Principal’s Update – September 26, 2025
Attachment:
At St. Charles, one of our strengths is setting whole-school goals that bring all students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 together. These goals guide us, strengthen our community, and remind us that we are united in purpose.
Our first goal centres around Christian Service. We began this with a school Mass on Tuesday. Fr. Eric’s homily reminded us that each of us has God-given gifts, and that when we use them in service to others, we share God’s love. He asked the students to name their gifts, and it was inspiring to see many hands raised and to hear their confident answers. As teachers, we know that we too are called to share our gifts. Every day, we strive to model kindness, hard work, and generosity so our students can see these values in action. To close the week, our students spent the morning giving back through various classroom service projects, which I have highlighted later in this update.
Our second goal is to ensure that all students feel safe and cared for at SCCS. With the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we recognize the importance of teaching our students about this part of Canada’s history. Learning about Truth and Reconciliation in a safe, age-appropriate, and curriculum-based way ensures that students gain the knowledge and understanding they need to reflect, show respect, and grow in empathy. These lessons not only honor the past but also build a stronger, more caring community for the future.
Throughout the year, we will take time to focus on these school goals, weaving them into our learning, our faith life, and our daily interactions. By working toward these goals together, we will continue to strengthen our school community and ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and supported.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
– 1 Peter 4:10
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …
- School Mass
- Individual student pictures were sent home
- Christian Service Day
- Terry Fox Day
- Colour Day
- Chocolate and Raffle Pick up
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …
- Orange Shirt Colour Day on Monday
- National Day for Truth & Reconciliation – No School/No BASC
- Fundraising Lunch on Wednesday
- 2:30 pm Early Dismissal on Thursday
LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …
- Enrichment on October 7th
- Wednesday Hot Dog/Subway Fundraising Lunch on October 8th
- Holy Childhood Assembly on October 10th
- Thanksgiving Monday – No School/No BASC
ORANGE SHIRT DAY MONDAY
This Monday is Orange Shirt Day, a special day to honour and remember the children, families, and communities impacted by residential schools. It is also a non-uniform day for students.
If your child does not have an orange shirt, please know that there is no need to purchase one. Students are welcome to participate as they would on a regular Colour Day by wearing any colored shirt. Accessories such as ribbons, pins, or bracelets are also thoughtful ways to show support.
Together, we wear orange to show that Every Child Matters.
CATECHISM REGISTRATION
Families who would like their child to attend Catechism are asked to register directly with the parish program. Classes offered this year include First Holy Communion & Reconciliation (Grade 2 and up) and Confirmation (Grade 8).
The deadline to register is October 12th. Please contact the parish at stcharls@mymts.net to complete your registration. Catechism is a wonderful opportunity for students to grow in their faith, prepare for sacraments, and strengthen their connection to the parish community.
SUPPORT STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
This week we celebrate our Educational Assistants who play an essential role in creating a welcoming, safe, and caring environment for our students each and every day. Their dedication and care ensure that our students can learn and grow in a supportive community. We are grateful for all they do and invite our school families to join us in recognizing and thanking our incredible support staff for their hard work, professionalism, and commitment to SCCS.
Ms. Carreiro – 24 years of service
Mrs. Lazatin – 15 years of service
Ms. Thompson – 11 years of service (also an alumni)
Mrs. Christle – 5 years of service
Mr. Shepherd – 2 years of service
Ms. Molloy – 1 year of service
HOCKEY SKILLS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
An exciting opportunity for students in Grades 6-8!
Link to register: https://permission.click/3zryB/ca
PARKING REMINDER
To help keep drop-off and pick-up times safe and efficient, please follow these guidelines:
- Students should not be getting into or out of vehicles anywhere on St. Charles Street. Please use the loading zone or side streets. It causes confusion for vehicles behind you not to mention the safety concern for students.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school grounds safe and accessible for all. To help support this effort, we are looking for parent volunteers to assist with our parking lot and loading zone patrol. If you are able to help, please sign up using the link below: 2025-2026 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED | PARKING LOT & LOADING ZONE PATROL
Your support makes a real difference in ensuring safety for our students and families.
HOT LUNCH FUNDRAISER – STARTING OCTOBER 1
Reminder: All orders must be placed through MunchALunch at www.munchalunch.com.
- If you are new, please create an account and follow the directions online.
- Returning families may continue using their existing accounts.
If you can give your time, please sign up using this link:
VOLUNTEER FOR WEDNESDAY FUNDRAISING LUNCHES 2025
If you have questions, please contact fundraising@stccs.ca.
BASC
Weekly Programs:
- Monday & Wednesday – BLINE
- Tuesday – No BASC
- Wednesday – Cheer
- Thursday – Early Dismissal
Reminders:
- A new month begins on Wednesday. Please ensure forms are submitted before attending.
- Register early for your favorite programs as spots are limited.
Upcoming Events:
- Friday, October 24 – Full-day BASC (Halloween theme). Registration deadline: October 10.
Stay Connected:
We have launched a new BASC Instagram account for parents and staff only. Follow BASCSTCCS (requests to follow must be approved).
CHRISTIAN SERVICE PROJECTS AT SCCS
As part of our commitment to living our faith through service, each grade participated in a Christian Service Project. These projects give students the opportunity to share their time and talents with the wider community in meaningful ways:
- Kindergarten – Kiwanis Courts: creating door hangers
- Grades 1–2 – Meals on Wheels: creating placemats
- Grades 3–4 – St. Charles Parish: creating placemats
- Grade 5 – Keira’s Krusade: making bracelets
- Grade 6 – St. Norbert Long Term Care Facility: making cards
- Middle Years – Harvest Manitoba: volunteering
Through these projects, our students learn the importance of compassion, generosity, and service to others. Together, we are building a stronger community rooted in faith.
FOOD DRIVE FOR HARVEST MANITOBA
Beginning Monday, we will be collecting non-perishable food items for the next three weeks.
All donations can be placed in the boxes and containers located in the front entrance of the school. At the end of the drive, all proceeds will be donated to Harvest Manitoba to support families in need. Thank you for your generosity and for helping us make a difference in our community.
UNIFORM UPDATE – POLO SHIRTS
The new polo shirts have been a big hit with our students and families. Not only do they look great, but they also stay tucked in better than the oxford shirts.
Originally, polo shirts were planned as a summer-only option (September and June). However, we are pleased to share that they will now be available as a uniform option for the entire school year.
If you would like to place an order, please reach out directly to Envision.
ILLNESS REMINDER
Students should remain at home if they have, or are suspected of having, any contagious illness. Some common examples include:
- Respiratory illnesses: colds, influenza (flu), COVID-19, strep throat
- Gastrointestinal illnesses: stomach flu (norovirus), diarrhea, vomiting
- Childhood illnesses: chickenpox, measles, mumps, whooping cough (pertussis), hand-foot-and-mouth disease, pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Skin and scalp conditions: lice, scabies, impetigo, ringworm
- Fever: Students with a fever should remain at home until they have been fever-free (without medication) for at least 24 hours
Reporting Illness:
If your child is ill, please notify the school office by phone or email. This allows us to track illnesses, maintain awareness, and help prevent further spread within the school community.
TERRY FOX WALK/RUN
This year marks the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. We are proud of our students for carrying on Terry’s legacy through their fundraising efforts.
Please consider supporting them by donating to our school’s fundraising page: St. Charles Catholic School Fundraising Page. The page will remain open for one more week.
We are excited to share that we have already reached our goal of $500 – amazing! Thank you for your generosity and continued support in helping us make a difference.
HALLOWEEN AT SCCS – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31
This year, students and staff are invited to dress up for Halloween. In the past, this was a black and orange Colour Day, and that option is still available. Students may also wear a costume or Halloween-themed accessory to school.
Costume Guidelines:
- Costumes must be school-appropriate.
- Masks and headwear may be brought to school to show but cannot be worn during the day.
- Accessories that may interfere with learning can be shown, then placed in lockers or cubbies.
- Costumes that are suggestive, too scary, or otherwise inappropriate for school will be addressed, and students will be asked to remove them.
The day will end with a costume parade and costume prizes! We are excited to celebrate together as a school community.
TURF CAMPAIGN – FROM THE GROUND UP – HELP BUILD OUR PLAYGROUND
We are asking for your help! So far we have raised $97,095. Amazing!
You can track our progress on the school website.
Have a great weekend!
Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222
Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.
