Principal’s Weekly Update and Important Information- January 23, 2026
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What an Incredible Team! Each of our staff members play a vital role in the lives of our students and the families at SCCS. We are grateful for your dedication and the impact you make every day!
STAFF LOYALTY RECOGNITION AWARDS
Every year, the Administration and School Board present Staff Loyalty Recognition Awards to honor staff members who have reached significant service milestones at St. Charles Catholic School. The following staff are recognized for their dedication:
• 5 years of service: Mrs. Christle
• 10 years of service: Ms. Jaremowich & Mr. Vechina
• 15 years of service: Mrs. Lazatin
• 20 years of service: Mrs. Prettie
Thank you for your hard work, commitment, and all that you do to make SCCS a thriving and faith-filled community!
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:4–5
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …
- School Mass
- Musical Bake Sale
- Musical practices
- Pizza Fundraising Lunch
- “Toonies for Tuition” Colour Day
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK
- Re-registrations distributed on Monday
- Enrichment on Tuesday
- Kinder Fair & General Open House on Tuesday
- Musical practices
- Wednesday Hot Dog/Subway Fundraising Lunch
- PML Lunch Hour Recital on Thursday
- Holy Childhood Association Popcorn Day on Thursday
- No School Friday
LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …
- February is “I Love to Read Month” – activities all month!
- Assembly on February 2nd
- Pizza Fundraising Lunch on February 4th
- Middle Years Exams February 3rd to 6th
- Musical practices February 4th and 5th
- 2:30 pm Early Dismissal on February 5th
KINDERGARTEN 2026
If your family has a child who will be starting Kindergarten, please ensure that a registration form has been completed. We are now beginning to process Kindergarten applications and will soon be making placement decisions and sending acceptance letters.
Please contact the school if you have any questions or need support with the registration process.
Kindergarten Fair
Families with children entering Kindergarten are invited to attend our Kindergarten Fair on January 27 at 6:00 p.m. This evening is designed especially for children, giving them an opportunity to explore the school, visit Kindergarten spaces, and begin feeling comfortable and confident about their transition to kindergarten!
SCCS OPEN HOUSE
We invite families to attend our Open House for Grades 1–8 on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit classrooms, meet staff, and learn more about our programs.
Please help spread the word by sharing this invitation with friends and family who may be interested. Thank you for your continued support.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office.
We are looking for volunteers and support. Please sign up using the link below:
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to assist with our Kinder Fair & General Open House on January 27, 2026
REGISTRATION FOR 2025-2026
On Monday, re‑registration envelopes will be sent home with students in kindergarten to Grade 7. These envelopes contain important forms that must be completed and returned to the school by February 20th to ensure we hold a spot for your child for next year.
If your family is not returning next year, please indicate this on the form and return it to the office. Your prompt attention to this helps us plan effectively for the upcoming school year.
Thank you for your cooperation!
JAZZ BAND
We are excited to launch a new Jazz Band for students in Grades 7 and 8 on Fridays during the lunch hour! This program offers students the opportunity to explore a unique musical style, strengthen their listening and improvisation skills, and grow their confidence as ensemble performers. Jazz Band has been introduced to give interested students an additional, fun, and collaborative way to make music together while building skills that support all areas of their musical learning.
GRADE 3 WISE WORKSHOP DAY
Mrs. Mardis’ Grade 3 class enjoyed two hands‑on WISE Kid‑Netic Energy workshops. Students explored the basics of coding through fun, interactive activities in Code Makers Jr., and then learned about forces and stability while building traditional Indigenous‑inspired structures. It was a creative, collaborative day of learning!
GRADE 4 DETECTIVE CLUB
The Grade 4 Detective Club begins on Monday, February 2. Students will work together to solve age‑appropriate mysteries using deductive reasoning, collaboration, and critical thinking. We can’t wait to see our young detectives in action! A big thank you to Mrs. Fliangos for leading the club for chess students in Grade 4.
STUDENT AMBASSADORS
Our Student Ambassadors continue to represent our school with outstanding leadership, kindness, and pride. Their time, effort, and genuine love for our school community shine through in everything they do.
We often hear from prospective families about how impressed they are with our students-their confidence, helpfulness, and welcoming spirit make a lasting impact on our school. Your gift of leadership is truly appreciated, and we are so proud of you.
CHESS CLUB
Our Grade 5 and 6 students are sharpening their strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills in Chess Club! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn the game, challenge themselves, and enjoy friendly competition with their peers.
A big thank you to Mrs. Froystad for leading the club. We appreciate it!
GRADE 8 SCIENCE
Open Heart Surgery – Students dissected a pig heart to deepen their understanding of the Cells and Systems unit as part of the WISE Kid‑Netic Energy program.
This hands‑on investigation helped students make meaningful connections between anatomy and physiology—an exciting learning moment they won’t soon forget! Thank you to Ms. Copeland for organizing this learning experience.
I LOVE TO READ MONTH
Thank you to our Academic Committee for organizing all of the activities for I LOVE to READ Month! For more information on the Activities please see the .pdf file at the end of the update. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.
PARKING REMINDER
St. Charles Street, the parking lot, and the bus loop are single‑lane traffic areas. Passing another vehicle is not permitted at any time. This behaviour is dangerous and creates serious safety risks and confusion during drop‑off and pick‑up.
Drivers must remain in line and wait their turn while vehicles move through the loading zone. Failure to follow these procedures compromises the safety of students, staff, and families.
With the cold weather, there are no student patrols outside, so please be extra cautious and watch for students crossing. We do have a staff member assisting, but for everyone’s safety, please follow all traffic expectations during drop‑off and pick‑up.
Thank you for your immediate 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
HOT LUNCH FUNDRAISER
Our Wednesday hot lunch fundraiser continues in the new year!Reminder: All orders must be placed through Munch-a-Lunch at www.munchalunch.com ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE.
If you have questions, please contact fundraising@stccs.ca.
We also are in need and have many volunteer opportunities available: VOLUNTEER for WEDNESDAY FUNDRAISING LUNCHES 2026
BASC
Here’s what’s happening in BASC this week:
- Monday: Tempura Fry — No BLINE scheduled
- Wednesday: BLINE
- Thursday: Cheer
- Friday: No School — BASC is full
As we head into a new month next week, please ensure your BASC forms are submitted if your child will be attending.
If you have any outstanding BASC fees, kindly submit your payments. Reminder emails have already been sent out.
BASC Tax Receipts will be sent home by the end of February.
Please note: There is no BASC during Spring Break.
Summer Care forms will be available in February. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Furutani.
Our BASC program now has its own Instagram account!
You can find us at @bascstccs.Because the account is private and for SCCS families only, please send me your Instagram username so I can approve your request to join.
Thank you, Kim Furutani
MUSICAL
Support our Musical program by purchasing tickets for musical baskets! Tickets are $2 each and can be purchased through the school office or at WAG on May 4.
This year’s baskets include:
- Kids’ Basket – valued at $150
- Couples’ Basket – valued at $300
- Family Basket – valued at $375
Thank you for your continued support of our school Musical!
THE 26th ANNUAL SCCS GOLF TOURNAMENT
In Memory of Robert Morrison & Chad Friesen
Our annual tournament is coming up on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Breezy Bend Country Club.
Sponsorship packages and additional information are available on Parent Zone.
Please help support this important event!
PIZZA FUNDRAISER
We are excited to announce that we are seeking a Volunteer Coordinator for our upcoming Frozen Pizza Fundraiser-one of our most delicious and successful community events each year! This role is a wonderful opportunity for someone who enjoys organizing, connecting with families, and helping bring an important fundraiser to life. If you are interested in taking on this important role or would like to learn more, please reach out to our Fundraising Team at fundraising@stccs.ca.
We truly appreciate your support-our school community thrives because of amazing volunteers like you!
UNIFORMS
A reminder that students are expected to follow the school Uniform Code of Conduct and wear the complete, properly fitted uniform each day. Please note the following key reminders:
- Skirt lengths must be no more than two inches above the knee.
- Socks and tights must meet uniform guidelines (no leggings with socks).
- Pants worn from outside the supplier must meet uniform requirements (no elastic waists or cuffs).
- Uniform shoes must be blue or black only.
- Long‑sleeved shirts or turtlenecks may not be worn under uniform shirts.
Uniform compliance will be monitored, and families will be contacted if corrections are needed. Thank you!
TOWARDS RECONCILIATION: COMMUNITY GATHERING
On behalf of St. Ann’s Parish
Current and former residents of the St. James–Assiniboia community are invited to an evening of learning and reflection focused on the history of the First Peoples of this area. This month’s gathering features the NFB film We Were Children, followed by a facilitated discussion on Residential Schools.
Date: Monday, January 26
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: St. James Public Library (2nd Floor), 1910 Portage Ave.
Cost: Free. Casual dress. Light refreshments provided.
For more information, contact Leanne at leanne.rm.boyd@gmail.com or Patrick at patrickmacdougall1975@gmail.com.
FIRST RECONCILIATION & FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION
Saint John XXIII Roman Catholic Church (3390 Portage Avenue) will be holding an Introductory Meeting for parents/guardians and children preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 9 of the church. To register, please call 204‑832‑7175 or email scamier.stjohnxxiii@gmail.com.
During the meeting, the preparation program will be explained, and families will receive schedules, workbooks, and handouts. The tentative celebration dates are:
- First Reconciliation: Friday, March 13, 2026
- First Communion: Sunday, June 7, 2026
PAC MEETING
Please join us for our next PAC meeting on Wednesday, January 28, at 6:30 PM right here at the school. Whether you’ve been to every meeting or this is your very first time, all parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. It’s a great way to stay connected with what’s happening in our school community.
We would love to see you there!
TURF CAMPAIGN – FROM THE GROUND UP – HELP BUILD OUR PLAYGROUND
We are asking for your help! So far we have raised $98,095. 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.