Principal’s Update – November 1st, 2024
This week at St. Charles, our classrooms engaged in learning activities and fun around three important days in the Christian calendar: All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day. These days are deeply connected, helping us reflect on the saints who inspire us, honor the faithful who have passed on, and remember our own call to holiness.
Our students explored the history and meaning behind these traditions, learning how All Hallows’ Eve (now celebrated as Halloween) serves as a vigil before All Saints’ Day, a time to prepare and honor those who lived lives of great faith. All Souls’ Day, which follows, is a special moment to remember and pray for all the faithful departed.
Through various activities, stories, and celebrations, the children had a wonderful time engaging with these traditions, deepening their understanding of our faith in creative and joyful ways.
Wishing you a blessed All Saints’ Day!
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK …
- Enrichment Classes and Hockey Enrichment
- Presentations by St. Mary’s Academy and St. Paul’s High School for our Grade 8’s
- “No Stone Left Alone” Presentation for Grade 8 students
- Wednesday was our Pizza Fundraising Lunch for those students who ordered
- Black and Orange Colour Day was yesterday
- Our Koats for Kids collection is growing
- Today we celebrated All Saints Day-a major feast day in the church
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK …
- Our St. Charles Day Assembly is on Monday at 215 pm
- Enrichment Classes and Hockey Enrichment continue on Tuesday
- There will be a PML Lunch Hour Recital on Tuesday in the Music Room at 1135 am
- Wednesday is Hot Dog/Subway Fundraising Lunch
- “No Stone Left Alone” field trip for Grade 8 students on Wednesday, November 6th
- Rome Parent Meeting at 630 pm
- Our Remembrance Day Assembly will be held at 1030 am on Thursday, November 7th. All are welcome to attend.
- Thursday, November 7th is an Early Dismissal Day; students will be dismissed at 230 pm
- Term 1 ends on Thursday, November 7th and PowerSchool will be closed to families to accommodate report card writing at 9AM
- Friday, November 8th is an Inservice Day
- Trivia Night will be held at Assiniboia Downs on Friday, November 8th at 6 pm
LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP …
- November 11th is Remembrance Day; there is no school and no BASC
- There will be a PAC Meeting on Wednesday, November 13th at 630 pm
- Enrichment Classes and Hockey Enrichment continue
- Wednesday Pizza Fundraising lunch for those who have ordered
- Lifetouch Picture Re-take Day will be on Thursday, November 14th
- Grade 7&8 Kid-Netic science workshops
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION
Thank you to everyone in our community for following the parking protocols and signage to help keep everyone safe. As a reminder, we kindly ask that large trucks avoid parking at the back of the lot, as it makes it difficult for other vehicles to maneuver. Please ensure all vehicles are parked at an angle.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
- There is BLINE on Monday and Wednesday.
- Curling starts on Wednesday.
- Thursday is early dismissal – please note BASC has a different fee.
- Friday, NO SCHOOL, BASC field trip is full.
- There are still spots left in the Winter Craft.
Reminder if dropped off before 8:15 am there is a BASC fee.
After school for BASC pickup, please make sure to enter the building through the front doors as we lock the gates after school!
From 7 am to 8:15 am, just buzz and then send your child in. We kindly ask that parents say goodbye outside and do not enter the school.
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
HALLOWEEN HOWL
The Grade 7 & 8 dance, hosted by the Grade 8 Farewell Committee, was a huge success! It was our school’s first-ever dance, and we were thrilled to welcome students from 11 other Catholic schools. Everyone enjoyed the evening, which included a canteen and fun costume contests. A big thank you to the Grade 8 representatives and the many parents who volunteered in various ways to make this event possible!
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS
Exciting Update: New Tiling on Music Room Stairs!
I’m happy to share that the stairs leading down to the music room were tiled on Friday, and they look amazing!
REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY
Every year, we hold a meaningful assembly to commemorate Remembrance Day, and all families are warmly invited to attend. The assembly will begin at 10:30 AM in the school gym. Our guest speaker this year is General [Last Name].
We will also have student flag bearers, performances by the Grade 6-8 Choir, and a poem recitation by the Grade 1-2 class.
As a reminder, if your child is a Cadet, a member of Girl Guides, or in Scouts, they are encouraged to wear their uniform to school on November 7th.
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 three 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. Let’s fill those boxes -Thank you for your support.
ORANGE & BLACK COLOUR DAY
All Hallows’ Eve: From Tradition to Today
As we celebrate Halloween, it’s important to remember the origins of All Hallows’ Eve, the night before All Saints’ Day. Historically, this evening was a vigil where Christians prepared to honor the saints, reflecting on the triumph of light over darkness and the legacy of those who lived holy lives. Over time, customs like wearing costumes and sharing treats emerged from old beliefs about spirits and protection.
Today, while Halloween has become a time for fun, costumes, and candy, its roots in our faith still hold significance. It’s an opportunity for us to teach our children about the importance of community, the saints who came before us, and how we can shine Christ’s light in the world. Here are some pictures of our classes enjoying the festivities! (VIEW IN .PDF AT BOTTOM OF PAGE)
HARVEST MANITOBA
On behalf of Harvest Manitoba, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you and your team for hosting a successful food drive. Your contributions and efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals and families in our province who are struggling with food insecurity.
The support that you have shown is truly inspiring, and we are immensely grateful for your generosity. I am happy to report that you raised 271lbs of food. Great job SCCS!
TRIVIA NIGHT
Mark your calendars for an exciting evening at our highly anticipated Trivia Night, taking place on November 8th at Assiniboine Downs!
LAST CHANCE TO BUY TICKETS IS SUNDAY NOV. 3rd!
Also, we are looking for:
– 3 boxes of Costco sized dairy & gluten free ice cream sandwiches
– 2 boxes of Costco sized regular ice cream sandwiches
– 5 x $10.00 gift cards
– 4 x $15.00 gift cards
– 1 x $25.00 gift card
– 9 x Wine, Beer, or Spirits (2 bottles of wine OR $30 beer/spirits OR $30 gift card to the LC.
Prepare for a night full of fun and surprises!
Sign up here to volunteer:
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME OR DONATIONS TO OUR TRIVIA NIGHT at ASSINIBOIA DOWNS November 8, 2024
ST. CHARLES DAY
St. Charles Day is coming up on Monday, and we’re excited to celebrate our patron saint, known for his connection to apples and the arts. We’ll be holding a special assembly and engaging in activities to learn more about St. Charles and how he serves as a model for us.
We encourage students to bring an apple or an apple-based snack for their lunch on Monday. It will be fun to see how many different apple-snacks our students bring!
Thank you for your support in making this day special.
CROSS COUNTRY
This week brought exciting news from the provincial cross-country meet on October 19. Congratulations to our U14 girls team—Kaitlyn, Charlotte, Selina, and Maria—for earning second place!
Their combined team time for the 2km race was an impressive 37:30 minutes.
Well done, team!
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 $43,670. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
| GENEROUS DONORS SUPPORTING OUR TURF CAMPAIGN |
| Elias Mikos |
| Rees Family |
| Chris and Allison Hohl |
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1:This verse highlights the “great cloud of witnesses”—the saints who have gone before us—while encouraging us to live with faith and perseverance, just as they did.
Have a great weekend!
Aneta Prettie PRINCIPAL
St. Charles Catholic School
Phone: 204-837-1520 ext. 222
Link to .pdf version of Principal’s Update.