Principal Weekly Update Archives

Principal’s Update – September 19, 2025

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It has been another wonderful week at St. Charles, full of energy, learning, and connection.

One of the biggest highlights has been the addition of new tetherball poles on our playground. They have been a huge hit. Our PE teachers introduced the game, and students have quickly caught on, already showing impressive skills, strategies, and even a few clever tricks. It has been so much fun to watch friendly competitions happening throughout the day. Tetherball is helping build coordination, quick reflexes, and sportsmanship, while giving students one more reason to love being active outside together.

We also hosted our annual Meet the Teacher evening, which was an incredible success. The gym was packed with families eager to connect with our staff and learn more about the year ahead. The evening began with a formal presentation and was followed by a warm and welcoming reception organized by our PAC. Thank you to our amazing volunteers and to everyone who donated food items to help make this event so special.

I also want to take a moment to thank our staff. Their professionalism, dedication, and genuine care for this community are evident in every detail of how they welcomed students and families back. Their efforts have set a positive tone for the year and speak volumes about their commitment to our school.


  • PML Term 1
  • Enrichment
  • Lifetouch Picture Day
  • Meet the Teacher
  • School Mass on Tuesday at 1030 am – PLEASE JOIN US!
  • Christian Service Day on Friday
  • Terry Fox Day on Friday
  • Colour Day on Friday
  • Orange Shirt Colour Day on Sept. 29th
  • National Day for Truth & Reconciliation – No School/No BASC
  • Fundraising Lunch begins Oct. 1st
  • 230 pm Early Dismissal on Oct. 2nd

It’s a short but busy season for our Cross-Country team, and we are excited to get started. Practices will take place as part of our Running Club at lunchtime and afterschool. Please check the website for the schedule! All Grade 4–8 students are welcome to join. Students just need parental permission and a desire to run.

Our first race will be on October 1st at Crescent Drive Park, and we are already looking forward to the energy and excitement of the day.

Last year was an incredible season, with several of our students even qualifying for the provincial race—a huge accomplishment for our athletes. Cross Country is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, build stamina, and represent our school with pride. Go Chargers!

As a Catholic school, gathering for Mass is an important part of our faith life at SCCS. Once a month, our entire school community comes together at St. Charles Parish to celebrate Mass. This is a time for us to pray, sing, and reflect as a community, deepening our connection with God and with one another.

Our students play an active role in the celebration. Grade 3 students volunteer to serve at the altar, and Grade 6 students volunteer as readers. Younger students are paired with student buddies to help them participate with confidence.

Masses begin at 10:30 a.m., and everyone is welcome to attend. Students who have received their sacraments are invited to receive Communion, while students who have not been invited to come forward for a blessing. We hope to see some families join us for our first school Mass on September 23rd.

Throughout the year, we have Colour Days, which are non-uniform days where students may wear clothing of their choice, either for a special theme (such as Orange Shirt Day) or simply to enjoy a break from uniforms. Please refer to the school agenda for more details.

Guidelines for Colour Day attire:

  • Clothing must be appropriate for school.
  • Shorts and skirts should be just above the knee. Mini-skirts and short shorts are not permitted.
  • No cut-outs in clothing.
  • Leggings must be worn with a longer top.
  • Tops must cover the shoulders and midriff; spaghetti straps, halter tops, and belly shirts are not allowed.
  • Shoes with heels are not permitted.
  • Any words or images on t-shirts must be appropriate for school.

For themed days, such as Pink Shirt Day, students are encouraged to wear the color or theme if they are able. However, if your child does not own a shirt of that color, any colored shirt is acceptable. Families should not feel the need to purchase new items—students are welcome to wear what they already have.

Colour Days are a fun way for our students to express themselves while still ensuring attire reflects the respect and standards of our school community.

To help keep drop-off and pick-up times safe and efficient, please follow these guidelines:

  • Do not park in the loading zone. This area is for drop-off and pick-up only, and drivers must remain in their vehicles.
  • Do not park in the bus loop at any time.
  • Please do not block driveways or the golf course entrance.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school grounds safe and accessible for all.

 We are excited to launch this year’s Hot Lunch Fundraiser, running every Wednesday from October 1 to May 27.
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.

Important Dates:

  • First due date for orders (for October 1 lunch) is Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
  • Orders must be placed and paid one week in advance. Any orders not completed by the cutoff will be cancelled.

Here is the link to volunteer:VOLUNTEER FOR WEDNESDAY FUNDRAISING LUNCHES 2025

If you have questions, please contact fundraising@stccs.ca.

Cell phones, iPads, tablets, and Smartwatches (all communication devices) can be distracting in a classroom setting and are not permitted for use during school hours (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM). These items must be kept in lockers during this time.communication devices) can be distracting in a classroom setting and are not permitted for use during school hours (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM). These items must be kept in lockers during this time.

A friendly reminder that parents are responsibility for supervising their children from 325-340PM if they are playing on school grounds.

Weekly Programs:

  • Monday – BLINE begins
  • Tuesday – Golf
  • Wednesday – BLINE and Cheer

Reminders:

  • Morning BASC: Please drop your child off at the bus loop and then send them in.
  • After school: After 4:00PM, families must use a fob to enter the building.
  • Registration: Students must be registered to attend any BASC program or full-day program.

Coming Up:

  • Halloween Craft
  • Friday, October 24 – FULL DAY BASC (Halloween Party theme)
  • K-2 Donuts
  • Grades 3-5 Cookies
  • Grades 6-8 Sushi Roll
  • Winter Craft
  • New Program: Hair Styles
  • Monday, November 10 – FULL DAY BASC with a field trip
  • Friday, November 21 – FULL DAY BASC (Christmas Party theme)

If you have any questions about BASC, please feel free to contact me. Kim Furutani

We will be reaching out to families very shortly regarding chocolate and raffle book pick up dates and times. There will also be an opportunity to volunteer with distribution. Please look out for an email.

We are so thankful for our own IT team here at St. Charles—Ms. Senderewich, our IT Director, and Mr. Penner, our IT Technician. They work behind the scenes to keep our computers, networks, and systems running smoothly. Because of their knowledge, patience, and dedication, our students and staff can learn, teach, and communicate every day with confidence. Technology is a big part of our world and our classrooms, but it doesn’t just “work” on its own—it takes hard work, problem-solving, and teamwork. Ms. Senderewich and Mr. Penner give us that support with professionalism, kindness, and care for our community.

Volleyball season is underway at St. Charles, and we are proud to be part of the Manitoba Catholic Schools Athletic Association.

Tryouts have begun, and students in Grades 6–8 will be placed on either a developmental team or a competitive team, giving all players the chance to grow their skills, experience teamwork, and enjoy this exciting sport.

We are grateful to our dedicated coaches who make this possible: Mr. Vechina, Mrs. Chliboyko, Mrs. Froystad, Ms. McEvoy, and Mrs. Van Helvert. Together, they are leading our four teams with enthusiasm and commitment. We look forward to a great season. Go Chargers!

Please see the flyers below from the Catechism teachers at St. Charles Parish. Flyers were also sent home in agendas this week for all grade 2 and 8 students. Families who would like their child to attend Catechism are asked to register and sign up directly with the parish program. Catechism is a wonderful opportunity for students to grow in their faith, prepare for sacraments, and strengthen their connection to the parish community. (View larger flyer images in .pdf posted at the bottom of the Update).

 It’s the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. This year, our school is going all out to fundraise for cancer research! We’re super excited to take part! Please support our student’s fundraising efforts and donate today.

St. Charles Catholic School Fundraising Page: https://schools.terryfox.ca/StCharlesCatholicSchoolWinnipeg

Thank you in advance for your support.

We are asking for your help! So far we have raised $97,095. Amazing!
You can track our progress on the school website.


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

Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.