The staff of
St. Brendan School
wish you and your
families a blessed
Merry Christmas!
Христос Раждається!
Feliz Navidad!
Joyeux Noël!
9260 - 58 Street Edmonton, AB. T6B 3W2
Powerschool: https://powerschool.ecsd.net
December 2016
at a Glance
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Community Members Visit
Gr. 9 Farewell
Demo of Learning;
Parent/Teacher/Student
Conferences — Dec. 1st
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Cold Weather Reminder
School Supervision
Homework Club—Elementary
Hot Lunch
Kindergarten News
Quebec Trip
Band News
Phone: (780) 466-1281 Fax: (780) 466-6057
website: http://www.stbrendan.ecsd.net
Administration Team Message
Dear Parents,
Thank you everyone for your attendance at the Celebration of
Learning and parent conference afternoon and evening hosted on
December 1st. It is very important after this night to sit down with your
child and assist them in formulating attainable goals for the next
reporting period.
Our school will be working on various social justice activities with
one of our school wide initiatives focusing on support for Edmonton
Catholic Social Services, “Sign of Hope” campaign. This money will be
generated from selling the best seats in the house for our annual Christmas concert for elementary students. Thank you to all who purchased
tickets to help not only build school community but also to assist people
who have less in our city.
The staff of St. Brendan School wishes every
family a joyous Christmas and a New Year filled
with hope and wonder.
Leadership Update
Library News
Sincerely,
Change of Dismissal Time
Honors Board
Gr. 9 Farewell Fundraising
Dale Astill
Principal
Lori Lundeen & Julieta Zelada
Assistant Principals
Superintendent’s Message
and more...
School Council Meeting
Please join us!
Wednesday, December 7th.
6:30 p.m.
Next Newsletter
December 23 rd
Principal: Mr. Dale Astill
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Lori Lundeen, Mrs. Julieta Zelada
Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Annette Abbenhuis
Community Members Visit
Holodomor Commemoration
On Thursday, November 17 St. Brendan School welcomed Ottewell Community members to our school.
Members of the community enjoyed a tour of the
school, followed by small refreshments. It was wonderful to hear the positive comments and excitement from the group! Many individuals were former
teachers and were thrilled to see a layout of a new
school and how many things have changed since they
were working. We also had a few former parents of
students from the old St. Brendan School. One
couple saw the original St. Brendan built, then torn
down, and now this new building created. It was a
great opportunity to meet our “neighbours” and to
join as a community.
On Friday, November 26th, students and staff of
St. Brendan Elementary/Junior high school gathered
to commemorate the Ukrainian Famine and
Genocide, the starvation of Ukrainians between 1932
and 1933 by a totalitarian Soviet regime. During this
horrific, human-made catastrophe, millions of
children, women and men perished because of their
hopes for independence and a desire to maintain
their unique Ukrainian identity.
The students from Ukrainian Language Arts 8
prepared and presented a heartbreaking play
narrating a tragic story of one family in Ukraine
during Holodomor. The grade 9 students presented
information about the history of this event and
shared a powerful poem ‘Through The Eyes of The
Child”. St. Brendan’s music club (Grade 3-8)
performed the opening song “Where Have All The
Flowers Gone” and concluded the event by singing “I
Will Remember You”. All students from grades 3-9
and staff of St. Brendan were praying together for
the victims, families and communities who suffered
as a result of the Holodomor.
Вічная Пам'ять!
Demonstration of Learning
Elementary Level
Report cards were posted on Powerschool Parent
Portal on November 25th. Demonstration of Learning will be held on Thursday, December 1st from
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. and again from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
(100 Voices and Kindergarten Demonstration will
end at 7:00 p.m.) This celebration of learning is an
important way of letting you know how your child is
doing in school. Parents are invited to spend
approximately 30 - 45 minutes with their child
going through various activities.
Teacher/Parent/Student Conferences
Junior High Level
Report Cards were posted on Powerschool Parent
Portal on November 25. Parent/Teacher/Student
Conferences will take place on: Thursday,
December 1st at 1:30-4:30 p.m., 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Conference Manager will be closed at November 30
at 9:00 p.m.
Please call the office @ (780)466-1281 with any set
up questions you may have.
Grade 9 Farewell
Grade 9 Parents!
We have organized a Grade 9 Farewell Committee to
plan and fundraise for the Grade 9 Farewell dinner
and dance. The next meeting is December 5, 2016.
To reduce ticket costs, we are planning various fundraising activities. If you would like to receive emails
about future fundraising, please send us a message
to [email protected]!
School Supervision
“Joys of Christmas”
This year's Christmas concert will be held on
Wednesday, December 21st. We will have a
performance on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m and again
at 7:00 p.m. in the school gymnasium. We would
encourage parents, grandparents, family friends and
relatives who are able to attend the afternoon
performance to do so, to prevent overcrowding for
our evening performance. Please complete the
form below to help us plan for this concert.
Do you want to have front row seats? We will be
doing a draw for the “Best seats in the House.”
Winners will have 4 front row seats. We will do a
total of 4 draws. Donations of a toonie per ticket
will be accepted starting December 2nd. This fundraising effort will be for the Sign of Hope Campaign.
The draw for the “Best Seats” will be made
on Tuesday, December 20th in the morning.
Winners will be contacted on this day. All other
seating will be on a first come basis and there is no
charge for seating. Doors will only open at 6:00
p.m. For the evening performance of December
21st, students should be at the school by 6:30 p.m.
and proceed directly to their classrooms. Please
enter the school by the east door entrance.
Christmas Concert Best Seats in the House Draw
(Sign of Hope Campaign)
Enclosed is _____________ for _______ tickets.
Family name__________________ Child’s grade ______
Winners will be contacted Tuesday, December 20th.
Elementary Christmas Concert Attendance Survey
Dear Parents, the purpose of this survey is to ensure we have
adequate seating and space for the concert.
Family Name ____________________________
Attending 1:00 pm. _______________ # attending
Attending 7:00 pm.________________# attending
We encourage family members who are able to attend the
1:00 pm. concert to help us prevent overcrowding for the
evening.
We would like to remind parents that supervision of
students outside does not begin until 8:15 a.m.
Students are to remain outside until this time and
should be dressed for the weather. Students waiting
for their ride after school need to remain indoors
until the parent/guardian arrives. We ask that
students be picked up after school in a timely
manner. There is no outside supervision after
school.
Cold Weather Reminder - Elementary
Our cold weather season has arrived! Please make
sure that your child has warm clothing, boots and
mitts so that they can enjoy the winter weather.
Please help our school to stay clean by providing
your child’s with indoor shoes to change into when
they arrive at the school. It is also very helpful if
mittens and hats are labelled with your child’s
name. Students are expected to go out for recess
every day except during severe inclement weather. We monitor the temperature and use -20 as a
benchmark to determine if students will be kept inside the school at recess and during the noon hour
Advent Celebration
On Monday, November 28, all students gathered in
the gym to celebrate the beginning of Advent. This
marked the beginning of our journey toward Christmas, and a time of preparation and waiting.
Students led the school in prayer and song, giving
thanks for the blessings of this Advent Season.
Homework Club—Elementary Level
Kindergarten News
Christmas is just around the corner. November was a
busy month filled with classroom activities around
Remembrance Day, nursery rhymes and the 5 senses.
December always proves to be an exciting time with
holiday preparations in full swing. In our Language class
we will be continuing with nursery rhymes, using them to
further deepen our understanding of story. We will also
be introducing several Christmas stories into our Language
Arts program to help us prepare for Christmas.
Building our number sense in math is an ongoing process,
and we will also continue our learning about shapes and
patterns. We will be learning how to recognize number
patterns through the organization of objects. Your child
can practice these number patterns at home by playing
games involving dice or dominoes; have your child identify the number by recognizing the pattern of dots on the
dice or domino.
Our Religion theme this month will revolve around Advent
and the preparation for Christmas. We will begin each
week with a whole school Advent celebration on our
intercom system. Classroom activities will include lighting a candle on our Advent wreath, discussions, prayers,
and activities that will help us prepare for the celebration
of Jesus’ upcoming birth.
During Social Studies we will continue to explore the
Elementary Hot Lunch Program
theme of “I am Unique.” We will further highlight and
expand upon our unique abilities and how we can use
St. Brendan Parent Council is happy to offer lunch on them to help others. Your child can develop this awarea monthly basis where parents of elementary
ness at home by stating how they are similar to a friend
or family member and how they are different, it is the
students can order lunches for their children. Our
differences that make us unique.
school has joined an online lunch management
In Health we will be focusing on feelings and social
system called Healthy Hunger to reduce the
relationships. What better way to practice social relavolunteer work required. Parents go to
tionships than by our own social interactions at school and
www.HealthyHunger.ca and click “Register Stuat home. We will be reading stories and role-playing how
dent” and create an account. After the account is
to recognize and deal with a bully, how to be a good
created, parents are able to view all up-coming fun friend, and how to be a good leader.
lunches, place orders, and then pay for the child’s
Please send a colour family picture which will be hung up
order by Visa, Mastercard, or Interac Debit. The
at school.
benefits include: receiving an email reminder if you Please do not forget to check the attached calendar to
note important dates.
have not ordered for an upcoming lunch; receive
automatic email notification when the School posts a Wishing you and your families a blessed Christmas,
Homework Club is a club that helps those students in
grades 4-6 who need a little extra help understanding concepts from the curriculum. It is also a
beneficial club for students who need a quiet place
to complete their homework. Mrs. McKenna, Mrs.
Fredrick and Mrs. Dafoe will be there to help answer
questions and explain concepts. Homework Club will
be from 3:10 until 4:00 pm on Tuesday afternoons.
The first Homework Club will take place on Monday,
December 5,2016. Parents will be expected to complete a permission form prior to their child being
able to attend. Homework Club is a learning
environment and therefore, it is important that
students use this time wisely and respectfully.
If you have any further questions about Homework
Club, please contact Mrs. McKenna at (780) 466-1247
or via email at
[email protected].
new Fun Lunch; quickly review your orders at any
time; cancel orders at any time before the 5 day
Cut-Off. Parent Council is also looking for volunteers
to help. Please sign up with the office. If your child
is absent on hot lunch day, there will be no refund.
Parents can choose to pick up the lunch or the
school will donate the uncollected lunches.
The dates for Hot Lunch are as follows:
December 16—Dairy Queen
January 27—Mary Browns
February 17—I love pizza
March 17—Subway
April 21—Opa
May 19—TBA
Mrs. P. Deprato
Quebec Trip
Band News
Only 2 months left to go before we embark on our
journey to Quebec. This year's group of 30 students
will visit Montreal and take part in the festivities of
Carnaval in Quebec City. As the day draws near, the
excitement grows. Preparations have already begun
for the Quebec Trip of 2017-2018. This trip will take
place in the Spring of 2018 and will travel to Quebec
City, Montreal and Ottawa. The trip is open to
Grade 8 and Grade 9 student enrolled in French in
the 2017-18 school year. For information, please
contact Ms. Rossi at [email protected].
The Jazz Band and grade 9 band will
perform concerts on Friday, December
9th at St. Matthew at 10:30 a.m. and
St. Gabriel at 1:15 p.m. Any parents or family members are welcome to attend!
The grade 8 band is performing a Christmas concert
for the St. Brendan Elementary in the large gym on
Thursday Dec. 22nd at 11 a.m. All parents or family
members are welcome to attend! Grade 9 students
who took part in the Purdy's fundraiser may pick up
their orders in the band room on Wednesday
Dec. 7th.
Library News
Leadership Update
Quote of the Month: A great book should leave you
with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at
the end. You live several lives while reading.
William Styron
Prior to the Christmas break all grade 7, 8 & 9
students will be taking part in the text book check.
Each student will be provided with a list of text
books signed out under their name. They will have
the opportunity to check all their text books they
have on-hand with the list to ensure they have in
their possession the correct book that was provided
to them at the beginning of the school year.
Theme of the Month: Christmas and all of its
Wonders
Author of the Month: Chicken Soup for the Soul various authors
The Junior High Leadership team has combined
forces with the Elementary Leadership to initiate a
food drive to support families in need. They
organized a week full of fun for the students coming
up with a theme for each day. As we get closer to
Christmas, the Team will be preparing candy grams
to be sold, and Break the Rules day happening on
the 22nd of December.
Scholastic Book Fair
December 1st is the last day of the St. Brendan's
1st annual Scholastic Book Fair. I would like to take
this opportunity to thank the junior high leadership
team for their awesome work and to three special
parents who helped during the book fair; Mrs.
Schulz, Mrs. McDougall and Mrs. Walmsley. Without
this help, the book fair would not have been such a
success!
Many Hands Make Light Work!
Bus Passes
Bus Passes are sold through the school office.
Students riding Edmonton Transit or the Yellow Bus
must purchase a bus pass during the first week of
each month. If your child rides the yellow school
bus and you have any questions about pick up or
drop off times and locations please call the downtown transportation office at 441-6078.
December Dismissal Times
We will be switching our Thursday dismissal time to
Friday during the last week of school. This will
allow for an early dismissal prior to the Christmas
break. Our dismissal times will be as follows:
Thursday, December 22, for Elementary level at
3:05 p.m., and for the Junior High Level at 3:00
p.m. Friday, December 23, at 12:05 p.m.
Please make sure you send a lunch with your child
on Thursday, December 22nd.
100 Voices students will attend on Thursday,
December 22 and will have no classes on Friday,
December 23rd.
CONGRATULATION HONORS - TERM 1
Grade 7
Zachary B.
Grade 9
Viktoriya C.
Sara A.-Rahim
Shahd B.
Kacper C.
Evan B.
Kayleigh D.
Francesco B.
Ruzelle Rose D.
Adityasinh C.
Zelaya D.
Talia C.
Erika F.
Liam D.
Matthaus F.
Orest D.
Dmytro Go.
Roman D.
Michael G.-P.
Ava F.
Christina H.
Amelia F.
Anamaria H.
Gabriel H.
Jordyn H.
Matthew H.
Taryn H.
Emily K.
Deana H.
Mysty K.-E.
Ethan K.
Daniel K.
Arden K.
Tuan L.
Marianna K.
Anna L.
Viktoriya K.
Jaida M.
Daria K.
Maeve McD.
Emily K.
Julian M.-S.
Roman L.
Madisyn N.
Elias M.
Amaliya N.
Kavishka M.
Walker O'B.
Isaac McC.
Sophia P.
Christian M.
Nicole P.
Jaida N.
Bianca P.
Ebunoluwa O.
Adriana P.
Sofia O.
Vinuth Silva
Tim P.
Sarah S.
Lukian P.
Adam S.
Mikayla P.
Kaiya S.
Keirra R.
Erek S.
Elena S.
Madelyn V.
Melissa S.
Rymma V.
Mason S.
Katherine W.
Tytan T.
Szymon Z.
George T.
Iryna V.
Grade 8
Robyn A.
Madison A.
Stefan A.
Anika B.
Roman B.
Taisiya B.
Robert B.
Julianna W.
Jack W.
James Y.
Olena B.
Grace B.
Amanda B.
Anastasia D.
Luke D.
Lauren D.
Maria E.
Adele F.
Mackenzie F.
Eric F.
Kai F.
Brayden G.
Viktoriya G.
Kayla G.
Dawson H.
Carla H. D.
Natalia H.
Makayla H.
Noah K.
Ostap K.
Victoria K.
Tatiana K.
Nicholas L.
Kaitlyn L.
E. J. Adrian M.
Chamathka M.
Oleksii M.
Declan McD.
Rosemarie M.
Sentia M.
Mackenzie N.
Marc-Alex N.
Jade O.
Julianne P.
Karolina P.
Michael P.
Jeremiah S.
Maria S.
Ksenia S.
Luke S.
Stefan S.
Nicholas S.
Morgan S.
Erika T.
Aiden T.
Ewan Z.
St. Brendan’s Grade 9 Farewell Fundraising Committee
General Information on Grocery Gift Cards
Safeway/Sobey’s
Discount is 5% with a minimum order of $5000.
Christmas bonus: 2%-$500, 4%- $2000, 6%- $4,000, 8%-$10,000.
OCards cannot be used to purchase in-store gift cards, fuel or at liquor stores.
Save-On
Discounts are 2% ($500+), 4% ($1,500+), 6% ($4,000+)
Christmas bonus: 8%-$10,000
üCards may be used to purchase in-store gift cards at select stores!
Superstore
Discounts are 2% ($2,000+), 3% ($5,000+), 4% ($10,000+), 5% ($20,000+)
Christmas bonus: 5% on $2000.
üCards are redeemable in-store and at gas bars.
OCannot be used to purchase in-store gift cards, tobacco, pharmacy or at the liquor stores.
Walmart/Progressive Fundraising
2% back Walmart
Shopfunds.ca for more options
Italian Centre
% return will be determined on our order.
--------------------------Payment: Cash or Cheque (payable to St. Brendan Farewell Committee)
Please mark your envelope ‘Groc Card Order’ and leave it at the office before the order deadline. Late orders will not be
accepted. Ensure your order sheet with contact information and accurate payment are together in an envelope. You are
responsible for all NSF cheque fees if applicable.
Orders : Second order is due on Thursday, December 8, 2016 before 3:00 p.m.
Distribution : Cards will be distributed on Tuesday December 20 between 2:30 – 3:00 pm. You may choose to allow the
cards to be sent home with your child, or you may email [email protected] to arrange for them to
be picked up at the office during school hours or to make alternate arrangements. We will do our best to accommodate.
You will be notified directly of any delays should they occur.
There will be no January order to encourage pre-Christmas purchases with higher return. Orders will resume in February and run monthly until June.
We will finalize order due dates and pick up dates on a month-to month basis. A schedule for the year will be distributed
once we have confirmed interest and stores based on the response to the November order.
Questions? Email: [email protected], Subject line: Grocery Cards
STAY Alert
December 2016
The Christmas Season
The Christmas Season in upon us once again. This is truly a great time of year. We spend time with
family and enjoy the giving and receiving of gifts. We want our children to have some of everything
good.
We tend to buy them the hottest gifts of the day. We find the newest and best cell phones, iPads, tablets and gaming systems. Our kids are filled with joy.
We need to remember that with all these gifts comes great responsibility. These electronic devices
write our history in public forever. Make sure to have the talk about language used, pictures taken,
and words sent. Any device with a send key connects to the internet which records everything forever
in public. Nothing sent over the ‘net’ is ever private. Once it is sent you lose control of who sees it and
how it is used. Having these candid talks with our kids will help protect them.
Have a joyous Christmas. The entire STAY team wishes you and your families all the best for 2017.
School Team Advisors for Youth (STAY)
Junior high schools in the Edmonton Catholic School District each have ‘School Team Advisors for Youth’ (STAY) which are comprised of
retired Police Officers.
The STAY role involves:
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Educating, mentoring, and empowering students.
Educating and mentoring parents on the realities their children face each day by raising parent awareness on these issues.
Educating and mentoring staff on the realities that students face each day. Working in partnership with the administration of the
school to develop action plans for safety and health of all students.
Stay Advisors in our junior high schools make a difference in the lives of our youth by encouraging them to “STAY” in school. The
STAY teams work hard to ensure our youth succeed in life.
Kathleen Nguyen, Elementary Religious Education Consultant
Celebrating Advent as a family
What do January 1st and November 27 have in common this year?
They are both considered a New Year!
The first Sunday in Advent falls on November 27 this year and so it is the first day of our New (liturgical) Year. During this time of advent, we
are joyful and hopeful as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. This is a time that we can give our children the gift of tradition
as we deepen their understanding of the Church’s celebration of this season.
Create and use the Advent Wreath as a family to prepare for the birth of Jesus:
The Advent wreath has many rich symbols that can help make the Advent season meaningful to us because we focus on Jesus. At first
glance, you see four candles that are evenly spaced around a circle of evergreen branches. But what does it mean?
Circle: The circle is a symbol of God who is eternal and everlasting.
Evergreen plants: Evergreen plants have leaves all year long which symbolize Jesus Christ who has conquered death and given us everlasting life.
Candles: The candles represent Jesus Christ as the light of the world. The warmth of the candle and bright light that it brings during the cold,
dark winter help us remember the new life Jesus has given us.
Four candles: The four candles represent the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Each week, we light one more candle.
Three purple candles: Purple was used in ancient Rome as a symbol of royalty. We use purple to remember that Jesus is the Messiah or King. Purple helps us remember that we must prepare in a special way; especially through prayer and penance.
One rose candle: We light the rose candle on week three. This is known as Gaudete Sunday; a Latin word that means rejoice. We
know that Christmas is almost here!
Blessing your Advent Wreath as a Family
http://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/advent/about-advent/blessing-an-advent-wreath
Praying together as a Family
Sit the Advent Wreath in the middle of your table. Light the candle. Say a short prayer from the link below or sing a verse of “O Come, O Come
Emmanuel.”
http://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/advent/prayers
Have a Blessed Advent.
Advent
Advent has a twofold nature: It prepares us for Christmas, when we recall Christ’s first coming among us, and it is also a time when we look forward
to his second coming at the end of ages. Advent is a season of joyful expectation.
Advent, the Church's new year, is an invitation to wake up! This can be a turn-around time for us. Now is the time to understand ourselves more
completely. Now is the time to improve our relationships with peers and with God.
Before Jesus came, the people of Israel waited and prayed for the Messiah, who would free them from foreign rulers. During Advent, the
Scripture readings tell us about Israel’s desire for the Messiah promised by God and about the Church’s yearning for Jesus to come again as
he promised.
The Advent wreath is a sign of our waiting. Its green branches, shaped into a circle, are a sign of life. The three purple candles remind us to
make our best preparations for Jesus. The pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent shows our joy that Jesus’ birthday is almost here. The
lighted candles represent Jesus, the Light of the world. With great joy we receive him after an Advent of waiting.
Another, now somewhat commercialized, symbol of Advent is the Christmas lights that we see lighting up our houses and places of business.
Although not all of us who put up these colorful lights may realize their significance, what they are saying is “We are Christians waiting for
Jesus”. It can be very comforting to know that there are so many people that are sharing in our Advent journey. It can also; however, be
quite discomforting to realize that when I put up my Christmas lights, it is supposed to mean more than a desire to promote pretty decorations.
How do I show through my actions and words that I am truly and joyfully waiting for Jesus to come into my life in
an ever deeper and more loving way?
During Advent we are waiting for Jesus. It is equally true that Jesus is waiting for us. He has been waiting all
along, we just need to welcome him.
Ed Jean, Secondary Religious Education Consultant
Message from Father Mitch Fidyka
Assumption and Resurrection Parishes
December, 2016
Dear Parents, staff and students,
The Church is celebrating the beginning of a new Liturgical Year with the First Sunday of Advent on
Sunday, November 27. In Latin, Advent means “to come” and is the season when we anticipate the
“coming of the Lord.”
The Advent season is filled with preparation and expectation – shopping and decorating, baking and
cleaning. Too often, however, we are busy with the material preparations and lose sight of the real reason
for our activity – the birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. While we are “decking the halls of our homes”, let us
not forget to prepare a peaceful place in our hearts that is filled with the Light of Christ and His LOVE.
Over Advent and Christmas, Assumption and Resurrection Parishes have many opportunities for you to
come together as a faith community. Please check the parish website for more detailed information:
http://arparish.ca
ADVENT PENITENTIONAL SERVICE
At Assumption (9034-95 Ave.) on Thursday, December 15 at 7:00 pm
For both Assumption and Resurrection Parishes
CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES
Resurrection (10555-50 A Street): Saturday, December 24 at 5:00 pm AND 10:00 pm
Assumption (9034-95 Ave.): Saturday, December 24 at 5:00 pm AND 8:00 pm
CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES
Assumption: Sunday, December 25 at 9:30 am
Resurrection: Sunday, December 25 at 11:00 am
NEW YEAR’S EVE MASSES
Resurrection: Saturday, December 31 at 4:00 pm
Assumption: Saturday, December 31 at 5:30 pm
NEW YEAR’S DAY MASSES
Assumption: Sunday, January 1 at 9:30 am
Resurrection: Sunday, January 1 at 11:00 am
PREPARING FOR THE SACRAMENTS
The mission of sacramental education for Eucharist (First Holy Communion), Reconciliation (Confession)
and Confirmation – is to ensure that the sacraments are pivotal events for all Catholic children. As such,
the community of faith (the parents, the parishes and the Catholic schools) is entrusted with this responsibility.
NOTE: it is never too late to have your child receive these sacraments. If your son or daughter is in Junior
or Senior High School and you would like them to be involved … please contact the parish office for registration forms and individual programs can be provided.
For more information and registration forms for any of these Sacraments please contact the
office at 780-468-4071 or contact Janet at [email protected].
“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of
God belongs.” Mark 10:14
Amoris Laetitia Chapter 3
Looking to Jesus: The Vocation of the Family
As a member of two music ministry groups, I am fascinated with the many ways that the themes found in favorite hymns and songs celebrate
the ‘Word of God.’ Whether Sing to the Mountains, Sing a new Song, or Go Tell it on the Mountain, the message of God found in each musical piece touches the heart of the Gospel message we proclaim. Pope Francis opens this chapter by reminding us that the core of the Gospel message, the Kerygma, “is what is most beautiful, most excellent, most appealing and at the same time most necessary.” (58). Pope
Francis outlines the need for us to enter more deeply into the Word of God “which we must hear again and again in different ways, and which
we must always announce in one form or another.” (58). Very much like how I hear a similar message via different hymns and songs, I can
learn more and interpret nuances differently because of the various styles of music. As for the message our Pontiff states: “nothing is more
solid, profound, secure, meaningful and wise than that message.” (58). This chapter explores in great detail, through many illustrative scriptural examples, the Church’s teachings on marriage and the family.
“Our teaching on marriage and the family cannot fail to be inspired and transformed by this message of love and tenderness; otherwise, it
becomes nothing more than the defence of a dry and lifeless doctrine.” (59). Echoing the call for a pastoral approach to deepening our understanding of family and marriage encountered in chapter 2, Pope Francis posits that “the Christian family can be fully understood only in
the light of the Father’s infinite love revealed in Christ, who gave himself up for our sake and who continues to dwell in our midst.” (59).
Through sharing beautiful examples of Christ’s love, mercy, and compassion, the chapter goes into great detail about how marriage and family life is to be viewed as ‘a gift’ from the Lord.
In reminding us of God’s divine covenantal love for all of humanity, our salvation history, we recall that “through his Church, Christ bestows
on marriage and the family the grace necessary to bear witness to the love of God and to live the life of communion.” (63). In several examples such as: the miracle at Cana, friendship with Lazarus and his family, and sympathizing with grieving parents over the loss of a child,
Jesus “demonstrated the true meaning of mercy, which entails the restoration of the covenant.” (64). Jesus models ‘gratuitous love’ in the
face of sin and in doing so models how we are called to do the same in our relationships. Pope Francis reinforces this point through recounting the nativity narrative where “the incarnation of the Word in a human family, in Nazareth, by its very newness changed the history of the
world.” (65). Mary said ‘yes’ to have the Word conceived in her womb. Joseph too said ‘yes’ in naming Jesus and watching over mother and
son. We witness the struggles and toil of a family, who despite the harshness and challenges life can sometimes bring, such as exile, persecution and humiliation, hold their communion with God with humility and love. “The covenant of love and fidelity lived by the Holy Family of
Nazareth illuminates the principle which gives shape to every family…on this basis, every family, despite its weaknesses, can become a light
in the darkness of the world.”(66.) This is truly a hope-filled message.
From the example of the Holy Family, we next examine several documents of the church, such as Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution, Gaudium et Spes, which promotes the dignity of marriage and family. We learn that in marriage “Christ the Lord makes himself present
to the Christian spouses in the sacrament of marriage and remains with them.” (67). Through the incarnation, Jesus “assumes human love,
purifies it and brings it to fulfilment. By his spirit, he gives spouses the capacity to live that love, permeating every part of their lives of faith,
hope and charity.” (67). This is central to the foundation of the Christian family.
Pope Frances cites the work of Blessed Paul VI (Humanae Vitae) which brings out the “intrinsic bond between conjugal love and the generation of life: married love requires of husband and wife the full awareness of their obligations in the matter of responsible parenthood…“the
exercise of responsible parenthood requires that husband and wife, keeping a right order of priorities, recognize their own duties towards
God, themselves, their families and human society.” Pope Francis furthers his views through citing Saint John Paul II’s Familiaris Consorto
which “defined the family as ‘the way of the Church…how spouses, in their mutual love, receive the gift of the Spirit of Christ and live their
call to holiness.” (69). This is echoed by excerpts from Pope Benedict XVI’s Deus Caritas Est, where he states “marriage based on an exclusive and definitive love becomes an icon of the relationship between God and his people…God’s way of loving becomes the measure of human love.” Further, in Caritas in Veritate, Benedict XVI stresses the importance of love in society “as a place where we learn the experience
of the common good.” (70). The message is consistent in all cases: love is at the heart of our existence. Marriage and the family are rooted
in love; a love that is radiated and witnessed through Jesus.
The chapter progresses to a detailed examination of marriage including the nuptial mystery, sexuality, imperfect situations, the ministry of
marriage, procreation, and the sanctity of life. The message of the “Church’s teaching is meant to help couples experience in a complete,
harmonious and conscious way their communion as husband and wife.” (82.) The chapter then explores the role of family and the Church.
Pope Francis asserts that “the Church is a family of families, constantly enriched by the lives of all those domestic churches…the church is
good for the family and the family is good for the Church. The safeguarding of the Lord’s gift in the sacrament of matrimony is concern not
only of individual families but of the entire Christian community.” (87.) Pope Francis assures us that “the experience of love in families is a
perennial source of strength for the life of the Church.” (88). Examples of the beauty of marriage, the value of family and the profound sense
of God’s covenant of love with humanity are abundant in this chapter.
Just as a song sounds better when others join in and lend harmony, Pope Francis’ shared wisdom on marriage and family life in this chapter
is succinctly captured in his closing words: “The beauty of this mutual, gratuitous gift, the joy which comes from a life that is born and the
loving care of all family members – from toddlers to seniors- are just a few of the fruits which make the response to the vocation of the family
unique and irreplaceable, both for the Church and for society as a whole.” (88). What a wonderful song these words would make!
Tim Cusack, Assistant Superintendent, Learning Services Innovation
December 2016
“Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come...
And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” ~ Mark 13:35-37
The month of December is joyous for many reasons in Edmonton Catholic Schools. Our schools enter the exciting time of
Advent, which has us anticipating the birth of Jesus. This scripture passage is one which is often used during Advent. Jesus is
giving his disciples a message of hope about the coming of the Messiah, assuring them that they should keep faith in God’s
promise, even during challenging times. It calls for us to be alert and to prepare a place for Jesus in our daily lives.
Classrooms will be abuzz with activities that help students to prepare just such a place in their lives for Jesus and explore
the great gift of love that our Father has given us in the person of His Son over the four weeks of Advent. In this year where We
are Called… to be Leaders of Hope and Mercy in Edmonton Catholic Schools, we are reminded of what hope truly means as we
prepare for the birth of our Savior.
Our schools and sites also turn their attentions to mercy through their many social justice projects. Our annual We Care
Challenge is one way in which this occurs. Many of our schools and sites carry out a variety of engaging activities to raise
funds for the Edmonton Catholic Schools Foundation and Catholic Social Services’ Sign of Hope Campaign. Other schools will
collect socks and mittens, build hampers, and raise funds for the many organizations in Edmonton and beyond that help people in need.
We have several exciting enrichment opportunities for students who are passionate about music through our All-City Choir
and All City- Band Programs. These highly committed students come together regularly to hone their skills as ensembles.
There are several occasions for people to enjoy these spectacular groups at their Christmas concerts. The concerts start at
7:30 pm: All City Choir @ St. Joseph’s Basilica- Dec. 5, Junior All City Band @ John L. Haar Theatre (MacEwan)-Dec. 7, Senior
All City Band @ U of A Convocation Hall – Dec. 13.
Our Council of Elders hosts a Sacred Pipe Ceremony four times a year to welcome and honour each new season hosted at
a Nehiyaw Pimatisiwin (Way of Life) School. The winter ceremony will be held at Our Lady of Peace School on Thursday, December 15. This is a time to celebrate friendships, welcome new friends to the circle, and to ask God/Creator for his blessings. If you are interested in attending the Sacred Pipe Ceremony, please contact The Council of Elders office at 780-4712360.
There are many times where we report our accountability to the public. There are two major reports of this nature which
will be presented at the November 29 Public Board of Trustees Meeting, our Audited Financial Statements, August 31, 2016
and the combined Annual Education Results Report 2015-2016 and Three-Year Education Plan 2016-2019. Once approved
by the Board of Trustees, the reports will be posted on our public website on the Annual Reports and Results page at https://
www.ecsd.net/AboutUs/annual_reports/Pages/default.aspx.
As we turn our eyes towards Christmas and the birth of Jesus, we also reflect upon the willingness of his mother, Mary, to
humbly serve our God. Her incredible faith, echoed in her joyous acceptance of the news that she was to give birth to the Messiah, reminds us that God calls on us, too. Pope Francis shared the following thought on Twitter - “Mary is the woman who
says yes, a yes of surrender to God, a yes of surrender to her brothers and sisters. May we follow her example.” (02/13/16)
Mary’s ‘yes’ changed our world!
I wish you all a blessed Advent and a Holy Christmas as you turn your eyes towards a lowly manger in the town of Bethlehem and the precious gift of love to be found there!
Sincerely,
Joan Carr
Superintendent
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Demonstration of
Learning
Teacher/Parent/
Student Conferences
4
5
D1 6
D2 7
D3 8
Grade Six
Legislature
Tour
First Homework
Club—3:10-4:00
D6 3
Kindergarten t-shirt
orders are due
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Skating at Tipton
Grade 8-1 Outdoor
Ed class
D4
Spanish Mass at St.
Thomas Moore - a.m.
Gr. 9 Band
SAC Meeting—
6:30 p.m.
Gr. 9 Farewell
Meeting
Students at
St. Gabriel
St. Matthew
Music Club at City Hall
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12
D5 13
D6 14
D1 15
16
D2 17
Elementary
Hot Lunch—Dairy
Queen
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19
D3 20
D4 21
Cookie
Exchange Club
25
26
27
D5 22
Christmas
Concert—1:00
p.m. and 7:00
p.m.
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D6 23
Full Day
Dismissal a 3:00
& 3:05 p.m.
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Half Day Dismissal at 12:05
p.m.
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Christmas Vacations - December 26 - January 6
Classes Resume on Monday, January 9, 2017
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