up for one of the blocks on one of the four days. I have to have both assessments done by March 21, so please make sure to write down your date and time..
Here is what we will be doing this week.
Digital Wellbeing - For Parents and Caregivers of children ages 9 to 14 years.
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Learn how to help your child with the social and technological pressures they face in the world today. Together we will go through research-based ways we can support children when they are feeling the pressure of their digital lives. Issues addressed include interacting with strangers online, understanding their digital identity, and healthy relationships. The content of this workshop is geared for parents and caregivers with children between 9-14 years of age.
Location: St Luke School 22139 S Cooking Rd, Sherwood Park, AB T8E 1G9
Audience: Adult, Caregivers
Cost: Free, Registration Required.
Click here to register: Digital Wellbeing - For Parents and Caregivers of children ages 9 to 14 years., Monday, March 11, 2024, 6 - 8pm - Family and parenting supports | Strathcona County
For more Information email; FamilyResourceNetwork@strathcona.ca
| 2024 Elk Island Catholic Schools Refugees and Newcomers Lenten Challenge
As was done last year, EICS will have a Lent initiative to raise money for refugees and newcomers through Catholic Social Services. They have created a webpage where your school can create a team and donations can be made directly online.
The SILC Centre Hours
The SILC Classroom (Centre) is open to student drop-in:
Monday- Friday 8:30-3:30 pm
Acting Principal: Melissa Damur
Assistant Principal/Chesterton Lead Administrator: Chad Starko