Principal’s Update – September 27th, 2024
This past week at St. Charles Catholic School, we dedicated time to deeply reflect on the significance of the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As a school community, we engaged in meaningful discussions, activities, and learning experiences that focused on the history, culture, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
In my message to the school on Friday, I shared the Parable of the Lost Sheep, emphasizing the importance of every individual within our community. Just as the shepherd rejoices over finding the one lost sheep, we
are reminded of our responsibility to care for one another and uplift those who may feel marginalized or unheard. This message resonates powerfully as we observe Orange Shirt Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the painful legacy of residential schools and reaffirming our commitment to reconciliation.
Additionally, Manitoba Catholic Schools has made a strong commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. This year, our elder, Fr. Stan, has chosen the sacred teaching of Humility as our focus. Humility is the quality of being humble, recognizing our limitations, and valuing the perspectives and experiences of others. It invites us to approach each other with respect, openness, and a willingness to learn. Embracing humility is essential as we work toward understanding and healing.
As we reflect on these themes, let us be guided by the words of Philippians 2:3-4:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Thank you to our staff, students, and families for your active participation in this important journey of learning and reflection.
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …
- All classrooms participated in a school learning walk for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation week to see all the bulletin board displays.
- Kinder hearing testing started on Monday.
- New SCCS Staff attended a workshop on Thursday at the Archdiocese.
- We have held 4 Fire Drills this month
- Today was Orange Shirt Colour Day to recognize the National Day for Truth
- and Reconciliation.
- Our Grade 6-8 Band lesson night occurred on October 24.
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …
- There is no school on Monday, September 30th in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Our Hockey Skills Program begins on Tuesday, October 1st for students Grades 6 through 8 who have registered.
- Our first Pizza Fundraising Lunch is on Wednesday, October 2nd.
- There is a Boys Developmental and Boys Competitive game.
- Grade 6 and 8 students have an Immunization Day on Wednesday, October 2nd.
- School Food Drive: Accepting non-perishable food donations for 2 weeks.
- Thursday, October 3rd brings our first Early Dismissal Day of the school year when students will be dismissed at 230 pm. SCCS Staff will all attend URIS Training on this day as well.
- Thursday, October 3rd students are participating in a Cross Country Run after school.
- On Friday, October 4th we will have our Holy Childhood Association Assembly at 1030 am.
LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …
- Our first Hot Dog/Subway Fundraising Lunch is coming up on Wednesday, October 9th.
- Our Grade 8 students will have their Retreat on October 11th.
- Used uniform sale is on October 10th from 3-6pm.
GRADE 7 CLASS SILOAM MISSION DRIVE
The Grade 7 class would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who donated dental products to our Siloam Mission Drive.
We also had an amazing time learning how Siloam Mission contributes to the Winnipeg community. We were able to tour their facility at 300 Princess Street. They truly do amazing work here in our city and encouraged us to make a difference as well.
We were able to donate over 30 tubes of toothpaste, 80 adult and children’s toothbrushes and 20 rolls of dental floss as well as deodorant, hand lotion, men’s underwear, combs and floss! Your thoughtful efforts will make a difference for so many.
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION
Thank you to everyone in our community for following the parking protocols and signage to help ensure the safety of everyone. The parking barriers are now up and serve as a great reminder. Next week, poles and chains will be installed to attach to the barriers. In the meantime, please avoid driving over them. Please do not back into parking stalls in the parking lot. It creates confusion and congestion to our traffic flow.
We are also looking for volunteers to help with this initiative. If you’re interested in contributing some of your time or have any questions, please feel free to email me—I’d be happy to provide more information. Plus, as a thank you, FREE BASC (Before and After School Care) is being offered to our volunteers. You can sign up directly here:
PARKING LOT & LOADING ZONE PATROL Monday to Friday
A huge thank you to our dedicated parent volunteer, Mr. John Bringas, who has been assisting students in the loading zone. Let’s all show him our appreciation with a wave when we see him!
PLANTS
Thank you to everyone who has been bringing in plants—they’ve brought so much joy to our community! Both students and staff truly appreciate them. We’re taking great care of the plants and learning how to nurture the wonderful variety we’ve received so far. We’re still welcoming donations of houseplants to add to our collection.
If you have any to contribute, please feel free to bring them to the front office. Thank you in advance for your generosity—pictures will be shared soon!
A special thank you to Mrs. Mardis’ Grade 3 students, who have enthusiastically taken on the responsibility of watering our garden this year!
COMMUNICATION
There are many ways to ensure you are staying up to date with the school community.
- Website: make sure you have a ParentZone account. Also, subscribe to the calendar so that everything we post will be sent to your calendar.
- Instagram: Join our BASC page at stccsbasc and the Music pages at sccs. band_choir and sccs.orff_choir.
- Facebook and teacher websites.
BASC
- There is no BASC on Monday!
- Golf is on Tuesday and BLINE is on Wednesday.
- Tuesday is the start of a new month, please make sure to submit you BASC form before attending. We keep track of who should be there and the number of students too.
- There are still a few spots left in the Baking Workshops and the Halloween Craft.
- You must be registered by October 11th to attend the full day BASC.
Any questions or concerns contact 204-880-8245 or email kfurutani@stccs.ca
POWERSCHOOL – PARENT PORTAL
The Parent Portal is OPEN. The Parent Portal allows parents/guardians to access their child’s current grades, attendance and teachers can share information from their Gradebook with parents. If you have not applied for a Parent Portal account, you can do so from the ParentZone page. If you have any questions, please contact Linda at powerschool@stccs.ca. Please see the message below from the Middle Years Teachers:
As a courtesy, we are sending this email to remind everyone to review the Parent Portal on Power School. Assignments (past, present and future) have been entered, student marks, comments and outstanding assignments have been indicated and the last day of assignment submission can be found in either the assignment description or comments area. Please refer to the details shared in the class outlines. Mrs. Cascegna, Ms. Copeland, and Mr. Domolewski
FRONT OFFICE
Additional boxes of chocolates and raffle tickets are now available at the school office. For every box of chocolates purchased, you’ll earn 1 VIP hour, and for every 2 raffle booklets purchased, you’ll also receive 1 VIP hour. This system is based on the estimated time it takes to sell the items, and there’s no cost to you if everything is sold.
Have you registered your vehicle with us yet? Please use the Permission Click link on our website, https://www.stccs.ca/sccs-parent-information-zone/permission-click-forms/
or click here, https://permission.click/42AeV/ca, (Pick-Up & Drop-Off Vehicle Authorization form), to register or update your vehicle information. This is a necessary part of our registration process and is used by Administration to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
The white mailbox at the front entrance is checked regularly in the morning and throughout the day. Anything for the office can be placed in the mailbox. Thank you for your cooperation.
ST. CHARLES PARISH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
On behalf of the St. Charles Night Committee. We are having our St. Charles Night on Saturday, November 2nd which will consist of dinner and entertainment. We are seeking volunteers. Student volunteers are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent.
Please contact, Gloria Anderson, Administrative Assistant of St. Charles Parish at 204-889-3248 by October 22. Thank you!
CATECHISM
If your child would like to join our Catechism program, we offer classes from Grade 2 (First Communion preparation) through to Grade 8 (Confirmation preparation). We also have Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children ages 3-6 (Pre-school to Grade 1). These sessions will begin on October 6 and will run from 10:35-11:45 AM in the Atrium on the second floor of the church. All other Catechism classes will start on October 20, from 10:35-11:25 AM at St. Charles School. For more information or to register, please contact Joceline Chase at jocyrf@gmail.com or call/text 204-797-0611.
FOOD DRIVE
After the long weekend, SCCS will be hosting a Food Drive in partnership with Harvest Manitoba. Large yellow bins will be placed inside the school for your donations, and there will also be a bin in the loading zone for convenient drop-offs.
What kind of food should I donate? Non-perishable, nutritious items high in protein are ideal. We are especially in need of canned soups and stews at this time.
Here are our top 10 most needed food items:
- Canned Fruit 6. Pasta Sauce
- Canned Soup/Stews 7. Rice
- Canned Tuna 8. Peanut Butter
- Canned Vegetables 9. Baby Formula/Food
- Pasta 10. Instant Oatmeal
VOLLEYBALL
The season is off to a fantastic start, with all teams actively practicing and sharpening their skills. A huge congratulations to both the Girls’ and Boys’ competitive teams for winning all their games this week!
Remember, “Volleyball is not about how tall you are, but how big you play.” Let’s continue to play with heart and determination!
CRAFT FAIR
The SCCS Christmas Craft Fair is coming …. Saturday, November 30th, 10AM – 3PM. Handmade Goods, Hot Chocolate, Holiday Photos & More. Please save the date! craftfairfundraiser@stccs.ca
FROM THE GROUND UP – HELP BUILD OUR PLAYGROUND
The new turf has significantly enhanced recess for our students, keeping them engaged, active, and happy on this safe surface. We invite you to contribute to our turf campaign—every donation, no matter the size, helps us reach our goal. Thank you for your support! Visit our link for more information.
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, neither slave nor free— and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV):
This passage highlights that each person is a vital part of the body of Christ, underscoring that everyone has unique contributions and importance within the community.
Have a great LONG weekend!
Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222
Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.