IMPORTANT DATES - APRIL 2017
3
5 -11
6-7
10
13
14
17
26
27 - 28
School Resumes
Gr 9 FSL Quebec Trip
Outdoor Education Trip - Camp YoWoChAs
Parent Council Meeting - 7pm Library
PD Day - No School
Good Friday - No School
Easter Monday - No School
Easter Celebration -10:30 CorpusChristi
Grade 9 Band Trip - Calgary
Fee Payment for 2017 2018 School Year
For the upcoming school year in an effort to make it most convenient for parents, fees will be paid online through Powerschool in September.
If you have not yet obtained a Powerschool log-in for
yourself, please contact Natalie in the office at:
780-471-1962 or [email protected]
Renaissance
Renaissance recognized 152 students for achieving the Father Troy Award at the Celebration of Success that took place on Friday, March
24. We encourage all of our students to strive to attain the Father Troy Award for the last term. This is a goal everyone can achieve!
Students with Academic Merit, Honours, and Honours with Distinction were also recognized. Over 100 Wall of Fame Cards were in for
a draw for a $100 gift card to Southgate Mall. Many students walked away from the celebration with prizes!
On March 17 our BUG Out (Bring Up your Grade) Luncheon recognized 159 students who improved their core average by 2% or were
able to maintain an academic standing. Special congratulations to Dean L. who achieved the largest improvement and to Ava M, Beth M,
and Aiden C who won the Renaissance draws. They were recognized at the luncheon with a $50 Southgate gift card! Our BUG Out program is well under way for next term. Please support and encourage your child to attain their goal of raising their average across their
core subjects by 2% or maintaining their academic standing. If they are successful, they will be invited to a lunch in June to celebrate
their success and have their name entered into a draw.
Once again, Renaissance will award the student with the highest overall improvement in their four core academic subjects with a prize.
We wish all students the best of luck!
If you would like to support our Renaissance mission, you can do so through a cash donation, gift card, movie passes, event tickets, or
coupons. Simply contact the school at your convenience to make arrangements. We will be grateful for any level of support you can
provide!
Father Michael Troy School Parent Advisory Council 2017 Spring
Flower Fundraising Sale
This spring, Father Michael Troy School Parent Advisory Council is fundraising with EverGreen Greenhouses. The money raised will help to subsidize field trips and other school
activities that our fundraising from casino funds cannot cover. The parent council votes on
all expenditures, and we would love to have you join our meetings anytime to help have a
say in what the funds are spent on.
Thank you for your continued support of our school.
If you have any questions, please call Debbie Greenwood, Fundraising Coordinator, at
780-465-4251 or email [email protected].
Father Michael Troy School Fundraising - 2017 PLANT SALE
These baskets are all designed using only high end plant material (partial shade to full sun) from the
best plant suppliers in the World. These baskets all feature bright, vibrant colour combinations
including many different varieties of plants. They will come in a classy pot to compliment any decor.
These hanging baskets are sure to be the envy of all your neighbours as you proudly display them in
your yard.
Cost: $24.00
12" Premium Patio Planter
These beauties are also designed using only the best plant material (partial shade to full
sun), supplied by the World's top plant suppliers. All patio planters feature bright,bold
colours and most include tall accent plants as centers to add dimension to these large
works of art. They will come in nice pots that will add a touch of class to your landscape.
These enormous plants will easily be seen from the road attracting the attention of your
neighbours and guests .
Cost: $34.00
Please Note: The pictures supplied above are sample pictures only. Though we strive to supply
the plants shown, we cannot guarantee they will all be available at the time of delivery. The
colour combinations are representative of what you will receive when you order one of these
beautiful plants.
All prices include GST.
All Plants Grown Locally With Care By Ever-Green Greenhouses Ltd.
STAY Alert
April 2017
Assertiveness Training for Our Children
We want children to be able to stand up for themselves and learn to interact well with their peers. Teaching them to be assertive and selfconfident, as opposed to being aggressive or submissive, contributes to their social and emotional development.
Children who are aggressive blame, name call, threaten or fight with their peers. They are combative because they often lack social skills.
These children need to learn better ways to interact with others or they will continually have difficulty developing positive relationships.
If children are submissive, they may become targets for bullies. These children need to be taught that it is okay to say “no” if a child or adult
attempts to harm them with words or deeds. They need to be able to identify their feelings, learn how to express themselves, and believe that
they have rights. The more children trust and value themselves, the more likely they will be able to avoid bullying.
1. Teach the difference among aggressive, submissive and assertive remarks. For example:
• Aggressive (being mean): “Give me that book or you’re going to get it!”
• Submissive (being weak): “You can have my book. I don’t need it.”
• Assertive (being strong): “I’m reading this book now. You may have it when I’m finished.”
2. Have them practice looking a bully in the eye and saying “No!” with a strong voice (see Teaching Children Refusal Skills). They could also
state what they want. For example, “No, I want you to leave me alone,” or “No, I need to do my work.”
3. Explain that they have a choice of how to respond to another person’s comments or to situations (see Making Choices Activity).
4. Teach children how to ask for something (see 24 Ideas for Instilling Manners in Children). For example, “May I have that book when you’re
finished?” and how to respond to requests in a polite manner, “You may have it after me.”
Teach children that if they are physically threatened or feel afraid they need to tell an adult (see Tattling Versus Reporting). However,
encourage them to work out other relationship problems themselves. Explain that the use of “I message” helps children deal with their
difficulties in an assertive way. “I message” format:
• I feel ... (state the feeling)
• when you ... (describe the action)
• because I ... (say why)
- A child is left out of play. (“I feel unhappy when you won’t let me play because I let you play when you ask. I want to play with you.”)
- A child is told he/she must give up his snack or be beaten up. (“I feel angry when you threaten me because that’s not how we are
supposed to act at school.”)
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:
•
•
•
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.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
APRIL
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sing, Sign, Laugh
and Learn
10:30 a.m.
Meadows Branch
2702 - 17 Street NW
780.442.7472
Spring Break
Starts Here
2017 – Amazing
Architects
3:00 p.m.
To register or for more information:
Online: www.epl.ca
Phone: 780.442.7472
Talk to staff in branch or visit www.epl.ca/programs
for more details
*All programs are drop in unless otherwise specified
Study Space
1:00 p.m.
Music Makers:
Sing Yourself
Silly!
10:30 a.m.
1
Sing, Sign, Laugh
and Learn
10:15 a.m. and
11:15 a.m.
Adult Colouring
7:45 p.m.
Rhymes That
Bind
10:30 a.m.
Sing, Sign, Laugh
and Learn
1:30 p.m.
Evil Genius Club
3:00 p.m.
English
Conversation
Circle (LACE)
1:00 p.m.
2
Study Space
1:00 p.m.
3
Music Makers:
Sing Yourself
Silly!
10:30 a.m.
4
Sing, Sign, Laugh
and Learn
10:15 a.m. and
11:15 a.m.
7
6
5
GOOD FRIDAY
Rhymes That
Bind
10:30 a.m.
All locations closed.
10
11
EASTER SUNDAY
EASTER MONDAY
All locations closed.
All locations closed.
Sing, Sign, Laugh
and Learn
10:15 a.m. and
11:15 a.m.
16
Study Space
1:00 p.m.
17
Study Space
1:00 p.m.
30
12
Adult Colouring
7:45 p.m.
13
Rhymes That
Bind
10:30 a.m.
19
Sing, Sign, Laugh
and Learn
10:15 a.m. and
11:15 a.m.
Music Makers:
Sing Yourself
Silly!
10:30 a.m.
23
18
24
25
Sing, Sign, Laugh
and Learn
10:30 a.m.
20
Rhymes That
Bind
10:30 a.m.
14
15
Sing, Sign, Laugh
and Learn
1:30 p.m.
Sing, Sign, Laugh
and Learn
10:30 a.m.
21
Sing, Sign, Laugh
and Learn
1:30 p.m.
22
Sing, Sign, Laugh
and Learn
10:30 a.m.
Lego at the
Library
3:00 p.m.
English
Conversation
Circle (LACE)
1:00 p.m.
Book Clubs of
EPL
7:30 p.m.
8
Minecraft Club
3:00 p.m.
English
Conversation
Circle (LACE)
1:00 p.m.
9
Sing, Sign, Laugh
and Learn
10:30 a.m.
26
27
28
29
April 2017
The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. The Lord upholds all who are falling,
and raises up all who are bowed down. ~Psalm 145: 13-14~
This passage comes from a beautiful psalm titled The Greatness and the Goodness of God. It truly evokes the image of a
loving Father who nurtures and supports his children in their life’s journey. As we approach Holy Week and the ensuing
season of Easter, we can see this greatness and goodness of our God in the saving gift of his Son, Jesus.
Edmonton Catholic Schools has many reasons to celebrate this month. We are very pleased to have been named one of
Alberta’s Top 70 Employers 2017, our second year in a row! This special designation is organized by the editors of
Canada's Top 100 Employers and recognizes Alberta employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to
work. Organizations that enter the competition are evaluated in 8 categories and then compared to other organizations.
Winners are chosen for offering the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. We know that when our staff
have exceptional working conditions, they can focus on providing excellent learning experiences for our students.
The Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta sponsors the Excellence in Catholic Education Awards each
year. We are pleased to announce that Bruno Binassi, principal of Sir John Thompson, Rena Methuen, principal of Ben
Calf Robe/St. Clare, and Beth Pecson, a teacher from Monsignor Fee Otterson are recipients of this prestigious award.
These three exceptional Catholic educators are being recognized for providing excellent educational experiences for
their students that are deeply grounded in our Catholic faith. Congratulations!
As we approach the final months of our school year, the opportunity to celebrate student achievements in a variety of
forums arises. Each year Edmonton Catholic Schools showcases and celebrates fine arts education and the gifts and
talents of its students and staff through its annual Celebration of the Arts Concert. This year, our event takes place on
Tuesday, April 25 at 6:30 pm at the Winspear Centre. It is a truly awe-inspiring evening.
The final Supporting our Diverse Learners session for parents and guardians takes place on Wednesday, April 19 at
6:30 pm, St. Anthony Meeting Centre, 10425 – 84 Avenue. This session will focus on mental health awareness,
transitions, and Programs of Choice. Topics include the developing brain, common myths about mental illness, childhood
and teenage stress, and promoting positive mental health in your child. Visit http://bit.ly/ECSDiverse to learn more and
to register.
...2
The provincial budget was proclaimed on March 16. We are pleased to receive dollars to support the reduction in
school fees that we have already put in place for next year. We are extremely pleased the government will continue
to provide funding for new students. We are projecting an enrolment increase of 3.3% or 1,359 students for September 2017. Our work to analyze all the financial data will continue over the next few weeks.
As the end of Lent approaches, I would like to leave you with a final thought from Pope Francis. “Lent is the favorable
season for renewing our encounter with Christ, living in his word, in the sacraments and in our neighbour.” (Twitter,
March 12, 2017)
Many blessings of the Easter season to all of you!
Sincerely,
Joan Carr
Superintendent
Amoris Laetitia Chapter 7: TOWARDS A BETTER EDUCATION OF CHILDREN
This chapter is particularly relevant for those who have been called to serve in the field of Catholic education.
It is clear that the synod participants, under the leadership of Pope Francis, believe that the primary
educators of children are the child’s parents. The importance of this message is reflected in the second
paragraph of this chapter which explains how essential it is for parents to spend quality time with their
children:
Only if we devote time to our children, speaking of important things with simplicity and
concern, and finding healthy ways for them to spend their time, will we be able to shield
them from harm. (260)
This devoted time is seen as a gift to be shared by both parents and children. The document underlines the
importance of helping children to see the parental relationship as a positive experience when it says,
“Obsession, however, is not education” (261). The focus is on encouraging children to develop habits of love
and trust, not controlling them with fear of punishment. While it is true that inappropriate behavior must be
corrected, the key is to do so with love and in a way that the children understand and learn from the
situation.
It is interesting to note the understanding of the “real world” that comes through in this chapter. There is no
illusion that all families are perfect and all adolescents listen to and respect their parents. This is reflected in
the quotation:
… adolescents should be helped to draw analogies: to appreciate that values are best
embodied in a few exemplary persons, but also realized imperfectly and to different degrees
in others (272).
This gives parents permission to turn to others for assistance. His Holiness invites and encourages all parents
to seek faithful assistance; this is especially true concerning the gift of Catholic education.
One of the most influential partners that parents can count on to assist them in the education of their
children is the Catholic school systems available in many countries around the world. The education of
children involves teaching of morality, Scripture study, and theology, as well as education on human
sexuality. In speaking specifically about this area, the document gives several guiding statements which
educators can look to for inspiration:
It can only be seen within the broader framework of an education for love, for mutual selfgiving (280). The important thing is to teach them sensitivity to different expressions of
love, mutual concern and care, loving respect and deeply meaningful communication (283).
While these statements are not a “how to” teach human sexuality, they give a clear direction and focus for
the development of human sexuality education programs in Catholic schools.
In concluding the chapter, Pope Francis returns to the importance of the role of parents in raising their
children.
Handing on the faith presumes that parents themselves genuinely trust God, seek him and
sense their need for him, for only in this way does ‘one generation laud your works to
another, and declare your mighty acts’ [Ps 144:4] and ‘fathers make known to children your
faithfulness’ [Is 38:19] (287).
The education of children is a daunting challenge and a glorious calling for all of us. We, as educators and
members of the Church, are a source of support for the parents of the children we serve.
Ed Jean, Secondary Religious Education Consultant
Catholic Education Services • 9807-106 Street • Edmonton AB T5K 1C2 • T: 780 441-6000 • F: 780 425.8759 • www.ecsd.net
April 2017
We are a people who love messages. ‘Did you get my letter? My email? Text?’ Indeed, we all like to
have something to tell. A message is defined as a verbal, written, or recorded communication sent to or left
for a recipient. In turn, a message is intended to be heard, heeded, and likely succeeded on to another.
Consequently, the content of the message is very important, both by what it is and how it is conveyed.
For us as Catholics and Christians, Easter has a most powerful message: Christ is Risen! The fullness and
importance of the message is that Jesus intimately knew our human experience, and through being God, was
able to conquer sin and destroy death. When taken together, this is why the Cross and the Resurrection of
Christ define our identity as the Catholic Church. This is also why our recognition of our identity in the Mass
is to be a communal celebration: together we experience Christ in the social community which gathers to
worship as God’s people through what was accomplished during the Triduum.
Such becomes the value in having all its members present, each and every Sunday, for where the whole
Church is joined in unity, Christ is most present. And where all are gathered, all will receive the one
same clear communication of good news. The greatest message of the Church began with a few who saw,
would believe, and then pursue the gift that was offered to them. The gift of their Faith is what we and those
many before us would then receive.
In these modern times, the Catholic Church, our District, and the community of Edmonton gathered together
for Easter continues our identity of who we are and what we can achieve for Christ. This is the incredible
power of good news, the purpose of Truth, and all received through the announcement of great joy.
It is the fundamental message I pray and hope all will remember as we go forth: that Christ IS Risen and then
to share it by text, email or one-to-one with everyone in an excited ‘Happy Easter!’
Very sincerely your servant in Christ,
Fr. Dean Dowle
Edmonton Catholic School District Chaplain
EIGHT CHARACTERS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION . . .
Community • Hospitality • Justice • Tradition • Sacramentality • Humanness • Rationality • Spirituality
An invitation from Father Dean and Father Julian:
Foundational to our belief as Catholics is that life is a gift from God. Our District Chaplains, Father Dean Dowle and Father Julian Bilyj would like to invite all of our staff and our parents to join them on Thursday, May 11, 2017 for the Alberta March for Life, which honors that “All Lives Matter From Beginning to End”.
This is a family friendly event which allows participants to bear witness to our belief of the sanctity of life. This pro-life
event begins at Churchill Square at noon. There will be a formal program followed by a march to the Alberta Legislature.
Visit http://albertamarchforlife.com/ to learn more about the event and to view the detailed brochure on the March for
Life events.
Father Dean shares “Together, we walk in happiness to live and give the love that was so generously shared with each of
us.”