ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL 416 83 Ave SE Calgary AB T2H 1N3 Phone : 403-500-2030 Fax: 403-500-2230 email : st.matthew@cssd.ab.ca website : www.cssd.ab.ca/stmatthew THE BEARALD ADMIN MESSAGE Chers Parents/Guardians, January 1, 2017 Welcome to 2017! I love the prayer in the prayer corner this month all about getting ready for a new adventure (new year) with God! He has big plans for us, that s why we are here. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 Too often we forget to include Him in our big plans, when His plans for each of us are better. Our 2017 prayer for this beautiful community is that we surrender to God s plans and depend and lean on Him every step of the way. Just watch the miraculous things that will happen in our life, when we give Him permission to use us to do His will. We are all excited at St. Matthew School to enter this fresh new year together; another year to live, grow, learn and serve one another, what a blessing! May God renew our strength, guide our paths and use each of us to fulfill His plans in making this school and our world a better place. May peace, gratitude and God s divine presence continue to fill this school and your homes in 2017. In Christ, Mme Kitt
QUÉBEC TRIP PAYMENT & FUNDRAISING At the beginning of the year, we had asked that In January, we will be doing a bottle depot event you choose one of our three possible payment on Saturday the 14th, Simon s pie order will be due plans. While we do understand the implications on January 23rd for February 2 delivery. We will of our current economy situation here in Alberta, have our final fundraiser which will be the Raffle we are asking that you notify our VP if there are tickets. This will take place during February with a any changes as to how you will pay. draw date in the beginning of March. This will allow us to give you a final balance on your fundraising efforts. CROCHET CLUB Crochet Club takes place every Day 3 in Mrs. Ragan s homeroom. Students grades 7-9 are invited to attend anytime throughout the year provided they supply their own yarn and hooks. This club is geared towards students who are interested in learning how patterning in math can produce beautiful creative projects. The club is looking forward to submitting projects to the youth crochet and knitting competition at the Calgary Stampede Western Showcase come June. See Mrs. Ragan for more details! LEARNING COMMONS NEWS With the profits from the book fair the Learning Commons was able to purchase several new books for the Learning Commons including Guinness World Records 2017 and the latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book Double Down as well as several other non-fiction and fiction books. ROSARY CLUB Every 2nd Day 3 Rosary Club meets in the Learning Commons for grades 1-9 at 12:50pm. BOOK CLUB Every Day 6 Book Club meets in the Learning Commons at 12:50pm for grades 4-8. The Book Club is reading Anne of Green Gables.
LEADERSHIP STUDENT NEWS! So December was a busy month with the lead of Elementary our school collected $250.00 for Mission Mexico our students with leadership s lead donated 11 boxes of non-perishable food to the St Cecilia Parish food collect for hampers to be given out in our community. Leadership students sold Christmas candy grams and raisedfunds with are donated to our school s charity this year Children s Make a Wish Foundation. We had 2 spirit days Dec 20 Pajama Day staff and students alike wore their comfy, fuzzy PJs to stay warm in this cold winter month and Dec 22 our last day before the break, our school displayed with pride our Festive / Ugly Christmas Sweaters. What a month! BEAR WRESTLING! The Wrestling Team at St. Matthew s competed in the City Meet Dec 9 th &10 th to end their season. Special thanks to community coaches McLane Stewart- Brand and Jenn Swagar. GET HEALTHY! Starting in January St. Matthew students Grade 1-6 will have the opportunity to join a committee to improve Overall Health at St. Matthew. Encourage your student to join. THE 2017-2018 DISTRICT CALENDARS! The District Calendars for 2017-2018 are now finalized. The following calendar documents can be found at the district s Internet site at: https://www.cssd.ab.ca/calendars/pages/default.aspx
MISSION MEXICO The Grade 2/1G and Grade 4N classes got together for an Advent service project. Our project supported the Diocesan Mission Mexico out reach program. Together the classes made posters and delivered daily school announcements in English, Spanish, Tagalog and French. On Friday the entire school participated and we collected $242.00 in donations. The school also collected money during the Advent Christmas Concert. All of the money collected will be donated on behalf of St. Matthew School to project Mission Mexico. Thank you for supporting the Grade 2/1 and Grade 4 classes but, most importantly, for showing the love of Christ to those who are in most need. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy Matthew 5:3-10 Mrs. Nicholson and Mrs. Goral WEATHER IN CLASSROOM On Wed. December 14th the grade 5 and 6 classes attended a presentation in our Learning Commons by David Spence, the weatherman from CTV News. To support their grade 5 Weather Watch Unit in Science, Mr. Spence demonstrated how weather is measured every day, not only in Calgary but around the world. He also talked extensively about Alberta s weather phenomenon such as chinooks, tornadoes and hailstorms with a focus on safety during these events. Students were given many opportunities to ask questions and guess why meteorologists do their jobs the way they do. ELEMENTARY CHOIR & JR. HIGH BAND CONCERT On Monday, December 12, 2016, St. Matthew School The students performed very well and were proud of presented its annual Advent Concert, under the direction of music teacher and band director Mr. James beginning of school year. In addition to the beautiful what they had achieved in only three months since the O Farrell. Each of the elementary classes performed music provided by the students, there was artwork on an original Advent carol composed by the class themselves. This was followed with performances by the Mrs. Goral s Grade 1-2 class. This was in addition to display from Mrs. Stock s kindergarten classes and Junior High Choir, the Grade 7 band, and the combined Grade 8/9 Band. The concert was very well ated by the Art Club under the direction of Ms. Rodri- the Christmas ornaments and crafts which were creattended by parents and family and was extremely well guez. All in all, it was a beautiful evening of music and received. art, and a celebration of the talents of our students and staff here at St. Matthew School.
NEW YEAR LITURGY Our New Year s liturgy will take place on Tuesday, January 31st at 10:00 am in our school gym. Mrs. Champion and Mrs. Goral classes are busy preparing for this special celebration. Father Paul will join us for this Liturgy. We hope you can join us! THANK YOU Thank You We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all who donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society food drive. We are happy to report that the many food items collected by St. Matthew students have been picked up and will be used to supplement Christmas food hampers provided by the St. Vincent de Paul Society to those in our com- ART CLUB CHRISTMAS DONATION Art Club members would like to take this opportunity to express their gratitude to all who purchased Christmas ornaments, crafts and organic candy canes. A cheque, in the sum of $517.79 will be presented to the Manager of the Calgary Food Bank, Ms. D.D. Couts, on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the end of the Christmas Liturgy. Thanking you for your continued support of the Fine Arts program at St. Matthew School, God s blessings to all at Christmas and for the New Year, 2017. Thank You to Mme Kitt's friend Mrs. Krauss for donating of the above exercise equipment to St Matthew School!
PRAYER CORNER THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD JANUARY 1 On New Year's Day, the octave day of Christmas, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God, the divine and virginal motherhood of the Blessed Virgin. It is the highest title of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Theotokos, Mother of God. This title was given to Mary at the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D. The council taught, however, that the humanity and divinity of Jesus could not be separated and that they exist in one person, with the momentous implication that we can rightly give Mary the title of Mother of God. Mothers bring life, a gift from God, into the world. That's why you sometimes hear the Church referred to as "Mother". The Evangelist, Luke, describes her as the silent Virgin who listens constantly to the Eternal Word, who lives in the Word of God. This feast is the celebration of Mary s motherhood of Jesus and is the oldest feast of Mary celebrated by the Catholic Church. Mary has an important role to play in the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. She consents to God s invitation conveyed by the angel (Luke 1:26-38). Elizabeth proclaims: Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. MARY, MOTHER OF GOD Heavenly Father, You blessed the Virgin Mary with the fullness of grace. She is my model of faith, hope, and love. I give this new year to her intercession and ask for her holy prayers. Place my needs into the protection of her motherly love. With her help, I want my faith to grow. Give me an increase in the virtue of hope when troubles tempt me to despair. Guide me in understanding Your infinite love. And join my heart, dear Lord, to the Holy Mother's Immaculate Heart, so that I may improve in loving everyone unconditionally, in imitation of my Savior, Jesus. Amen. PRAYER FOR THE FEAST OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD Father, Source of Light in every age, the Virgin conceived and bore Your Son who is called Wonderful God, Prince of Peace. May her prayer, the gift of a mother's love, be Your people's joy through all ages. May her response, born of a humble heart, draw Your Spirit to rest on Your people. Grant this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen. Source: http://www.marypages.com/solemnityofmary.htm
PRAYER CORNER...CONT. Get Ready for the Adventure! "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) It's a new year, and I have a great adventure planned for you. Come to Me with a heart that is willing to be changed. Don't make the same mistakes you made last year. This year, try doing things My way. I know that trying something new can be frightening. But I also know you, and I understand you completely. You can trust Me to wrap you up in My Love - a love that never ends. Whether you are at home or at school, talking with your friends or doing homework, keep Me in your thoughts. Let Me guide you. I will take you on a journey that will change who you are and how you see the world and the people around you. Yes, I have great plans for you, and I will be with you every step of the way! Jesus Calling- 365 devotional for kids (Sarah Young) THE 2017 DISTRICT DAY WITH THE CALGARY HITMEN! When: Friday, January 27, 2017 at 7 p.m. Where: Scotiabank Saddle dome Who: All are invited! Feel free to pass this invite and promo code on to family, friends, neighbours, etc. This would make a great stocking stuffer! Why: This is an opportunity for Calgary Catholic to take over the dome with facepainting, mascots, students highlighting their hockey skills on-ice during intermission and a school band providing entertainment. Also making a grand return is our CCSD light sticks for those who arrive early. In addition to our festivities, this Hitmen game is part of the annual Lunar Celebration which includes fortune cookie prizes, dragon dancers and post-game fireworks! PLUS: $2 FROM EVERY TICKET PUR- CHASED, AS WELL AS A PORTION OF 50/50 SALES, GOES TO SUPPORT THE CALGARY CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION (CCEF). The CCEF is a charitable organization that provides grants for enhanced learning opportunities for our students. Learn more: https://theccef.ca/ How: To purchase your tickets for the special rate of $12, click here or within the attached PDF. Under Ticket Types select Promotions and Special Offers. Then enter offer code LUNAR when prompted, before selecting your seats. We look forward to seeing you there!
ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL JANUARY 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 Holiday 3 Holiday 4 Holiday 5 Holiday 6 Holiday 7 8 9 DAY 2 10 DAY 3 11 DAY 4 12 DAY 5 13 DAY 6 14 SCHOOL RE-OPEN Bus Pass Scanning Bus Pass Scanning Bus Pass Scanning Bus Pass Scanning Bus Pass Scanning Health Club Starts 12:25pm 1:10pm K-6 Crochet Club Sr. Basketball Practice Girls-am Boys-after school Sr. Basketball Practice Girls-am Boys-after school Book Club 15 16 DAY 1 17 DAY 2 18 DAY 3 19 DAY 4 20 DAY 5 21 Hip Hop Jan 16-Feb 1 (12 days of instruction) Bishop Grandin Presentation for Grade 9s 10:45am - 11:30am @ Learning Commons Self-harm: What Every Parent Needs to Know about Non-Suicidal Self Injury Session: 6:30-8:30pm Sign in: 6:15pm Chestermere Community Health Centre Sr. Basketball Practice Girls-am Boys-after school School Council Meeting 6:30pm- 7:30pm Rosary Club Sr. Basketball Practice Girls-am Boys-after school 22 23 DAY 6 24 DAY 1 25 DAY 2 26 DAY 3 27 28 Book Club Sr. Basketball Practice Girls-am Boys-after school Art Exchange for Art Walk Sr. Basketball Practice Girls-am Boys-after school PD DAY NO CLASSES 29 30 DAY 4 31 DAY 5 New Year Liturgy @GYM - 10:00am. (Fr. Paul)
R CPF Fundraising Casino 20 It s getting to be Casino time again! Every two years we rely on our truly amazing membership base to man our fundraising casino. This year our casino will be held on Saturday-Sunday April 1-2 2017 at Cowboys Casino in Calgary. The funds raised through this casino help with our activities towards promoting French second-language learning. We require approximately 40 volunteers to work at this event. Any CPF member who volunteers to work a casino shift will earn $100 for their chapter. All volunteers must be 18 or older. All key positions (General Manager, Banker, Count Room Supervisor and Cashier) must be current CPF members; chip runners and count room staff do not. There will be a free meal and refreshments provided during your shift. No prior knowledge is required as the casino advisors will train and support our volunteers. Mileage can be reimbursed to those coming from out-of-town, and one hotel night for those from some distance. Casino Volunteer Requirements and Position descriptions: www.aglc.ca/casino/volunteerrequirements.asp Application for Key Positions (General Manager, Banker, Count Room Supervisor, Cashier): www.aglc.ca/pdf/gaming/gaming_forms/5400.pdf This is a great opportunity to network with other CPF members and support your local Chapter in a fun way. If you can help out, please contact sbrims@ab.cpf.ca or 403 262 5187.
The 2017 competition will be open to Core French, and Early and Late French Immersion students who in this school year are taking French 30 or FLA 30. Schools and school districts will not have to run a school/district competition to identify eligible candidates for the provincial competition. Students will apply directly to CPF Alberta to compete and will only require confirmation of their program (core, early or late French Immersion) from their school. This can be done in the form of an email. Judging will be done by a panel ion May 6, 2017. Potentially the 3 winners (Core, Early or Late Immersion) will be going to Gatineau, Ontario for the national finals on June 3, 2017. We are currently pursuing the strong possibility of offering partial scholarships to Alberta universities to our finalists. Registration will be in March April 2017 Watch your email and our website for the information once it is ready. NCFD 150 is a massive one-day celebration of Canadian cinema in honour of our nation s sesquicentennial. On April 19, 2017, great Canadian movies will be available via broadcast, online and at over 600 screenings in cinemas, libraries, public squares and
\ New CPF Alberta Website Check us out if you haven t already, at ab.cpf.ca Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook! You will find the direct links to our social media below. Free French Resources for the Holiday Season! Christmas is definitely approaching fast! But before you head off to do your Christmas shopping, here are some useful tips to make your holidays more "French". Learn French words and phrases for common Christmas topics and find some Christmas carols and songs to spruce up your French. 54 Useful French Vocabulary and Expressions for the Holiday Season (https://www.talkinfrench.com/french-vocabulary-expressions-holidayseason/) 15 French Christmas Songs to Listen for Free (https://www.talkinfrench.com/christmas-songs-free/)
December/January 2016 On behalf of St Matthew s Parent Council, I d like to wish all our families a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year May you all share in the many blessings of this joyous season. Fundraising Update Thank You for all your support of St Matthew s Parent Council fundraisers. All proceeds will go towards enhancing our kids education and learning environment. Next Council Meeting Wednesday, January 18, 6:30 pm, St. Matthew School Library Please come out for snacks, refreshments, and good company. Look for the agenda in the upcoming weeks. This is a great opportunity to become more involved in your child s education.