students from St. Philip s School and organized fun Christmas activities. We enjoyed a staff who have organized and led these many

Transcription

1 Cardinal Leger Junior High School January, 2018 Administrators Message students from St. Philip s School and organized fun Christmas activities. We enjoyed a As we look forward to the New Year at Cardi- trip to St. Matthew s Parish for our Advent nal Léger, we also look back at what has been Mass, which has officially become a Cardinal a busy and productive first few months at our Leger tradition! Thank you to our teaching staff who have organized and led these many school. initiatives and activities. Our students have had many unique opportunities and experiences! In September we had Let s not forget, our Social Justice Club orgaour opening mass, Terry Fox Run and we also nized activities, including the Thanksgiving food drive and Christmas Hamper food colleccommemorated Every Child Matters Day by wearing an orange shirt on the 28th. Our Out- tion. door Ed. students participated in tandem These are all learning opportunities that canoeing, voyageur canoeing and geocaching. teach our students about becoming valued citizens of the world. In October, the Outdoor Education students built fires and shelters, went mountain biking January will continue to be busy with the and rock climbing. We had our Thanksgiving unique opportunity of participating in our celebration, and visits from O Leary High first Mental Wellness Day. Other activities School and an explosive science demonstrawill include Basketball season fully starting, tion from Dr. Gelmini. The students had fun with Halloween activities and our first school Outdoor Education students snowshoeing, cross country skiing and ice fishing. January is dance. the last month in Semester 1 and students In November, we were fortunate to have Mr. will be finishing up with their options and starting new options February 1st. Report Palfrey share his experiences with us during cards will be posted on January 31st. our Remembrance Day Celebration and volleyball was in full swing for all four of our Wishing everyone a magnificent 2018!!! volleyball teams. In December, we were moved by the MADD presentation, our student leadership visited with seniors at McConnell place, read with Mr. P. Meurs, Principal Mrs. K. Germaine, Assistant Principal Cardinal Léger Catholic Jr. High School Ph. (780) Inside this issue Administrators Message... 1 Staff Directory... 2 Student Wellness Day... 3 Open House Info... 4 Faith Development Day... 5 Arriving on Time... 6 School Council... 7 Important Dates... 8 Sharing the Good News... 9 Italian Program General Reminders Charger Sports Art 7 At Work Superintendent s Message The Word of God in Action The Gift of Epiphany STAY Alert Parent Evening Series... 19

2 Staff Directory Administration Mr. Peter Meurs - Principal Mrs. Karen Germaine - Assistant Principal Grade 7 Homeroom Teachers Mrs. M. Bruno Mr. C. Goueffic Mr. M. Harvanka Mrs. J. Moore Ms. K. Reilly Grade 8 Homeroom Teachers Mr. G. Hansen Mrs. L. Lakusta Mr. E. Motut (Mr. Motut 2) Mr. F. Romano Mr. J. Villella Grade 9 Homeroom Teachers Mrs. P. Esposito-Neri Mr. M. Lepore Mr. E. Motut (Mr. Motut 1) Mrs. K. Rogozinski Mrs. C. Stagliano Support Staff Mrs. Maria Fabiano - Admin. Assistant Mrs. A. Bootsma - Clerk/Librarian Mrs. J. Slugoski Educational Assistant Ms. A. Bradshaw - Therapeutic Assistant Additional Student Supports Mr. T. Jacobs FSLW Mr. R. Cole STAY Advisor Mr. D. Green STAY Advisor Mr. J. Pukalo Psycholgist Custodial Staff Mr. M. Wondimagenehu Mr. R. Velasquez Additional Teachers Mrs. C. Bolling - Learning Coach Mr. S. Mackey Mrs. A. Steeves

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4 OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION We are holding two separate information evenings to introduce you to the programming available at our school. All students and families are invited to attend either or both evenings. PRE-AP PROGRAM INFORMATION EVENING January 16, 2018 at 7:00 pm The pre-advanced program is an academic program designed to challenge students by going deeper into the curriculum. Assessments in the Pre-AP program are the same as those used in the regular program, but students have the chance to delve deeper into the topics covered in the grade appropriate curriculums. The evening is designed to provide information to families about the program and registration requirements. The meeting will be held in the school gymnasium and there will be no school tour. GENERAL OPEN HOUSE February 12, 2018 at 7:00 pm This evening is an opportunity for families to explore the school and learn about the programming available at our school. We will start with a short program in the gym followed by self-tours of the school and various classrooms. If you have any questions regarding junior high registration, please contact the school principal, Mr. Peter Meurs, at

5 Faith Development Day 2018 December 14, 2017 To: Parents and Guardians Re: ECSD Faith Development Day Please note that on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, all staff members will be involved in a district-wide Faith Development Day at the Shaw Conference Centre. There will be no instruction of students at school on that day. Our theme this year is: Rooted in Jesus... Hearts to Love, Hands to Serve. We are pleased to welcome Fr. Richard Leonard as our keynote speaker. We also welcome Bishop Gregory Bittman who will celebrate the Eucharistic Liturgy with us. Catholic education is an awesome vocation and responsibility. By being involved in the education mission of the church, Catholic schools provide a hopeful response to the great mysteries of life in an increasingly complex world. Faith Development Day provides us, as a community of faith, with the opportunity to become more deeply aware of the faith foundation of our lives and to find inspiration to enter into our life s work with deeper conviction. I am confident you will agree that such a day is so important to realizing our mission: to provide a Catholic education that inspires students to learn and that prepares them to live fully to serve God in one another. (ECS Mission Statement). For more information, please feel free to call our school office at Peace and blessings, Mr. Peter Meurs Principal

6 ARRIVING ON TIME Important Information Please Read The expectation is that students arrive at school no later than 8:15 am each morning and be in their classes by 8:20. Arriving late to class results in your child missing the beginning of classes which is disruptive to their learning and the learning of other students. At times, this also requires the teacher to review instructions with your child which takes time away from the learning of other students. Whether students are taking the bus or getting a ride to school, they need to ensure they arrive NO LATER THAN 8:15 to allow them time to get to homeroom by 8:20. Doors open for students at 8:00 AM.

7 Cardinal Leger Parent Groups NEW MEMBERS WANTED!!! Cardinal Leger School has two distinct parent groups that support our school: Cardinal Leger School Council School Councils in Alberta School councils are structured groups of parents, principals, teachers, secondary students and community representatives who work together to effectively support and enhance student learning. They provide a means for members of the school community to consult with and provide advice to the principal and the school board. School councils were legislated in 1995 under Alberta s School Act and are mandatory for all schools in the public education system, including charter schools. The Government of Alberta recognizes the value of parents and the community to be engaged in the education of children. It is through school council that parents, community members and school staff have a means of participating in decisions that impact student learning success. Taken from: Cardinal Leger Parent Advisory Committee This group is responsible for the organization and running of the casino events held every two years. The monies raised through these efforts are used to fund various activities and initiatives at the school. This year, the following activities and purchases are being supported by this group: Instruments for the instrumental music program $ Equipment for our Fitness Room $ Attendance of all Students at a Citadel Play, including transportation $9 500 These two groups, meet 5 times a year to discuss happenings at the school and to explore ways to enhance our school community and our students experiences. Meetings are held together and typically last about minutes in total. WE HAVE THREE MEETINGS LEFT THIS YEAR AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO JOIN US: Tuesday, January 9, 6:30 PM Tuesday, March 13, 6:30 PM Tuesday, May 8, 6:30 PM A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE PARENTS WHO VOLUNTEERED THEIR TIME ON NOVEMBER 21ST AND 22ND TO MAKE OUR MOST RECENT CASINO A SUCCESS.

8 Important Dates Jan. 8 Classes Resume Jan. 9 School Council Meeting All parents are invited to attend this meeting. It is an excellent opportunity for parents to learn more about what is happening at the school and to discuss upcoming school initiatives. Jan. 16 Pre-AP Information Evening 7PM This evening is designed to provide families with information regarding the Pre-Advanced Placement Program. Students considering this program for Grades 7, 8 or 9 are encouraged to attend. Jan Outdoor Ed Winter Activity Field Trip Grade 8 students in Outdoor Ed 8-1 will be heading to the Strathcona Wilderness Centre to participate in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing activities. Jan. 18 Student Wellness Day All students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sessions focusing on student mental health and wellness. Jan. 19 Grade 9 Outdoor Ed Ice Fishing Our Grade 9 students in Outdoor Ed will be spending the day outside ice fishing at a local lake. Jan Outdoor Ed Winter Activity Field Trip Grade 8 students in Outdoor Ed 8-2 will be heading to the Strathcona Wilderness Centre to participate in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing activities. Jan. 22 MP Visit to Grade 9 Social Classes MP, Kerry Diotte, will be visiting all Social 9 classes on this day. Jan. 25 Winter Concert Students in our music program, as well as those involved in Glee Club will be performing at the school for our Winter Music Concert. Please plan on attending. Jan. 29 Political Cartoonist: Grade 9 Visit Political cartoonist, Fred Curatolo, will be visiting all 5 Social 9 classes. PowerSchool at 3:00pm on this day. Feb. 5 Father Mike Mireau Day All Grade 8 students in the district will be attending this youth faith formation day at the Shaw Conference Centre. Feb. 6 District Faith Formation Day All district staff will be attending this staff faith formation day at the Shaw Conference Centre NO SHOOL FOR STUDENTS. Feb. 7 High School Visits Staff from O Leary, St. Joseph and Archbishop MacDonald will be visiting grade 9 students to share program information for high school. Feb. 8 Grade 6 Orientation Day Grade 6 students from our feeder schools will spend the morning at Cardinal Leger to learn more about our school and programs. Feb. 8 Grade 9 Bowling All grade 9 students will be visiting St. Albert Bowl for this traditional fieldtrip. Feb. 12 Cardinal Leger Open House 7PM We will be hosting our open house as we begin preparations for next year. Feb. 13 Grade 9 Immunizations Feb. 13 Valentine s Day Dance Feb. 14 Ash Wednesday Celebration We will having our Ash Wednesday at the school at 9:00 am. All parents and guardians are welcome to join us in the gym. Feb. 19 Family Day NO SCHOOL Feb Outdoor Ed Winter Activity Field Trip Grade 8 students in Outdoor Ed 8 (Semester 2) will be heading to the Strathcona Wilderness Centre to participate in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing activities. Feb. 23 Grade 9 Outdoor Ed Ice Fishing Our Grade 9 students in Outdoor Ed (Semester 2) will be spending the day outside ice fishing at a local lake. Mar. 1-2 Teachers Convention NO SCHOOL Jan. 31 Report Cards Posted to PowerSchool Semester 1 Report Cards will be posted to 8

9 Sharing the Good News Chaplain s Message For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9: 6-7 Annual Christmas Hamper Campaign Thank you so much to all of our Cardinal Léger Community on another successful Christmas Hamper Campaign! We managed to completely fill all of our hampers, which will go to families in our community and in support of the Edmonton Food Bank. We re so thankful to be blessed with all of your support. At this time the need at the Food Bank is significant, a record 25,000 hampers will be given out in ONE WEEK before Christmas. There has been an average 10,000 / week increase in hampers from this year over last year at this time. A very special thank you to Franco s Pizza for their generous donation of 15 turkeys. We re blessed by your support. Spreading Christmas Cheer During the week before Christmas break, the LIFE group at Léger had the wonderful idea of decorating all of the student lockers and teachers classroom doors with positive and uplifting messages. Students and staff couldn t hold back the smiles when they read the message they were given. It s amazing to see how powerful a single compliment can be.

10 Italian Language and Culture Program (Lingua e Cultura Italiana) The Legend of La Befana Who is the Befana? She's an old woman, looking like a witch, who flies on a broom in the night between the 5 th and 6 th of January. If the child has been good she will give candies and toys, but if he or she has been naughty, they will get coal. This particular Italian tradition was very important in the past and until the end of the Second World War Italian children only had the Befana bringing them gifts. Santa Clause was introduced later into the Italian Christmas Tradition. The tradition of presents on the 6 th of January is also known in other countries: The Three Wise Men came to Bethlehem to bring royal gifts to Jesus, recognizing him as a King, and that day for Christian Religion is called Epiphany, which means manifestation. The Three Kings represent the human being recognizing the revelation of God who made man. It is the misspelling of "Epifania", the Italian word for Epiphany, which created the word "Befana". According to Christian legend, there was an old woman who was sweeping her house when the Three Wise Men knocked at her door on their way to Bethlehem. She hosted them and gave them food and drinks. The day after they asked her if she wanted to go with them to find baby Jesus. Being busy she rejected the offer, but some day after she regretted it and started to wander around to find the child. Failing, she decided to bring gifts to good children and coal to bad ones. Still on January 5 th, kids in Italy hang their socks out, waiting for that mysterious and scary old woman that will fill them full of candies, sweets and if they were quite good, with a toy they really want. At least, if they were good. Otherwise, they will get nothing more than coal.

11 General Reminders SCHOOL FEES DUE School fees are now past due. Please make payment through your PowerSchool account or visit the main office to pay by credit card or debit. If you have any questions, please call the main office at DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER A reminder that our students go outside for each lunch recess unless the temperature is 20 o C or colder. Doors also do not open until 8:00 am each morning. Please have students dress appropriately to be outside each day. LOST and FOUND Students continue to leave personal items unattended and unlocked; this is particularly a problem in the change rooms. A reminder that the school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Student Pick Up and Drop Off If you are dropping off or picking up your child, we ask that you park along 88A Avenue and avoid parking on 144 Avenue as this is a bus zone where the school specials drop off and pick up the students. Please also avoid dropping off or picking up your child in the staff parking lot at the front of the school. This parking lot is for staff use only as there is limited space.

12 Charger Sports Congratulations to the following students who make up our Junior and Senior basketball teams. Senior Boys Luke B. Mario D. Sal D. Daniel D. Karl F. Yobel H. Freddy M. Giacomo V. Xander V. Joven Y. Coach: Mr. Villella Senior Girls Jacqueline A. Vanessa C. Bianca D. Anite I. Kimberlie J. Abok J. Anna L. Ellexia M. Chloe M. Francesca P. Cordelia S. Coach: Miss Reilly Junior Boys Paolo B. Travis C. Joshua E. Yaphet H. Adonis H. Balogu I. Isaac K. Robert L. Joel M. Nahom T. Nolan T. Ilyass U. Nahom W. Coach: Mr. Mackey Junior Girls Briana B. Brooklyn B. Hilda J. Emma K. Rosie K. Adrianna K. Adol M. Carlayna M. Olivia M. Katriona S. Ava T. Coaches: Mrs. Steeves & Mrs. Moore 12

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14 Superintendent's Message January 2018 To celebrate Mary as Mother of God and our mother at the beginning of the new year means recalling a certainty that will accompany our days: we are a people with a Mother; we are not orphans. (Pope Francis, Homily, January 1, 2017) Each year, January 1 marks the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. As Pope Francis shared, turning our gazes to Mary as the new year begins fills our vision of the horizon in front of us with a model of perfect love. We see the example of faithful love for God when we think of her yes in response to His call. We see the example of parental love in the mother who tenderly nurtured her Son, walking alongside Him through His life and to His death. We see the example of selfless, humble love in her willingness to be the instrument of bearing Salvation into the world. As we contemplate our plans and aspirations for the new year, let us take inspiration from Mary! We are always so excited to spread the great news of the amazing things that take place daily in our schools. We want everyone to know that Catholic education offers rich and vibrant opportunities for students to learn and grow in a Christ centred environment. We have launched a new hashtag, #ECSDfaithinspires, which beautifully portrays how our Catholic faith guides every aspect of our schools as we live out our District vision to learn together, work together and pray together in answering the call to a faith-filled life of service. We encourage all our staff, students, and ECSD families to use this new hashtag and help us share the good news of how faith inspires our daily lives at Edmonton Catholic Schools! We are so pleased with the participation in our Hour of Code Week last month. This week, which saw 25,804 of our students engage in a variety of coding based activities, brought so much excitement and creativity into our classrooms. Special thanks to our EmTech team for their drive and passion in ensuring that our students have the skills that they need to navigate our digital world. The month of January brings the end of the semester for our high schools. One of the enhanced services that we are pleased to offer our students who will be writing Diploma Examinations is Diploma Prep courses. These courses provide an excellent structure for students to review the content of their exam courses so that they can approach them with greater confidence. Visit and click on the Diploma Prep banner for more information.

15 The new year brings much new information and opportunity for our students and families. This is always reflected on our District website. Watch for our new Guide to Schools as well as information on registration for , Open Houses, and our upcoming session on Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety from our Mental Health Caregiver series. The newest information is always highlighted in the rotating banner at for your convenience. The Government of Alberta is seeking the input of Albertans as they begin to shape their upcoming provincial budget. You can complete a brief online survey at This is an excellent opportunity for your voice to be heard! The week of January is the Week of Prayer For Christian Unity. I will leave you with a thought from Pope Francis: unity is achieved by journeying, to recall that when we journey together, that is, when we encounter each other when we pray together and collaborate together in proclaiming the Gospel and in the service of others, we are already united. (Papal Audience, 10/11/2016) Many blessings as you begin the journey of a new year! Sincerely, Joan Carr Superintendent

16 Putting the Word of God into Practice A Reflection In Archbishop Richard Smith s Pastoral Letter: Living in the Word of God: A Call to the Clergy and the Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese of Edmonton, His Grace asks us to consider what it means to follow Jesus. Here, the question can be answered rather simply. It is a matter of listening and doing; an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ is one who first listens to his Word and then puts it into practice. Throughout the history of the Church, the Christian response to God s love revealed in Christ has been threefold: worship, witness and service. Worship In all of Scripture, the words of Jesus likely most familiar to Catholics ears are these: Do this in memory of me. Spoken by the Lord at the Last Supper, these words have always been understood by the Church as his command to repeat in his memory what he did with his disciples the night prior to his crucifixion. This is why we gather for Sunday mass, the sacrament of the Eucharist, and why the Church insists that doing so is a sacred obligation. At mass, enabled by the Holy Spirit we offer our lives to God the Father, through Jesus his Son, as an act of joyful praise and heartfelt thanksgiving for God s saving love (Archbishop Richard Smith). From our awareness of this wondrous gift that is the Eucharist, and of the Lord s command that is celebrated in his memory: Do we consciously make the Eucharist the heart of our lives? Witness Saint John writes these beautiful words at the beginning of his first letter: We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete (1 John 1:1-4). Here St. John is expressing what we know from experience to be true. When we have encountered Jesus Christ and been transformed by his mercy and love, we naturally want to tell others about it and invite them to be one with us in a community of joy (Archbishop Richard Smith). We give witness by making known to others what God has done for the world in Jesus Christ, and for each of us in our own individual lives. The most effective way we can put the Word of God into practice is by the way we live our lives: What message do we communicate to others by our way of living, patterns of thought and speech, and modes of behavior? Service On the night of the Last Supper, after Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he taught that by this action he was giving us an example to follow, and then spoke this command: I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35). Putting the Word of God into practice means serving our brothers and sisters in love. To love as Jesus loved means that we make sacrifices daily for the good of the other (Archbishop Richard Smith). We serve others by using God s gifts according to his purpose and in keeping with our identity as disciples of Jesus Christ. We consider: What use do I make of time? Do I set aside time for prayer, for Sunday mass, for the enjoyment of family? Am I able to dedicate some time to volunteer in the parish, our schools, hospitals or charitable organizations? The call to give of ourselves relates not just to the direct support of our parishes and Catholic organizations, it pertains also to the embrace of our baptismal call to be missionary disciples. Each of us is sent into the world in service so that it be transformed with the power of the Gospel of our Lord. ~Sandra Talarico, Religious Education Consultant

17 The Wondrous Gift of Epiphany During the Christmas season we celebrate with our families and friends with the giving and receiving of various gifts. Perhaps the greatest gift we receive, as Christians, takes place during Epiphany, when our Lord makes his first public appearance. Throughout the ages, Christians have celebrated Christmas, including the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany, which falls on January 6. The season begins with the Nativity of our Lord, and ends with the celebration of His baptism, and His manifestation ("Epiphany") as Messiah of Israel and Son of God. This extraordinary gift calls for us to open our hearts and minds to God through His son, Jesus, who came to us as man, to live and suffer in the same way His lay people would. Another one of the extraordinary gifts we receive is our ability to praise and worship the Father through the Holy Spirit, as a result of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Knowing Jesus is the Body of Christ, we, through our Baptism, enter the Body of Christ as members of our faith community. Through this union, we are able to share in the cleansing of sins, and essentially, our re-birth. The gifts of the eastern Magi, allow us to remember that they offered what little they had (Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh), and in return, Christ gave them Himself. This exchange of gifts takes place for us whenever we celebrate the Eucharist, by the glorious power of the Holy Spirit! Throughout the holy Christmas season, God fills us with joy and hope! By celebrating Epiphany and these wondrous gifts bestowed upon us by the Christ-child, may we, in-turn, use them to take a step closer to the Kingdom of God, in unity with His one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. Susanna Kaup and Kathleen Nguyen Religious Education Consultants

18 STAY Alert January 2018 Be Aware Welcome back to school after the amazing Christmas break. We hope everyone had an enjoyable time away from school. This edition of the STAY Alert is about being aware about how we use our devices: 1. The new Christmas device is brighter, sounds better, and works faster than the old. The device can be so good it attracts all your attention. This is okay at home when lounging around but when you are walking to school this can become a disaster. Walking into the path of a stationary sign really gets one s attention. Walking into a standing person causes conflict. Walking into the path of a moving car is a trip to the hospital. Be aware when you are moving from place to place, and try to keep your head up. 2. Students want to share their holiday adventures with their friends. Messages and pictures being sent are relaying every detail. Be aware that messages and pictures are never private. Remember when you send a message it is to everyone, not just the intended recipient. 3. Finally, be aware Christmas 2018 is only 12 months away! Your STAY team welcomes you back to school. We wish you all the best in 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.

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