St. Nicholas News

We would like to welcome you and your children to our St. Nicholas School family for the 2024-2025 school year! Walking through the classrooms and halls of St. Nicholas this week, the dedication and commitment to your children is evident as teachers and staff members have been diligently preparing to welcome your children back to school.

Our EICS division theme this year, Rooted in Christ comes from scripture John 15:5,8 “I am the vine; you are the branches... bear much fruit, and become my disciples.”

On Saturday, September 7th, Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Day is officially celebrated in Alberta. Ukrainians first settled in Alberta in 1891. For over 130 years, Ukrainians have called Alberta home - and have made great contributions to the cultural, political, social and economic life of our province - enriching the mosaic of our society. Alberta has the third largest Ukrainian population in Canada, after Manitoba and Saskatchewan. We are asking our students to wear Ukrainian colors (yellow and blue) to school to celebrate Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Day on Thursday, September 5th.

As we journey together this year, may each of us remember we were fearfully and wonderfully made for a time such as this.

Blessings,

Joe Kucy

Jacqueline Comartin

Introducing the St. Nicholas Team for 2024-2025

Principal: Joe Kucy

Assistant Principal: Jacqueline Comartin

Secretary: Simone Dubuc

Pre-Kindergarten (4 year old) Program - To be Determined Soon

Kindergarten/ Ukrainian ECS -Erin Dziwenko

Gr. 1B - Joclyn Beliveau

Gr. 1H -Tanya Hyshka

Gr. 2B -Lindsay Baugh

Gr. 2S -Ronda Stychyshyn

Gr. 3M -Tara Malko

Gr. 3S -Kalin Spooner

Gr. 4L -Lindsey LeBel

Gr. 4U -Oksana Cokan/Katie Nestorowich

Collaborative Response Coordinator :Katie Nestorowich

Family Wellness Worker:Andrea Calles-Menjivar

Chaplain: Joclyn Beliveau

Library: Aubin Nixon

Custodian: Elmer Guevara, Randy Leones

EA's: Murielle Clarke, Cathy Kennard

• Tuesday, September 3 - Third Day of School - First day for ALL Students
• Wednesday, September 4 - Early Dismissal (out at 2:14 pm)
• Wednesday, September 4 - Drop In and Meet the Staff and see the School - 4- 6 pm
• Thursday, September 5 - Ukrainian - Canadian Heritage Day - wear Blue/Yellow
• Monday, September 16 - First Parent Council Meeting Virtually
• Friday, September 20 - Terry Fox Run - Periods 7 & 8
• Sunday September 22 - First Day of Fall
  
• Mon. & Tues. Sept 23-24 - School Photos
• Friday September 27 - - Orange Shirt Day
• Monday, September 30 - National Day for Truth & Reconciliation - No School
• Wednesday - October 2 - Early Dismissal (out at 2:14 pm)
• Friday, October 4 - PD Day - No School for students

• If there are any families dealing with financial hardships please reach out to me and we can discuss some support. I have attached a fee waiver for families who qualify
• Parents, please complete the consent forms in PowerSchool by Friday, September 6. This is imperative as students will not be able to participate in any field trips until these consent forms are complete. As well, fees have now been posted to PowerSchool.
• In order to limit distractions for our students and provide an optimal learning environment we are kindly asking the following: Parents/visitors are permitted to enter the school provided there is a valid reason (ie. volunteering). Parents/volunteers are asked to sign in at the office when entering the school. Thank you in advance for not gathering outside of classrooms or hallways.
• If you need to pass along a message to your child regarding before/after school instructions we kindly ask that you call the school (780-467-3633) before noon. We understand that emergencies arise, however, we would like to notify our teachers as soon as possible to help them with end of the day routines.
• School Council (PAC) Information The Parent Advisory Council welcomes teachers, students, and parents back for another school year! To keep up to date on PAC's events and fundraisers as well as hot lunch, please continue to visit the hot lunch website, read the school newsletter, and visit St. Nicholas' Facebook and Instagram accounts! Have a question regarding a PAC event or fundraiser? A hot lunch inquiry? Want to volunteer? To help make communication easier please direct all inquiries and payments to stnicholaspac@gmail.com

Preparation classes for your children’s Sacraments will start up in September. Please contact Natalie at the OLPH office to register now or for help with any questions. (780- 467-5470)

Dear Parents/Caregivers:

As you may be aware, Alberta Education has put into place Standards for the Use of Personal Communication Devices (PCD) in Schools.

The information is as follows:

TECHNOLOGY USE

With the evolution of technology, we recognize the importance of integrating technology for educational purposes dedicated to learning and instruction.

Students are expected to follow proper etiquette in using electronic devices. The use of electronic devices that may disrupt the learning environment is prohibited.

Electronic devices are invited into St. Nicholas School provided they are being used for educational purposes. Teachers and school administration support the use of these devices if used appropriately.

Using a cell phone or electronic device in the school hallways/washrooms and texting during instructional class time is strictly prohibited.

All students have access to the school phone, in the office, for emergency circumstances or have permission from their teacher or school administration.

Students will be responsible for adhering to regular rules of respect and courtesy and

rules related to digital citizenship.

Under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, it is against the law to take

pictures, record or video other individuals without their consent. Students who violate

the policy will have their electronic devices confiscated and be subject to the school’s

disciplinary procedures.

All students and parents/guardians are required to sign the EICS technology use

agreement on PowerSchool. This policy is in effect for all technology use within the school. Be RESPONSIBLE or lose your privilege!

In addition, we kindly request that you refrain from contacting your child on their cell phone during instructional hours. These interruptions can disrupt the learning environment and distract not only your child but also their classmates.

If you need to reach your child urgently, please contact the school office, and we will ensure that the message is delivered promptly.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment.

Take Care

Joe Kucy

Principal

St. Nicholas Catholic School