Principal’s Weekly Update and Important Information- September 11, 2026
Attachment:
As we wrap up our first few days of a new school year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the many blessings of this new beginning. It has been wonderful to see our hallways and classrooms come alive once again with the energy, laughter, and enthusiasm of our students. From our newest Kindergarten students to our Grade 8 leaders, it has been a joy to welcome everyone back to St. Charles Catholic School.
The first days of school is always filled with new routines, new friendships, and new opportunities for growth. I have already been impressed by the kindness, resilience, and positivity demonstrated by our students as they settled into their classrooms and embraced the start of a new year.
Thank you to our families for your partnership, support, and trust in our school. Thank you to our dedicated staff for the care, commitment, and faith-filled leadership they bring to our students each day. Together, we are creating a community where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
As we move forward into the school year, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and confident that, with God’s guidance, it will be a year filled with learning, faith, and community.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
CLASSROOM INFORMATION
Each teacher maintains a classroom website that contains important information about their classroom program, including curriculum, classroom routines, announcements, and learning expectations. These websites are often the best place for parents to find information about their child’s learning environment and classroom activities.
If you have questions about your child’s learning or classroom experience, please reach out directly to your child’s teacher by email. Teachers are always happy to answer questions and provide support. If a concern arises, we encourage you to contact the teacher as soon as possible rather than waiting, as early communication helps us work together to address questions and support your child’s success.
Here is the link to access all teacher websites: Classroom – St. Charles Catholic School
WELCOME BACK BBQ
It was wonderful to see so many families come together and enjoy the afternoon.
Thank you to all the parent volunteers. Especially our parent coordinators, Nicole Klassen, Laura Spencer and Courtney Grier whose time, effort, and planning made the event such a success.
Our community is strong, and we are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead.
BASC
Please visit: Before and After School Care (BASC) – St. Charles Catholic School
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Furutani.
Additional details will be shared on the website. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Furutani.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Parking
St. Charles Catholic School: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED | 2026-2027 PARKING LOT/LOADING ZONE PATROL
Craft Fair
We are looking for:
• A creative coordinator to assist Julie in event décor and help create a festive, welcoming shopping experience.
• An operations coordinator to assist with event planning, volunteer support, general management, and kitchen coordination.
This is a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our community event while helping bring our school community together. Whether you have a passion for creating beautiful spaces or enjoy organizing and coordinating behind the scenes, we’d love to hear from you! For more information or to express your interest, please contact the Fundraising Committee at fundraising@stccs.ca.
CHILD ABUSE REGISTRY CHECK (CARC)
As required by the Archdiocese, all volunteers must have a cleared Child Abuse Registry Check (CARC) on file each school year. Applications were sent home this week and must be submitted to the front office with valid ID. There is no cost to families. New parents may not volunteer until their clearance is received. Returning parents who had a CARC on file last year and submit a new one for this year may continue volunteering during the carry-over period. Processing takes 6–8 weeks, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid delays in volunteering.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
The school calendar is available on our SCCS Parent Zone website. Remember to refresh your browser when visiting our school website. We have made many updates over the summer, and without refreshing you may be seeing cached information instead of the most current updates.
The Please be aware that this calendar is updated regularly and changes can be made. Please subscribe to our calendar so you can stay informed: Events – St. Charles Catholic School
PATROL AREAS
We now have three supervised crossing locations IN THE MORNING where students can cross safely with the assistance of patrols. This year, we have added a new crossing location on Sansome Avenue.
We encourage parents who are driving along St. Charles Street to have their children cross at either Sansome Avenue or Augier Avenue, where patrols and supervisors are on duty. Using these crossing points helps reduce congestion in the bus loop, loading zone, and church parking lot, decreasing the number of vehicles travelling all the way down St. Charles Street.
Many older students, particularly those in Grade 3 and above, are ready to use these supervised crossing points independently. We appreciate your support in helping us make arrival and dismissal as safe and orderly as possible.
After school, parents are also encouraged to wait at one of the crossing locations to meet their child rather than driving into the bus loop or loading areas. Your cooperation helps improve traffic flow and enhances safety for all students and families.
LUNCH PROGRAMS
School Lunch Program.
Monthly menu: Meal Program – St. Charles Catholic School
Fundraising Lunch Program.
Wednesdays only: Hot Dog/Pizza/Subway/Booster Juice: MunchaLunch – St. Charles Catholic School
WINNIPEG TRANSIT
The Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg are introducing free transit passes for students in Grades 6-12. Passes will be distributed through schools on the following schedule:
September 29, 2026 for Grades 6-8
If your child requires a pass before the scheduled release date, please contact the school office. More information will be shared at a later date.
PUFFERS / EPI-PENS / MEDICATION
If your child requires an asthma puffer, epi-pen, seizure medication, or other prescribed medication, please ensure it is provided to the school as outlined on their Medical Form.
Epi-pens must always be carried by the child in a fanny pack or cross-body pack, with no exceptions. Puffers may be carried in the same way or stored in the Front Office Medical Cabinet. Backpacks, desks, or lockers should not be used to store emergency medication. Families are encouraged to provide a back-up puffer or epi-pen to be kept in the Medical Cabinet.
Any short-term medications (such as antibiotics) must be brought to the Front Office by a parent/guardian, and staff will administer as directed. Students should never carry oral medications at school.
KINDER MEET & GREET
We are pleased to provide an opportunity for our Kindergarten families to come together and connect. On Friday, September 11, immediately following morning arrival, Kindergarten families are invited to join us in the school cafeteria at 8:35am.
This informal gathering is a wonderful opportunity to meet other Kindergarten families, build connections within our school community, and ask any questions you may still have as the school year gets underway. The event is open to all Kindergarten families, not just those who are new to St. Charles.
Members of the school community will be available to welcome you, including school administration, our BASC and lunch program coordinator, our PAC Chair, and other community representatives.
We encourage families to stop by, enjoy a coffee, say hello, and get to know one another. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you feel connected to our St. Charles community.
TURF CAMPAIGN COMPLETE
We are pleased to share that our Turf Campaign has officially come to a successful conclusion. This was a two-year commitment that began with the installation of our turf field and continued through additional enhancements to our outdoor learning and play spaces. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our families and supporters, we raised $109,095 through parent donations and school fundraising efforts over the two-year campaign. This summer, we completed the installation of the swings in the mulch play area, providing another exciting opportunity for our students to enjoy the outdoor space.
A special thank you goes to Justin and Amanda Panagapko, who sponsored the construction of our new pergola outdoor classroom. In addition to their generous financial contribution, their company built and installed the structure, transforming a vision into a beautiful reality. The pergola has created a welcoming outdoor learning space that will benefit our students, staff, and community for years to come. Thank you, Justin and Amanda, for your generosity, expertise, time, and commitment to St. Charles Catholic School. Your contribution has left a lasting impact on our school community.
On behalf of the entire school community, thank you to everyone who supported the Turf Campaign through donations, fundraising efforts, sponsorships, and volunteerism.
Together, we have accomplished something truly special.
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