May God bless you and your family with love during this Christmas season. We look forward to what 2018 will bring to our community!

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1 Cardinal Leger Junior High School December, 2017 Administrators Message In anticipation of the Advent season, we look forward to starting celebrations at school. Each Monday of Advent we will participate in a celebration over broadcast which includes, readings, prayers, videos and the lighting of advent candles in each classroom. Our Advent Mass will take place at St. Matthew Parish on the morning of December 21 st. Father Paul is always thrilled to have your children in the church, please join us if you are available. As a school we will work together to fill food hampers for families in need. Please refer to the Social Justice page of this newsletter to see details of this project. We had the opportunity in November for our Demonstration of Learning Interview Format. It was a busy evening with rich conversations about student learning. If you did not have the opportunity to meet with your child s teachers, or would like to discuss your child s progress, please contact teachers by or call the office to leave a message. We wish both our boys and girls Senior Volleyball Teams the best of luck as they enter the playoff season. Both teams are undefeated in Division 1 and North Champions this year! Well done! May God bless you and your family with love during this Christmas season. We look forward to what 2018 will bring to our community! Gracious God, who brought light into this world, be the love that dwells within me. Giving God, who brought peace into this world, be the peace that dwells within me. Creator God, who brought joy into this world, be the joy that dwells within me. Almighty God, may your light, peace and joy shine out from me so all may know your love. Amen. 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 MADD Presentation... 3 Cell Phone Expectations... 4 Arriving on Time... 5 School Council... 6 Important Dates... 7 Sharing the Good News... 8 Italian Program General Reminders...11 Open House Info..12 Charger Sports...13 Superintendent s Message Parent Engagement Info Living in the Word of God Letter from Archbishop Smith STAY Alert STAY Christmas Wishes AHS Caregiver Education Series.. 21 Parent Evening Series... 22

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

3 THE PACT Tuesday, December 19, 2017 Presenters from MADD Canada will be visiting Cardinal Leger on Tuesday, December 19th at 1:00 PM. All students will have the opportunity to view, The Pact, which is the newest video presentation by MADD. We encourage parents to watch the preview by visiting: If you have any concerns with your child participating in this presentation, please contact the school office and we will make alternate arrangements. MADD Canada s School Assembly Programs bring high-energy drug and alcohol impaired driving awareness and risk reduction messaging to the world of education. Youth and school programming have been a key component of MADD Canada s youth services, education and awareness initiatives since The programs are designed to communicate directly with young people on their level and in their language and encourage them to take a closer look at their values and perceptions.

4 CELL PHONE EXPECTATIONS Important Information Please Read Cell phones continue to be a topic of concern at Cardinal Leger. A number of cell phones have been lost or stolen and we continue to have students using their phones inappropriately during class. As points of clarification: 1. Students are only to be using their phones in class for teacher approved academic purposes. The use of phones for texting, SnapChat, Instagram, etc. are strictly forbidden. 2. Parents are asked to NOT text or call their children during class hours. If you need to contact your child during class times, please call the school s main office at and we will get a message to your child. 3. The posting of inappropriate comments or images on social media is forbidden. 4. As stated in the Student Handbook, the school accepts no responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices. Students should never leave devices unattended. As a staff, we have discussed the implications of completely banning the use of cell phones during school hours at Cardinal Leger. We will be monitoring the situation during the week of Dec. 4-8, and should we feel it necessary, we will be banning the use of phones from Dec. 11 until Dec. 22. This would be a trial period to determine if we need to change our cell phone policy permanently beginning in January, We want to encourage the responsible use of technology, but the administrative hours spent on managing cell phone and social media issues has become excessive. Please take some time to discuss this matter with your child to ensure they understand the expectations associated with the use of personal devices at school.

5 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.

6 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.

7 Important Dates December 4 Edmonton Remand Centre Presentation Grade 9 Students will learn more about the Edmonton Remand Centre from staff from this facility. December 7 Feeder School Volleyball Tournament We are pleased to welcome students from 8 elementary schools who are participating in our annual feeder school volleyball tournament. Dec. 19 MADD Presentation This will be a school-wide presentation focusing on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Dec. 21 Full Day of Classes This will be a full day of classes for students. Dismissal time of 2:55. Advent Mass at St. Matthew Parish at 10:30 am. Parents are invited to join us. School Dance in the afternoon. Dec. 22 Half Day of classes Students will be dismissed at 11:57 to begin their Christmas vacation. Dec. 23-Jan. 7 Christmas Vacation 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 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. 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. Jan. 31 Report Cards Posted to PowerSchool Semester 1 Report Cards will be posted to PowerSchool at 3:00pm on this day. Jan Outdoor Ed Winter Activity Field Trip Grade 8 students in Outdoor Ed 8-1 will be heading to the Strathcona Wilderness 7

8 Sharing the Good News Chaplain s Message Then the righteous will answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. Matthew 25:37-40 Remembering Holodomor Every year on November 24, all students in Edmonton Catholic Schools pause to remember Holodomor. The Léger Social Justice Club, The Charitable Chargers, realized that not many students were aware of what Holodomor is. What happened? Why do we pause to remember? What s the big deal? With these questions in mind, the Charitable Chargers ran an informational awareness campaign in order to help the rest of the students in the school find the answers to these questions. From putting up posters to doing speeches on our morning broadcast, as well as preparing a school-wide presentation, the Charitable Chargers took the lead when it came to helping our school understand and remember Holodomor. Holodomor translates as extermination by hunger or to starve to death. This refers to a specific event that occurred in the Ukraine between the years of At this time the Ukraine was under the control of the Soviet Union and their leader Joseph Stalin. The government forced the Ukrainian people from their farms and took all their food away. Anyone caught hiding food or trying to leave the country would be killed or imprisoned. Within 18 months, approximately 8 million Ukrainians died from starvation and execution. The Soviet government managed to hide this event from the rest of the world for over 60 years. Find out more at:

9 Donate to our Annual Christmas Hamper Campaign As we begin this season of Advent, our annual campaign to collect food for the Edmonton Food Bank gets underway on Tuesday, November 28. Our Charitable Chargers are hard at work organizing the food drive, and your student will be asked to sign up to bring in a Christmas Hamper item by December 15 th. We are challenging each homeroom and the teachers to donate the items to make 15 Christmas Hampers. The food will be delivered by our Social Justice Club to the Edmonton Food Bank where we will be touring their facility. Donations of perishable food items can be brought to the school as late as December 15 th. If it s easier for your family, cash donations are also needed to fill in any items for the hampers. Find out more at: The Season of Advent Students at Cardinal Léger will participate in multiple celebrations this Christmas season. Every Monday during Advent, we will be having a celebration over our school s broadcast system. Each homeroom has an advent wreath that they will light as together we celebrate the coming of the birth of Jesus Christ. On Thursday, December 21, we will be having a Christmas mass at St. Matthew s Parish. Dear God, as we prepare for the arrival of your Son, Jesus Christ, may we prepare our hearts for the message of love that he can bring to us each and every day. May we keep the true meaning of Christmas in our minds during this winter break and safely return to school refreshed and full of joy. We ask this in your name. Amen. ~ Greg Hansen - School Chaplain ~

10 Italian Language and Culture Program (Lingua e Cultura Italiana) Visit the website below to enjoy listening to Christmas carols as you create special memories with your family and friends: Christmas is a special time to remember and celebrate Jesus birth. Together with family and friends, we also cherish customs and traditions such as the creation of exquisite desserts. Tiramisu is a traditional Italian dessert which is enjoyed by all. Please refer to the recipe below: Ingredients: 6 large egg yolks, room temperature ½ cup sugar 16 ounces of mascarpone cheese 4 large egg whites 12 to 14 (4 inches) Savoyard biscuits 11 to 12 cups of espresso coffee, at room temperature Preparation: 1. In a large bowl, whisk the yolks with half of the sugar until pale and double the volume (mixture will keep a "ribbon" when folded on it), for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the mascarpone in 2 or 3 additions, blend well to join. Add liqueur, if used, and whip to join. 2. In a clean bowl or bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a whip, mount snowballs and sugar remaining soft peaks. Fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture in two or three additions. 3. In a casserole about 6 - by inch or plate with a border, develops about a third of mascarpone cream in a uniform layer. Soak every single biscuit in the coffee and place them tightly over until the cream is completely covered. Spoon the rest of the cream over the biscuits, spread in a uniform layer. 4. Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days to set the cream. Just before serving, sprinkle the top with cocoa powder.

11 General Reminders SCHOOL FEES DUE All school fees have been posted to PowerSchool and are due by November 15th. Please make payment through your PowerSchool account or visit the main office to pay by credit card or debit. 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. JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ZONES Just a reminder that school zones have now been extended to include all junior high schools. Please be aware and drive with caution when dropping off or picking up students. 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 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

13 Charger Sports BASKETBALL TRYOUTS WILL BEGIN AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE VOLLEYBALL SEASON. PLEASE LISTEN FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations to the following students who make up our junior and senior volleyball teams. Senior Boys Luke B. Mario D. Sal D. Daniel D. Joshua E. Daxter E. Dante G. Brendan H. Joel M. Jace R. Xavier S. Giacomo V. Coach: Mr. Motut 2 Senior Girls Marissa A. Jacqueline A. Kaylee F. Judith H. Danika H. Meaghan K. Anna L. Chloe M. Gabrielle P. Cordelia S. Brianna S. Jessica Z. Coaches: Mr. Motut & Miss Reilly Junior Boys Christian A. Paolo B. Tristan C. Francesco D. Dezmond E. Adonis H. Adon M. Marcus N. Chase S. Matteo S. Nolan T. Nahom W. Coach: Mrs. Rogozinski Junior Girls Estrella B. Briana B. Hilda J. Isabella G. Emma K. Caitlyn M. Olivia M. Ellexia M. Tina N. Francesca P. Michaella R. Katriona S Reese V. Coaches: Mrs. Moore & Mrs. Steeves 13

14 Superintendent's Message December 2017 O come, divine Messiah; the world in silence waits the day When hope shall sing its triumph and sadness flee away. (O Come, Divine Messiah, S.J. Pellegrin) The season of Advent is upon us. It is a sacred time of prayer, reflection, and preparation for the coming of Jesus. There are so many ways that families can share in the joy and anticipation of the birth of our Saviour. Archbishop Smith shares how we can bring the Word of God more deeply into our classrooms and homes in his message to us this month. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, as we light the candles on our Advent wreaths, we can also reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that is to be found in the gift of Jesus Christ. There are many special events that are being held in our parishes and schools; evenings of Advent song, the preparation of hampers for families who would benefit from extra support, extra opportunities to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation, to name a few. The Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories released a supplementary letter just before Catholic Education Sunday. In it, they gave a call to Catholics to join in and spread the great news of Catholic education. They share, It is important that everyone be ready to stand up for our faith and for our schools. Please be prepared to speak out in support of our Catholic schools whenever you can. We are proud of who we are as Catholics. You can read the entire letter at caurbf. We will be proudly sharing the story of the richness of Catholic education in Edmonton Catholic Schools using the hashtag #ECSDFaithInspires in the upcoming months, and we encourage you to help us spread the message that Catholic education is an outstanding and important choice for families to guide our children and youth as they learn and grow in mind, body, and spirit. We are embarking on a legacy project and would like to be able to capture the journeys of families who have 3 or 4 generations that are able to share their story of Edmonton Catholic Schools. If your family is interested in participating, please a brief overview of your generations to marketing@ecsd.net. The response to our Celebration of Catholic Education Evenings in November was tremendous! We have included the responses to the questions which people shared with us as part of the feedback sheets. Edmonton Catholic Schools is excited to participate in the Hour of Code, once again this year. This is the fourth year that we will be participating, and this year s event will be the best one yet! Hour of Code is a global movement that is supported by Code.org with the purpose of reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries through a one-hour introduction to computer science and computer programming. Coding is a great way to develop literacy, numeracy, creativity, and thinking skills. Last year we had over 22,000 students participate and this year we are hoping for 25,000! Our goal is to have a <Bit of Code> In Every School. In his Sunday Angelus to mark the beginning of Advent last year, Pope Francis shared the following message: In this season of Advent, we are called to expand the horizons of our hearts, to be amazed by the life which presents itself each day with newness. I wish you all an Advent that fills you with this amazement! Sincerely, Joan Carr Superintendent

15 Celebration of Catholic Education Religious Education Parent/Guardian Engagement Evenings Feedback On November 1 and 2 the Trustees and Administration of Edmonton Catholic School District were pleased to host parent engagement evenings at St. Charles Parish and Corpus Christi Parish titled: Celebration of Catholic Education Religious Education Parent/Guardian Engagement Evenings. Each evening began with the celebration of the Eucharist followed by a presentation and an opportunity for reflection. We were delighted that Archbishop Richard Smith and Bishop Gregory Bittman were able to celebrate these evenings with us. They were joined at our Lord s table by the parish priests, deacons, and our District Chaplains. Additionally, we were pleased that, so many community members attended Mass and the program that followed. We are happy to share some of the feedback and comments we received following each presentation. Included below are corresponding links to more information and resources as well as highlights from the presentations. A. We asked participants: What is one thing from this evening s presentation that you enjoyed most? 1. The experiences and opinions of the children in the video; they are the principle role in this story. I enjoyed the video and how the young students understood their Catholic faith and expressed themselves with confidence. The video, Growing in the Spirit, was a collaborative effort between Learning Services Innovation and many students from across the school district. It focused on asking students to express their thoughts on what Catholic Education meant to them. Growing in the Spirit Video 2. I enjoyed learning about the new curriculum and resources available for parents, teachers and the parishes. Knowing what my children will be learning enables me to help them grow in their faith. Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ, the new Religious Education program approved by the Catholic Bishops of Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories and developed in collaboration with Catholic educators from across Canada, exemplifies the discipline and rigor with which the program is delivered. Pearson Canada, the publisher, has developed a school, a home, and a parish website that helps to integrate the faith into everyday life. Pearson Canada Student-Home Website Username: ecsd99 Password: Student99 3. I really appreciate how the Competencies formed through Catholic education are permeated from Kindergarten to Grade Twelve and that teachers are receiving professional development in this area. We know that Catholic education means that students are given the opportunity to encounter Christ in all aspects of their learning day, not just in Religion class. This means that our Catholic faith is permeated throughout all subjects and all activities. The Learner Competencies Formed through Catholic Education reflect the Alberta Programs of Study from a Catholic education standpoint and change the way that we approach permeation. Learner Competencies Formed Through Catholic Education 4. I was pleased to see the Archdiocese s Sacramental Education Initiative. I have children who are passed their sacraments, so this is a document with which I am unfamiliar.

16 The Standards for Preparing Children and Youth for the Sacraments in the Archdiocese of Edmonton are the result of the Sacramental Education Initiative set forth by the Archdiocese and the Catholic school boards chairs and superintendents from our Archdiocese. The Standards have been developed after four years of wide consultation with priests of the Archdiocese, pastoral assistants, religious consultants, parents, principals and teachers in our Catholic school districts. We invite you to contact your local Catholic parish for more information about Sacramental preparation. The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton Sacramental Preparation B. We asked participants: What is one thing you wonder about or would like to learn more about? 1. I am anxious to know if Religious Education is mandatory from Kindergarten to Grade Twelve. Religious Education is a scholastic discipline and not a complementary course; nor is it a supplement to other disciplines, but underpins the educational activity of Catholic schools. Students are required to participate in and complete Religious Education courses each year of their schooling with Edmonton Catholic Schools. In high school, students typically complete nine credits in Religious Education within a traditional classroom setting. Under some circumstances, and to accommodate special learning needs, Religious Education is also delivered in alternative modes such as PASS (Part Time Alternative Self-Paced School) or Revelation Online. 2. What is ECSD doing about the alternative curriculum for sexual education in our schools? We have, and continue to teach the outcomes of the existing curriculum. To clarify, it should be noted that the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA) did not submit a parallel curriculum proposal to the government. CCS- SA is working closely with Alberta Education in supporting the curriculum development, and seeks to create a supplemental resource that ensures a Catholic lens is provided for our learners. Our District has teachers participating in the working group that is developing the new health and wellness curriculum. 3. I appreciate that teachers and administrators continue their faith journeys in meaningful professional development opportunities. Teachers and administrators have many opportunities to develop and grow in their faith. This includes School Opening Mass, Permeation Afternoon, Faith Formation Afternoon, Father Michael Mireau Youth Day, Faith Development Day, Grace for the Heart and Soul, Student Faith Development Days, District-Wide Professional Development sessions on the RE Curriculum, as well as Social Justice Initiatives; Religious and Moral Education Conference through the ATA; SPICE and Blueprints through the Alberta Catholic School Trustees Association; Dinner and a Course through St. Joseph s College; and the Treasures of the Faith, the Certificate in Catholic Studies, and the Master of Religious Education through Newman Theological College. Included below are two links from the Alberta Bishops in their support of Catholic Education: Catholic Education Sunday Bishop s Letter Catholic Education Sunday Supplementary Statement We thank those who were able to attend the parent engagement evenings and for sharing their comments.

17 LIVING IN THE WORD OF GOD Creation of a Prayer Space in the Home In his recent Pastoral Letter, Living in the Word of God, Archbishop Richard Smith offers some thoughts as to how we, as members of this Archdiocesan family, can together listen carefully to the Word of God and, in a shared commitment, put it into practice. St. Paul teaches that faith comes from what is heard. This means that the first act of the disciple is to listen carefully to what God is saying to us in the words of Jesus. The hearing of Christ's Word demands a silent and attentive listening. This requires effort and determination. Living in a world of noise, we must be always cultivating, with the help of God's grace, an inner stillness in which we are disposed to hear and be transformed by the Word of God. In the same way, Archbishop Smith invites families, too, to listen together to the Word of God. Through a careful listening to this Word, families encounter the Lord in their very midst and hear within the depths of their hearts his assurance of love and call to holiness and service. One way to make this happen is to create a prayer space in the home. I recall from my days as a parish priest the practice of one family that created a sacred space in their home by simply placing a candle in the corner of one room. They would gather daily around the lit candle to offer their spontaneous prayers to God for his blessing upon their day. We, at Edmonton Catholic Schools, invite you to heed the call of Archbishop Smith. As we approach the season of Advent, we are reminded that Advent is a time of great spiritual preparation as we ready our souls for the coming of Christ. Advent is an important season in which families can dedicate time each day to pray and to share the Word of God together, preparing in a powerful way for the coming of Christ. This Advent Season, like many of the past, will be filled with distractions and priorities which attempt to take away from our families spiritually during this crucial time. Consider creating a prayer space in your home by placing an Advent Wreath at the center of your dining table. As a family, gather around the Advent Wreath, before or after meals, to light the Advent candles, to offer spontaneous prayers, and to listen to the Word of God. During this Advent season, we hope that you will use these traditional tools with your family and that God will use them to benefit your family with grace and love. Sandra Talarico, Religious Education Consultant

18 December 2017 Dear Friends, In December, especially in Edmonton, we notice that the hours, minutes of sunlight diminish. It is during this time of darkness that we begin a new liturgical year. The season of Advent is upon us. Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas. We prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World (John 8:12). The prophet Isaiah foretold this event when he wrote: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2) During this Advent season as we prepare for Christmas, I invite you to listen to Jesus, the Word of God and to be guided by the Word. As the Psalmist writes: Your word is lamp unto my feet and light to my path. (Ps 119:105) There are many ways to listen to the Word. In our Catholic Schools the Word of God proclaimed, studied and discussed. I invite you, as I have invited everyone in the Archdiocese, to hear the Word of God in three ways: 1. To prepare a prayer space in your home or classroom where a Bible takes the place of honour; 2. To pray a simple prayer before and after meals. I will assist you in this by offering a biblical verse to help you to hear the Word of God. These are available through the parish Sunday bulletin. 3. To discuss the Sunday homily as a family. With Christ as our guide, may you continue to let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven (Matt.5:16) during the Advent season and throughout the liturgical year. I pray that you have a blessed Christmas! Richard W. Smith Archbishop of Edmonton

19 STAY Alert December 2017 Being a Great Teen Leader Leadership means using your knowledge and skills to gather a group of people with the aim of completing a common task. Great leadership means using your strengths and influence in a positive and worthwhile way to change a situation for the better. What can you do today to put yourself in the position to lead others? Here are 3 POW- ERFUL steps you can include in your daily life to become a positive and effective leader. 1. Take responsibility for your actions: Not all your actions are good ones. Not all your choices and decisions are something to be proud of. That s not the point. The real point is when you take responsibility for what you do, you gain control over your life and you learn about what went wrong. Accepting responsibility for your actions sets a good example to others and can leave you with great lessons learned. 2. Being proactive: Stop sitting and waiting around for your big break or for luck to come your way. Luck will never come your way unless you are willing to meet it half way. Make a commitment to try new things and see where that takes you. Be open-minded! 3. Engage in positive actions: Just do what s right! If you see something wrong in your community, take steps to fix it (e.g., Too much garbage lying around? No problem! Form a group and start cleaning up. It s as simple as that!). Sometimes, however, it can be hard to do the responsible thing when there are better activities awaiting you (e.g., your favorite TV show, hanging out with friends). Some decisions are harder than others, but do what will make you feel less guilty, less stressed, and less bad. Taking these 3 steps will put you in a position to lead others. Commitment to these steps will also lead to a TON of other good changes in your life 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.

20 STAY Christmas Wishes December has arrived suddenly this year. It just snuck up in the middle of the week and with it, the Christmas season. Christmas is the season of kindness and giving, a time for sharing joy with those around us. The time for making wishes and sending them to Santa so he can bring them to us on Christmas morning. Dear Santa, This is a Christmas wish list from the STAY Advisors for all our students, yes, every one of them: Santa, bring joy into each of our students homes this Christmas. Help each family share, in their own way, that special time of peace and joy that was celebrated by the angels the day Christ was born. Santa, help our students to be kind to one another this Christmas season. Place respect into every text, tweet, and message that is sent. Remind our students that every time they use the send button they are writing their history in public for ever. Santa help each of our students write their history the way Christ wrote his history, Without blemish. Santa, bring wisdom to our students. They need to know they are important and valuable and wise. By helping them to know they are important, the put-downs and disrespectful comments can stop. By helping them to know they are valuable, jealousy and envy will have no place in their lives. By giving them wisdom they will know all these things are true. Santa thank you for reading my letter. I look forward to hearing all about the gifts you delivered in the New Year. Merry Christmas! Mr. R. Cole STAY Team Member

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