LE LIEN. Message from our Holy Cross Administration. Hours. December 2016

Transcription

1 o n Le Lien December 2016 LE LIEN December 2016 Message from our Holy Cross Administration During the month of December, we celebrate Advent, a joyful waiting for the coming of Jesus. Over the next four weeks of Advent, we prepare for Christmas. PYP families can look forward to Joy Bags coming home with their children. The Joy Bag encourages families to take a few moments of connection and reflection to focus on the Advent season. At the school, we look forward to Christmas concerts for the PYP students and a band concert for Grade 8 and 9 music students. We hope to see you there! Hours Kindergarten AM: 8:20am-11:20am Kindergarten PM: 12:00pm-3:00pm 100 Voices: 12:00pm-3:00pm Grades 1 to 9: 8:20am-3:00pm God Bless, Lorraine Press Lynnette Anderson Donna Rankin-Anderson Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal THURSDAY Kindergarten & 100 Voices- no classes on Thursdays Grades 1 to 9: 8:20am-12:00pm

2 LE LIEN DECEMBER Information Evening for New Registrations Holy Cross Académie Internationale will be holding an Information Evening for our Early Learning and Junior High Programs for the school year on February 9 th, Encourage your friends and neighbours to come out and learn more about our programs you are our best advocates. Coffee, Tea and IB! Grade 5 parents and guardians are invited to an information session to learn about the Exhibition that their children will be participating in this year, as the culminating project in their PYP experience. This project encourages collaborative inquiry through an authentic process. The information session for Grade 5 parents will be held in the réseau on January 18 th at 6:30PM. Grade 9 parents and guardians are invited to an information session to learn about the Community Project that their children will be completing this year. This project encourages students to work collaboratively and to experience service learning. It is student-centered and allows students to explore practical interests through the IB action cycle. The information session for Grade 9 parents will be held in the réseau on January 19 th at 6:30PM.

3 LE LIEN DECEMBER Gala D Art Oratoire Each year, the Canadian Parents for French, Edmonton Catholic Schools Chapter, sponsors the Gala D art Oratoire. This event is not a competition, but a showcase and a celebration of student achievement in French public speaking. It will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 6:30 pm. Please note that this is a change of date. The venue is still to be announced. Holy Cross has been invited to submit 2 presentations from our Grades 4-6 students and 2 presentations from our Grades 7-9 students. Teachers will be working to prepare students for this event and will determine a selection process for participants. Professional Development Days There are no classes on December 2 nd for teacher professional development. The teachers are looking forward to a presentation from La Société des écoles du monde du BI du Québec et de la francophonie (SÉBIQ), an organization that supports International Baccalaureate schools with professional development in French. The teachers will take part in two more professional development days this year: February 17 th and March 17 th. There will be no classes on these days. In order to participate, the school must provide 1 parent volunteer to assist with the planning of the Gala. This involves about 5-7 hours of work and 1 meeting in February, The parent volunteer must have regular access as most of the planning is done via . Please contact the school at 8203web@ecsd.net if you are able to assist in this. MYP LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE During the month of December, in the spirit of gift-giving and sharing, the MYP Leadership Team will be collecting items and monetary donations for The Mustard Seed. More information will be sent home shortly. Thank you to the MYP Leadership Team, M. Eng and Mlle Norman for taking the initiative to support this worthy cause. Holy Cross School Council Meeting Reminder The Holy Cross School Council (SC) will hold their next meeting on December 8th at 7:00PM in the réseau. All parents are invited to attend.

4 o CTF courses in MYP Le Lien December 2016 Second term CTF courses have begun for the MYP students. Mr. Fairfield s students in the Electro-technologies and Computing Sciences option have started block coding and programming with a variety of robotics: Arduino boards, Hummingbird kits, Spheros, and Lego Mindstorms. They will be working through the IB action cycle in designing their projects. They are also developing their Alberta Education competency skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration.

5 LE LIEN DECEMBER Great Achievements! Congratulations to our exceptional students at Holy Cross Académie Internationale for receiving honors standings in term one of Thank you to our students for their hard work. You make Holy Cross Académie Internationale very proud! Grade 6 Honours Grade 6 Honours is awarded to students who attain Exemplary in 3 core subjects plus Religion. Grade 6 Honours with Distinction Grade 6 Honours with Distinction is awarded to students who attain Exemplary in all 5 core subjects plus Religion. Grade 6 Honours Andrew B. Julia H. Grade 6 Honours with Distinction Grade 7-9 Honours Grade 7-9 Honours is awarded to students who attain 80% or higher in all 5 core subjects plus Religion. Grade 7-9 Honours with Distinction Grade 7-9 Honours with Distinction is awarded to students who maintain 90% or higher in all 5 core subjects plus Religion. Grade 7 Honours Grade 7 Honours with Distinction Erika B. Taitum C. Kole G. Isabelle M. Olivia M. Chloe R.-S. Roy T. Liza T. Eliz A. Claire H. Hayley D. Matilda O. Martin G. Macario I. Dillen M. Matthew M. Clairia M. Betty N. Nathaniel P. John-Paul R.

6 o Le Lien December 2016 Grade 8 Honours Grade 8 Honours with Distinction Andrew B. Leah I. Ethan E. Amber L. Hannah F. Maddie F. Edward H. Jake O. Naomi T. Keira D. Laura D. Lucia G.-S. Samantha K. Fatemah L. Tesia N. Gabrielle W. Abigail Y. Grade 9 Honours Grade 9 Honours with Distinction Marvel A. Julianne B. Danielle B. Jill F. Patrick D. Aidan G. Troy F. Makenna G. Kyle F. Ethan W. Claudia G. Alex B. Grace G. Mia C. Sasza H. Breagh C. Aaron H. Eleanor W. Naomi I. Mae N. Sophia Q. Mikayela R. Beeta S.-Z. Joshua B. Declan G. Ryker H. Brandon L. Sara L. Aidan M. Amelia M. Mervyn N. Matthew S. Chin T. Lauren T. Hunter V. L. Matthew W. Meegan W. Rebecca W.

7 LE LIEN DECEMBER Christmas Concerts During the month of December, we are looking forward to Christmas Concert performances by our PYP students. Following the concerts, there will be a social. Families are invited to bring a pre-packaged food item to share. Please remember that we are an APPLE school. Grades 1-3 December 14 th at 6:30PM Grade 4-6 December 15 th at 6:30PM Grade 8 and 9 music students will be holding a performance on December 8 th at 7:00PM Kindergarten and 100 Voices classes will hold their Christmas Family Night on December 22 nd at 6:30PM. The teachers will send home more information soon. We hope to see many families at these events! Hour of Code We live in a world surrounded by technology, and we know that whatever fields our students choose to explore as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly depend on understanding how technology works. Only a tiny fraction of us, however, are learning how technology works. Only one in every four schools teach computer science. To inspire our students in learning about how technology works, Edmonton Catholic School District is once again participating in the largest learning event in history: The Hour of Code, during Computer Science Education Week (December 5-9). More than 100 million students worldwide have already tried an Hour of Code. Last Year in Edmonton Catholic Schools alone we had over 17,000 students try coding! This year our goal is 20,000 students! Edmonton Catholic Schools is ready to teach these foundational 21st century skills. See for details, and help spread the word.

8 o Volleyball at Holy Cross Le Lien December 2016 Our volleyball teams have been hard at work developing their skills. Thank you to all our students for their dedication, and to the teacher coaches and our parent coach, Mrs. Scarlett, for their support. Congratulations to the boys and girls senior volleyball teams who participated in a tournament at Archbishop MacDonald High School at the end of November. Well done!

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11 LE LIEN DECEMBER 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 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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14 Invitation to Confirmation LE LIEN DECEMBER Dear Parents and Guardians, Has your Baptized Junior High daughter or son received the Sacrament of Confirmation? Would they like to receive this sacrament? Would you like your child to be confirmed? During the Sacramental Education Initiative, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Edmonton and its ten Catholic school districts, we have discovered that some young people have not yet been confirmed in the faith and, therefore, fully initiated into the Church. If your son or daughter has not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. John the Evangelist Parish and École Holy Cross School invite you and your child to consider participating in the sacramental preparation program offered by the parish. Christian initiation begins with Baptism which is sealed with Confirmation. The Eucharist renews both of these sacraments weekly. God calls each of us to a life-long faith journey, and the Church s sacraments supply us with all of the spiritual resources necessary for it. Confirmation completes one s initiation into the Church. We earnestly hope that you will encourage the completion of your child s initiation. The Holy Spirit, bestowed in Confirmation, unites us more closely to Jesus and fills us with the gifts we need for an abundant life. For more information, please contact Sophie Ogle, the Pastoral Assistant at St. John s Parish. If your child has not celebrated the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and/or Eucharist, we can help prepare them for those sacraments too. Sophie Ogle Pastoral Assistant St. John the Evangelist Church Street Edmonton, Alberta T5N 3E8 Phone: Fax: stjohnev-pa@shaw.ca

15 LE LIEN DECEMBER News from St. John the Evangelist Parish Advent, Christmas, and New Year s Celebrations God never tires of forgiving us! Pope Francis Our Advent Penitential Celebration (reconciliation) is on Tuesday Dec 13, from 7 to 8:30 pm. There is a Gospel reading with a short homily. Fr. Paul, Fr. Raja and priests from other parishes will be available for an opportunity for individual reconciliation. If you have not been to confession for a while, don t be afraid the priest will help you along and we will have guides in the pews. Check out videos and a short description of how to go to confession on the Archdiocese site at We are celebrating the traditional Philippine novena Simbang Gabi with a Mass every evening at 7 pm., from Dec. 15 through Dec. 23. (A novena is nine days of prayer, in remembrance of the nine days of prayer by the Apostles and Mary between the Ascension of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.) St. John the Evangelist especially welcomes you and your family to our Christmas Masses this year: Dec. 24 at 5 pm, 7 pm, 9 pm, Midnight Dec. 25 at 10:30 am New Year s Eve (Dec. 31) Mass is at 5 pm. On Jan. 1, Masses celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God are at our regular Sunday Mass times: 9 am, 10:30 am, and noon. JAG for Holy Cross and St. Rose JAG Youth Group is meeting at Good Shepherd Parish on Dec. 2, 7 8:30. We are having a party at St. John s and a Candy Cane Lane walk on Dec. 16, 6:30 9 pm. Young people from Grades 7 12 are always welcome to join us! Confirmation We are celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation on May 28, with more than 35 children already registered. Confirmation preparation starts in late January. Please contact the Parish office at or stjohnev-pa@shaw.ca to make an appointment for a meeting of Sophie (Pastoral Assistant) with you and your child to register. Please bring your child s Baptism certificate, and a small photo for our prayer poster. The materials and retreat fee is $50. The parent information meeting is on Jan. 9, 7 pm. In the Church upper hall. Parish Information Our regular weekend Masses are at 7 pm on Saturday, and on Sunday at 9 am, 10:30 am, and noon. Please visit our Parish website for information about events, who we are as a Parish, and what we do to live out the Gospel. There are many ways we serve, and you are always welcome to be part of our different groups.

16 LE LIEN DECEMBER 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

17 LE LIEN DECEMBER 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

18 LE LIEN DECEMBER Celebrating Advent as a family What do January 1 st 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 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. Have a Blessed Advent. Kathleen Nguyen, Elementary Religious Education Consultant

19 LE LIEN DECEMBER 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 Christmas lights that we see lighting up our houses and places of Although not all of us who put up these colorful lights may realize significance, what they are saying is We are Christians waiting can be very comforting to know that there are so many people that our Advent journey. It can also; however, be quite discomforting when I put up my Christmas lights, it is supposed to mean more promote pretty decorations. Advent is the business. their for Jesus. It are sharing in to realize that than a desire to 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

20 LE LIEN DECEMBER 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 St. Joseph s Basilica- Dec. 5, Junior All City John L. Haar Theatre (MacEwan)-Dec. 7, Senior All City 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

21 LE LIEN DECEMBER 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 and Three-Year Education Plan Once approved by the Board of Trustees, the reports will be posted on our public website on the Annual Reports and Results page at 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