Principal’s Update – November 8th, 2024
As we approach Remembrance Day, our thoughts turn to the profound gift of peace and the sacrifices made to protect it. This week, our school community will pause to honor the men and women who have served our country and those who continue to stand for freedom and justice.
At St. Charles, we strive to cultivate a spirit of peace in the hearts of our students, teaching them the value of compassion, understanding, and unity. This Remembrance Day, let us reflect on the importance of peace, not only in the world around us but in our daily interactions with one another.
May this week inspire us to remember, to pray for peace, and to take steps toward fostering it in our homes and communities.
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …
- We celebrated St. Charles Day with a special assembly and an ice cream treat!
- Enrichment Classes and Hockey Enrichment
- Subway/Hot Dog Fundraising Lunch
- We continued our collection for Koats for Kids
- String and Wind Ambassadors, and Song Leaders all had practices
- Volleyball teams continued their practices and games
- Our first PML Lunch Hour Recital
- Grade 8 students went on a “No Stone Left Alone” field trip
- Rome Trip meeting
- We had our Remembrance Day Assembly yesterday morning
- Yesterday was Early Dismissal
- Today was an Inservice Day
- Tonight is Trivia Night at Assiniboia Downs
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …
- Monday, November 11th is Remembrance Day – there is no school and no BASC
- PML Make-up Lessons
- Enrichment Classes and Hockey Enrichment continue
- Pizza Fundraising Lunch for those who have ordered
- There is a PAC Meeting on Wednesday, November 13th at 630 pm in our Cafeteria – ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND
- Lifetouch Picture Retake Day is Thursday, November 14th – please ensure that your child’s teacher knows that they are to go for retakes when their class is called
- Grade 7&8 Science workshops on November 14th
LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …
- School Mass
- Musical Bake Sale
- Wednesday Fundraising Lunches
- Report Card Distribution and PowerSchool re-opens for families
- MB Moose – Project 11 Field Trip for Grades 5-8 students
- MB Children’s Museum Field Trip for Grades 3-4 students
- SPHS Volleyball Playoffs
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. We are ALWAYS looking for volunteers to help with this initiative. Plus, 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
- No BASC on Monday.
- Tuesday is the Woodburning workshop.
- Wednesday is BLINE.
- There are still a few spots left in the December Craft.
Feel free to contact me for any questions about BASC at 204-880-8245 or email kfurutani@stccs.ca
Thank you, Ms. Furutani.
FUNDRAISING
The committee is requesting paper plates, as they do not have enough for upcoming pizza lunches. If you can help, please use this link: HELP WITH WEDNESDAY PIZZA & HOT DOG/SUBWAY FUNDRAISING LUNCHES. Every Wednesday, we need your help to prepare and serve the lunches. Please volunteer!
MUSIC PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please note that we have a change in location for our Annual Christmas Concerts, along with the addition of a new concert this year. They all occur at one of our sponsoring parishes! A detailed information package will be emailed soon, but in the meantime, please save the dates! It is important that all students attend the evening concerts to ensure full class representation. We have been working hard on these performances since September, and we’re excited to share them with you!
Private Music Lessons Recitals: December 4th and 5th @ 6:30pm @ OLPH, 4588 Roblin Blvd.
Band Concert (All Grade 6-8 Students): December 12th @ 6:30pm @ St. Paul the Apostle, 2400 Portage Ave. Students to arrive @ 6:00pm (in school uniform).
Christmas Concerts (All K-8 students): December 13th @ 1:30pm and 6:30pm @ St. Paul the Apostle, 2400 Portage Ave.
1:30pm Concert: Students will be bussed (in school uniform)
6:30pm Concert: Students need to arrive @ 6:00pm
SCHOOL PHOTO
In October, we were excited to reestablish one of our cherished traditions at St. Charles Catholic School—our annual school-wide photo. After some time away from this custom, it was wonderful to gather our entire community for a picture that captures the spirit of our school. Our beautiful new turf field made the event even more memorable.
We want to extend a big thank you to Lifetouch for coming out and capturing this moment for us. The photo turned out amazing, and I am excited to share a preview with you all. (see Principal’s Update .pdf link at bottom of page). Soon, it will be proudly displayed in our hallway alongside photos from years past.
REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY
Every year, we hold a meaningful assembly to commemorate Remembrance Day, and all families are warmly invited to attend. Our guest speaker this year was Lieutenant Colonel Robert Nash who shared a touching story with our students about Canadian soldiers during World War II and their acts of kindness in Holland.
In an extraordinary act of compassion, the soldiers decided to make a special Christmas gift for a child who had been deeply affected by the war. Using wool army blankets, they crafted a warm coat, finishing it with buttons from their own uniforms. This touching story showcased the soldiers’ selflessness and the impact of small acts of kindness, especially during times of great suffering.
Mr. Nash’s story beautifully illustrated the importance of empathy and generosity—values we work to nurture in our students here at St. Charles.
We were also honored to have four student flag bearers, a beautiful performance by the Grade 6-8 Choir, and a peace poem recitation by the Grade 1-2 class.
CHOCOLATE FUNDRAISER
SCCS has a unique opportunity to connect with our parishes through our annual chocolate and raffle ticket sales. It’s an excellent way to bridge the connection between each parish and our school. It is also a great opportunity for our students to develop social and math skills, as well as good customer service, showcasing our great community. We have heard from families that cost is a concern, as is unsold product. Moving forward, families are permitted to take a box of chocolates and a raffle booklet to sell at Parish Masses at no cost, simply pick up on Friday from reception and return any unsold chocolate/raffle tickets on Monday. VIP hours will remain at 1.5 hours for each mass.
KOATS FOR KIDS
For the next two weeks, we will be collecting donations for the United Way’s program “Koats for Kids”. We are looking to collect gently used winter gear items. Donations boxes are located in the school entrance. Thank you for your support – we had a lot of items donated this week.
ENRICHMENT CLASSES
This term, our Grade 7 and 8 students participated in Enrichment classes, held every Tuesday, where they explored a variety of hands-on, engaging subjects. The students were divided into four groups and rotated through courses in Coding, STEM, Cooking, and Hockey.
In Cooking, students learned essential kitchen skills, focusing on safety and food preparation techniques. They had fun making a variety of delicious dishes, including cookies, dips and sauces, eggs, pancakes, Bannock, quesadillas, and apple crisp.
In STEM, the students completed several exciting projects, culminating in a final challenge where they designed and built catapults, putting their problem-solving and engineering skills to the test.
In Coding, students learned how to write scripts, creating interactive games and programs. They worked through various coding challenges, building their knowledge and confidence in this important 21st-century skill.
These Enrichment classes have provided students with an opportunity to explore new interests, develop practical skills, and collaborate with their peers in a fun, creative environment.
ST. CHARLES DAY
This week, our school gathered for a special prayer service to celebrate the feast day of our patron, St. Charles of Borromeo. The assembly was an opportunity for us to reflect on his life and the values that guide us as a school community.
St. Charles Borromeo was born in 1538 in Italy and became a cardinal and archbishop during a challenging time in the Catholic Church. He played a key role in the Counter-Reformation, working to reform the Church by improving education for priests and promoting spiritual renewal. St. Charles was known for his deep compassion for the poor and sick, especially during times of plague and famine. His life was a model of humility, service, and unwavering devotion to God.
As the patron saint of bishops, catechists, and seminarians, St. Charles had a passion for education and spiritual leadership, making him an ideal namesake for our school. His dedication to learning and helping others reminds us of the values we strive to live by at St. Charles Catholic School.
Our school is named after St. Charles because of his commitment to faith, education, and service. Just as he cared for his community, we too aim to be a place where students grow in knowledge, faith, and compassion.
To celebrate his feast day, we concluded the day with a special ice cream treat for all students—an enjoyable tradition that helps remind us of the joy and community spirit that St. Charles Borromeo inspired.
NO STONE LEFT BEHIND MEMORIAL FOUNDATION’S CEREMONY
The experience I shared with our Grade 8 students and parents at Brookside Cemetery on November 6 was both memorable and moving. Our understanding of Canada’s role in global conflicts deepened as we participated in the No Stone Left Behind Memorial Foundation’s ceremony.
Our students had the honour of placing poppies on the graves of those who served Canada in times of war. This event gave them a meaningful opportunity to learn, reflect, and pay tribute to the veterans who made great sacrifices in service to our country.
As we honour and remember Canada’s fallen veterans, let us also take a moment to reflect on the freedoms and peace we enjoy today. We owe so much to the men and women who served and sacrificed for the life we have.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this important event possible for our Grade 8 students and for me.
Mr. Domolewski
The No Stone Left Alone ceremony was a respectful ceremony. Standing in front of a gravestone really makes you think about your own life. It makes you think about how I have a family to go home to. A mom, dad and brother who are all there when I get home from school. Knowing that this man Richard Scott who I was standing in front of lost his life and will never be able to go home to his family. And his family not being with him. He could have been a dad or an uncle. I am so grateful for the soldiers who fought in the wars. My heart goes out to all the soldiers’ families who lost someone special in their life.
(Grade 8 Student)
TURF CAMPAIGN – FROM THE GROUND UP – HELP BUILD OUR PLAYGROUND
We are asking for your help! Visit our link for more information. So far, we have raised $43,920. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
Here is a video preview link of the turf project completed by Venture Landscaping:
https://listings.uncutcreatives.com/videos/0192fdf4-eaae-71a9-afcc-7624693d82bb
| GENEROUS DONORS SUPPORTING OUR TURF CAMPAIGN |
| Shona & Olivia Nair |
| Chris and Allison Hohl |
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
-John 14:27(NIV)This passage connects well with the theme of peace, offering a reminder of the lasting peace that Christ gives, which transcends worldly conflicts and anxieties. It can serve as a comforting message during this time of reflection and remembrance.
Have a great LONG weekend!
Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222
Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.