Principal’s Weekly Update and Important Information- February 6, 2026
Attachment:
Faith Development and Renewal
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a three-day Principal’s Retreat, led by Archbishop Murray. At the same time, our staff participated in a Faith Development Retreat here at St. Charles, led by our Corporate Board Chair, Fr. Eric. These experiences were intentional and deeply meaningful, and I believe it is important for our school community to understand why this work matters.
At St. Charles Catholic School, faith development is a required and valued part of our professional growth. Each year, staff participate in opportunities to reflect, pray, and deepen their understanding of what it means to work in a Catholic school. Teaching and supporting students in this setting is not only a job. It is a choice and, for many, a calling.
Choosing to work in a Catholic school means committing to more than curriculum and instruction. It means modelling faith through daily actions, fostering a culture of respect and compassion, creating spaces where students feel known and cared for, and helping young people grow not only academically, but spiritually and morally as well. It means approaching our work with intention, service, and care for the whole child.
Faith formation supports our staff in this important responsibility. Time set aside for reflection and renewal strengthens our ability to lead, teach, and serve with clarity and purpose. It reminds us why we do this work and re grounds us in our shared mission.
I am grateful for the leadership of Archbishop Murray and Fr. Eric Giddins, and for the commitment of our staff to ongoing faith development. This shared investment ensures that St. Charles remains a faith filled, student centered community where our values are lived each day.
“Let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned to which God called you.”
1 Corinthians 7:17
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …
- February is “I Love to Read Month”: Silly Socks Day
- Pizza Fundraising Lunch
- Middle Years Exams
- Musical practices
- 2:30 pm Early Dismissal
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK
- Catholic Schools Week:
- Tuesday: K-2 Bowling trip, STEM workshop
- Wednesday: Gr.3-4 Fort Whyte trip, K-2 Valentines Day
- NO PML this week
- Enrichment on Tuesday
- Musical practices
- Wednesday Hot Dog/Subway Fundraising Lunch
- No School Friday
LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …
- Louis Riel Day on February 16th – No School/No BASC
- Musical practices
- Shrove Pancake Breakfast 7-9 am on February 17th in our Cafeteria – ALL ARE WELCOME!
- Advisory
- Ash Wednesday Mass on February 18th at 1030 am – ALL ARE WELCOME!
- Wednesday Pizza Fundraising Lunch
- Re-registrations due on February 20th
LAPEL PIN – COMMUNITY BUILDER PROJECT
Our PAC, in collaboration with school administration, recently introduced a special community‑spirit initiative to our Grade 8 students: the SCCS Lapel Pin Legacy Project. This project was presented as a meaningful opportunity for students to leave their mark on our school, and their input was incredibly important throughout the process. From the 15 designs submitted, a staff committee selected the top three finalists.
We proudly recognize the two finalists whose designs made it to the final round-your creativity, skill, and vision truly stood out.
Following a school-wide vote, we are thrilled to announce that Emily in Grade 8 is the winner of the SCCS Lapel Pin Design Contest! Her design will become our official community lapel pin:
A huge congratulations to all students who participated-your creativity, enthusiasm, and pride in our school truly shone through. And a special congratulations to Emily in Grade 8, the winner of our Lapel Pin Design Contest! Her design will become our official SCCS community lapel pin.
Our school community will be able to order the lapel pin very soon. Families will have the option to purchase one pin or as many as they’d like-a meaningful keepsake of our shared school spirit.
REGISTRATION FOR 2025-2026
Registrations are due February 20th.
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!
SHROVE TUESDAY BREAKFAST – Save the date!
Join us on Tuesday, February 17th, from 7:00–9:00 a.m. in the SCCS Cafeteria for our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast! It’s a perfect chance to gather as a school community, enjoy some tasty food, and start the day with great company. Students must be accompanied by an adult.
What is Shrove Tuesday?
Shrove Tuesday is a long‑standing Christian tradition marking the day before Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, families would use up rich ingredients like eggs, butter, and sugar before beginning the Lenten season-hence the custom of enjoying pancakes. Today, it remains a joyful day of community, celebration, and preparation for Lent.
KF, KL, and Grade 5M families are organizing this event and were sent this link to volunteer: VOLUNTEERS & ITEMS NEEDED for our SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Everyone is welcome to join in the fun! While the event is free, we will be gratefully accepting donations for the Holy Child Association. Our KF, KL, and Grade 5M families are organizing this event and have received the volunteer link.
I LOVE TO READ MONTH
Thank you to our Academic Committee for organizing all of the activities for I LOVE to READ Month! If you have any questions, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.
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!
PARKING
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 outside to assist, 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
BINGO – SAVE THE DATE!
Join us for a fun‑filled evening at our St. Charles Catholic School Bingo Night on March 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.).
Bring your family, friends, and co‑workers for a night of games, prizes, and great company! A Wine & Beer Bar will also be available throughout the evening.
Please note: Guests must be 12 years or older unless accompanied by a playing adult.
Payment Accepted: Cash, Debit, and Credit
We’ll have a variety of card options and packages available, along with 50/50 tickets for purchase. Don’t forget to bring your daubers!
Come out and enjoy a lively community evening-you won’t want to miss it!
CAMP MANITOU – UPDATED!
We have updated the Grade 5–6 camp experience at SCCS. The overnight camp has been replaced with a two‑day, full‑day program at Camp Manitou. Students will travel by school bus, departing at 8:30 a.m. and returning at 3:30 p.m. each day. This change prioritizes student safety while still offering valuable outdoor learning and team‑building opportunities.
THE 26TH ANNUAL SCCS GOLF TOURNAMENT
In Memory of Robert Morrison & Chad Friesen
Our annual tournament is 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 fundraising event for the school!
Our golf tournament is just around the corner, and we are currently looking for a few coordinators to help support planning. If you are interested and available, please contact fundraising@stccs.ca
COLOURING CONTEST WINNERS
Several of our students recently participated in the annual Knights of Columbus Colouring Contest. We are proud of their creativity, effort, and enthusiasm as they represented our school in this wonderful community tradition. Congratulations to all participants for their beautiful artwork and for showcasing their talents so well!
First‑place winners from each grade will now move on to the Regional Knights of Columbus Colouring Contest-congratulations and best of luck!
Here is a list of Provincial winners:
| KINDERGARTEN | GRADE 2 | GRADE 3 |
| 1st – Aviel Dela Cruz | 1st – Carol To | 1st – Everly Krebs |
| 2nd – Sybil Hawryluk | 2nd – Luisa Agustin | |
| 3rd – Theodore Barnes | 3rd – Alexis de Groot | |
| GRADE 4 | GRADE 5 | GRADE 6 |
| 1st – Victoria Viquez | 1st – Paul Rassin | 1st – Victoria Piatkowski |
| 2nd – Jovanna Cameron | 2nd – Trevina Bassily | 2nd – Julia Avanci Greggio |
| 3rd – Lillian Sichewski | 3rd – Maggie Forde |
BASC AND INSTAGRAM
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
BASC
Here’s what’s happening in BASC next week:
- Monday: BLINE
- Tuesday: Valentines Craft
- Thursday: Cheer
- Friday: No School – Registration required
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 after the long weekend.
Please note: There is no BASC during Spring Break.
Summer Care forms are available!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Furutani.
BUILDING & GROUNDS
Over the Christmas holidays, we completed several important upgrades to our Building Management System. Upgrades and new installation measures on the HRV unit on the third floor was completed, improving ventilation and air circulation in the 1906 building. We also restarted an AHU unit in the new building, which will help support more consistent airflow and temperature control. In addition, air vents were installed above classroom doors to enhance air movement between spaces.
We also took this opportunity to complete some painting and a deep clean throughout the building.
All of these updates support more effective heating, cooling, and overall building comfort as we continue to improve the school environment for students and staff.
HOT LUNCH FUNDRAISER
Our Wednesday hot lunch fundraiser continues!
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
2026 – 2027 SCHOOL KEY DATES
| 2026–2027 School Year Key Dates | |
| First Day of School for students | September 9, 2026 |
| Last Day Before Christmas Break | December 18, 2026 |
| Students Return After Break | January 4, 2027 |
| Spring Break | March 29 – April 2, 2027 |
| No School / No BASC – Good Friday | March 26, 2027 |
| No School / No BASC – Easter Monday (in lieu of March 29) | April 5, 2027 |
| Last Day of School | June 30, 2027 |
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 Weekly Update
