Principal’s Update – January 31st, 2025
Communicating with Kindness at St. Charles
At St. Charles Catholic School, we believe that strong communication skills are essential for building a respectful and caring community. We help students develop the ability to express themselves with kindness, confidence, and honesty in a way that strengthens relationships and fosters a positive school environment.
One way we do this is by setting clear expectations for how we speak to one another. Teachers model respectful communication in the classroom by encouraging students to listen carefully, take turns speaking, and respond with kindness—even when they disagree. We use strategies like “I statements” (“I felt upset when…” instead of “You always do this!”) to help students express their feelings without blaming others. Morning meetings, classroom discussions, and small-group activities give students opportunities to practice these skills in real conversations.
When conflicts arise, we guide students through problem-solving rather than simply stepping in to fix the issue. Teachers and staff encourage students to talk things out, reflect on how their words affect others, and find ways to resolve misunderstandings. We also emphasize the power of encouragement—whether it’s through recognizing effort, celebrating achievements, or offering a kind word to someone in need. A simple but meaningful example of this is how we acknowledge one another in the hallways. At St. Charles, students and staff make a point to greet each other with a smile, say “hello,” or offer a quick “good morning.” And if that’s not enough, the administration is outside each morning—even in a -40 windchill—ready to welcome students with a cheerful greeting, a wave, and a warm smile (even if it’s hidden behind a scarf).
By making communication a priority, we give students the tools they need to express themselves in a way that builds trust and strengthens friendships. At St. Charles, our goal is to help every child develop the confidence and compassion to use their words in a way that uplifts those around them—because a kind word can go a long way, even on the coldest days.
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …
- Learn to Skate
- Re-registrations were distributed. Please return by Friday, February 21st
- Enrichment and Hockey Enrichment
- Kinder Fair and General Open House
- Wednesday Subway/Hot Dog Fundraising Lunch
- On Friday, SCCS staff attended a Faith Development Retreat
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …
- FEBRUARY IS A VERY BUSY MONTH FULL OF ACTIVITIES AND FIELD TRIPS
- Learn to Skate on Monday
- Grade 7&8 Mid-Term Exam Week
- “I Love to Read Month” begins on Monday with an assembly at 245 pm
- A PML Lunch Hour Recital is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th down in the Music Room
- Wednesday Pizza Fundraising Lunch for those who ordered
- 230 pm Early Dismissal on Thursday, February 6th
- BINGO Night is Friday, February 7th at St. Paul the Apostle
LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …
- Catholic Schools Week begins on Monday, February 10th
- There is no PML during Catholic Schools Week
- “I Love to Read Month” activities continue through February
- February 10:
- Learn to Skate continues
- Grade 7&8 Ski Trip is on
- February 11:
- School Mass at 1030 am – ALL ARE WELCOME!
- Grade 7&8 Siloam Mission presentation
- Grade 6 girls will attend a Science Symposium at Holy Cross School
- February 12:
- K-2 Bowling field trip
- Grade 5-6 Westwood Band presentation
- Subway/Hot Dog Fundraising Lunch
- February 13:
- K-2 100 Day Celebrations
- Grade 5 & 6 Indoor Beach Volleyball field trip
- February 14:
- No school as SCCS Staff participate in a Catholic Schools Day Professional Development Day
- Feb. 18 Musical Bake Sale
- Feb. 28 Popcorn Sale for Holy Childhood Association
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:
- Monday: BLINE
- Tuesday: Valentine Craft
- Wednesday: BLINE
- Thursday: Early Dismissal.
- Reminder: Monday marks the start of a new month – please ensure your BASC form is submitted before attending.
- NO BASC on Friday, February 14th and Monday, February 17th.
- Limited spots available for March activities: Wood Burning, Tennis, Baking and a Craft. Forms will be available in the front entrance next week.
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
Bring your friends, co-workers or family to join the fun! Friday, February 7th, 2025 @ St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2400 Portage Ave. Doors open @ 6:00pm – Bingo starts @ 6:30pm. A night for fun: Bingo games; Silent Auction; Canteen. DON’T FORGET YOUR DAUBER!!
Volunteer Opportunity: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094CA5AB22A4F49-54480483-bingo
For more information, see the Principal’s Update .pdf at the bottom of this post.
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.
GRADE 5 SCIENCE WORKSHOP
The Grade 5 students at St. Charles Catholic School recently had the opportunity to participate in an engaging presentation and workshop titled Brain and You, presented by students from St. Mary’s Academy. This student-led initiative explored the fascinating world of the brain, providing an interactive and educational experience tailored for younger learners.
Through hands-on activities and dynamic discussions, the workshop covered key topics such as how the brain processes information, the importance of healthy habits for brain function, and strategies to enhance focus and learning. The presenters shared relatable examples and creative demonstrations, making complex concepts accessible and exciting for the Grade 5 students.
The event not only enhanced the students’ understanding of neuroscience but also inspired curiosity and collaboration. St. Mary’s Academy students were fantastic role models, showcasing leadership and a passion for education. This experience was both memorable and impactful, leaving the Grade 5 students eager to learn more about the amazing organ that powers their thoughts and actions.
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.
- Contests
- Bookmark Coloring Contest: Starts Feb. 3
- Bookmarks due Feb. 21
- K-4 students design their own bookmark or color the provided bookmark
- Grade 5-8 students design their own bookmark
- Prizes – 1 winner/classroom
- Find the Book Character School Hunt: Starts Feb. 4
- Class submissions due Feb. 21st.
- Small book character pictures are scattered throughout the school. Write their location on the sheet provided.
- Prizes – 1 classroom wins!
- Bookmark Coloring Contest: Starts Feb. 3
- Activities
- Assembly K to 6 on Feb. 3
- Book Joke/Riddle every Friday – read over the announcements.
- Flashlight Friday on Feb. 21: Please bring a flashlight from home!
- Guest Classroom Readers: MLA Logan Oxenham, Cst. Hees, Mrs. Narynski, and many more!
- Wednesday, Feb. 26: “Read to Us” Teacher Swap at 9:00am for 20 minutes
- Friday, Feb. 28: Flash Reading Mob at 2:15
- 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:
- BASC: stccsbasc
- School:
- Music: sccs. band_choir
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!
CARPOOL FORUM
On our website, we have a dedicated Carpool Forum located in the Forms & Programs section. This forum is designed to help parents connect with others in their area who are interested in carpooling. We encourage you to visit the forum, share your availability, and see if you can find a match with other parents. By participating, you can help each other with transportation needs, reduce traffic congestion, and build a stronger community. Check it out today and start making valuable connections!
STAFF PHOTO AND RECOGNITION AWARDS
What an Incredible Team!
Each of you plays a vital role in the lives of our students at SCCS. We are grateful for your dedication and the impact you make every day! Visit the .pdf version of the Principal’s Update to view our Staff Photo.
The Administration and School Board presented the Staff Loyalty Recognition Awards to honor staff members who have reached significant service milestones at St. Charles Catholic School.
The following staff were recognized for their dedication:
- 5 years of service: Mrs. Mardis & Mrs. Gregorchuk
- 10 years of service: Ms. Thompson
- 15 years of service: Ms. Furutani & Ms. Senderewich
- 20 years of service: Mrs. Laufer
Thank you for your hard work, commitment, and all that you do to make SCCS a thriving and faith-filled community!
NEW! GRADE 5 AND 6 SCIENCE FAIR CLUB
This year, St. Charles Catholic School is thrilled to introduce a Grade 5 and 6 Science Fair Club! Students will have the opportunity to brainstorm, research, design, and create their own science fair projects, with guidance from two experienced science fair mentors.
The Science Fair Club will meet on Thursdays after school and Fridays at lunch.
Students will showcase their projects at our SCCS Science Fair on March 21, 2025. Those interested in advancing their projects further can participate in the Bison Regional Science Fair on April 10, 2025, at Holy Cross School. Please sign up here: https://permission.click/9b6zE/ca
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Ms. Copeland and Mr. Domolewski
MINI WARRIORS ATHLETICS 2025
Every year Westwood puts on a Mini Warriors program for students Kinder to grade 6. It is a program to introduce and enhance skills in basketball and volleyball.
Here is the link to register: https://forms.gle/LUTMEXDMterENbzo8
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!
OPEN HOUSE SUCCESS!
This week, we hosted our Open House and were thrilled with the incredible turnout for both the Kinder Fair and the General Open House!
- A huge shout-out to our Student Ambassadors, who did an outstanding job leading prospective families through our school, answering questions, and sharing their experiences.
- Our WIND Ambassadors delivered a fantastic performance of Storm Chasers, leaving the audience in awe!
- We are so proud of our Grade 6-8 students for stepping up as leaders and representing our school with excellence.
- Thank you to our amazing staff – your support and participation made this event a great success. Teaching and office staff were on hand to answer questions, making a strong impression on visiting families.
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
“Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
-1 Thessalonians 5:11This verse highlights the power of our words to strengthen and support those around us, reinforcing the importance of fostering a school culture where kindness and encouragement are at the heart of our communication.
Have a wonderful weekend ahead!
Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222
Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.