SILC NEWS
February 18 2024
Gospel Reflection Feb 25
The primary purpose behind Jesus' Transfiguration was to seek guidance from His Heavenly Father regarding the forthcoming events of His suffering, death, and Resurrection. This divine encounter served as a theophany, granting Jesus authorization to journey towards Jerusalem to fulfill His destiny, which included the cross and subsequent vindication. Additionally, God aimed to reveal Jesus' divine glory to His chosen disciples, urging them to relinquish their worldly aspirations for a conquering political Messiah and instead find strength in the midst of their trials. The Transfiguration also solidified Jesus' identity as the beloved Son of God, aligning His divine Sonship with Jewish expectations surrounding the kingdom and the resurrection of the dead. Historically, this event occurred in late summer, preceding the Feast of the Tabernacles, leading the Orthodox Church to commemorate the Transfiguration around its actual timing to connect it with the Old Testament festival. Conversely, the Western tradition marks the Transfiguration at the start of Lent, with the formal feast celebrated on August 6th.
News and Links for Kindergarten to Grade 6 Students
😁Hello from Mrs. Oikonen!
Wow! We actually have a full week of school this week! We had a great presentation called "Sharks in the Park" last week. We learned about some invasive species that are affecting Alberta's lakes.
This week we have a Virtual Author Visit in honour of Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday with Monique Gray Smith. Our presentation will start at 10:30am and is for all grades. Wear pink if you can!
Thursday, will be our last day for individual meets this month. There are still spots left if you haven't signed up.
Here is what we are going to be doing this week. February Calendar
Make Kindness the Norm.
Engaging in random acts of kindness (happening this month!) is a profound witness of our Catholic faith, enabling us to influence others in a positive manner. Through authentic displays of love, compassion, and generosity, we not only touch the hearts of those we encounter but also spark curiosity and unveil the authentic essence of Christianity to the world.
Wear your Pink Shirt on Wednesday Feb 28th!
Now a movement celebrated across the globe, Pink Shirt Day has humble beginnings. Inspired by an act of kindness in small-town Nova Scotia, CKNW Kids' Fund, working with partners Boys & Girls Clubs and 980 CKNW, was inspired to raise funds to support anti-bullying programs.
Here is a snippet of an article detailing the original incident:
Proverbs 31:26 “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
“David Shepherd, Travis Price and their teenage friends organized a high-school protest to wear pink in sympathy with a Grade 9 boy who was being bullied [for wearing a pink shirt]…[They] took a stand against bullying when they protested against the harassment of a new Grade 9 student by distributing pink T-shirts to all the boys in their school. ‘I learned that two people can come up with an idea, run with it, and it can do wonders,’ says Mr. Price, 17, who organized the pink protest. ‘Finally, someone stood up for a weaker kid.’ So Mr. Shepherd and some other headed off to a discount store and bought 50 pink tank tops. They sent out message to schoolmates that night, and the next morning they hauled the shirts to school in a plastic bag. As they stood in the foyer handing out the shirts, the bullied boy walked in. His face spoke volumes. ‘It looked like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders,’ Mr. Price recalled. The bullies were never heard from again.”— GLOBE & MAIL
| 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.
Last Chance to Book! Grad 2024 Portrait Bookings
For our 2024 Graduates...
Come into the Centre for your Graduation Photos .
book ONLY ON MARCH 1 between either 11:00 am - 7 pm.
Please click the link.
Cap and gown & flowers will be at SILC for you at the photo shoot to use.
Student Engagement Day
Come on into the Centre from 1 to 3 pm. We will be doing some art! Paint by Numbers and / or Water Colour / activity of Turtle Island. Please RSVP to Katy.parsons@eics.ab.ca. We will have some snacks too.
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