St. Martin's Catholic School

December 15, 2024

✍🏻 Office Information

Brief Message From the Office Staff

Happy 3rd Sunday of Advent! What a joyful week it has been at St. Martin’s Catholic School! Our Christmas Spirit Days were filled with laughter, creativity, and festive fun as students and staff embraced the holiday cheer.

From St. Nicholas Day with its cozy Christmas hats to the twinkling stars and trees of Twinkle Tuesday, and from Cowboy Christmas flannels to the vibrant colors of Red and Green Day, the energy and enthusiasm were infectious. We ended the week on a sweet note with Candy Cane Day, celebrating in red and white.

A huge thank-you to our amazing parents for helping your children dress up and be part of the fun as well as donating to the Christmas Bureau, Food Bank and Lurana Shelter! Your support brought the magic of the season to life. And to our students, thank you for your incredible participation and festive spirit—you truly made this week special! As we continue to prepare for Christmas, let’s carry this joy and togetherness in our hearts. Thank you all for making St. Martin’s a place where the spirit of the season shines brightly!

Other Highlights of this weeks Newsletter:

Pictures of the Week 🤳📸🎥
The Stage Is Set 🎵🎼🎶
Gr. 6 Kindness Club 🥰😍🥳

👉👉👉ADVENT INFORMATION LETTER👈👈👈

STMN Office Staff:

🎅Mr. Darby Murphy (Principal)

⛄Mrs. Melanie Sorochan (Ast. Principal)

🎄Ms. Fronde Dubuc (Secretary)

📸 Highlights of the Week

😁😄😆 Check out our Facebook Page for more Pictures! 😁😄😆

🌟 Community Engagement

The Stage is Set!

Our Christmas concerts are almost here, and we can’t wait to share the magic of the season with you! The St. Martin’s gym has been transformed into a festive wonderland, with twinkling lights, beautifully crafted decorations, and a stage ready to showcase the incredible talents of our students.

Behind the scenes, our teachers and students have worked tirelessly to prepare for this special event. From practicing songs and perfecting performances to creating set designs and coordinating every detail, their dedication and teamwork truly embody the spirit of the season.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our students for their hard work and enthusiasm, and to our teachers for their creativity and leadership in bringing this production to life.

We warmly invite all families and friends to join us for an evening filled with music, joy, and the spirit of Christmas. Your presence will make these concerts even more memorable. Let’s celebrate this beautiful season together! Check out the times and dates below.

😇Feel free to attend the 1:00 Dress Rehearsal or the 7:00 Concert Times! 😇

📆 Mark the Calendar

Dec. 16: DIV 1 Christmas Concert - Dress Reher. @ 1:00 and Concert @ 7:00 🎼
Dec. 18: PreK and Kinder Christmas Concert @ 6:00pm 🎶
Dec. 18: DIV 2 Christmas Concert - Dress Reher. @ 1:00 and Concert @ 7:00 🎶
Dec. 20: Last Day of Classes before Christmas Break
Dec. 21-Jan. 5: CHRISTMAS BREAK
Jan. 6: First Day Back
Jan. 8: Early Dismissal - School is Done by 1:55 ⏰

🎄 CHECK OUT OUR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT DAYS BELOW! 🎄

🏫 Learners and Learning

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Grade 6 Kindness Club Visits the Hospital

At St. Martin’s Catholic School, we believe in teaching more than just academics; we strive to nurture hearts that love and hands that serve. This was beautifully demonstrated by our Grade 6 Kindness Club, led by the inspiring Mrs. Scripture, during a recent act of holiday goodwill.

The students prepared and delivered Christmas goodies to the local hospital, brightening the day of patients and staff alike. With treats in hand and warm smiles, the Kindness Club shared messages of hope and holiday cheer, spreading joy throughout the hospital.

This thoughtful initiative reflects our commitment to helping students grow as compassionate individuals who recognize the importance of serving others.

A heartfelt thank-you to Mrs. Scripture for guiding our students and to the Grade 6 Kindness Club for showing how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. You truly embody the spirit of Christmas and the mission of our school!

😁 Systemic Wellness

Reflect on the Year!

As we approach 2025, it’s a great time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead—including our mental health. For many, the winter months can bring about a variety of mental health challenges. Shorter days, colder weather, and holiday blues can all contribute to feelings of isolation and sadness. Additionally, after the stress and busyness of the holiday season, it’s natural to feel drained. Taking time to pause and reflect allows you to reset and align your goals with your emotional and mental needs.

It’s also important to remember that mental health isn’t just a “New Year’s resolution” — it’s an ongoing journey. As we close out 2024 and welcome the new year, let's focus on small, sustainable changes that can enhance our well-being and help us navigate life’s challenges with greater strength and peace of mind. Some practical tips to boost your mental health include:

· Pray! God is always listening!

· Cultivate an attitude of gratitude

· Connect with others

· Practice mindfulness

· Stay active

· Limit social media

· Focus on nutrition

· Prioritize rest and sleep

· Practice self-compassion

· Seek professional support

With care and compassion,

Stephanie

⛪ Faith Formation @ STMN

Elevate Youth Retreat

The 3rd Annual Edmonton Archdiocese ELEVATE Youth Retreat led by FacetoFace Ministries will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Sherwood Park on Saturday, January 25, 2026. OLPH Parish is located at 13 Brower Drive, Sherwood park AB. Elevate is a Youth Retreat for grades 6-8! Come to encounter the Lord, have fun, and be empowered to become a modern-day saint!

The conference includes lots of fun, keynote talks, praise and worship, Adoration, and more.

Registration fee includes lunch, all supplies and activities and covers the cost to bring in FacetoFace Ministries.