Principal’s Weekly Update and Important Information- October 16, 2026

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GROWING IN FAITH AND LEADERSHIP

This week, I had the privilege of spending time with our Grade 8 students during their retreat. My message to them focused on leadership and a simple idea: you don’t need a title to be a leader.

Leadership is not about a position or being in charge. It is about how we treat others, the choices we make, our willingness to serve, and the example we set each day. As our Grade 8 students begin their final year at SCCS, each of them has an opportunity to lead and positively influence the school community they will eventually leave behind.

This message connects beautifully with our Grade 4 Bible Celebration. Our Grade 4 students are beginning a year of deeper learning about Scripture, discovering God’s Word and how its teachings can guide the way we live, serve, and lead.

There is something special about seeing these two moments in the same week: our Grade 4 students opening their Bibles and beginning a deeper journey into Scripture, while our Grade 8 students reflect on the kind of leaders and people they are becoming. Both remind us that faith formation is a journey. At SCCS, our role is to walk alongside our students throughout that journey, helping them grow in faith, character, confidence, service, and leadership.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Matthew 20:26

UNIFORMS

Thank you to our families for supporting our school uniform expectations. As the weather becomes cooler, we would like to remind families of the following guidelines:

Girls wearing socks with their uniform skirt or skort must wear navy knee-high socks. Ankle socks are not permitted.

Girls may wear navy tights with feet only. Leggings are not part of the uniform, even when paired with socks.

Turtlenecks and long-sleeved shirts are not to be worn underneath the uniform shirt. Students can purchase uniforms sweaters or vests for added layers.

We understand that students may feel cold during outdoor recess. Students are welcome to wear splash pants or jogging pants over their uniform when outdoors to stay warm and comfortable.

We appreciate your attention to these details and your support in helping students maintain a neat, consistent, and professional appearance throughout the school year.

HALLOWEEN

On Friday, October 30, students are invited to come to school dressed in costume and join in the fun. Our staff will be getting into the Halloween spirit too!

To ensure a safe and enjoyable day for everyone, costumes must be school-appropriate, free of weapons or overly scary elements, and allow students to participate comfortably in all learning activities throughout the day.

We will wrap up the day with a short Halloween assembly, where students and staff can showcase their costumes, enjoy some music, and celebrate together. A few fun prizes will also be awarded! We look forward to a day filled with creativity, community, and Halloween fun.

THE TERRY FOX RUN

Families who wish to support our fundraising efforts can donate through our school’s Terry Fox page: Support Our Terry Fox School Run. Every contribution, big or small, helps continue Terry’s dream of a world without cancer. Thank you for supporting this meaningful cause and helping our students make a difference.

EARLY LITERACY SCREENING (DIBELS)

This fall, students in kindergarten to Grade 2 will participate in DIBELS Early Literacy Screening, a Manitoba Education requirement that helps teachers understand each child’s early reading development and identify any support that may be needed.

Parents, make reading a daily habit. Read aloud together, take turns reading, talk about the story, and ask questions such as, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why did the character make that choice?” These simple conversations help children become stronger, more confident readers while fostering a lifelong love of books.
Research shows that reading with your child for just 10 minutes a day exposes them to thousands more words each year, strengthens vocabulary, improves comprehension, and helps build the foundation for future academic success.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

Get ready for the Cozy Capybara Scholastic Book Fair has arrived, and we are excited to celebrate reading at SCCS! Students will enjoy a classroom sneak peek with their teachers on Monday, and the Fair will be open during lunch, after school, and during Parent-Teacher Interview evenings.

If you are sending money with your child, please place it in an envelope clearly labelled with your child’s name, classroom, and the amount they may spend. Students can also complete a Book Fair activity sheet and submit it to a volunteer for a chance to win a prize!

Book Fair Hours

Monday, October 19: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 3:00–7:00 p.m. during Parent-Teacher Interviews
Thursday, October 22: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 3:00–7:00 p.m. during Parent-Teacher Interviews

Here is the link to volunteer: “COZY CAPYBARA SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR” Volunteers needed October 16-23, 2026

We look forward to another successful Book Fair and thank our volunteers in advance for helping make this exciting event possible!

BASC

We have another exciting week planned at BASC!

Monday: BLINE
Wednesday: Swimming

November programming is coming soon! Watch for registration forms featuring Winter Craft, Parkour Basics on Tuesdays, Kids-Netic on Thursdays, and a full-day BASC program on Friday, November 27.

Please note: There will be no BASC on Wednesday, November 11.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Furutani.

HARVEST MANITOBA

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.” — Matthew 25:35

Throughout the month of October, St. Charles Catholic School will be collecting food donations for Harvest Manitoba.

We invite families to donate non-perishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and soup. Every donation, no matter the size, helps provide nourishment and hope to those in need.

As a Catholic school community, we are called to care for our neighbours and serve others with compassion. Please drop off donations in the front entrance of the school. Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of Manitoba families through your generosity.