The Good News February 23, 2025

This week’s Gospel, Luke 6:27-38, calls us to “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Jesus teaches us to love not just our friends, but even those who challenge us. He reminds us that kindness, forgiveness, and generosity are how we reflect God’s love in the world.

This message ties beautifully into Pink Shirt Day, coming up soon! Pink Shirt Day is all about standing up against bullying and choosing kindness in our words and actions. Just as Jesus calls us to love and forgive, this day is a reminder that we can create a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and included. Whether it’s inviting someone to play, speaking up when we see unkindness, or simply offering a smile, small acts of love make a big difference!

Let’s make this a week filled with mercy and kindness—both in our hearts and in our actions. Thank you for being part of a school community that lifts each other up!

Monday, Feb. 24

• PD day (No school for students)

• NK farm and seed presentation

• Pink Shirt Day
• Hot Lunch

• Library Day Gr 1-4
• Cultural Presentation with the Multicultural Society

Friday, Feb. 28

• Gr 3 TPet
• Gr 2 TPet

Looking Ahead...

March 4 - Shrove Tuesday

March 5 - Ash Wednesday Mass 10am

March 6 - NK SWC

March 7 - PD day, no school for students

March 10 - N1 SWC, School Council Meeting 6:30

March 11 - Hot Lunch, Gr3 TPet

March 12 - Gr4 Hockey Hookey, N2 SWC, Open House 6:30

March 14 - Gr1 Fitset Ninja

March 18 & 19 - Parent Teacher Conferences

March 19 - Hot Lunch

At St. John XXIII, we are committed to creating a Christ-centered, distraction-free learning environment that nurtures the well-being of all students. To support this, personal digital devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, and gaming devices) should remain at home or stored in backpacks and powered off during school hours (8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.) unless used for teacher-led instruction. All parent communication during the day should go through the school office to minimize classroom disruptions. Thank you for helping us foster a focused and faith-filled learning space!

Staff and students are encouraged to wear pink on Pink Shirt Day as a symbol of love and a commitment to be kind to each other and ourselves. It is our belief that we are all beautifully and wonderfully made, created in the image of God and loved unconditionally.

Let all you do be done in love. - 1 Corinthians 16:14

Did you know that you can support EICS by directing your property taxes to Catholic education? Please read this letter from EICS Board of Trustees Chair Le-Ann Ewaskiw to learn about this meaningful opportunity to strengthen Catholic education for our students.

The EICS Board of Trustees has officially approved the 2025-2026 school year calendar. A big thank you to the parents who joined our school council meetings to share feedback—your input is always valued and appreciated!

Each year, the goal is to create a calendar that balances required instructional hours with quality learning time for students while also ensuring meaningful professional development for staff. EICS also considers local school division calendars to align where possible, especially for transportation purposes.

One key update for next year: schools in Fort Saskatchewan, Sherwood Park, Strathcona County, and Vegreville will have early dismissal every Wednesday.

Nominations are now open for the upcoming Municipal and School Board Election, October 20, 2025.

Information and nomination forms are available on our division website:

• EICS Catholic School Trustee Election Information

• Division Blog Post - Nominations are Open for the 2025 Election

Thinking of Trusteeship? This handbook provides essential information about the role of Catholic school board trustees, and the unique mission of publicly funded Catholic education. Please click here:

• 2025 Municipal Election - Handbook for Prospective Candidates

Our School Council values your input and encourages you to share your suggestions on how funds from our school fundraisers should be allocated. We are dedicated to ensuring these funds benefit all students inclusively. Your feedback is vital to us and will be discussed at our monthly School Council meetings. Please click the link to share your ideas with us. https://forms.gle/qqDazTubZ65GUKv89

We're excited to offer our remaining Big Box of Cards sets! Each box contains 35 handcrafted cards for just $36.32. Choose between the All Occasion box or the Birthday box set—perfect for any celebration!

Hurry, as these sets are available on a first come, first serve basis and quantities are limited. You can order as many boxes as you'd like from our available stock, so be sure to stock up for all your upcoming events! Payment is quick and easy through MunchaLunch, and must be made at the time of order. Don’t miss out on this fantastic deal!

All current St. John XXIII students are required to fill out the Next Year Intentions form (and not a new registration form) in PowerSchool so that we can plan accordingly for next year. Please log into your PowerSchool account and fill out the Next Year Intentions form. This form is located on the left hand side, above the Grades and Attendance dropdown. Please refer to the PowerSchool page on our website for more information.

Nature Kindergarten

Looking for a full-time kindergarten option that nurtures curiosity, independence, and a love for the outdoors? Our Nature Kindergarten program offers an enriching extension to regular kindergarten, operating on Mondays, Thursdays, and some Wednesdays, allowing children to attend five days a week.

This curriculum-aligned, play-based program immerses students in nature, fostering learning through hands-on exploration that engages the body, mind, and spirit. Children spend a large part of their day outside, developing confidence, resilience, and a deep connection to the world around them.

The cost for this full-time kindergarten experience is $350 per month

Nature Program – Grades 1 to 4

Imagine your child exploring forests, discovering wildlife, and learning through hands-on experiences—all while covering the grade-level curriculum in a dynamic outdoor setting! Our Nature Program provides students with two half-days of outdoor learning each week, where they develop physical literacy, independence, and a deep connection to the natural world. This unique, curriculum-aligned program turns science, math, social studies, and literacy into real-world adventures, making learning more engaging and meaningful.

The cost for this enriching experience is $60 per month—an investment in curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

If your child is currently attending St. John XXIII, and you would like to register in one of our Nature Programs (K,1, 2, 3, 4) please submit a B.3) Supplemental Program Registration form

Please visit our website to access the Nature Programs Parent Handbook, found in the Quick Links

Email: stj@eics.ab.ca
Website: https://stj.eics.ab.ca/
Location: 9526 89 Street, Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-998-7777
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/St.JohnXXIII
Twitter: @St_JohnXXIII