Grandin Gazette · for Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe at Corpus Christi parish on December 6th. This mass brings together all eight Edmonton Catholic schools who offer the Spanish Bilingual

9844 – 110 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1J2 780 482-3676 www.grandin.ecsd.net

Grandin Gazette

A NEW DECADE – LET’S MAKE IT THE BEST EVER As we begin a new decade, we take time to reflect upon the past few months and give thanks for our blessings:

Our wonderful parent associations – Grandin’s School Council and Fundraising Society – for their important contribution to our school’s vision and the many resources they provide to help make that vision a reality. Special thanks to the many volunteers who made our 3rd Annual Christmas Market run so smoothly and helped our children understand the joy of giving to others.

Our students whose leadership and kind ways fill us with such pride. Keep up all your hard work and perseverance – you are making a difference not only in our school but also in the broader community.

Our amazing staff who always find time for the extras that make Grandin such a wonderful place. You model the kindness, hard work and deep faith that we wish for our students.

In his Christmas address, Pope Francis called upon us to embrace the light of Christ in order to end conflict and injustice in our world. Of course, peace and justice start in our own hearts. We look forward to helping our students develop a sense of agency and shared responsibility as they make their way in the world. We are very pleased that many of our social justice projects this year were student-initiated.

Many thanks to families who completed the Edmonton Catholic School Division survey that we sent home before Christmas. You will also be receiving a link from the Alberta government to complete the Provincial Accountability Survey. Please take some time to provide your feedback, as this information helps us set our goals for the next school year. Our survey results in the past have also attracted many wonderful new families to Grandin.

Wishing all our families many blessings in the year to come.

Lorelei Hironaka Amanda Hammermeister Principal Assistant Principal

MAY WE HELP MAKE THE 2020’S A DECADE OF PEACE, JUSTICE, HOPE AND WONDER

IMPORTANT DATES Epiphany Celebration El Día de Reyes

9:15 a.m. in the School Gym Wednesday, January 8

School Council/Society Mtg

Wednesday, January 8

Hot Lunch – Opa!

Friday, January 11

U of A RoboGals After school - Please sign up Wednesday, January 22

St. Brendan Volleyball Afternoon Thursday, January 23

Hot Lunch – Pasta Pantry

Friday, January 24

Gr 4 District ELA Exam Thursday, January 30

St. John XXIII Volleyball Afternoon Thursday, January 30


PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS Grandin students began the Advent season with a celebration at school on December 4th. Many thanks to Father Simmy and our grade one classes for reminding us of the origin and meaning of our many faith traditions during this season. Allan Au, our school division’s videographer, captured some of our celebration and created a beautiful video to wish ECSD staff a Merry Christmas. The two children at the beginning and ending of the video are Grandin students. There are also clips of our Advent celebration. Take a minute to watch this short film.

https://youtu.be/nt7wo3x8lEE Grandin Spanish Bilingual students also attended a special mass for Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe at Corpus Christi parish on December 6th. This mass brings together all eight Edmonton Catholic schools who offer the Spanish Bilingual program. Father Augusto Garcia presided, and St. Brendan students, many former Grandiners, re-enacted the story of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe as part of the homily. Many thanks to Señora Aviles and the students who dressed in traditional attire for this very special mass.


CHRISTMAS CONCERTS – ANGELS WE HEARD ON HIGH Many thanks to Madame Athena MacGregor for the tremendous work she does to put together our grade 1-6 Christmas concert. The children sang and played beautifully! Once again, Father Paul Kavanagh welcomed us to St. Joseph’s Basilica for this festive event. David Moret, our faithful accompanist, came to many practices at school and rehearsal at the Basilica to help us prepare. We are ever so grateful for the kind support we receive from Father Paul, David and the Basilica staff.


Our youngest Grandiners also wowed us at their Early Learning Christmas concert. It is amazing how much Spanish and French our kindergarten students have already learned. And our 100 Voices students…..well, you just melt our hearts. Well done! Many thanks to Mme Lisa, Señora Maria and Ms. Rhoads for their hard work in preparing students for the concert. A special shout out to Mathew Bussière, Mme Lisa’s husband, for taking charge of the technology this year and to St. Francis of Assisi school who lent us their risers.


THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS GIVING Grandin students learned about the ‘joy of giving’ at the Christmas Market this year. Many thanks to families who generously donated new and gently used items so that students could find that “perfect gift” for their family members, all while putting off shopping for themselves. Our grade six students were very kind, patient ‘elves’, helping our youngest Grandiners shop for their loved ones. Great leadership grade six! Special thanks to Christie Oswald and Wendy Bosch who spent many hours organizing details and setting up the market. Kudos as well to our dedicated parent volunteers who wrapped over 1000 gifts!


MATH FAIR On November 29th our grade 5 and 6 students participated in the Math Fair and Unfair event at the University of Alberta. They tried hands on math puzzles and games. They also tried a variety of two-player games and were encouraged to develop strategies for playing wisely. Students then used what they learned to create our own Math Fair here at Grandin. They designed some fun and creative puzzles. Students made either Spanish or French versions, interacting with their guests in their target language by giving hints and encouragements. Great math thinking Grandin!


EPIPHANY CELEBRATION – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8TH Please join us as we end the Christmas Season with our Epiphany Celebration. The celebration will begin at 9:15 a.m. in our school gym. This is also a traditional Latino celebration known as El Día de Reyes.

ACCOUNTABILITY SURVEY – YOUR VOICE MATTERS Each year, parents of division II children (grades 4-6), Grandin staff and grade 4-6 students complete the Alberta Education Accountability survey. Results help our school and school division find out what is working well and identify areas for improvement. Remember that a response of “Don’t Know” counts towards the total number of responses – as a negative response - and indicates that the respondent feels that the question is applicable. If a respondent does not feel comfortable answering a question or if the question is not applicable, they should leave the response blank. A blank response does not count towards the total number of responses received. Thank you for taking the time to provide this important feedback to Grandin School.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM – MALICOUNDA IS BACK! We are very pleased to announce that our Alberta Arts Council approved our grant application. This means that Malicounda will be back at Grandin in early February for more African drumming and dancing lessons! We look forward to welcoming Mme Louise Raymond back to Grandin!


GRADE 4 DISTRICT ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS EXAM On Thursday, January 30th, our grade four students will be writing our Grade Four English Language Arts Division Exam. This exam will allow our teachers to work collaboratively with other grade partners across our division to analyze student work, determine levels of achievement in relation to outcomes, and plan next steps for instruction. Edmonton Catholic Schools is providing support to teachers through deepening professional learning in reading and writing best practices, providing exemplars to determine learning benchmarks (levels of achievement), and leading collaborative marking opportunities. It is important to note that this exam is a regular assessment that focuses on the province’s grade four program of studies for English Language Arts. It concentrates specifically on reading and writing. Your child has been preparing for this exam all year through literacy-rich activities in our classrooms! You may support your child’s achievement on this assessment by reinforcing positive literacy opportunities at home, such as setting a regular reading time to share interesting books and asking your child to tell you about something he/she has read. The exam will be written during our regular English Language Arts class time. To see your child’s progress in English Language Arts and on this exam (once administered), please log in to PowerSchool. There, you will see your child’s level of achievement in relation to the provincial outcomes and see any feedback your child’s teacher has provided.

POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH – EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING Please join us in the library for a special Alberta Health Services presentation on Wednesday, February 12th from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Register now at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/caregiversessions

Take a peek inside the developing brain of a child to learn about the processes that enable kids to engage in problem solving and goal directed behaviors. These executive functioning skills are considered to be essential for children to succeed in school and later in life. Learn about these skills and how they impact learning, behavior, emotions, and social interactions. Caregivers will be provided with strategies and resources to assist their children in building their executive functioning skills, including inhibition, working memory and mental flexibility.

For information about other RCSD (Alberta Health Services) sessions offered at other schools, please see the flyer attached.


OUR 16 UNINTERRUPTED YEAR AS GRANDIN PARENTS Nos 16 années ininterrompues en tant que parents à Grandin Nuestros 16 años ininterrumpidos como padres en Grandin

It was September 2003 when we first set foot on Grandin School. Our first-born child, Nicholas, was joining the new Grade 1 class of Grandin’s Spanish Bilingual Program.

If you don’t remember the year 2003, here is a quick summary: Adrienne Clarkson was Governor General, Lois Hole - Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Jean Chretien - Prime Minister, and Ralph Klein - Premier of Alberta. It was, definitely, a long time ago. Meanwhile at Grandin circa 2003, the school principal was the amazing Mr. Robert Martin, the school librarian - the incomparable Madame Sylvie Arsenault, and Nicholas’ Grade 1 Spanish teacher - the always cool Seňorita Paola Guasp.

Our first year in Grandin was, honestly, a complete blessing after a less-than-stellar experience at our previous school. And we owe

it to Nicholas’s aunt and godmother, Marta. She was a close friend of Paola Guasp, so Marta recommended we switch to Grandin, and we are so glad we did. What we never expected, not in a million years, was we would still be driving a Villeneuve child of ours to Grandin School 16 years later! How exactly did this happen? How do you stay in the role of parent, for 16 years, at an elementary school? It is very easy really … just have yourself 3 kids, and birth them exactly 6 years apart.

Child At Grandin Since Graduated Nicholas 2003 (His sister Isabelle is born) 2008 Isabelle 2006 (Joined Grandin Caminitos pre-school) 2015

Benjamin 2014 (Grandin’s Centennial Year) Soon - 2020

And that is how it happened. Once someone asked us why our kids were exactly 6 years apart, for which we had 2 separate answers: the official answer – because we are project managers and that way you don’t have to pay for 2 daycare fees at the same time; and the unofficial one – because every time we sent a kid to kindergarten, it felt like we were “losing” our baby, so we “ordered” another.

Over the years, Grandin continued to check so many boxes for us that we never considered changing schools again. The top 3 checked boxes for us remain: Catholic, Spanish, Downtown. We cannot fully explain what this milestone of 16 uninterrupted years as Grandin parents means to us. We have met some great people within the staff or among the parents or kids that have sometimes developed into life-long friendships.

Now that our last child is graduating Grade 6, we have had a chance to reflect and remember how Escuela Grandin changed our lives and how much love we have given back to it. In some quick numbers: we have made tourtière pies on 15 separate marathons, even though we are vegetarian; we have attended 16 Fall celebrations of learning and book fairs; and on 3 separate occasions we heard the story of the Grandin ghosts as told by an impressionable 7-year-old. Grandin is so much a part of the fabric of our family, it would take many pages to give you a proper glimpse.

Suffice it to say, we are not having any more children, Benjamin is now 10 years old thus missing the 6-year-deadline, plus it will be nice not to ever again have to find parking around the school at dismissal time, during rush hour downtown. This is the last year of the Villeneuve family in Grandin School, and we leave it in the very good hands of Principal extraordinaire Madame Lorelei Hironaka and her great team: Isa’s and Benji’s teacher Seňorita Nancy Pinto, Isa’s and Benji’s music teacher Athena MacGregor, Isa’s and Benji’s teacher Seňora Emmy Obén Ramirez, Benji’s past teacher Seňora Marianella de Merchant, Head Custodian and past fellow parent during Nico’s entire time at Grandin, Seňora Ruby Mayta, and many more. See you at Benjamin’s Graduation! –

By: Claudia and Norm Villeneuve


HELPING YOUR CHILD AT HOME

Making Math Meaningful Math can be challenging…it’s supposed to be! Instil the belief in your child that math is worth the effort to learn by providing them with great examples of how you use math to solve real world problems – getting the best deal at a store, figuring out how far you can go on a tank of gas, deciding how to share a pizza fairly among the family. Some math websites can be quite engaging…but beware of websites that just reinforce mistakes or make math just mindless drills. Three great websites to access are:

a) NRich (games, cool problems) https://nrich.maths.org/primary

b) Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/math

c) Bedtime Math (try this instead of your regular storytime) http://bedtimemath.org/

Remember, math isn’t supposed to be “easy” - everyone can be good at math with practice and patience!

FOCUS SEQUENCE Edmonton Catholic Schools has developed a new resource to support self-regulation both at home and in the classroom. Our children need the ability to self-regulate in order to be READY. Children need to be ready to attend and inhibit impulses. They need support and time to understand how to regulate so that they can build skills, learn, participate and socialize.

Learn the special FOCUS Sequence that integrates research-based strategies into a single sequence of regulating activities that can be done with any age, across any environment and all in about 5 minutes!

Parents can also purchase this resource for the home, or just ask your child to show you how it is done!


Social Justice Update LET US LOVE, NOT WITH WORDS BUT WITH DEEDS – POPE FRANCIS

THE HOPE MISSION VAN The Hope Mission supports the community with meals, shelter, housing, youth outreach and more. The 6B class had the opportunity to learn about the work that the Hope Mission Van team does during their week at City Hall School. The van team gives out over 100 bag lunches every day. The 6B class decorated paper lunch bags with messages of Hope for these lunches. They also got the entire school involved in collecting much-needed items for the Hope Mission Van. Some classes found cool ways to raise money in order to purchase the requested items. Our grade 6 students and staff did a fantastic job educating students about the needs of vulnerable Edmontonians. Roland came by with the Hope Mission Rescue Van to pick up our donations. He was so happy with our generosity and thanked Grandin on behalf of all the men and women they help - especially between the hours of 2-5 a.m. - when most people are sleeping. Way to reach out to the community and work together for a great cause, Grandin!


GRANDIN CHRISTMAS CHEER Many of our classes reached out to the Edmonton community to spread Christmas cheer and joy. This included visits to the Norwood Care Centre, the Edmonton General Hospital as well as St. Joachim and Rosedale Manor Retirement homes. We know that the children benefit greatly from these partnerships and thank the patients and seniors for their warm welcome. Way to let your light shine, Grandin!

NEW FOUND FRIENDS Our grade 3 French Immersion students found out that there was a community of nuns who lived out in Mundare who might be feeling isolated during the Christmas season. Young Grandiners to the rescue! Students sent warm Christmas wishes in beautiful cards to the nuns. The residents of St. Joseph’s Home were so overjoyed with the cards they received that they sent us a very generous gift. The class will be using the money for one of the school social justice projects.

Students also sent Christmas cards to the retired priests of the Archdiocese of Edmonton and the Archbishop. Just a little way that they can spread the Christmas light to those who don't often get visitors.


Preparing for the Future!

Opportunities for Grandin Students to Get Ready for the World of Work

ROBOGALS RETURN TO GRANDIN! The University of Alberta Robogals are coming back to Grandin on Wednesday, January 22nd. The session will run from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both boys and girls from grades 3-6 are welcome to attend. Please sign up as soon as possible at:

http://bit.ly/Robogals2

https://www.canadalearningcode.ca/experiences/edmonton-chapter-girls-learning-code-gamemaking-and-circuitry-with-scratch-makey-makey/

https://www.canadalearningcode.ca/experiences/edmonton-chapter-kids-learning-code-webmaking-with-html-css/

HOUR OF CODE Many thanks to our staff who completed projects with their class during the Hour of Code in December! Even our grade one French students learned how to write their names in binary code! Keep up the great work everyone!

Gratitude Corner Many thanks to Christie Oswald

and Wendy Bosch for bringing the wonder of the Christmas Market to Grandin. What a powerful way for our children to experience the ‘joy of giving’ – and to learn about how to reduce waste through re-using.

Christie also asked to give a big shout out to all the parents who

volunteered to set up, wrap and tidy up for the Christmas Market.

We are blessed.


JUNIOR HIGH OPEN HOUSES Grade 6 parents are encouraged to attend the many Edmonton Catholic junior high open houses which are coming up in the new year. Students in French Immersion at Grandin are in either the JHPicard or Holy Cross catchment areas. Students in the Spanish Bilingual program move on to St. Brendan for junior high. Our grade six students will have the opportunity to visit St. Brendan’s, Holy Cross and JHPIcard in the new year. Representatives from Edmonton Catholic’s All-Girl program, Jean Forest Leadership Academy, will also be visiting our students in January.

HTTP://WWW.HRS.ECSD.NET/OPEN_HOUSE/


Grandin Clubs and Teams THIS YEAR WE WILL AGAIN BE OFFERING MANY LUNCH HOUR (AND A FEW AFTER SCHOOL) CLUBS FOR THE

CHILDREN. KEEP WATCHING THIS PAGE FOR UPDATES AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES

ZUMBA Many thanks to Janet Vancaeseele for bringing Zumba back to Grandin. Students enjoyed a much-needed vigorous noon hour in December. Janet will be back again after Christmas during the noon hours!

HARITAGE DANCE CLUB This club began recently for students in grades 5 and 6 – on Fridays during the noon hour. It is very popular and will be expanded for other grades to join on Tuesdays at noon. Our teacher-volunteer, Aura Rodrigues, invites both boys and girls to come and learn some wonderful traditional Latino dances.

VOLLEYBALL Our volleyball teams will be travelling to St. Brendan (Spanish students) and St. John XXIII (French Immersion students) in January for a great afternoon of comradery and good sportsmanship. This is also an opportunity for our older students to get to know other Spanish and French schools.

DRAWING CLUB Mlle Maissa, our French Language Monitor, has started an Art/Drawing club for grades 1-3 during Monday lunch recess, and for grades 4-6 on Fridays during lunch recess. We are rotating students through the club so everyone has a chance to participate.

BOOK CLUB A group of students wrote Mme Hironaka about creating a “book club”, where they would read their favourite chapter books, and discuss them with other students. They have now found a teacher to supervise the – thank you Señor Rivas! This club will run on Fridays during the afternoon recess.

GRANDIN FILM COMPANY The Grandin Film Company have made some great “info-mercials” about the wonder things happening at Grandin. A new group of students will get a chance to work with Ms. Lara starting in January.

ENVIRONMENT CLUB Our Environment Club does an excellent job looking after the many plants that have brightened the halls and rooms of our school. Señora Obén supervises this club, which teaches our students about being good stewards of our world.


RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS CLUB Our Random Acts of Kindness Club continues to be very popular. They were very busy in December, sending uplifting messages to many Grandin staff and students to brighten the long, dark days of winter. Thanks Grandin Kindness Club, you are making a difference!

NUMERO CLUB Math enthusiasts be on the lookout for the start up of this popular club. Grandin will be participating in the school division’s Numero Challenge again this year. Time to brush up on those math facts!


Grandin School Parent Council

Grandin School Fundraising Society

The next meeting of both our parent organizations was be held on Wednesday, January 8th. Come and find out about the many school spirit and fundraising events that are upcoming! School Council Executive: Co-chairs: Christie Oswald and Kristin Zelyck Vice-chair: Sarah Bisbee Secretary: Tina Uribe

Fundraising Society Executive: Chair: Andrea Boehm Vice-Chair: Kristen Zelyck Treasurer: Desiree Thomas Secretary: Tina Uribe

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Next Meeting Wednesday, January 8th at 6:00 p.m.

Please join us if you can!

MEETING DATES

6:00 PM START MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

MONDAY, APRIL 6

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20


Hot Lunch

Healthy Hunger Fridays Each month there will be one or more Hot Lunches available to be ordered online. These lunches are delivered to the school and the children get to enjoy a nice hot meal. Lunch are ordered online. To sign up and order, go to: ww w.healthyhunger.ca or call 1-800-818-6260 or 780 800-5588. We are listed under “E” for Ecole/Escuela Grandin. 1. Register Student 2. Login and add your children to the account 3. View all upcoming lunch dates 4. Place order and make payment online

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers are needed to deliver hot lunch each month. If you are able to volunteer on the day of hot lunch between 12:05 p.m. and 12:45 p.m., please click the "I can volunteer" checkbox when ordering your child's hot lunch. Or, send a text to 780 222 7976

Many thanks to Sonja Martens for organizing these special lunches—and giving parents a well-deserved break every few weeks!

DATES Boston Pizza Friday, October 11 Subway Friday, October 25 Mucho Burrito Friday, November 8 Mary Brown’s Friday, November 22 Tim Horton’s Friday, December 13 Opa! Friday, January 10 Pasta Pantry Friday, January 24 Pita Pit Friday, February 7 Pizza 73 Friday, March 13 Swiss Chalet Friday, April 3 Pressed The Sandwich Co Friday, April 24 TBD Friday, May 22 TBD Friday, June 12


Your Feedback is Appreciated

Win Lunch With the Principal Now Go Online and Submit This Form

http://bit.ly/2kIq9b5

If you read this newsletter, print, sign and return this form to your child’s teacher. Your child will be entered to win a lunch with the principal, Mme Hironaka.

Child’s Name: _____________________________________________________

Class: _____________________________________________________________

Parent Signature: __________________________________________________

We welcome your feedback. Please write us and share what you like, what you would like to see in the future, what you hope for our school!

Your Voice Matters.Alberta Education needs your opinion to help ensure every child is prepared for success.

The Accountability Pillar Survey gives your school, your school authority and your provincial government important information about the quality of education your child is receiving. Results are used to find out what’s working and identify areas for improvement.

Accountability is a key element in the success of the education system. I believe that assessing the progress of schools helps us ensure the best possible outcomes for every child.

Completing the survey enables you to help shape the future of education throughout the province. We are committed to working with you and many other stakeholders to educate the next generation of Albertans.

Thank you for helping us strengthen the education system.

Adriana LaGrange Minister of Education

If you have any questions, please contact: System Assurance Branch, Alberta Education Email: [email protected] Phone: (780) 643-9193 (toll-free access within Alberta by dialing 310-0000 first)

Please complete the survey online or return your completed survey in the enclosed, pre-paid envelope by February 28, 2020.

A true picture of our success.Measuring the quality of your child’s education

We want to know that our children and students in Alberta are receiving a quality education in a great school. Grades are important, but there’s more to it.

A great school and its staff help every child to make the most of their talents and abilities.

Great schools are caring and secure and encourage parents to play a key role. Their vision is focused on each student’s success.

While it’s easy to agree on such goals, how do we measure our progress toward them?

The Accountability Pillar is an innovative and straightforward way to measure our learning goals as schools, school authorities and as a provincial government.

Results are provided in a colour-coded and easy-to-read report so everyone in the community can review it. At a glance, it points out successes and areas of concern from both a local and provincial perspective.

The results report shows which measures have improved, which have remained constant and which have declined. It allows everyone—parents, teachers, school authorities, students and the province—to celebrate successes and respond to challenges together.

Details about the Accountability Pillar and how to obtain results are available online at alberta.ca/accountability-education-system.aspx

If you have a concern about your school that is not addressed in this survey, please consider contacting your school or school district directly for further discussion.

The Accountability Pillar looks at:• Survey results. Every year between

January and March, we survey students, their parents and teachers to see how they perceive the quality of education they receive and take part in.

• Student learning indicators such as dropout rates, high school completion rates and the number of students eligible to receive Rutherford Scholarships.

• Student results from Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Exams.

December 5, 2019 To: Parents and Guardians Re: ECSD Faith Development Day Please note that on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, all staff members will be involved in a division-wide Faith Development Day at the Edmonton Convention Centre. There will be no instruction of students at school on that day.

Our theme this year is: Walking Together in the Light of Christ. We are pleased to welcome David Wells as our keynote speaker.

Catholic education is an awesome vocation and responsibility. By being involved in the education mission of the Church, Catholic schools provide a hopeful response to the great mysteries of life in an increasingly complex world. Faith Development Day provides us, as a community of faith, with the opportunity to become more deeply aware of the faith foundation of our lives and to find inspiration to enter into our life’s work with deeper conviction.

I am confident you will agree that such a day is so important to realizing our mission: “to provide a Catholic education that inspires students to learn and that prepares them to live fully to serve God in one another.” (ECS Mission Statement). For more information, please feel free to call our school office at 780 482-3676.

Peace and blessings,

Lorelei Hironaka

principal

LUMEN CHRISTI Catholic Education Centre

9807-106 Street Edmonton AB T5K 1C2 T: 780 441-6000 F: 780 425-8759

www.ecsd.net

January 2020

So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this

child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:16-19)

In the spring of 2003, Edmonton Catholic Schools chose Mary, the Mother of God as our Division Patron Saint. We honour Mary because, through her active co-operation in God's saving plan, she both wrapped the divine in human flesh and dignified humanity in the sight of God. This past September, ECSD proudly shared our new Division Prayer which honors Mary, the Mother of God, with our schools and departments. You can find this beautiful prayer at www.ecsd.net under ‘What’s New in the Division’.

ECSD is pleased to once again offer Diploma Exam preparation sessions in English and in French Immersion through our Alternative Education programming. The cost is $75 per subject and includes student resources. You can find more information by visiting our website and clicking on the January Diploma Preparation Sessions banner.

The new year marks the time when we begin registering students for the 2020-21 school year. You can learn about the many program options that are available to your child by exploring the ‘Programs’ section of our website. As part of our Walking Together Towards a Glorious Future plan which has, as its goals, to improve school utilization rates and operating costs by efficiently and effectively locating focus, language and alternative programs in our Division, there will be a few shifts in programs that are offered at various sites. If you have students who are entering 100 Voices, Kindergarten, or who are moving to a new school next year, you will find the information under ‘Programs’ to be tremendously useful.

If you have children, friends or family registering with Edmonton Catholic Schools for the first time, we are pleased to share that all our new registrations will be done completely online beginning January 8, 2020. For families that do not have computer access, each of our schools will have a kiosk set up for convenience.

As you know the calendar year begins with the celebration of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. I leave you with a thought from Pope Francis’ Angelus on January 1, 2019: “(We) celebrate the Holy Mother of God. Like the shepherds of Bethlehem, we remain with our gaze focused on her and on the Child she holds in her arms. And in this way, by showing us Jesus, the Saviour of the world, she, the mother, blesses us…in this year that is beginning, and that will be good precisely in the measure in which each one will have welcomed God’s goodness which Jesus came to bring into the world.”

Have a blessed New Year!

Sincerely,

Joan Carr Superintendent

https://www.ecsd.net/AboutUs/catholic-identity/Pages/ECSD-Prayer.aspx

http://www.ecsd.net/

https://www.ecsd.net/schools/8412/Programs-Offered/Diploma-Prep/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.ecsd.net/Programs/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.ecsd.net/Programs/Pages/default.aspx

The Holy Spirit and Timing in a Busy World

By Fr. Glenn McDonald, CSB

Parents and students are busy people. They often ask me,

“Where is God in my life?”

With this article I would like to share about the timing of the Holy Spirit and God’s love in overloaded schedules.

I first noticed that timing was an aspect of God’s love when I started celebrating baptisms. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but when I first became a priest, I wasn’t always keen on celebrating a baptism during a Sunday Mass. A baptism makes the Mass more complicated, and when I feel overwhelmed, I like to make things as simple as possible. The Holy Spirit, however, had other plans.

It took me awhile to clue in, but I eventually noticed that every time I celebrated a baptism, no matter how complicated it made the Mass, I loved it. I cannot exactly describe why -- I just did.

The mysteriousness of God’s love was raised to the next level when I would get a request to celebrate a baptism outside the regular parish Mass schedule. For example, a family would ask for a baptism on a particular Thursday evening in six months' time, because that is when the grandparents would be in town. Little did I know that in six months’ time that baptism would occur during the most insane week of the year, and an extra baptism would be the last thing I had time to do. And yet, no matter how exhausted I felt, the baptism lifted my spirits. Eventually, I recognized that the Holy Spirit cared for me by placing a baptism into a week when I felt exhausted or low, as a way of restoring me.

I share these experiences with you because people live very busy lives these days. Despite how hard we might try to find even five minutes for quiet and prayer, it can prove to be impossible (can I get an “Amen” from all the parents with young children?). The Holy Spirits understands that our lives can be crazy-busy, so the Holy Spirit inserts into our day experiences of refreshment and renewal. For me, the Holy Spirit uses baptisms. What does the Holy Spirit use in your busy schedule?

Join us for a French Family Fun

Weekend in Jasper Alberta! Our next French Family Fun Weekend will be taking place in Jasper from

February 28-March 1, 2020. Registration will be opening in early January. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook to register!

These weekends are an opportunity for families of students in French-second-language, French Immersion and Francophone programs to come together to not only celebrate their childrens’ French language skills, but to also provide them an opportunity for their children to “live” French by participating in a full-day socio-cultural activity.

Subsidized cost for CPF members.

https://cpf.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=013c2f28b16048b0923dc25a0&id=ba57d42aea&e=04342fc9a7

Test Anxiety

Strategies for Success

This session is for caregivers and teens together

(Grades 7-12).

Does your teen prepare for a test only to freeze or blank out

during the test? Does your teen’s anxiety hold them back from

their full potential? Test and performance anxiety is very

common among students. This session will help teens learn

how to succeed in spite of their anxiety and help caregivers

support their teens to reduce test anxiety. We will explore what

happens when a student experiences test anxiety and provide

practical strategies and resources for you and your teen to use

to manage anxiety symptoms.

Caregiver Education Series Regional Collaborative Service Delivery &

Children, Youth, and Families

Addiction and Mental Health, Edmonton Zone

Register at www.surveymonkey.com/r/caregiversessions or www.cyfcaregivereducation.ca

DATE: Tuesday, January 7, 2020 TIME: 5:00 – 6:30 pm LOCATION: Jasper Place School 8950 163 Street NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: Parents and teens (Grades 7-12) to attend together. DATE: Wednesday, January 15, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Parkland Immanuel Christian School 21304 35 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: Parents and teens (Grades 7-12) to attend together.

Winter Sessions

January - March 2020

For more information, contact:

[email protected] 780-342-6885

Register Now!

Parent Feedback

“Thank you for including teens in this class.

Videos were great supplemental info.”

“Very simple and to the point, easy

understandable information. Resources to

take away to use with students are beneficial.”

Teen Feedback

“Thank you so much. I found this extremely

helpful and I enjoyed it.”

These free sessions are intended to provide parents,

caregivers, teachers, and community members with basic

information about addiction and mental health challenges

that can impact children and youth. Presentations are

hosted in schools but are open to all adults to attend.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/caregiversessions

http://www.cyfcaregivereducation.ca

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https://www.cyfcaregivereducation.ca/caregiver-education

Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety

A Step by Step Approach Focus is on caregivers of kids and teens

(Grades K-12).

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health

complaints in children and teens today. This session will

distinguish between normal anxiety and anxiety that is no

longer helpful or productive. It will help caregivers to identify

signs that a child or adolescent is experiencing problems

with anxiety. Caregivers will gain step by step strategies to

assist their child/teen to manage their anxiety and improve

their mental health. Resources for parents will be provided

as well as tools designed to reduce anxiety.

DATE: Tuesday, January 14, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: St. Clement School 7620 Mill Woods Road South NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Thursday, January 30, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Sister Annata Brockman School 355 Hemmingway Road NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Thursday, February 13, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Archbishop O’Leary School 8760 132 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Wednesday, February 19, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Holy Trinity School 7007 28 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: École Leduc Estates School 95 Alton Drive, Leduc, AB Notes: This session is for adults only.




Winter Sessions





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Parenting Teens in the 21st Century

DATE: Thursday, January 16, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Florence Hallock School 16437 97 Street NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Wednesday, January 22, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Louis St. Laurent School 11230 43 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Tuesday, January 28, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: St. Basil School 10210 115 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Tuesday, February 11, 2020 TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 pm LOCATION: Westminster School 13712 104 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Rosslyn School 13215 113 A Street NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only.

Respectful Limit Setting with

Adolescents

Focus is on caregivers of teens (Grades 7-12).

Wondering how you’ll survive the teen years? Parenting

teens is harder than ever for most parents today. In this

session, you will explore the challenges of being a

teenager and a parenting teenagers. You will learn how to

establish healthy, respectful boundaries with your teen so

that you can spend less time arguing and more time

enjoying each other’s company.




Winter Sessions



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Sleeping Your Way to Better Mental Health





Focus is on caregivers of kids and teens (Grades K-12).

Come and learn the importance of sleep on your child’s developing

brain. Develop an understanding on how sleep can impact mental

and physical health. Review common sleep concerns and factors

that influence your child’s ability to get the sleep they need. Leave

with practical strategies, tools, and resources to promote healthier

sleep habits for your whole family.

DATE: Tuesday, January 21, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: St. Philip School 8720 144 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Tuesday, February 4, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Calder School 12950 118 Street NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Thursday, February 6, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: St. Leo School 5412 121 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Thursday, February 27, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Beaumont Composite High School 5417 43 Avenue, Beaumont, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Thursday, March 5, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: St. André Bessette School 8300 Southfort Drive, Fort Saskatchewan, AB Notes: This session is for adults only.

Winter Sessions



[email protected] 780-342-6885 Parent Feedback

“Lots of information to use on my children. I can

even try some of these on myself to help

improve my sleep patterns.” SPACE IS LIMITED








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Executive Functioning





Promoting Success in LearningFocus is on caregivers of kids in elementary school

(Grades K-6).

Take a peek inside the developing brain of a child to learn about

the processes that enable kids to engage in problem solving and

goal directed behaviors. These executive functioning skills are

considered to be essential for children to succeed in school and

later in life. Learn about these skills and how they impact learning,

behavior, emotions, and social interactions. Caregivers will be

provided with strategies and resources to assist their children in

building their executive functioning skills, including inhibition,

working memory and mental flexibility.

DATE: Wednesday, January 29, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Esther Starkman School 2717 Terwillegar Way NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only.

DATE: Wednesday, February 5, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Gold Bar School 10524 46 Street NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only.

DATE: Wednesday, February 12, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Grandin School 9844 110 Street NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only.

DATE: Tuesday, February 18, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Lakeland Ridge School 101 Crimson Drive, Sherwood Park, AB Notes: This session is for adults only.

DATE: Wednesday, February 20, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Rideau Park School 10605 42 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only.

Winter Sessions




Register Now!







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Mindfulness





Benefits for the Whole Family Focus is on caregivers of kids and teens (Grades K-12).

Have you heard about mindfulness? Interest in mindfulness is

growing rapidly in schools, communities, and in health-care

settings as an evidence-based way of promoting wellness in

children, teens, and adults. It can build empathy and optimism

in kids, and enhance school performance by supporting the

development of executive function (e.g. attention) and self-

regulation skills. Caregivers will learn activities the whole

family can use to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing.

DATE: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Michael A. Kostek School 5303 190 Street NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Mother Margaret Mary School 2010 Leger Road NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only.

Winter Sessions




Parent Feedback

“I appreciate the resources page with

recommended books and websites. The craft

ideas look easy to do at home and something

I can use with my family. Informative

presentation! Thank you!”

“Very nice and knowledgeable info. I love

mindfulness and can’t wait to practice it

more.”

“A very well-put together presentation that

was relevant to my personal life and

professional life. Thank you!”

Register Now!








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Keeping Scattered Kids on Track





Supporting Children and Adolescents

with ADHD Focus is on caregivers of kids and teens (Grades K-12).

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the

most common mental health conditions diagnosed in

children. Come and learn about the signs and symptoms of

ADHD, ways that ADHD impacts academic achievement,

self-worth, and relationships. You will leave with new

strategies (not solutions) and resources for supporting

success in children as adolescents with ADHD.

DATE: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Willow Park School 5212 52 Street, Leduc, AB Notes: This session is for adults only. DATE: Tuesday, March 10, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Rosslyn School 13215 113 A Street NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only.

Winter Sessions



[email protected] 780-342-6885 Register Now!

Parent Feedback

“Session gave info that I didn’t know before –

Most of the information made sense and

outlined properly how to deal with this issue.

“Great presentation. Clear and concise

information. Good strategies to try and good

explanation of underlying brain mechanics

that could be causing it.”

“Thank you for your knowledge. The

presentation was great - it makes me feel like

things can get better. Never give up.”








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Technology and the Teenage Brain









DATE: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Johnny Bright School 1331 Rutherford Road SW, Edmonton, AB Notes: Parents and teens (Grades 7-12) to attend together. DATE: Thursday, March 19, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: St. Clement School 7620 Mill Woods Rd South NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: Parents and teens (Grades 7-12) to attend together. DATE: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: S. Bruce Smith School 5545 184 Street NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: Parents and teens (Grades 7-12) to attend together.

Winter Sessions


Supporting the Digital Wellbeing of

Families

This session is for caregivers and teens together

(Grades 7-12).

Technology is a huge part of our children’s lives—and a

common concern for most parents who are learning how to

keep up in an ever changing world. Social media, video

gaming, internet use and cell phones may already be topics of

debate within your family. Come together to learn how this

modern use of technology can impact the developing teenage

brain. This session will review some of the risks but also the

benefits of technology. Parents and teens will learn ways to

stay safe and balanced in the use of technology to better

support positive mental health.


Parent Feedback

“Appreciate the latest stats and research that

were referenced. Loved the balanced views

given – I feel both teens and parents left

empowered to more meaningful change.”

“Excellent information that I can take home

and discuss with my family to make decisions

that work for us.”

Teen Feedback

“I enjoyed this session very much. Great!




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Supporting Self-Regulation in Elementary School Children

Focus is on caregivers of kids in elementary school

(Grades K-6).

Do you wish you have more information to help children

handle strong emotions? Did you know that self-regulation is

an essential element to lifelong success? This session will

define self-regulation and how it is used in everyday life. It

will provide a helpful review regarding the development of

self-regulation in children. The strategies and resources

provided will empower and foster caregivers’ essential skills

to increase children’s mental health and resiliency.





DATE: Tuesday, March 17, 2020 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Lee Ridge School 440 Millbourne Road East NW, Edmonton, AB Notes: This session is for adults only.

Winter Sessions


Parent Feedback

“Can’t wait to try some of these new ways to help my daughter regulate! Thank you!”

“Well presented. Facilitator was very knowledgeable and clear. Videos were

great. Thank you!”

“For 1 ½ hours, I was very impressed with the quality/breadth of material covered.

Thank you very much.”

“Superb presentation both in regard to content, visual presentation, format, and

presenter.”

“The leader made the session interesting and gave some very practical and helpful examples and suggestions. Thanks for the great take home resources too!!”



Register Now!

SPACE IS LIMITED








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Documents

Grandin Gazette · for Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe at Corpus Christi parish on December 6th. This mass brings together all eight Edmonton Catholic schools who offer the Spanish Bilingual