time this sacred mass will take place at Cardinal Léger.

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1 Cardinal Leger Junior High School April 2017 Administrators Message When we return from spring break we will have only three months left in this school year! April will be a busy month with many activities taking place. The Honour Band will take part in a workshop at the University of Alberta on April 1st and perform at the U of A on April 9th, the grade 8 and 9 Outdoor Education classes will be continuing with their adventures by going wall climbing, the Grade Sevens will be visiting the Citadel to watch Peter and the Star Catcher, thirty students and three teachers will travel across the country to visit Quebec from April 25-30, and preparations will continue for the Drama production, Alice@Wonderland which will take place early in May. With Easter coming in mid-april, we are in the midst of our Lenten Journey at Cardinal Léger. To wrap up this season in our school we will be having a Holy Thursday Mass at 8:45 AM on April 13 th, all parents are welcome. Father Dean will be presiding and this will be the first time this sacred mass will take place at Cardinal Léger. After Easter we will also be celebrating Cardinal Léger day on April 24 th, with mass, grade level social justice projects and a dance. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone an enjoyable Spring Break and a happy and blessed Easter! Mr. P. Meurs Mrs. K. Germaine Principal Assistant Principal Cardinal Léger Catholic Jr. High School Ph. (780) Inside this issue Administrators Message... 1 Important Dates... 2 Sharing the Good News... 3 Team Leadership... 4 Numeracy Week... 5 Weekly at Leger... 6 Congratulations... 7 Superintendent s Message... 8 L.I.F.E Group... 9 Chaplain s Message Reflecting on the words of Pope Francis STAY Alert... 12

2 Important Dates January and February April 1 Honour Band at U of A Our Honour Band students will be participating in a music clinic with instructors from the U of A. April 3 Classes Resume Regular classes will resume on this day. April 6 Grade 9 Farewell Photos Smart Photography will be at the school to take pictures for our Grade 9 students. April 7 Grade 8 Outdoor Ed Wall Climbing Our grade 8 Outdoor Ed students will be going to Vertically Inclined for a wall climbing fieldtrip. April 9 Honour Band Performance Our Honour Band students will be performing at the U of A Concert Hall. Time TBD. April 13 Holy Thursday Mass Father Dean Dowle, one of our district chaplains will be celebrating Holy Thursday mass with our students on Thursday, April 13th at 8:45am. We invite all parents to join us. April 14 Good Friday NO SCHOOL April 17 Easter Monday NO SCHOOL April 19 Grade 7s to Citadel Theatre All Grade 7 students will be attending the production of Peter and the Star Catcher. April 24 Cardinal Leger Day play, Wonderland. We invite everyone to join us in our school gymnasium at 7pm. Further details and ticket purchasing information will be available closer to the date. May 9 ELA Part A PAT, Garde 7 & 8 Written Exams All of our grade 9s will be writing Part A of their ELA PAT this is the written portion of their exam. Our grade 7 & 8 students will also be completing their written portion of their ELA final on this day. May 12 Grade 8 Outdoor Ed Mountain Biking Our grade 8 Outdoor Ed students will be participating in a mountain biking fieldtrip. May 16 Cardinal Leger Track and Field Day May 19 Grade 9 Outdoor Ed Fire Building / Geocaching Our grade 9 Outdoor Ed students will be participating in a Geocaching and Fire building activity at the school. May 22 Victoria Day NO SCHOOL May 23 Grade 9 Immunizations May 23 Grade 9 Outdoor Ed Voyageur Canoeing Our grade 9 Outdoor Ed students will be going voyageur canoeing on the North Saskatchewan River for the day. Our school will be celebrating Cardinal Leger Day with a mass at the school in the morning with a dance in the afternoon. April Quebec Trip Approximately 30 of our Grade 9 students will be making this annual trip to Quebec City and Montreal to learn about Canadian History related to this part of our country and will visit many historical locations and buildings found in these two cities. May 3 Grade 9 Outdoor Ed Wall Climbing Our grade 9 Outdoor Ed students will be going to Vertically Inclined for a wall climbing fieldtrip. May 4 Drama Production Wonderland 2 This year, our drama club is performing the

3 Sharing the Good News... A Prayer for Lent O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because you are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me and I ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen. DODGEBALL Tournament On March 23 we had our annual Dodgeball tournament where teams of 5 paid a $25 entry free to play in a tournament for the day. A total of 35 teams including 3 well-dressed teacher teams participated. A total of $800 will be donated to YESS Youth Empowerment & Support Services Cathy Ostapowicz & Greg Hansen Chaplains at Cardinal Léger 3

4 Team Leadership We Stand Youth Summit Expo Centre - March 21, 2017 Mrs. Esposito-Neri and Mrs. Germaine along with 22 Team Leadership students attended the 3 rd annual Youth Summit inspiring our youth to be active participants in Social Justice issues that surround us. They listened to various speakers who shared their inspirational stories on helping others around the world. For more information please see Team Leadership thanks all of are school community for your cereal donations in support of St. Francis of Assisi 4

5 Numeracy Week During the week of March 13th 17 th students competed in various challenges and worked on activities related to numeracy and literacy. Some classes worked on a mathography, pi digit stories, baked pi cookies and pi pretzels, tessellations, Pythagorean spirals, examined Canada by the numbers during social studies and participated in a pi digit fitness circuit in physical education classes. Students were also entertained during block 1 watching numeracy related videos. For a social justice project, students were encouraged to bring in at least one can of tuna which will be donated to the Hope Mission. Thanks to all those who donated we collected over 250 cans of tuna!! Students also had an opportunity to memorize as many pi digits as possible. There were prizes for each homeroom. The winners were: Grade 7 Eridanio Canales, Jae Anne Marcelo, Aizelle Cuevas, Kelby Ho, Meaghan Thomas Grade 8 Ruskin Luitel, Anastasia Pituley, Jennifer Lang, Marissa Altobelli, Tiana Huynh Grade 9 Mateus Alves, Kayla Nawrocki, Phoebe Nguyen, Vanessa Wynnyk, Vincent Vu Grade Level Winners Jae Anne Marcelo 71 digits Jennifer Lang 141 digits Phoebe Nguyen 128 digits Jennifer Lang was the overall winner, receiving a trophy. Students also competed in a Sudoku and KenKen puzzle challenge. The homeroom winners were: Grade 7 Nikola Cowie, Thomas Mercer, Ava Smethurst, Tracy Pham, Meaghan Thomas Grade 8 Natisha Ram, Parker Mack, Daniel Donaghey, Anna Lepki, Jack Deng Grade 9 Phong Tran, Rawan Houchaimi, Noah Warawa, Colin Ferra, Nicholas Schykulski. The staff Sudoku champion was Mrs. Germaine 5 Congratulations and Well Done!!

6 Weekly at Leger Club or Activity Date and Time Location Teacher Morning Broadcast Daily Library Mrs. Bolling Concession Daily (Gr. 9s Only) Concession Mrs. Esposito-Neri Math Help w/ Mrs. Steeves Mondays 3:00-4:00 Room 102 Mrs. Steeves Jazz Band Mondays 3:00-4:00 Room 115 Mr. Goueffic Cosmetology Club Mon. & Tue. 11:40 Room 209 Mrs. Stagliano Yearbook Club Mon. & Wed. 3:00-4:00 Room 201 Mrs. Bruno Math Help w/ Mr. Lepore Tuesdays 3:00-4:00 Room 203 Mr. Lepore Chess Club Tuesdays 3:00-4:00 Room 203 Mr. Lepore Drama Club (School Play) Tuesdays 3:00-4:00 Room 210 Mrs. Lakusta Social Justice Club Tues. & Fri. 11:40 Room 208 Mrs. Ostapowicz Mr. Hansen Science Help Young Inventors Club Wednesdays 3:00-4:00 Room 101 Mrs. Rogozinski Miss Urquhart Soundwaves Wednesdays 3:00-4:00 Room 115/210 Mrs. Lakusta Mr. Goueffic Lego League Thursdays 12:00-1:00 Room 210 Mr. Goueffic Mrs. Lakusta Honour Band Fridays 3:00-4:15 Room 115 Mr. Goueffic On occasion, some of these sessions may be cancelled due to other teacher commitments. As a school, we will do our best to inform students of these cancellations with reasonable notice. Team practices and games have not been included here as these may depend on gym availability; team events are TBD. 6

7 Congratulations The artwork pictured here was on display at the Greater Edmonton Teacher Convention at the beginning of March. It has also been on display at the Spring Into Art Show at the U of A Extension Gallery. 7

8 Superintendent's Message November 2016 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, 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 to learn more and to register. 8

9 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 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 Alberta March for Life 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 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. Cardinal Leger L.I.F.E Group We have recently started a LIFE (Lived Inclusion for Everyone) Framework/Diversity student club at Cardinal Léger. We are meeting weekly during the lunch hour under the supervision and guidance of two staff members. We are in the process of coming up with a club name, logo and mission statement. Should you have any questions please contact Mrs. Karen Germaine by calling the school office. An inclusive community is one in which each person is welcomed, accepted, and supported as a child of God, therefore any discrimination is unacceptable and will be addressed. (ECSD Administrative Policy 138) 9

10 District Chaplain s Message April 2017 We are a people who love messages. Did you get my letter? My ? 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, 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 10

11 A Chapter from Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation 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 11

12 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 self-confident, 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 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 12 in school. The STAY teams work hard to ensure our youth succeed in life.