Month: October 2025

Principal’s Weekly Update and Important Information- October 31, 2025

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This week has been filled with faith, fun, and community spirit as we recognized All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day –
 three important days in the life of the Church.

All Hallows’ Eve, or Halloween, marks the evening before All Saints’ Day. It reminds us that joy and light overcome fear and darkness. As Catholics, we can celebrate with fun and creativity while remembering that this day has roots in faith and hope.

All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 1, is a time to honour all the saints – those known and unknown – who have lived lives of holiness and service to God. It reminds our students that sainthood is not just for a few special people but something we are all called to strive for through kindness, courage, and love.

All Souls’ Day, on November 2, invites us to remember and pray for those who have gone before us. It is a gentle reminder of our connection to the communion of saints and the importance of praying for one another, both the living and the departed.

This week also brought a new tradition to St. Charles – our first-ever Halloween celebration. The day was filled with excitement, laughter, and school spirit. Students participated in a lively costume parade and assembly, enjoyed creative costume prizes, and ended the day with a whole-school dance performance that had everyone smiling. It was a wonderful way to build community and celebrate together.

As we move into November, may we carry forward the lessons of these holy days – to live with gratitude, to honour those who inspire us, and to share joy and faith wherever we go.

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

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TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …

• Enrichment
• Wednesday Pizza Fundraising Lunch
• Musical Bake Sale
• Halloween

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …

• Enrichment on Tuesday
• St. Charles Day Assembly on Tuesday
• PAC Meeting at 630 pm in our Cafeteria on Wednesday
• Wednesday Hot Dog/Subway Fundraising Lunch on Wednesday
• PML Lunch Hour Recital from 1135 am to 1230 pm on Thursday
• 230 pm Early Dismissal on Thursday
• Remembrance Day Assembly on Friday

LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …

• MFIS PD Day-No School-BASC available on Nov. 10^th
• Remembrance Day-No School-NO BASC on Nov.11^th
• Pizza Fundraising Lunch on Nov. 12^th
• Lifetouch Picture Re-Takes on Nov. 13^th
• TRIVIA NIGHT on Nov. 14^th

MFIS

On Monday, Mr. Vechina and three Grade 6 students-Amen, Ruby, and Meera-attended the Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools (MFIS) reception for MLAs at the Manitoba Legislature.

This event provided a wonderful opportunity to:

• Meet the Minister of Education and other leaders in the field,
• Connect with students from other independent schools,
• And engage with our local MLA, Logan Oxenham.

Mr. Oxenham has been a strong supporter of our school. He continues to show genuine interest in getting to know our community and finding ways to support us. Last year, one of our Grade 8 students was honoured with a Leadership Scholarship from his office—a testament to his commitment to youth and education.

REPORT CARD UPDATES: UNDERSTANDING THE 4-3-2-1 ACHIEVEMENT SCALE

Beginning this year, Kindergarten to Grade 6 report cards will use a 4–3–2–1 achievement scale to reflect student learning in alignment with Provincial Curriculum Standards. This scale helps describe how well a student demonstrates their understanding and ability to apply skills that have been taught.

4 – Very Good to Excellent
The student meets grade-level expectations independently and can apply skills to new situations. Work shows confidence, accuracy, and transfer of learning.

3 – Good Understanding
The student meets grade-level expectations independently with familiar material. There may be small errors, but overall understanding is strong.

2 – Basic Understanding
The student shows partial understanding and often needs teacher support or prompting. Skills are emerging but not yet consistent.

1 – Limited Understanding
The student does not yet meet the grade-level expectations, even with support, and needs re-teaching or additional practice.

This scale provides a more accurate reflection of how well students are progressing in relation to the curriculum. More information will be shared with families in the coming weeks.

HOCKEY SKILLS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

We’ve sent out two emails this month inviting Grade 6–8 students to register for our upcoming program, which begins in January and runs for just 10 weeks. At this time, registration numbers are still low, and unfortunately, we may need to cancel the program if we don’t receive a few more sign-ups.

If your child is interested and you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or JP Vigier directly. Thank you for your support!
2 Links for Registration:

JP Vigier form: https://form.jotform.com/241214617217247
SCCS Permission Click form: https://permission.click/3zryB/ca

PARKING REMINDER

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.

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.

KOATS FOR KIDS

St. Charles Catholic School is proud to support United Way’s “Koats for Kids” program again this year. From November 3-17, we will be collecting gently used winter clothing to help families in need.

Donations of mitts, hats, boots, ski pants, and winter jackets can be placed in the collection boxes near the school entrance.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping to keep our community warm this winter.

HOT LUNCH FUNDRAISER

Reminder: All orders must be placed through MunchALunch at www.munchalunch.com ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE.

• If you have questions, please contact fundraising@stccs.ca.
• Returning families may continue using their existing accounts.
• EVERY WEDNESDAY we need volunteers, please sign up using this link:
  VOLUNTEER FOR WEDNESDAY FUNDRAISING LUNCHES 2025

BASC

Weekly Programs:

• Monday – Grades 7 & 8 Sushi Rolling
• Tuesday – Grades 3–5 Cookie Baking
• Wednesday – Cheer and BLINE
• Thursday – Grades 6–8 Hair Styles (Early Dismissal Program 2:30–4:00 PM)

Reminders:

• Early dismissal is at 2:30 PM on Thursday.
• A new month begins on Monday-please ensure all BASC forms are submitted before attending.
• In the mornings, please send your child directly into the school.
• A BASC form must be submitted for every program attended.
• For last-minute changes, please text Ms. Furutani directly (no need to contact the office). She updates teachers daily before the last bell to ensure safety and accurate attendance.

Upcoming Programs:

• Full-Day BASC on November 10 and November 21 are full.
• We are gauging interest for Curling-please submit your form if interested.
• If you have any questions about BASC, please feel free to contact Ms. Furutani.

CANDY BUY BACK!

Got Halloween candy your kids can’t eat? Whether it’s due to allergies or just too much sugar, we’ve got you covered! Bring your candy to: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQcmQ0JkxiQ/?igsh=MXExYjBpcnllYXFlOA== 
We’ll pay kids cash for their unwanted treats! Let’s make Halloween sweet for everyone – even without the candy!

B&G UPDATE

On Monday, our boilers were temporarily turned off to allow Ambassador Mechanical to map out specific areas of the school and correctly identify the four heating zones. Once that work was completed, only two boilers and one pump were needed to restart the system.

This restart caused some of the unusual sounds, visible smoke, and noticeable smells near the back of the building that some of you may have experienced. Please be assured that our contractors were on-site the entire time and fully aware of the situation.

By Wednesday, most of the necessary work was completed. As with any building, ongoing maintenance and repairs are part of keeping things running smoothly. We’re fortunate to have Secure Construction Group supporting us, and we trust their expertise in caring for our facility.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

A special thank you to the Middle Years teachers for all of their preparation, planning, and energy in organizing such a meaningful day for our students.

SAVE THE DATE – SO MANY GREAT THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO!

This week, we sent out an email to all families about our upcoming Trivia Night and also included a note in students’ agendas.

Unfortunately, there was an issue with the Permission Click website on the same day, and the registration link appeared to be incorrect. We’re happy to report that the link is now working properly, and registration is open!

Trivia Night is one of our biggest fundraisers and a wonderful opportunity to connect as a school community. We encourage everyone to register, come out, and enjoy the evening together.

This year, the event will be held at the school. After dinner, the trivia fun begins for adults, while students will head to the small gym to enjoy a movie.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

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Wishing you all a great weekend!

Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School 
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222

Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.

Principal’s Weekly Update and Important Information- October 24, 2025

Attachment:

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TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …

• Book Fair
• Grade 6 & 8 Immunization
• School Mass
• Fundraiser Lunch is Hot Dog/Subway
• Musical tryouts
• Parent Teacher Interviews
• Staff Appreciation Day
• St. Mary’s Academy Movie Night
• MTS PD Day on Friday – No School
• SCCS Halloween Howl Dance
• Raffle Ticket Deadline on Friday

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …

• Enrichment on Tuesday
• Wednesday Pizza Fundraising Lunch
• Musical Bake Sale on Thursday. Everything $1 or $2
• Halloween on Friday

LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …

• Enrichment on November 4th
• St. Charles Day Assembly on November 4th
• PAC Meeting at 630 pm in our Cafeteria on November 5th
• Wednesday Hot Dog/Subway Fundraising Lunch on November 5th
• PML Lunch Hour Recital from 1135 am to 1230 pm on November 6th
• 230 pm Early Dismissal on November 6th
• Remembrance Day Assembly on November 7th

STAFF APPRECIATION DAY

Thursday we celebrated Staff Appreciation Day, and it was such a wonderful reminder of how special our community is. Our staff are truly amazing!
We enjoyed a delicious luncheon provided by our parent community—thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity. The meal from Supper Central was fantastic.
On behalf of all the staff at St. Charles Catholic School, thank you for making us feel special and for your continued support throughout the year.

REPORT CARD UPDATES: UNDERSTANDING THE 4-3-2-1 ACHIEVEMENT SCALE

Beginning this year, Kindergarten to Grade 6 report cards will use a 4–3–2–1 achievement scale to reflect student learning in alignment with Provincial Curriculum Standards. This scale helps describe how well a student demonstrates their understanding and ability to apply skills that have been taught.

4 – Very Good to Excellent
The student meets grade-level expectations independently and can apply skills to new situations. Work shows confidence, accuracy, and transfer of learning.

3 – Good Understanding
The student meets grade-level expectations independently with familiar material. There may be small errors, but overall understanding is strong.

2 – Basic Understanding
The student shows partial understanding and often needs teacher support or prompting. Skills are emerging but not yet consistent.

1 – Limited Understanding
The student does not yet meet the grade-level expectations, even with support, and needs re-teaching or additional practice.

This scale provides a more accurate reflection of how well students are progressing in relation to the curriculum. More information will be shared with families in the coming weeks.

HOCKEY SKILLS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

An exciting opportunity for students in Grades 6-8!
2 Links for Registration:

JP Vigier form: https://form.jotform.com/241214617217247
SCCS Permission Click form: https://permission.click/3zryB/ca

PARKING REMINDER

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.

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.

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

Reminder: All orders must be placed through MunchALunch at www.munchalunch.com ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE.

• If you have questions, please contact fundraising@stccs.ca.
• Returning families may continue using their existing accounts.
• EVERY WEDNESDAY we need volunteers, please sign up using this link:
  VOLUNTEER FOR WEDNESDAY FUNDRAISING LUNCHES 2025

BASC

Weekly Programs:

• Monday – BLINE
• Tuesday – Halloween Craft
• Wednesday – BLINE and Cheer

November Programs:

• The Donuts, Cookies, and Sushi classes are now full.
• Full-Day BASC on November 10 and November 21 are almost full. You must be registered to attend.
• There are still spots available in Curling, Winter Craft, and Christmas Craft—register soon to save your spot!
• If you have any questions about BASC, please feel free to contact Ms. Furutani.

GRADE 4 BIBLE CELEBRATION

Our Grade 4 students participated in a special Bible Celebration, a meaningful part of their Religion curriculum. During this time, students learned how the Bible is organized and how to look up and read Scripture, deepening their understanding of God’s Word.

We recognize that our Grade 4 students are now at an age where they are ready to receive their own Bible and begin exploring it with greater independence. The celebration took the form of a beautiful prayer service organized by the teachers, where each student was called by name to receive their Bible.

This milestone marks an important moment in their faith journey—an acknowledgment that they are growing up and becoming more capable of understanding and living out God’s message in their daily lives.

GRADE 8 RETREAT

Our Grade 8 students began their final year at St. Charles with a meaningful retreat day! A special opportunity to reflect, grow, and come together as a class. The retreat sets the tone for a year of religious study and reflection, helping students begin to think about their time at St. Charles and how their experiences here have shaped who they are. It also invites them to consider how their faith and values will guide them as they move on to high school next year.
The day included a prayer service, games, crafts and activities, and reflection sessions. My message to the Grade 8s was simple: Enjoy this last year. Appreciate all the “last” moments that come with it. You are the leaders of our school, and we are so proud of you.

A special thank you to the Middle Years teachers for all of their preparation, planning, and energy in organizing such a meaningful day for our students.

SAVE THE DATE – SO MANY GREAT THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO!

…. Trivia Night … Shrek the Musical Bake Sale … For more information, please check out a .pdf copy of Mrs. Prettie’s Principal’s Update (link at the bottom of this post).

VOLUNTEER NEEDED – PRODUCE PICK-UP COORDINATOR

We are looking for a Volunteer Produce Pick-Up Coordinator to help with our school’s weekly produce deliveries. The role involves picking up produce from Safeway every Wednesday morning and delivering it to the school. You do not need a large vehicle—everything will comfortably fit in a car.

If you are available and interested in helping, please contact our Fundraising Committee at fundraising@stccs.ca for more details.

Your support helps keep our school programs running smoothly—thank you for considering this volunteer opportunity.

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.

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Wishing you all a great weekend!

Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School 
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222

Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.

Principal’s Weekly Update and Important Information- October 17, 2025

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One of the greatest strengths of our school is the partnership between parents, teachers, and students. When all three work together, our community thrives. Students feel more connected, teachers feel supported, and families feel engaged in the life of the school. This connection is not just helpful- it is foundational to who we are as a Catholic school community.

Throughout the year, there are many opportunities for parents to be involved. Volunteering allows families to take an active role in school life, and it shows students that their education is valued not only in the classroom, but also at home and within the wider community. When parents give their time-whether it is helping at an event, supervising a hot lunch, or lending a hand behind the scenes-it strengthens our sense of belonging and shared responsibility.

In each weekly update, I highlight these volunteer opportunities in red, and all information is also available on Parent Zone for easy access. We would like to draw your attention to our Hot Lunch Fundraiser, which is one of the five major fundraisers for our school. Each week, we struggle to fill the volunteer spots and often need to send out reminder emails on Tuesday mornings. If parents are able to sign up in advance, it would greatly help our organizers plan more efficiently. We are also looking for support with picking up the orders each week, and anyone interested can reach out directly to our Fundraising Committee.

Also, we are in need of parent representatives for a few classrooms. If you’re interested in becoming a class rep or would like more information, please contact Andrew Slobodian, PAC Chair, at stccspac@stccs.ca.

When we volunteer, we do more than help with a task- we model service, build community, and show our students what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

Thank you for continuing to support St. Charles with your time, presence, and care.

“Serve one another humbly in love.”
– Galatians 5:13

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TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …

• Thanksgiving Monday
• Enrichment
• Band Practice
• Musical Tryouts
• Grade 3, 3-4, 4 field-trip to Manitoba Museum
• Grade 4 Bible celebration
• Holy Childhood Popcorn Day
• Grade 8 Retreat

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …

• Book Fair Week
• Grade 6 & 8 Immunization on Monday
• School Mass on Tuesday
• Wednesday Fundraiser Lunch is Hot Dog/Subway
• Musical tryouts on Wednesday
• Parent Teacher Interviews from 4-7 pm on Wednesday & Thursday
• Staff Appreciation Day on Thursday
• St. Mary’s Academy Movie Night on Thursday 6-9PM for Grades 7&8
• MTS PD Day on Friday – No School/BASC Available
• SCCS Halloween Howl Dance on Friday for Grades 7&8
• Raffle Ticket Deadline on Friday

LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …

• Enrichment
• Musical Bake Sale on October 30^th
• Halloween on October 31st

JOIN THE PAC – CLASSROOM REPS NEEDED

What makes the St. Charles Catholic School community so special is the incredible involvement of our parents. Our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) reps and volunteers play a key role in supporting school events and strengthening our community spirit.
We are currently looking to fill Class Representative positions for the following classes:

• Grade 1-2
• Grade 3
• Grade 5M
• Grades 7–8

We would love to have two representatives per class to share responsibilities. Each rep earns 10 VIP hours for the year just for participating.
If you’re interested in becoming a class rep or would like more information, please contact Andrew Slobodian, PAC Chair, at mailto:stccspac@stccs.ca.

Your time and involvement make a real difference. Thank you for helping keep SCCS such a strong and connected community.

REPORT CARD UPDATES – KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 8

We want to inform families that our K–8 report cards will look a little different this year. These updates are the result of extensive planning and collaboration between administration and teachers that began last year.

For Kindergarten to Grade 6, the report card will now use a 4–3–2–1 achievement scale, aligning with Provincial Assessment Standards. This change helps provide a clearer picture of student progress and achievement based on provincial learning outcomes.

In addition, we have added a new comment box for Learning Behaviours and Attitudes for all students in K–8, allowing teachers to provide more personalized feedback on learning habits and classroom engagement.

The Middle Years (Grades 7–8) report cards will continue to use percentage-based grading rather than the 4–3–2–1 scale. We will continue to provide more information to families in the weeks to come and leading up to Term 1 report cards.

HOCKEY SKILLS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

An exciting opportunity for students in Grades 6-8!
2 Links for Registration:

JP Vigier form: https://form.jotform.com/241214617217247
SCCS Permission Click form: https://permission.click/3zryB/ca

PARKING REMINDER

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.

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.

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

Reminder: All orders must be placed through MunchALunch at www.munchalunch.com ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE.

• If you have questions, please contact fundraising@stccs.ca.
• Returning families may continue using their existing accounts.
• EVERY WEDNESDAY we need volunteers, please sign up using this link:
  VOLUNTEER FOR WEDNESDAY FUNDRAISING LUNCHES 2025

BASC

Weekly Programs:

• Monday – BLINE
• Wednesday – Cheer (NO BLINE scheduled)
• Friday, October 24 – No School; Full-Day BASC for registered students only. THIS PROGRAM IS NOW FULL.

Reminders:

• November programs are almost full, so please register soon to secure your spot.
• Thank you for your continued support and participation in BASC.
• If you have any questions about BASC, please feel free to contact Ms. Furutani.

FALL WEATHER REMINDER

The fall weather is here, and with it come cool, damp mornings that often turn into warmer afternoons. Please make sure your child has an extra school uniform to keep in their locker. If students get wet during recess, it’s helpful for them to have something dry to change into.

We go outside three times a day, and being prepared keeps everyone comfortable and ready to learn. And don’t forget to pack an extra pair of socks—they often come in handy on wet days.

Thank you for helping us keep students warm, dry, and happy during this changing season.

PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Families are asked to book an appointment with their child’s classroom teacher and specialist teachers. Our specialist teachers—French, Music, and Physical Education—are also available for bookings.

These are one-on-one interviews, providing an opportunity for teachers to share your child’s strengths, goals, and next steps. Each meeting is scheduled for 10 minutes, so please arrive on time, as missed appointments cannot be rescheduled this week.

Here is the link to sign up: BOOK YOUR PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS Wednesday, October 22nd and Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 4-7 pm

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.

SAVE THE DATE – SO MANY GREAT THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO!

…. Trivia Night … Junior Movie Night … Shrek the Musical … For more information, please check out a .pdf copy of Mrs. Prettie’s Principal’s Update (link at the bottom of this post).

HALLOWEEN HOWL – GRADES 7 & 8 DANCE

We are very excited to announce that St. Charles will be hosting a Halloween Howl School Dance as a fundraiser in support of the Grade 8 Farewell in June.

Date & Time: Friday, October 24, 2025, from 7:00–10:00 PM
Who: Grades 7 & 8 students from SCCS, with invitations also extended to all Winnipeg Catholic Schools
Where: St. Charles Catholic School

We encourage Grade 7 & 8 parents to volunteer and help make this event a success.

Volunteer here: VOLUNTEER FOR OUR GRADE 7 & 8 HALLOWEEN HOWL SCHOOL DANCE OCTOBER 24th, 2025

We look forward to a fun evening of music, friends, and school spirit.

VOLUNTEER NEEDED – PRODUCE PICK-UP COORDINATOR

We are looking for a Volunteer Produce Pick-Up Coordinator to help with our school’s weekly produce deliveries. The role involves picking up produce from Safeway every Wednesday morning and delivering it to the school. You do not need a large vehicle—everything will comfortably fit in a car.

If you are available and interested in helping, please contact our Fundraising Committee at fundraising@stccs.ca for more details.

Your support helps keep our school programs running smoothly—thank you for considering this volunteer opportunity.

CROSS-COUNTRY PROVINCIALS

We are so proud of our athletes who represented St. Charles Catholic School at the Cross Country Provincials last week.

Congratulations to Henrik, who placed 3rd in the U12 Boys category, and Paige, who placed 2nd in the U14 Girls category.

Both students demonstrated outstanding effort, determination, and school spirit. What an incredible achievement—way to go, Chargers!

OCTOBER SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

Our October Scholastic Book Fair is coming to SCCS, and we are so excited for it to arrive! This year’s theme, “Get Wrapped Up in a Good Book” (mummy style!), is sure to bring some fun and excitement just in time for the Halloween season.

We are looking for volunteers to help make our Book Fair a success. Please sign up here to volunteer: “GET WRAPPED UP IN A GOOD BOOK” SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR Volunteers needed October 17-24, 2025
Thank you for supporting literacy and our school community. Let’s get reading, St. Charles!

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.

RAFFLE BOOKLETS – REMAINING STOCK

We have just over 30 raffle booklets remaining. Families who would like to purchase additional booklets may do so by picking them up from the school office between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, starting next week.
If you have not yet picked up your allotted and prepaid booklet, it is also available for pick-up at the office.
Booklets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Thank you for supporting our school fundraiser.

USED UNIFORM SALE

We will be holding a Gently Used Uniform Sale during Parent–Teacher Conferences and the Book Fair on Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23 from 3:00–6:00 PM at the school.

All items are in excellent condition and priced at $5 each. We accept cash or cheque payments. This is a great opportunity to grab some extra items.

Please note that we are not accepting uniform donations at this time.

We are also looking for volunteers to help with sales on both days. If you are available to assist, please sign up here:  HELP US WITH OUR USED UNIFORM SALE October 22nd & 23rd, 2025

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.

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Wishing you all a great weekend!

Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School 
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222

Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.

Principal’s Weekly Update and Important Information- October 10, 2025

Attachment:

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As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, this is a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the many blessings we share as a school community. Gratitude reminds us to notice the good around us. Our families, our friends, our teachers, and the opportunities to learn and grow together in faith.

At St. Charles, we are thankful for our students, whose energy and curiosity bring joy to each day. We are thankful for our staff, whose care and dedication create a safe and welcoming place for every child to thrive. And we are thankful for our families, whose trust, support, and

partnership make our community strong.

As you gather this weekend, may your homes be filled with laughter, love, and gratitude. Let us carry a thankful heart beyond the holiday, showing kindness and generosity to others every day.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
– Psalm 107:1

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TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …

• Enrichment
• Wednesday Fundraising Lunch
• Holy Childhood Assembly

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …

• Thanksgiving Monday – No School/No BASC
• Enrichment on Tuesday
• Band Practice for all grade 6 students at 6PM on Tuesday
• Musical Tryouts on Wednesday
• Grade 3, 3-4, 4 field-trip to Manitoba Museum on Wednesday
• Grade 4 Bible celebration on Thursday
• Holy Childhood Popcorn Day on Friday
• Grade 8 Retreat on Friday

LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …

• Book Fair Week October 20th-23rd
• Grade 6 & 8 Immunization Day October 20th
• School Mass October 21st
• Parent Teacher Interviews October 22nd & 23rd 4-7 pm
• Staff Appreciation Day October 23rd
• MTS PD Day October 24th – No School/BASC Available
• Halloween Howl Dance October 24th
• Raffle Ticket Deadline October 24^th

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.

ENRICHMENT COURSES

Students in Grades 7 and 8 participate in Enrichment Courses designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning.

This year’s offerings include Cooking, STEM, Coding, and Art!

Students are mixed between grades, giving them a chance to collaborate with peers outside their usual classrooms, and they are also taught by different teachers, providing exposure to a variety of teaching styles and expertise.

These enrichment opportunities are an important part of the middle years experience at SCCS. They help students build confidence, discover their talents, and make connections between classroom learning and the real world.

HOCKEY SKILLS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

An exciting opportunity for students in Grades 6-8!
2 Links for Registration:

JP Vigier form: https://form.jotform.com/241214617217247
SCCS Permission Click form: https://permission.click/3zryB/ca

PARKING REMINDER

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.

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.

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

Reminder: All orders must be placed through MunchALunch at www.munchalunch.com.

• If you have questions, please contact fundraising@stccs.ca.
• Returning families may continue using their existing accounts.
• EVERY WEDNESDAY we need volunteers, please sign up using this link:
  VOLUNTEER FOR WEDNESDAY FUNDRAISING LUNCHES 2025

BASC

Weekly Programs:

• Wednesday – BLINE and Cheer
• Friday, October 24 – Full-Day BASC (Halloween Theme).
  Registration deadline: Wednesday, October 17.

Reminders:

• For pick-up after 4:00 PM, a parent fob is required. Fobs only work on the front door.
• The new @bascstccs Instagram account requires consent to view.
• November & December programs are now posted—don’t miss out.
• November includes two full-day BASC days, one with a field trip.
• If you have any questions about BASC, please contact Ms. Furutani.

FOOD DRIVE FOR HARVEST MANITOBA

We are collecting non-perishable food items for one more week.

All donations can be placed in the 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.

PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Families are asked to book an appointment with their child’s classroom teacher and specialist teachers. Our specialist teachers—French, Music, and Physical Education—are also available for bookings.

These are one-on-one interviews, providing an opportunity for teachers to share your child’s strengths, goals, and next steps. Each meeting is scheduled for 10 minutes, so please arrive on time, as missed appointments cannot be rescheduled this week.

Here is the link to sign up: BOOK YOUR PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS Wednesday, October 22nd and Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 4-7 pm

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.

SAVE THE DATE – SCCS MUSICAL 2026

We are thrilled to announce that our school musical will take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG), with both a matinee and evening performance.

Auditions have already begun, and the excitement is building as students prepare to bring this year’s production to life. To help support the event, we will be holding a series of bake sales in the coming months—thank you in advance for your support.

Please save the date and stay tuned for more details as we move closer to the big day. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Furutani.

HALLOWEEN HOWL – GRADES 7 & 8 DANCE

We are very excited to announce that St. Charles will be hosting a Halloween Howl School Dance as a fundraiser in support of the Grade 8 Farewell in June.

Date & Time: Friday, October 24, 2025, from 7:00–10:00 PM
Who: Grades 7 & 8 students from SCCS, with invitations also extended to all Winnipeg Catholic Schools
Where: St. Charles Catholic School

We encourage Grade 7 & 8 parents to volunteer and help make this event a success.

Volunteer here: VOLUNTEER FOR OUR GRADE 7 & 8 HALLOWEEN HOWL SCHOOL DANCE OCTOBER 24th, 2025

We look forward to a fun evening of music, friends, and school spirit.

GRADE 6 – EVENING BAND PRACTICE

Our Grade 6 Evening Band Practice will take place on Monday, October 14 at 6:00 PM, and it is very important that all Grade 6 students attend. This session is a key part of the Band program and will provide valuable learning and performance experience.

Students from Westwood High School will be joining us to offer hands-on guidance and support, helping our students strengthen their skills and confidence. Mrs. Gregorchuk will also be present to share details about the program, answer questions, and guide families through expectations for the year. Parents are encouraged to attend, observe, and take the opportunity to ask questions. Please contact Mrs. Gregorchuk to confirm your attendance. We look forward to a productive and inspiring evening of music.

HCA

Today, our students participated in an assembly introducing the Holy Childhood Association (HCA)—a global mission organization that encourages children to help other children in need through prayer, awareness, and acts of kindness.

At St. Charles Catholic School, our participation in HCA reminds us that even the smallest actions can make a big difference. During the assembly, we reflected on the Parable of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, where Jesus used a small gift—a few loaves and fish—to bless many. This story teaches us that when we share what we have, no matter how small, God can multiply our kindness to help others in need.

In the weeks ahead, we will continue to live out this mission through small acts of service, including our upcoming Popcorn Days, which will help raise funds to support HCA’s global efforts.

Together, we are answering God’s call to care for one another and to make the world a kinder, more compassionate place.

OCTOBER SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

Our October Scholastic Book Fair is coming to SCCS, and we are so excited for it to arrive! This year’s theme, “Get Wrapped Up in a Good Book” (mummy style!), is sure to bring some fun and excitement just in time for the Halloween season.

We are looking for volunteers to help make our Book Fair a success. Please sign up here to volunteer: “GET WRAPPED UP IN A GOOD BOOK” SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR Volunteers needed October 17-24, 2025

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.

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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.

Principal’s Weekly Update and Important Information- October 3, 2025

Attachment:

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This week, our focus has been on gratitude—taking time to recognize and give thanks for the many gifts we have been given, as well as the safe and caring environment we share at St. Charles.

Each student has gifts from God. For some, these gifts are visible and easy to see artistic talents, athletic abilities, or academic strengths. For others, their gifts may be quieter, hidden, or still developing. But what unites us is that everyone has talents and gifts that make our community stronger.

Alongside our gifts, each of us also has struggles and challenges. This is part of being human, and it is why understanding, and kindness are so important. When we remember that everyone is carrying both gifts and challenges, we are better able to interact with one another with compassion, patience, and respect.

October is here, and what a great month it is to be grateful—grateful for how far we have come this year and for the opportunities still ahead. It is also a time to prepare for the coming winter months. This October, students will enjoy two long weekends, and in just a few weeks parents will have the opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss progress and growth. Exciting opportunities are also underway for students to get involved in our School Musical, and Halloween excitement is already in the air.

Our hope is that every child at SCCS continues to grow in gratitude for their gifts, works to develop their talents, and learns the value of kindness in both words and actions. Together, we can nurture a community where students feel thankful, safe, and encouraged to become the people God calls them to be.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …

• Orange Shirt Colour Day
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Wednesday Fundraising Lunch
• Early Dismissal
• Alumni from St. Paul’s High School volunteered in classrooms

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …

• Enrichment on Tuesday
• Wednesday Fundraising Lunch
• Holy Childhood Assembly on Friday at 12:45

LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …

• Thanksgiving October 13th – No School/No BASC
• Enrichment on October 14^th
• Band Practice for all grade 6 students at 6PM on October 14^th
• Musical Tryouts on October 15^th
• Grade 3, 3-4, 4 field-trip to Manitoba Museum on October 15^th
• Grade 4s Bible celebration on October 16^th
• Holy Childhood Popcorn Day on October 17^th
• Raffle Tickets Due October 13-24^th

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.

CROSS COUNTRY MEET – CRESCENT DRIVE PARK

We had an excellent turnout at the Cross Country Meet on October 1 at Crescent Drive Park, with 45 students from Grades 4–8 proudly representing St. Charles. The weather was beautiful, and our student athletes gave their best effort, running hard and cheering one another on. It was wonderful to see such strong school spirit throughout the day.

We are proud to recognize the following athletes for their outstanding performances:

Selina C – 1st place, Grade 8 Girls
Paige G – 2nd place, Grade 7 Girls
Margaret C – 3rd place, Grade 7 Girls
Sarah N – 2nd place, Grade 6 Girls
Henrik F – 1st place, Grade 5 Boys
Addison DH – 3rd place, Grade 5 Girls
Rhett G – 5th place, Grade 4 Boys

HOCKEY SKILLS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

An exciting opportunity for students in Grades 6-8!
2 Links for Registration:

JP Vigier form: https://form.jotform.com/241214617217247
SCCS Permission Click form: 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

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.
• Orders must be placed and paid one week in advance. Any orders not completed by the cutoff will be cancelled.

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 – Golf (last class)
• Wednesday – Cheer
• Halloween Craft – A few spots are still available.

Reminders:

• Students must be registered by the due dates to attend full-day BASC.
• Spots are limited, so please register early.
• If you have any questions about BASC, please contact Ms. Furutani.

FOOD DRIVE FOR HARVEST MANITOBA

We are collecting non-perishable food items for the next two weeks.

All donations can be placed in the 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.

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.