Madonna Catholic School News

Dear Madonna Families,

As we wrap up the first week of Advent at Madonna School, there is a notable sense of joy and anticipation in the air. The Advent concert preparations are in full swing, and we are excited to invite you to join us on Thursday, December 13, at 6:15 PM at OLPH Parish. The evening will begin with a shared Mass, followed by our Advent Concert, and we warmly welcome you to continue the fellowship and our Grade 4 Bake Sale afterward in the church basement.

This week has been a beautiful reminder of the season's meaning as our students engaged in various Advent activities. Our students have enjoyed the daily search for our school Shepherd, Willis, whose presence brings scripture and reflection into their day. The singing of Advent songs in music class and the creation of meaningful artwork have enriched the spirit of the season. Each morning, we gather in the gymnasium for a short praise and worship and afterwards a new ornament appears on the Jesse Tree outside the office. Our young students are learning the biblical story behind each ornament. This is a cherished ritual that connects us to the true heart of Advent.

Please check your emails for a link to our Community Engagement Survey that was sent out today. Your feedback and input are very helpful in determining direction for the school. Don't forget to follow us on our Facebook page or on our Website to see all the wonderful events happening in the school.Thank you for your continued support and for being part of this journey with us. We look forward to celebrating together on December 13!

Madonna Catholic School Admin Team

Mrs Cathy Hinger, Principal

Mrs Fiona Wimmer, Assistant Principal

Monday, December 12

• Advent Celebration at 8:50
• Dance Club at Lunch Recess

Tuesday, December 13

• Advent Celebration at 8:50
• Grade 1 Teacher's Pet

Wednesday, December 14

• Advent Celebration at 8:50
• Choir Practice at Lunch Recess

Thursday, December 12

• Concert Rehearsal 10:00am at OLPH

Friday, December 13

• Advent Celebration at 8:50am
• Advent Mass @ 6:15pm and Advent Concert @ OLPH Parish 7:30pm

Monday, December 16

• Advent Celebration at 8:50am
• Dance Club Lunch recess

Tuesday, December 17

• Advent Celebration at 8:50am

Wednesday, December 18

• Advent Celebration at 8:50am
• Choir lunch recess

Thursday, December 19

• Advent Celebration at 8:50am
• Clergy Visit 9:30
• Grade 2 Field Trip Telus World of Science

Friday, December 20

• Advent Celebration at 8:50am
• Pajama Day!

• Last day of classes before Christmas break begins

Christmas Break December 21 - January 5

January 15 - Parent Council Meeting @ 7:00pm

Special congratulations to these students for their hard work in preparing to receive their first blessed communion this past weekend in our OLPH Parish. Congratulations to Zoey, Keylah, Maria, Sadie, Xuan, Heaven, Marianna, Chloe, Shawn, Austyn, Brinley and Jaxon. Their photos are up outside the office and look forward to celebrating with any of our other Madonna students who might receive their sacrament throughout the school year - please share your photos so we can honor your child.

This week we are featuring Mrs. Fawcett, our Monday-Wednesday Cogito ECS teacher. This is her first year at Madonna after having taught at the Canadian International School in Guangzhou, China. Prior to this she was the music and french teacher at St. Martin's in Vegreville.

This year she is excited to see and hear them read and find out about the world independently, get stronger in both body and spirit. When Mrs. Fawcett is not at school she and her husband enjoy reading and taking nature walks with their young son.

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Join us each morning as we celebrate the season of Advent.

Christmas Sweather Day was a hit!

Last week the H&W Produce Store in Sherwood Park made an incredibly generous donation to many families of Elk Island Catholic schools with the gift of 105 hampers filled with fresh food and staple items. These hampers not only provided nourishment but also brought hope and joy to families in need within in our Madonna family and many other schools of the district.

Your generosity exemplifies the true spirit of compassion and community support, and we are so grateful for your partnership in this important initiative. Thank you for being a beacon of care and kindness in Sherwood Park.

December 11th from 6pm - 7:30pm

Join Recovery Alberta and the Juno House as they provide parents with information on the role of technology and today's youth. This presentation will not only explore the impact of technology but also discuss healthy brain development and the necessary parenting/caregiver role in creating healthy, emotional, regulated, and integrated brains. It will address the underpinning of a child’s emotional brain development and how to grow it, as well as how technology can dangerously hijack this. For more information and to register, click here.

OLPH (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish)

Masses at OLPH will be livestreamed. Please join using this link. https://www.facebook.com/olphsherwoodpark/videos/

Visit OLPH Website for more information about the parish and in regards to sacramental preparation.

Visit www.facebook.com/olphsherwoodpark