Principal’s Update – April 11, 2025
LENT: A Time of Reflection and Anticipation
As we move through the fourth week of Lent, we are reminded that we are drawing closer to Holy Week, a sacred time in our Church calendar. This week’s Gospel reading, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, invites us to reflect on the themes of forgiveness, mercy, and the joy of returning to God. It reminds us that no matter where we are on our journey, we are always welcomed back with love.
This week also marks a shift in our Lenten journey—from personal reflection to preparing our hearts for the events of Holy Week. Soon, we will celebrate Palm Sunday, when we recall Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. On that day, we hold palm leaves as a symbol of peace and praise, just as the crowds did when they welcomed Him. These palms remind us not only of celebration but also of the path that leads to the cross and ultimately to the hope of Easter.
May this week be one of meaningful reflections and renewed hope as we continue walking together in faith.
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …
- Staff and students returned from spring break
- Enrichment Groups
- Grade 5-8 Reconciliation
- Wednesday Subway/Hot Dog Fundraising Lunch
- Reconciliation for Grade 5-8 students
- Kinder Grad and Grade 8 Farewell photos
- PML lunch hour recitals on Thursday
- Early Dismissal Thursday
- Inservice Day and BASC on Friday
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …
- LAST Musical Bake Sale on April 15th
- Advisory Classes Tuesday, April 15th
- Wednesday Pizza Fundraising Lunch, April 16th
- PAC meeting on April 16th
- School Assembly on April 17th: Stations of the Cross
- Good Friday & Easter Monday: NO school/NO BASC
- Happy Easter!
LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …
- Earth Day on April 22nd and Blue and Green Colour Day
- School Assembly: Take Pride Winnipeg
- Enrichment Groups
- School Musical practice on Saturday April 26th
- Band Photos on April 30th
- Uniform Fitting on May 1-2nd
More detailed information can be found on the school website, in the calendar section under Parent Zone!
BASC
A few updates and reminders for BASC:
- BLINE is on Monday & Wednesday
- Tuesday is Easter Craft
- Friday April 11th is Full-day BASC. Students must be registered by Monday, April 7th to attend. Registration will not be accepted on Tuesday for Friday’s BASC.
- Reminder there is NO BASC on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
- BLINE demo & testing is Wednesday, April 30th in the gym. Come a check it out.
- May & June programs are almost full (K-2 Baking is full).
📞 Last-minute BASC? If you need BASC or need to cancel on the same day, please text me directly at 204-880-8245. I provide the attendance list to teachers daily, so there’s no need to contact the office.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
Ms. Furutani
SUMMER CAMP applications are due April 30th! There are a few spots left. If interested or have any questions, please contact Ms. Furutani. 📧 kfurutani@stccs.ca📞 204-880-8245
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION
Thank you to everyone in our community for following parking protocols and signage to help keep our students safe!
Please remember that only one side of Augier Ave is for stopping. The school side is a no parking, stopping zone.
- Volunteers Needed! We are always looking for extra hands to support this initiative. As a thank you, FREE BASC (Before and After School Care) is offered to our volunteers.
- Sign up for Loading Zone Patrol (Monday – Friday) on ParentZone!.
BISON REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR
On Thursday, April 10, seven students from St. Charles Catholic School proudly represented our school at the Bison Regional Science Fair. This annual event brings together young scientists from across the region to explore, discover, and present innovative ideas through hands-on scientific inquiry.
All of our students presented their projects with confidence, showcasing their knowledge, creativity, and passion for their chosen topics.
The students who participated were:
- Harlyn and Maggie (Gr. 5) – Fruit Molding
- Adeleigh (Gr. 6) – What’s in Your Water?
- Charlie (Gr. 7) – Apple Armour: Liquid Solutions Against Browning
- Maria (Gr. 7) – Glucose: Your Inner Super Fuel
- Mason (Gr. 8) – Wind Power
- Harrison (Gr. 8) – True North
Congratulations to all who participated! You did an amazing job representing our school and your work truly shone at the fair!
As part of our Lenten journey, we are participating in 40 Cans for Lent, a food drive rooted in Catholic values of compassion and service. This initiative encourages us to give to those in need by collecting non-perishable food items for Winnipeg Harvest.
Students can bring donations to their homeroom teacher’s collection boxes. Together, we can make a difference by living out our faith through generosity and kindness. Thank you for your support!
REMINDER: PAC MEETING April 16th at 6:30PM
All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting in the school cafeteria! Come be a part of the conversation and help shape the future of our school community. We’d love to see you there!
UNIFORM FITTING DAYS – May 1st and 2nd
Uniform fittings will take place at the school on May 1st and 2nd. Our uniform provider, Envision, will be on-site to assist with fittings, take orders, and answer any questions you may have.
Please use the link below to book your appointment:
BOOK YOUR UNIFORM FITTING Thursday, May 1 or Friday, May 2, 2025 11 AM – 6 PM
Additional information about our uniform policy—including some exciting new additions for the 2025–2026 school year—will be shared with families next week.
We are also looking for volunteers to help out during the fitting days. If you’re available, please sign up here:
VOLUNTEER TO ASSIST WITH UNIFORM FITTING DAYS Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2, 2025
Thank you for your support!
SCCS GOLF TOURNAMENT
Save the Date! This year’s Golf Tournament is Thursday, May 22, 2025 @ Breezy Bend Golf Course, please mark it in your calendars! We need help from the entire St Charles community to make this a success.
Golfer Registration Form: GolferREGISTRATION2025PDF Document · 197 KB
Sponsorship Form: SCCSSponsorshipPACKAGE-2025PDF Document · 193 KB
BAND PHOTOS – April 30th at 9:00AM
Lifetouch will be at the school on Tuesday, April 30th starting at 9:00 AM to take individual and class photos of all students in Grades 6–8 who are part of the band program.
These photos will serve as a keepsake of the students’ participation in the music program. They also provide families with a special way to commemorate their child’s involvement in band.
All students will receive a photo package with details on how to place an order.
SCHOOL MUSICAL AT THE WAG
St. Charles Catholic School is performing Dot & the Kangaroo Jr. at the Winnipeg Art Gallery on May 5th with a matinee and evening show.
Tickets are available in the school front office or please contact Ms. Furutani.
There are also three gift baskets to win, and tickets can be purchased in the front office and on May 5th.
Thank you for your support!
Help Needed: Prop Transport to the WAG
We need your support in moving props and set pieces from the school to the Winnipeg Art Gallery.We’re looking for one or two trucks to assist with transporting items on Sunday, May 4th around noon. The actual move to the WAG will take place on Monday, May 5th, 2025.
If you’re available and able to help, we’d greatly appreciate it!
Reminder: Final Musical Bake Sale – Tuesday, April 15th
Don’t miss our last bake sale in support of the school musical!
All items are just $1, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the students and the production.
Thank you for your continued support!
ROME 2025
The St. Charles Catholic School Rome Trip was truly an unforgettable adventure. Over eight incredible days, our group experienced the rich history, culture, and beauty of Italy through full days of iconic guided tours and memorable moments shared together.
We departed on March 31, flying from Winnipeg to Toronto, then onward to Rome. Our first day began with a guided walking tour of Vatican City—an awe-inspiring introduction to the heart of the Catholic Church. Each evening, we enjoyed dinner at a different local restaurant, always accompanied by our wonderful Italian tour guide. Some of our fondest memories were walking back to the hotel after dinner, taking in the stunning sights of Rome lit up at night—just as beautiful as by day.
On our second day, we explored even more of the Eternal City with visits to the Jewish Ghetto, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, and several parks and historic neighborhoods. It was a full day of walking and discovery.
Day three brought one of the highlights of the trip: a tour of the Colosseum led by our favorite guide of the week. We stood where gladiators once battled and saw early depictions of Christianity carved into the ancient walls. Walking through the Roman Forum afterward felt like stepping back in time. We even squeezed in some souvenir shopping!
The next day, we visited the Vatican Museums, culminating in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. The scale and beauty of the collection were overwhelming—in the best way. That afternoon, we travelled to the Tyrrhenian Sea, where students had a blast swimming in the ocean—a definite highlight!
We then took a day trip to Pompeii, a welcome break from walking as we boarded a bus for the scenic drive. Our guide led us through the ancient streets, still being excavated today, beneath the looming shadow of the still-active Mount Vesuvius. From there, we continued on to Naples, where we strolled along the sea and experienced a different, but equally vibrant, atmosphere.
Our next adventure took us underground to the Catacombs, where the first Christians were buried in secret. Later that day, we returned to the Vatican to visit the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica. Walking through the Holy Doors and standing in the world’s largest church was a moving experience for all.
On our final evening, none of us wanted the trip to end. After dinner, we returned to the Trevi Fountain one last time, taking in its beauty under the stars and snapping photos to remember the moment.
This trip was a tremendous success thanks to the incredible support of the parents and the enthusiastic participation of our students. The food, the sights, and—of course—the daily gelato made every day special. A heartfelt thank you to the families who made this experience possible and to our School Board for supporting this beloved tradition of a Rome trip every two years.
It has been my pleasure to plan this trip three times now, and each one is more rewarding than the last. The joy of seeing students as curious, respectful travelers and getting to know them outside of the classroom is something I’ll always treasure. I will never forget the amazing week we had in Rome.
Next trip is Spring Break 2027 (our current Grade 5 & 6 students’ turn!)
BADMINTON TRYOUTS
Grade 7&8 tryouts were held this week. Gr. 6 Badminton Tryouts are:
- Monday, April 14th: Girls’ and Boys’ Singles (3:30-5:00 PM)
- Tuesday, April 15th: Doubles and Mixed Doubles (3:30-5:00 PM)
We will be entering two teams per grade, in each of the following categories: Girls’ Singles, Boys’ Singles, Girls’ Doubles, Boys’ Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.
Practices:
Gr. 7/8: April 17th, 24th & 28th: 3:30-4:45 PM
Gr. 6: April 23rd & 29th: 3:30-4:45 PM and April 25th: 11:35 AM-12:25 PM.
Tournament
(All games start at 4:00PM unless otherwise stated.)
| Tuesday, April 29th: Grade 8 Girls’ Singles @ IHMS Grade 7 Girls’ Singles @ Balmoral Hall | Tuesday, April 29th: Grade 8 Boys’ Singles @ St. Maurice (Start 4:05 PM) Grade 7 Boys’ Singles @ Westgate |
| Wednesday, April 30th: Grade 8 Girls’ Doubles @ Linden Christian (Start 4:15 PM) Grade 7 Girls’ Doubles @ Balmoral Hall | Wednesday, April 30th: Grade 8 Boys’ Doubles @ Holy Cross Grade 7 Boys’ Doubles @ Westgate |
| Thursday, May 1st: Grade 8 Mixed Doubles @ St. Alphonsus | Thursday, May 1st: Grade 7 Mixed Doubles @ Linden Christian (Start 4:15 PM) |
| Tuesday, May 6th: Grade 6 Girls’ Singles @ Balmoral Hall | Tuesday, May 6th: Grade 6 Boys’ Singles @ IHMS |
| Wednesday, May 7th: Grade 6 Girls’ Doubles @ Balmoral Hall | Wednesday, May 7th: Grade 6 Boys’ Doubles @ Westgate |
| Thursday, May 8th: Grade 6 Mixed Doubles @ St. Emile |
SANDBOX/PLAYHOUSE TOYS NEEDED
We are looking to add more fun and engaging items to our outdoor play areas! If you have any gently used sandbox toys or playhouse toys that your family no longer needs, we would greatly appreciate your donations. These items help enhance creative play and outdoor learning for our students.
If you would like to contribute, please drop off any donations at the school office. Thank you for your generosity!
SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL BAND – Donate an Instrument!
Do you have a band instrument sitting in storage, unused and collecting dust? Put it to good use by donating it to our school! Our music program is always in need of instruments to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn and play.
If you have an instrument to donate, please bring it to the school office or contact Mrs. Gregorchuk. Thank you for your support!
INSERVICE DAY
At St. Charles Catholic School, all staff have now completed the mandatory Treaty Education training mandated by Manitoba Education. Our final session was held on April 11, 2025.
This two-day training is designed to support the goals of Treaty Education, which include building strong relationships, responding to the histories and legacies of treaties, and advancing reconciliation.
Moving forward, our school is committed to fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of treaties and their ongoing impact. By strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, we aim to create a more inclusive and respectful environment. This commitment will guide our actions as we work to engage with the past, respond to current needs, and contribute to the reconciliation process within our school community and beyond.
The grade 1, 1-2, and 2 students had fun making Dream Catchers, which are traditional objects, primarily associated with the Ojibwe people. They are believed to have protective qualities, particularly for children, and are often hung above a bed or sleeping area. In modern times, dream catchers have become a popular symbol, but it’s important to recognize their cultural significance and the role they play in the traditions of Indigenous peoples. They represent a connection to heritage, spirituality, and cultural identity.
BURSARY APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
Bursary applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now available on Parent Zone under Forms & Documents. If you require a printed copy, please call the school directly.
The deadline for submission is May 16th at 4:00 PM. Applications should be placed in a sealed envelope addressed to Mrs. Prettie and submitted to the school office. All applications will remain confidential and will be reviewed by the bursary committee.
If you have any questions about the bursary process, please feel free to contact me directly.
WORLD’S FINEST CHOCOLATE – FUNDRAISER
We have some chocolates left and are offering them at 50% off!
- Almond cases – $50 each
- Variety cases – $45 each
Plus, when you purchase a case, you’ll receive 1 VIP hour!
To get your cases, please visit the office – payment is required at pick-up.
Thank you for your support!
TURF CAMPAIGN – FROM THE GROUND UP – HELP BUILD OUR PLAYGROUND
We are asking for your help! So far we have raised $72,095. You can track our progress on the school website.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.”
-Psalm 51:10Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222
Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.