Principal’s Update – December 20th, 2024
The final week of school before the Christmas break! All I can say is the excitement and joy in the air were unmistakable. It was Christmas Spirit Week, a cherished tradition that embodies the wonder of the season and brings our community together in faith, celebration, and learning.
This week, our activities beautifully align with the lighting of the third candle of Advent, the Candle of Joy. We rejoice in the coming of Christ, the light of the world, and reflect this joy in everything we do.
From Christmas parties and gingerbread decorating to festive dress-up days and caroling in the gym, each moment helps our students experience the Christmas season in meaningful ways. Our Christmas Pageant showcases the Nativity story, reminding us of the true reason for this season.
We ended the week—by gathering as a community of faith for our School Mass on Friday. This is a special time to reflect on the blessings of the season and prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ.
Through these activities, our students not only celebrate but also learn the deeper meaning of Christmas: the joy of giving, the beauty of tradition, and the love that Christ brings to the world.
Wishing you and your families a blessed Christmas season filled with peace, love, and joy.
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …
- Monday Advent Prayer Services
- Christmas Spirit Week
- Enrichment Classes and Hockey Enrichment
- Holy Childhood Association Popcorn Day
- Christmas Hamper Collections were picked up on Wednesday – thank you to everyone who contributed!
- Wednesday Subway and Hot Dog Fundraising Lunch
- Christmas Pageant and Caroling
- School Mass and Early Dismissal
- CHRISTMAS BREAK!
LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …
- Monday, January 6th, 2025, is the first day back at school after Christmas Break
- PML Term 2 begins on Monday
- K-2 Learn to Skate starts on Monday
- Enrichment Classes and Hockey Enrichment resume on Tuesday
- Wednesday Pizza Fundraising Lunch starts up on Wednesday
- Early Dismissal at 230 pm on Thursday, January 9th
More detailed information can be found on the school website, in the calendar section under Parent Zone!
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION
Thank you to everyone in our community for following the parking protocols and signage to help keep everyone safe. Reminder, there is NO STOPPING in the bus loop. This is also a NO IDLE ZONE.
We are ALWAYS looking for volunteers to help with this initiative. As a thank you, FREE BASC (Before and After School Care) is being offered to our volunteers. You can sign up directly here: PARKING LOT & LOADING ZONE PATROL | Monday to Friday
BASC
- Curling is on January 8th & 22nd
- January’s K-2 Chocolate Bake is full
- There are still spots in the Apple Crisp Make and Sushi Roll
- New Year Craft is on Tuesday, January 14th
- BLINE’s new session starts January 13th
- Full day BASC on January 31st
Feel free to contact me with any questions at 204-880-8245 or email kfurutani@stccs.ca. Happy Holidays, Ms. Furutani
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Our concerts were a tremendous success and provided a wonderful two days of celebration for our community. The attendance and support were truly remarkable. The video of the concert is currently being edited and will be shared in the new year.
I am pleased to share that a total of $4,357.00 was raised across the three concerts for the St. Charles Bursary Fund. We deeply appreciate everyone’s generous support—thank you!
I am constantly inspired by the generosity and positivity of our community. It’s all about the students—every action of support and care strengthens our school and benefits our students. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference-thank you!
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
If you have a child born in 2020 who is ready for kindergarten, please email enewman@stccs.ca to request a registration package. We are currently accepting applications and already scheduling interviews for January. Kindergarten acceptances will be finalized in February, and we anticipate wait lists again this year.
Additionally, we are now booking spots for our Kinder Fair and Open House happening in January. Don’t miss out!
WEDNESDAY HOT LUNCH FUNDRAISER
Please login to your MunchALunch account to place your 2025 orders. Parents can order via the following link: www.munchalunch.com
VERY IMPORTANT: Please note that all cash/cheque payments are due before the last day of school (Friday, December 20, 2024). The last day to order and pay online for the first lunch is Wednesday, January 1, 2025. If you have a balance outstanding past January 1/25, your child(ren)’s order will not be placed.
Hot lunch volunteering opportunities: the fundraising team can use your help! We are looking for paper plate donations and help during the Wednesday lunch program. Please sign up here:
VOLUNTEER FOR WEDNESDAY FUNDRAISING PIZZA/SUBWAY/HOTDOG LUNCHES 2025
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GIFTS
A heartfelt thank you to all the families for the wonderful treats, gifts, and overwhelming expressions of appreciation.
We are truly grateful for the generous amount of food and treats that have been prepared and brought in for all the staff.
Your kindness means so much to us, and we feel incredibly special and appreciated. The generosity shown by our community is truly touching. Thank you again!
WELCOME MRS. SCHULZ!
Hello, my name is Tricia Schulz, and I am thrilled to be teaching Grade 2 while Mrs. McIsaac is on maternity leave. I just moved back to my hometown of Winnipeg with my husband and four boys! I taught for over eleven years with the Calgary Catholic School District. I recently completed a term at another Catholic School in Winnipeg and am thrilled for my new adventure at St. Charles Catholic School! I grew up attending and volunteering at St. Charles Parish and this church was also our family church for many important events. My interests include spending time with my family, travelling, going to church, and playing sports myself and watching my oldest play soccer! I also love acting, debate and musical theater!
LEARN-TO-SKATE REMINDER
The Learn-to-Skate program for kindergarten to Grade 2 students will begin on January 6th, 2024. An email was sent out this week with important details and a permission click. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
BUILDING & GROUNDS UPDATE
I’m excited to share some great updates about our school – The work continues! First, the foundation work was successfully completed last week. A big thank you to Secure Construction Group for their exceptional effort in finishing the project on time while keeping our school entrance accessible throughout. Thankfully, our historic 1906 building is well-prepared for many more years of service!
Next, the Kindergarten hallway and K-2 BASC areas are getting a bright upgrade with new LED lighting. The installation started today, and these spaces will be shining and ready to welcome students and staff upon their return. Our thanks to T&A Electric Inc. for their hard work on this project.
Finally, our gym stage is receiving a refreshing uplift. The back wall has been painted to brighten the area, and the stage floor has been beautifully sanded and stained. New storage shelves are being added to complete the upgrade, and just in time for basketball season starting in January.
We hope you enjoy all these improvements to our school!
Thank you to the Board of Directors for their ongoing support in making these projects possible.
ST. CHARLES FORCE
This is a soccer development league that operates independently from our school. However, some of our students do participate in the program. The league starts in January. For any inquiries, please refer to the contact information provided on the poster. (INCLUDED IN THE .PDF BELOW)
LEGO CAMPS
A series of one-day LEGO® camps are being offered over the upcoming winter break at St. Emile School.
The camps focus on creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, featuring themed activities like guided 3D building, motorized tech builds with LEGO® motors and batteries, and engaging crafts. Camp Details:
- Dates: December 23, December 30, December 31, January 2, and January 3
- Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Drop off from 8:30-9:00am, Pick-up from 4:00-4:30 PM *extended care available upon request at an additional cost*)
- Location: St. Emile School, 552 St. Anne’s Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Cost: $50 + GST per day
- Age Group: Kids aged 5-12
Special Offer: We are offering a 10% discount for Catholic school families in Winnipeg! The following link can be used by parents to register: https://bricks4kidz.ca/manitoba-southeast. Additionally, here is the 10% discount code: CATHOLIC10
TURF CAMPAIGN – FROM THE GROUND UP – HELP BUILD OUR PLAYGROUND
We are asking for your help! So far we have raised $57,020. You can track our progress on the school website. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
| Generous Donors Supporting our Turf Campaign |
| Heendeniya Family |
| Justin and Amanda Panagapko |
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
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
-Luke 2:10-11
May this Christmas season fill your hearts and homes with hope, joy, and the light of Christ’s love. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222
Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.