Principal’s Update – February 15, 2025
Celebrating Catholic Schools Week
This week, we join Catholic schools across the city in celebrating Catholic Schools Week—a time to reflect on the incredible gift of Catholic education and the values that make our school community so special.
At St. Charles Catholic School, we are blessed to provide an education that nurtures not only the mind but also the heart and soul. Our students grow in faith, knowledge, and service, learning that success is not just about academics but also about living with compassion, kindness, and integrity.
Throughout the week, we have many exciting activities planned that highlight what makes Catholic education unique. From special theme days to acts of service, these moments remind us that being part of a Catholic school means being part of something greater—a faith-filled community that supports and uplifts one another.
A special highlight of the week is Friday’s staff Inservice, where our teachers and staff will come together with colleagues from other Catholic schools to receive Treaty Education Training.
Pope Francis once said, “To educate is an act of love; it is like giving life.” Catholic education is a beautiful partnership between home, school, and Church, and I want to thank you—our parents and families—for choosing this path for your children. Your support, involvement, and commitment make our community stronger.
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …
- Catholic Schools Week
- Learn to Skate continued on Monday
- School Mass was held on Tuesday
- Wednesday Subway/Hot Dog Fundraising Lunch for those who ordered
- SCCS Staff participated in a Treaty Education Professional Development Day today
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …
- Louis Riel Day is on Monday, February 17th – there is no school
- “I Love to Read Month” activities continue through the month of February
- Tuesday Advisory and Hockey Enrichment
- Musical Bake Sale on Tuesday, February 18th
- Grade 3 – 4 Fort Whyte field trip on Wednesday, Feb. 19th COLOUR DAY
- Wednesday Pizza Fundraising Lunch for those who ordered
- Grade 7 & 8 Manitoba Museum field trip on Thursday, Feb. 20th COLOUR DAY
- Jump Rope for Heart Kickoff Assembly on Friday, Feb. 21st
- Dress as your favorite Book Character on Friday, Feb. 21st COLOUR DAY for EVERYONE!
- RE-REGISTRATIONS ARE DUE BACK IN BY END OF DAY ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST
LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …
- Learn to Skate
- Grade 4 & 5 Track Meet on Tuesday, February 25th
- Enrichment and Hockey Enrichment
- Pink Shirt Colour Day will be on Wednesday, February 26th
- Wednesday, Subway/Hot Dog Fundraising Lunch for those who ordered
- Holy Childhood Association Popcorn Sale happening on Friday, February 28th
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:
- No BASC on Monday.
- BLINE is on Wednesday.
- Friday, March 7th is a full-day BASC with a field trip—you must be registered to attend. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out!
- There are still a few spots left in March programs, but registration closes on February 21st. Forms are available in the front entrance.
- BASC tax receipts will be sent home the week of February 24th.
- BASC forms and payments must be submitted before attending BASC.
📞 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 Care applications are now available! If interested or have any questions, please contact Ms. Furutani.
For any questions, feel free to reach out:
kfurutani@stccs.ca 204-880-8245
SCCS BINGO NIGHT – A FULL HOUSE OF FUN!
A big thank you to the organizers of our School Bingo Night held at St. Paul the Apostle and all the incredible volunteers who made it happen! It was a fantastic evening, filled with excitement, community spirit, and, of course, some big winners shouting “Bingo!” 🎉 Thank you to everyone for your support—we couldn’t have done it without you!
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION
Parking & Loading Zone Reminder:
Thank you to everyone in our community for following parking protocols and signage to help keep our students safe!
- Reminder: There is NO getting out of your vehicle in the Loading Zone. Your child must be able to exit the vehicle independently. I’m always happy to assist in the morning to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
- 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!.
VOLUNTEER NEEDED – BOOKFAIR
The Book Fair committee is looking for an interested person/people willing to execute our Book Fair plans with the coordination of volunteers and Staff Liaisons (Ms. J and Mrs. Senderewich), to ensure the volunteers know what is expected of them for the smooth operation of the fair, setup and decoration, and take down of the fair along with the volunteers.
If you are interested in volunteering as the Coordinator or a Volunteer Lead for the Book Fair, please send an email to stccspac@stccs.ca. Nikki will be delighted to discuss what the position entails and any questions you may have.
LOGGING VIP HOURS
The VIP Coordinators need your help to ensure the smooth tracking of volunteer hours. Please keep the following in mind when logging your hours in Permission Click:
- Submit only ONE Permission Click entry per volunteer session. We are receiving multiple duplicate entries, which are time-consuming to process.
- Ensure accuracy when entering your information. If an entry is unclear and cannot be interpreted, it will be deleted from the system, and you will not receive credit for those hours.
- Skating volunteer hours: Parents may claim 1.5 hours per class for assisting with skating. If you are claiming more than 1.5 hours, please provide a rationale in the comments (e.g., tied skates for KL and Grade 2).
We have noticed that many families have not yet logged any hours in Permission Click. Please remember that if you have opted into the VIP program, you are required to complete 20 hours by the end of the year to avoid being invoiced. If you need any assistance, please reach out to vip@stccs.ca
I LOVE TO READ MONTH
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.
- Contests
- Bookmark Coloring Contest: Starts Feb. 3
- Find the Book Character School Hunt: Starts Feb. 4
- Activities
- Book Joke/Riddle every Friday – read over the announcements.
- Flashlight Friday on Feb. 21: Please bring a flashlight from home!
- Guest Classroom Readers: Mrs. Narynski, Mr. Oxenham (MLA), Mr. Mann
- Wednesday, Feb. 26: “Read to Us” Teacher Swap.
- Friday, Feb. 28: Flash Reading Mob at 2:15.
- Buddy Reading all month.
- Colour Days
- Friday, Feb. 21: Dress as a Book Character Day
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Attention Parents! Stay informed and never miss out on important updates! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for valuable information about BASC, Music, and more.
Follow our pages:
- School:
- Music: sccs. band_choir
- BASC: stccsbasc
Visit Parent Zone on our website to access our calendar and set up reminders sent directly to your phone. Follow us today to stay in the loop! If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CELEBRATIONS
Please view all our amazing events this week in the .pdf below.
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
SILOAM MISSION PRESENTATION
I would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Paul Loewen, Manager of Advocacy and Accountability at Siloam Mission.
Paul has generously spoken with our students on multiple occasions, offering valuable insights into poverty, the systems that contribute to it, and the role of power and privilege in shaping outcomes. During Catholic Schools Week, he introduced the concept of a “perfect storm”—a combination of three key elements that lead to homelessness: systemic injustice, otherization, and trauma. His message was both inspiring and eye-opening, encouraging us all to act in meaningful ways.
SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM
Grade 6 Girls Attend Women and Girls in STEM Science Symposium. This inspiring event featured a panel of remarkable speakers, including government representatives, national scientists, and community leaders.
One of the most memorable moments was witnessing history in the making as Manitoba officially declared February 11 as the Day of Women and Girls in Science! We also received valuable advice from leaders in the science community, encouraging us to explore the many possibilities in STEM.
After the panel, we explored interactive booths where we watched a 3D printer in action, learned about blood testing, created test tube lava lamps, engaged with real scientists, and much more. The morning ended with an exciting science quiz, wrapping up a truly empowering and inspiring experience!
REGISTRATION FOR 2025-2026
Re-Registration Reminder
This week, Re-Registration Envelopes were sent home with all students. These envelopes contain important forms that must be completed and returned to the school by February 27th.
📌 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 for your cooperation!
TAX RECEIPTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP
Tuition, Learn to Skate, and PML tax receipts are ready for pick-up at the front office reception desk. They will be available until Wednesday, February 26th.
Any receipts not picked up by then will be mailed out.
BAKE SALE – TUESDAY AFTER THE LONG WEEKEND!
Nothing kicks off the week better than a bake sale! 🍪🍩. On Tuesday, after the long weekend, there will be a bake sale in support of the School Musical.
Thank you for your support—we appreciate it! 🎭✨
Everthing $1
LUNCH ORDERS
Reminder if your child is away or going on a field trip to receive a lunch credit you must text Ms. Furutani by 9am. 📞 204-880-8245
MUSICAL
Exciting New “St Charles Catholic School is performing Dot & the Kangaroo Jr. at the Winnipeg Art Gallery on May 5th.
Tickets are available in the front office or contact Ms. Furutani for after school.
There are also three gift baskets to win and tickets can be purchased in the front office and on May 5th.
IMPORTANT OFFICE REMINDER
For the safety of all students and effective school management, all parents must check in at the school office upon entering the building.
Parents are not permitted to go directly to classrooms for drop-off or pick-up, at ANYTIME.
PIZZA FUNDRAISER
Support Our School & a Local Business! 🍕 Stock up on delicious, easy meals while supporting both our school and a local business! All proceeds go toward the Turf Campaign, helping us improve our school grounds.
Life gets busy, and having a quick, tasty meal on hand is a game-changer—plus, this pizza is amazing! Don’t just take our word for it—check out this review: Pizza proving to be a hot commodity – Our Communities
Order today on Parent Zone and make a difference! 🍕✨
Link to order: Permission Click
Order by February 28
TURF CAMPAIGN – FROM THE GROUND UP – HELP BUILD OUR PLAYGROUND
We are asking for your help! So far we have raised $69,020. You can track our progress on the school website. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
Thank you!
Here is a video preview link of the turf project completed by Venture Landscaping:
https://listings.uncutcreatives.com/videos/0192fdf4-eaae-71a9-afcc-7624693d82bb
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
-Proverbs 22:6This verse highlights the importance of forming children in faith and wisdom,
reinforcing the lifelong impact of a Catholic education.
Have a wonderful LONG weekend ahead! Remember – NO school on Friday or Monday.
Happy Valentines Day!
Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222
Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.